Choice of 5 1/4 inch speakers for Jeep Wrangler??

[James]

I have a 1997 Jeep Wrangler. Using an adaptor, I can install 5 1/4
speakers in the front, and the same size in the sound bar (attached to my
roll bar).

I think that I have narrowed my choice down to two speakers. First, I am
considering the Polk Audio db5250. This is a component speaker, including
a separate 1 inch silk dome tweeter, and external crossovers.

The second speakers that I am considering is the Infinity Kappa 52.7i.
This is not a component speaker, but it does include a center-mounted 1
inch metal composite tweeter. The tweeters can be rotated up to 270
degrees for best imaging.

At first glance, I would think that the Polk component speaker would be the
best choice. But, I would have to figure out how and where to mount the
tweeters, as well as the crossovers. (I am not sure how you
"surface-mount" a tweeter. Is is done with an adhesive product, or a
center screw, or what?)

IF I could be assured that the Infinity Kappa would sound as good, that
would be a very simple, drop-in solution for me. But, I would go to the
extra trouble to install the Polk component speakers if they have a decisive
advantage. Price is not a critical difference when comparing these speaker
sets.

My goals are to have a very solid, decent-sounding music system in this
Jeep. I have the Alpine 9857, and I do plan to add an amp down the line.
Eventually, I will add a simple powered sub-woofer, something like an 8
inch or 10 inch Bazooka.

For now, my goal is to have very solid mids with "some" decent bass, and
nice, clear highs. I listen to New Age, Popular, Country, and some light
Jazz. No rap for me, at my age.

Can any of you compare these two speakers for me ? Are the component
speakers worth the extra installation effort ?

Thank you very much for any advice or tips !!

--James--

[Brandon Buckner]

James wrote:
> I have a 1997 Jeep Wrangler. Using an adaptor, I can install 5 1/4
> speakers in the front, and the same size in the sound bar (attached to my
> roll bar).
>
> I think that I have narrowed my choice down to two speakers. First, I am
> considering the Polk Audio db5250. This is a component speaker, including
> a separate 1 inch silk dome tweeter, and external crossovers.
>
> The second speakers that I am considering is the Infinity Kappa 52.7i.
> This is not a component speaker, but it does include a center-mounted 1
> inch metal composite tweeter. The tweeters can be rotated up to 270
> degrees for best imaging.

Not as easy a question as it sounds at first. The main thing here is
going to be your own listening tastes, which nobody here can tell you.
Especially considering the differing tweeter types (silk vs metal) I
would highly recommend listening to them if at all possible. You may
also find others that you like as well. Don't go by brand name (or
price!) but by your ear. Very often a cheaper one sounds better.

> At first glance, I would think that the Polk component speaker would be the
> best choice. But, I would have to figure out how and where to mount the
> tweeters, as well as the crossovers. (I am not sure how you
> "surface-mount" a tweeter. Is is done with an adhesive product, or a
> center screw, or what?)

There should be a crapload of room behind the dash to mount the
crossovers. Its really easier than you'd think. And you're right on both
accounts. Companies will often give you both an adhesive pad and a screw
to mount the tweets.

> IF I could be assured that the Infinity Kappa would sound as good, that
> would be a very simple, drop-in solution for me. But, I would go to the
> extra trouble to install the Polk component speakers if they have a decisive
> advantage. Price is not a critical difference when comparing these speaker
> sets.
>
> My goals are to have a very solid, decent-sounding music system in this
> Jeep. I have the Alpine 9857, and I do plan to add an amp down the line.
> Eventually, I will add a simple powered sub-woofer, something like an 8
> inch or 10 inch Bazooka.
>
> For now, my goal is to have very solid mids with "some" decent bass, and
> nice, clear highs. I listen to New Age, Popular, Country, and some light
> Jazz. No rap for me, at my age.

You're in a Wrangler, probably not going to happen. They've got the
aerodynamics of a brick and the noise to go with it, especially with a
soft top (or no top) and have hardly any factory sound dampening at all.
Not to mention the front speakers are aimed at your calves/knees.

> Can any of you compare these two speakers for me ? Are the component
> speakers worth the extra installation effort ?

The biggest advantage will be component speakers so you can mount the
tweets somewhere that isn't pointed at your knees. The speakers in the
sound bar you will likely hear the loudest as its right on top of your
head. Imaging, staging, and the like are pretty much out the window.

> Thank you very much for any advice or tips !!
>
> --James--

Brandonb

[James]

Thanks Brandon !! Yes, the Jeep is noisy, but this is a hardtop and not
quite as bad.

I would love to hear the speakers, but I don't have good audio stores
nearby. So, I have to rely a lot of other people's comments. I know
that isn't ideal, but I do enjoy the input.

Do the crossovers also come with adhesive, so they can be easily mounted ,
or do they have to be screwed in or stapped in with tie-wraps or the like ?
Your comments about mounting the tweeters are encouraging, as it sounds
pretty easy.

Thanks again, and I invite further comments from other users.


--James--

[Brandon Buckner]

James wrote:
> Thanks Brandon !! Yes, the Jeep is noisy, but this is a hardtop and not
> quite as bad.
>
> I would love to hear the speakers, but I don't have good audio stores
> nearby. So, I have to rely a lot of other people's comments. I know
> that isn't ideal, but I do enjoy the input.
>
> Do the crossovers also come with adhesive, so they can be easily mounted ,
> or do they have to be screwed in or stapped in with tie-wraps or the like ?
> Your comments about mounting the tweeters are encouraging, as it sounds
> pretty easy.
>
> Thanks again, and I invite further comments from other users.
>
>
> --James--

Mounting hardware will differ with manufacturer and probably even model
and year from one unit to the next. Hard to say what's included. I've
had some that did include adhesive patches, some with velcro patches,
others just screws, etc. You can always make something work with a
little bit of ingenuity whether it comes in the box or not.

If you have any friends with audio equipment, I'd at least try to see if
you like silk vs metal tweeters. That is quite honestly going to be the
biggest part of the whole thing. I personally can't stand metals. They
just sounds way too shrill and tinny to me, but my roommate absolutely
loves them. Same is true of the silks. I love them, and he's rather
lukewarm to them. The woofers will have slight differences but not
nearly as audible, especially considering the listening environment and
that they'll be playing to your knees. The component tweeters you can at
least move up to the doors/dash/wherever.

Also, something that I neglected to mention earlier is that some
CJ/YJ/TJ owners get a second sound bar and position it as needed.

My friend also had some extra tweets placed on the far back roll cage
bars, aimed forward, which helped a bit as well.

Brandonb

[James]

Again, good points Brandon.

Thanks again !!

--james--