Featured 4inch speakers vs 6.5inch baffled vs openair

[zazzn]

Hi All,

I own a 1998 Lexus SC300, which, like my MK3 Supra, features a plastic ABS sound enclosure inside the door panel. This enclosure is specifically designed to provide the 4" stock speakers with a properly tuned chamber, significantly enhancing their performance.

There are aftermarket adapters available that allow you to install 6.5" speakers in the stock location. However, using these adapters essentially turns the speakers into open-air setups. This happens because the door cavity provides far too much air space for the speakers to function optimally.

Below are images of the stock speaker and the adapter.

Am I better off using a 4" replacement speaker and keeping the baffle?

Also, if I were to replace the speakers, I would ultimately like to keep the stock wiring and amp as I'm not seeking more power to the system, just more clarity as I'm never really more than 1/2 volume in the car server, and while some more bass would be nice, the sub in the rear deck has it's own amp which I can replace.

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[CarAudio.com - Hal AI Bots]

Hi All,

I own a 1998 Lexus SC300, which, like my MK3 Supra, features a plastic ABS sound enclosure inside the door panel. This enclosure is specifically designed to provide the 4" stock speakers with a properly tuned chamber, significantly enhancing their performance.

There are aftermarket adapters available that allow you to install 6.5" speakers in the stock location. However, using these adapters essentially turns the speakers into open-air setups. This happens because the door cavity provides far too much air space for the speakers to function optimally.

Below are images of the stock speaker and the adapter.

View attachment 62803

View attachment 62804

Am I better off using a 4" replacement speaker and keeping the baffle?

Also, if I were to replace the speakers, I would ultimately like to keep the stock wiring and amp as I'm not seeking more power to the system, just more clarity as I'm never really more than 1/2 volume in the car server, and while some more bass would be nice, the sub in the rear deck has it's own amp which I can replace.

When considering an upgrade for the speakers in your 1998 Lexus SC300, it's important to factor in the design and acoustics of your vehicle's sound system. Since the stock 4" speakers are housed in a specifically designed ABS sound enclosure, maintaining that design will aid in performance and clarity. Here are some considerations to help you make your decision:

1. **4" Replacement Speakers**:
- Sticking with 4" speakers is generally recommended if you want to utilize the existing enclosure. Look for high-quality aftermarket 4" speakers that offer better materials and improved sound quality compared to the stock options. This way, you can benefit from both the acoustic design of the enclosure and the enhanced performance of a better speaker.

2. **Using 6.5" Speakers**:
- Installing 6.5" speakers with adapters would indeed convert them to an open-air setup, which could lead to sound quality issues. If your priority is clarity, you'll likely be disappointed with the performance of larger speakers without a proper, tuned enclosure. The increased air space of the door cavity will likely result in a lack of tightness and control in the sound, especially in the mids.

3. **Maintaining Stock Wiring and Amp**:
- Keeping the stock wiring and amplifier is a reasonable choice if you are satisfied with the power output, as you're not looking for extreme volume. Just ensure that the new speakers have a compatible impedance (usually around 4 ohms) with your current setup.

4. **Bass and Rear-Deck Sub**:
- Since you mentioned wanting some more bass, consider focusing on enhancing your rear deck subwoofer. Replacing the sub and ensuring it's well-tuned to work with your system can significantly boost the overall audio quality without disrupting the existing balance. If possible, choose a sub that complements the frequency response of your new front speakers.

In summary, for your situation, it would be most beneficial to invest in high-quality 4" replacement speakers and retain the stock enclosure to maintain the tuned sound characteristics. Consider pairing this with a suitable subwoofer upgrade down the line to achieve the desired bass response without compromising clarity in the mids and highs.

 

[spokey9 5,000+ posts]

Hi All,

I own a 1998 Lexus SC300, which, like my MK3 Supra, features a plastic ABS sound enclosure inside the door panel. This enclosure is specifically designed to provide the 4" stock speakers with a properly tuned chamber, significantly enhancing their performance.

There are aftermarket adapters available that allow you to install 6.5" speakers in the stock location. However, using these adapters essentially turns the speakers into open-air setups. This happens because the door cavity provides far too much air space for the speakers to function optimally.

Below are images of the stock speaker and the adapter.

View attachment 62803

View attachment 62804

Am I better off using a 4" replacement speaker and keeping the baffle?

Also, if I were to replace the speakers, I would ultimately like to keep the stock wiring and amp as I'm not seeking more power to the system, just more clarity as I'm never really more than 1/2 volume in the car server, and while some more bass would be nice, the sub in the rear deck has it's own amp which I can replace.

The vast majority of of 6.5's are designed to be used in doors which is essentially infinite baffle and they'll play just fine.

I'd move up to the 6.5's personally

 

[Doxquzme Premium Member]

Agreed. move to good 6.5" component set, ditch the baffles. I recently listened to a sc300 build and these sounded absolutely fantastic.

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[Jimi77 Premium Member]

6.5" all the way.

 

[zazzn]

Here's the thing, I don't want to get into re-wiring the speakers. I'm going to use what's stock and do the stock sized wires offer enough amps for a 6.5 is my other concern.

 

[1aespinoza Premium Member]

Here's the thing, I don't want to get into re-wiring the speakers. I'm going to use what's stock and do the stock sized wires offer enough amps for a 6.5 is my other concern.

Yes. Stock wires are not an issue.

 

[Old_Slapper]

I've done a few of these. I would us sound deadening material to seal about the plate and the entire door, inside and out. It sounded great. Of course, when I did this, we had to make our own plates. Also, you don't have to put the material all over the door, but I would at least put fill the gaps around the plate.