Best Dash Speaker

[diablopony]

I've been researching replacement speaker options for my 68 convertible. I'm looking for a direct bolt in without any under dash customization. The 2 I'm considering are Custom AutoSound 1004 dual cone or Retrosound R-410N single cone. Both have 2 channels and are suppose to be direct replacements. Any opinions or advice on these 2? Any other options I should consider? Thanks,

 

[iskwezm]

Those are low quality speakers(thats the nicest way to say it).You do alot better by making your own mounting plate from 1/4" fiberboard and some GOOD speakers like Infinity,Polk or any other brand or Pioneer for a lower priced choice.

 

[tx65coupe]

I used to have this one, but gave it away.

RADIO SPEAKER in Dash 1964-1966 - CJ Pony Parts, Inc.

I now have the upgrade deluxe 2 way version of that one, and it sounds good. Its made by Ken Harrison.

http://www.cjponyparts.com/product.asp?pn=SPK03

I have heard that this is the best one in several threads on the forums.

DASH SPEAKER DUAL VOICE COIL 4X10 1964-1966 - CJ Pony Parts, Inc.

Keep in mind these are 65-66, you'll need the 67-68 ones.

The previous statement about buying better brand speakers may be true. I'm not that much of a stereo nut and just want something that sounds good.

I just have that front speaker setup and a pair of 6x9 speakers in the rear with some factory speaker grilles. I'm actually running a 2 channel 100 watt Optimus amp from Radio Shack from the 90's, because it sounds better than 150-200 watt amps from today. I tried 2 different modern amps and both did not even compare to the older simple amp. The amp runs the rear and the deck runs the front.

 

[2+2GT]

Since you are using it for stereo, you'll want to use a 5x7 dual voice coil speaker, with a single cone, and two-channel input.

 

[68RCodeConv]

Reality that the sound quality is not going to differ very much no matter which speaker you choose. No bass at all and any highs will be soaked up by the dash. It is a lousy location for sound quality.

 

[iskwezm]

Reality that the sound quality is not going to differ very much no matter which speaker you choose. No bass at all and any highs will be soaked up by the dash. It is a lousy location for sound quality.

Sound quality will differ from speaker to speaker.Your not looking to get bass from a 3.5" speaker, just sound from mid frequencies and up. The dash CANNOT "soak up the highs", the tweeters sound will be reflected off the glass towards the interior.

 

[diablopony]

Thanks for all the input. I'm not looking for great sound, just a little help for my kick panel Polk Audio 6 1/2 speakers. The bass is OK, but the mids and highs are not great. I sat in a friends GTO with bascially the same setup I have only he added the dash speaker. It made a big difference in overall sound quality.

After reviewing everything, I've decided to go with the Custom Autosound DVC-4004. 2 channel and the biggest cone area. Also, not a lot of $s, so no huge loss if it doesn't help.

I appreciate everyone's input. Especially the links

 

[2+2GT]

Reality that the sound quality is not going to differ very much no matter which speaker you choose. No bass at all and any highs will be soaked up by the dash. It is a lousy location for sound quality.

That's where you're wrong. For many years, the only way to wire stereo into the dash location was two itty-bitty round speakers in a 5x7 plate. Now you can get a full 5x7 speaker with both channels wired into it, and dual coaxial high range inside. Not equal to a modern factory-spec JBL, but a whole world better than two tiny round speakers. If you have a coupe, put a DVC 5x7 in the dash, and a DVC 6x9 in the center of the package tray under a repro factory style grill, with both left channels in the front, and both right channels in the rear. Not bad for a setup that looks stock and requires no cutting.

Good:

Not good:

 

[tx65coupe]

I agree the sound will be reflected off of the windshield. The same is true of the sound from the rear speakers.

 

[diablopony]

I installed the Custom Autosound DVC-4004 dash speaker this evening and what a pain in the rear that was. It would be much easier if I had 3 hands. The verdict is that it definately helps, but overall it's just OK. It does reflect off the glass and the sound is a just a little bit distorted. I still think it's a vast improvement over what I had and I'm definately going to keep it.

 

[2+2GT]

I installed the Custom Autosound DVC-4004 dash speaker this evening and what a pain in the rear that was. It would be much easier if I had 3 hands.

I usually end up donating blood due to the sharp edges in the dash, if all you got was annoyed you're ahead of my usual dash work.