Talk to me about audio in mk2's - advice needed

[jmsheahan]

I have a standard setup in my mk2. The front speakers are ok(ish) and the rear 6x4's are awful and one doesn't work. I'm looking to upgrade both but am pretty clueless when it comes to audio systems. I basically want something that'll just fit in to where the factory speakers are and sound good. I mainly listen to liquid drum & bass so some bass would be nice but certainly not 'rattle the car' loud and I'm not interested in subs. Clear, crisp, good average sound would suffice.

This is what I've been looking at for the front doorcards:

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/infinity-reference-5032i.html

I used to have some Infinity 6x9's and they were quite good. I don't want to go making stealth shelves or cutting holes this time though.

For the rear 4x6's, these Alpines maybe?:

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/509.html

All to run off of this:

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-ida-x301rr.html

Any help/recommendations etc appreciated 

[dragonfly]

Not sure if the 5" will fit the fronts but not a bad speaker.  The rear Alpines at only 15 watts - the headunit is 45 per channel so you might damage the rears. Have a look at some JBL's.

Have you considered components at the front and put the tweeters in the stock dash position?

Do you have a budget?

[jmsheahan]

Cheers for the info.

Is 5" not standard size for front mk2 speakers then? Maximum budget for both is around £100, no more. Less would be a bonus 

Are these the JBL's you were thinking?

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/10678.html

I haven't considered tweeters if I am honest. I have some Kenwood ones kicking around but I have no idea what they are.

[dragonfly]

Those JBLs are better also worth a look are these: http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/pioneer-ts-h467.html

My mistake the fronts are 5" (or 5.25" to be accurate).  The tweeters in the dash are 3.5".

If you are on a tight budget keep an eye on the classifieds or visit your local ICE shop - they may have some deals.

[jmsheahan]

Cheers 

So the Infinity's will fit the fronts fine then behind the standard grilles? Those JBL's seem to crop up a fair bit - limited choice in 4x6.

[dragonfly]

4x6s are limited as there's not many cars that use that size. Infinity's at the front and perhaps the JBLs in the rear running off a headunit will be an improvement on the stock items. And if you don't want to cut the original speaker connectors - Autoleads do adaptors that fit, leaving spade connectors to go to the speaker.

[jmsheahan]

I realised today that one of the front and one of the rear have packed up, so will be ordering the JBL's for the rear and Infinity's for the front.

Cheers for your help dragonfly.

[Neo Badness]

Personally I wouldn't bother with rear speakers in the mk2.

Get some decent door speakers, tweeters in dash position running off head unit, amp under passenger seat powering a 10/12in sub in the boot.
 All about the sound staging. That would be an excellent start.
Mind you it all depends on what sort of music you are mainly listening to?

[Ninja]

Keep it looking standard..

you'll need 2 x 6x4 JBL GTO (in my opinion, the best for the case)

2 x JBL GTO 3.5" for the dash (again, excellent for the cash and sound great)

And finally, you'll want a sub/amp. If you're not that adept at audio wiring, then I'd go for an Active sub.

If you want any help with fitting, PM me and I'll try my best to guide you through what to do.