'00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade - Dodge Dakota Forum

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Rude_Dog Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/07/2004 09:54:47	Subject: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: Ok, i have a blown speaker on the driver's side (NIN too loud) and am looking to upgrade. I have searched these forums over and over to get a firm grasp of a) what speakers to get, and b) how to install them. From what i've read, many of you really like the Infinity Kappa series speakers. First of all, is it really worth the extra $$$ to install new 60.5 cs component speakers rather than replaced the blown speakers with 62.5i's? Currently, on ebay, the 60.5cs go for around $150 while the 62.5i speakers sell for about $85. Secondly, many of you have said that an adapter needs to be made in order for the speakers to fit. However, some of you said that you were able to install the speakers with either an adapter that came with the speakers or no adapter at all. This is all confusing to me. Finally, I have seen some old posts with links and/or pics describing how to create an adapter. However, since these are so old, the pics or links are no longer valid. If anyone has a recent pics/link/detailed instructions on how to create this adapter, i would very much appreciate it. Thank you all for your time, Rude Dog '00 Dakota SLT CC, 4.7L, Flowmaster cat-back dual exhaust (Dynomax stainless tips)
JMII Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/07/2004 10:10:16	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: My site shows some home made adaptors... if you can trace a shape and use a jig saw on some plywood you can make 'em too. I went with Infinity Referrence Series - seperates up front, co-ax in the back... it's all you need. The Kappas are great speakers, but I'm not a big fan of metal dome tweeters. http://www.blueoceanpress.com/~storage/truck/index.html - John
Rude_Dog Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/07/2004 11:34:41	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: Thanks, John. I take it that the speakers came with a template to cut out the smaller hole? There also seems to be enough clearance for the addition 1/4" of plywood, or did your plywood piece replace a stock piece? - Rude Dog
DSW Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/07/2004 12:34:53	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: I went with 605CS Perfect's front and rear amped at 50W/ch and they sound great after adding a -2db Lpad in combination to the -3db connection on the xover for the tweeters. The tweeters were realy loud and the -5db loss balanced the tweets to the mids perfectly. I picked up the 650CS's on Ebay, the new pair was $90 shipped, the other pair was new with a damaged grill $60 shipped. I know everyone is going to say that you don't need components in the rear, but it adds a lot to the sound quality. Band in the back seat affect? No, my sound stage is up front like it should be. The additional tweets mounted high in the back helps balance out the front tweets so they aren't screaming directly at you. Crutchfield sells adapter plates with the speakers, you can make adapters out of 1/4 material or drill into the door and mount the speakers to the sheet metal as I did. I agree with JMII, the soft domes are the way to go as they don't sound harsh, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people like hard dome, some soft dome, you need to listen to them to make a desision.
Ben J. Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/07/2004 17:42:01	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: Well Rude, Glad you posted. I just went though about 6 months of looking and searching to find the perfict speaker for me. What did I end up choosing? The kappas just as you posted. They sound AMAZING and are one of my favorit purchases. Here is some general information I can give to you: The 6.5 kappas ALL come with the adapter so you do NOT! need to buy them. The reperence series do NOT come with the adapter. The Kappas sound MUCH better than the referance but the perficts are not much more of an improvement over the plain kappas. In my oppinion the referance are NOT worth buying. They are great speakers but the kappas can be had for very little more money. The kappas have a can run off of 2 watts (same as the referance series). The perfects NEED 25 watts to even make them go (they will mkae noise but it will sound like crap). Infinity makes a 6.75" speaker that does work with our trucks BUT I would NOT suggest buying it, because if you are going to ever change vehicles then you would probably want to remove your pricy speakers. The kappas and higher models come with a mini box that cleanes up all the sound that comes though it, and makes it much cleaner. Also it has a few settings inside so that you can change each speaker, so if you like more bass or more high you can change it for EVERY speaker APART from using you head unit. The best place I have found to buy them are at Etronics.com They are good and have nice shipping. their prices are VERY competative and all of their items come IN THE STOCK BOX WITH THE STOCK WARENTEE! I have purchased 8 pairs of infinity speakers from them in the past 3 months. 2 - 6.5 component kappas 2 - 6.5 component kappa perficts 2 - 6.5 2-way kappas 2 - 6.5 3 way kappa perficts all came in EXILENT condition and in a resonable time (6 days to washington (non D.C.)). Well sorry for the long post I know a LOT more about speakers so feel free to write back any time. I feel that infinity has the best quality speakers out there for the price and the sound it WAY above par. I have used MB Quart, Focal, Bostin Acustics, Rockford, Poineer, crappy Sony stuff, REALLY crappy wally world jensen garbage, and I have heard my friends clarions and alpines. NONE ^^^ of the above sounded better than the kappas to me (some people will say the the focals are 10X better but do NOT like the sound to be comming from everywhere). The Infinitys create a sound stage which sounds GREAT for when I listen to clasical. If I close my eye I can see the orchistra in front of me. Once again SORRY for the long post, but as I said feel free to write back. Always Thankfull, Ben J.
Ben J. Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/07/2004 17:48:17	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: P.S Sorry for ALL the spelling mistakes. I am a horible typer. But thanks to anyone who reads my post and replys. Always Thankfull, Ben J.
DSW Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/07/2004 20:23:31	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: I agree and disagree, the 605CS Perfects sound awsome at low volumes as well as cranking them, but I have an amp pushing them. I don't know how they would sound off a stock deck, especialy one designed for the Dodge 2 ohm speakers. But why spend $2-300 on speakers and them starve them of the power they need to operate properly. Heck, the Orion 50X4ch amp I picked up on Ebay was only $65, used/demo/returned, but it was in pristine shape. I guess if your looking for stock replacements you might not be in the market for an amp.
DSW Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/07/2004 21:58:17	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: Rude_Dog, time to roll the dice. There's 5 pair of Infinity 605CS on Ebay starting at $9.99. Sorry I said the 605CS's were Perfect's, there not, I loked at the box andthey are the Reference series, my bad.
Rude Dog Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/08/2004 10:01:58	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: Hey, thanks a lot, guys (esp Ben). This information has really helped, believe me. I'm gonna check out Etronics.com and ebay and will probably purchase a set of 60.5cs. Now 2 final questions. I'm replacing my stock Infinity components. Also, I own a 2000 CC and noticed that, from John's web site, that the tweeter placement in the door is different. Will the tweeters of the 60.5cs fit in the stock placement? Will the 60.5cs crossover easily replace the stock one? (I assume that the crossover is in the door somewhere.) Again, thanks a bunch. Rude Dog
Ben J. Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/08/2004 12:00:49	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: The cossover what comes with the kappas and the kp's will replace the stock one. Unfortunatly I do not have the stock infinity speaker upgreade so I also had to drill holes. I just used a dremel and It worked fine. The infinity's come with a VERY profesional type of tweeter holder. And it is easy as pie to install. I would assume you could use the stoke mounts. If not you could just drill them out a bit larger. Also one quick thing. If you are going to get upgraded speakers, you WILL want to get a new deck. I sugest the Panasonic CQ-DFX983U This head unit has a full matrix display. Preouts for sub/fl/fr/rl/rr speakers 4 volt preamps Plays MP3's Has the best sound quality in it's price range. Has a FULL matrix display (real nifty) and retails for only 350.00 here is a link to Crutchfield.com they have the best INFORMATION on decks. But the ONLY charge retail. http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-0jzmj17XJMc/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=62700&I=133DFX983&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N Here is a link to etronics.com where it is on sale for only 247.99!!! http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=pancqdfx983u I have ALSO purchased 3 of these head units in the last 3 months. 1 from car toys for 308.45 installed with tax for their sale, one from cuircut city for 322.00 not installed, and one from Etronics for my girlfriend for the same price. As I stated befor the products come in there FACTORY packages with the FACTORY warentee. There what no discusion for me I HAD to have a warentee with all of my items. It helps me sleep lol. So hope I helped some more. Always Thakfull, Ben J.
Ben J. Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/08/2004 12:09:23	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: WHOA!!! MAJOR UPDATE!!! Well kinda big... lol. Cruthfield has LOWERED their price to 299.99 for the panasonic head unit. The reason that 299.99 is a better deal is because: Crutchfield has FREE 3 day shipping (free $20 value) Crutchfield give you ALL the hardware you need FREE! So you get a Free conector for your stereo and a FREE scoche din adapter (if you got there at wally world it would be about $25) so you get a total savings of $45.oo and FREE shipping. This is not just directed to Rude. Anyone who is looking into a new EXTREEMLY well priced cd player with mp3 capability, I would say that THIS is the one to get. For the same fetures you would have to to pay well over 500 dollers for ALL the options that this cd player has (if you are buying from a reputable dealer NOT ebay). http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-0jzmj17XJMc/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=62700&I=133DFX983&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N Here ^^^ is the link for anyone who need it. I would sujest you jump on it NOW if you want it because Crutchfield is NOT known for haveing sales. Always Thankfull, Ben J.
Rude_Dog Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/08/2004 13:26:51	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: Man, thanks a bunch, Ben. Not sure if you know this, but the Infinity sound system comes with a power amp (located under the passenger kick panel). Not sure what the specs are on it, but i assume you mentioned a new head unit for more power. Funny thing is that i am actually looking at the Panasonic CQ-DF783U. The only reason i want a new head unit is specifically for the ability to play MP3s and the potential to add the MTX Thunderform subwoofer (pre-amp outputs). However, i don't want to lose my steering wheel controls. So i'm gonna wait before i pull the trigger on a head unit for now. Besides i have a Duster that i want to get ready for the road by summer so my fun $$$ will be diverted to that project. Again, Ben you've been very helpful...i'll let you and everyone else know how the install goes. Thanks, Rude Dog
Ben J. Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/08/2004 15:28:48	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: Hey again, Yah I forgot about the factory amp for the infinity upgrade in the dak. I hear that most people run NEW wire when they get a new head unit. 1) The amp that comes with the infinity upgrade is VERY low power. And I hear that it is DEFINATLY work bypassing when you get new speakers AND headunit. 2) The srock wiring in our daks is kinda cheep. I used the sock wire for about a month, but when I took off my door panels to put leather on them I rewired the who system. It did not make a massive differance, but I could definatly tell that there was a differance. 3) if you get another amp for your kappas or perfics then you have to rewire it anyway I THINK. That is one question That I would like answered. If you have one amp can you amp the amp or do you have to bypass it. My brain tells me that you MUST bypass it but if anyone could tell me it would be most apreciated. well anyway, the panasonic deck that you are looking at is a very good deck for just a bit more you could ge the top of the line one that I mentioned and own. It is alwasy up to you, so have fun but continue to do research. I went though this same procces and I am VERY glad I did. Unfortuantly I did buy about 8 pairs of speakers on there way to where I am now, lol. Sorry agin for the long post... Always Thankfull, Ben J.
Levey Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/09/2004 04:03:39	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: This is for RUDE_DOG...or anyone else thats interested. If you just want MP3 capability and dont really want to switch out the stock radio or lose steering controls I found this 10-disc cd changer that plays cdr/cdrw/MP3 and it plays through the 88.1-88.9 FM frequency. It retails at wal-mart for about $110 but ive seen them go as low as $60-70 on eBay. I got mine for $70, but havent installed it yet. Durabrand 10-Disc CD/MP3 Changer Model:WMS7100MP3 It appears to be very good and yes its not a "major brand" but its not Road Gear or some other total crap..and besides most of these less heard of cheaper brands are made in the same factories as the more expensive ones. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?cat=3947&dept=3944&product_id=2432380&path=0%3A3944%3A3947%3A96481%3A14632#long_descr
DSW Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/09/2004 04:13:17	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: Don't run the outputs from one amp into another amp's RCA's, you'll overdrive the amp, send it into clipping and cook it. You want to run the RCA connectors from the deck to the amp. Some amps have high level (speaker level) inputs that you can run, but your taking an amplified distorted signal and amplifying the distorted signal, poor sound quality. You might get away with running the stock amp into the high level inputs of an amp supplied with high level inputs, but you have to check the amp specs. If your looking for good sound this is not the route to go. Cheap stereo equipment installed correctly can sound better than high quality stereo equipment installed poorly. Also, I didn't have the stock Infinity system with the satellite tweets, but from what I understand there are seperate amp output wires for the tweets and mids. This will make connecting the Infinity Xover difficult if not impossible since the channels of the stock amp are already split into mids and highs. I might be wrong since I haven't seen the setup, but have read several posts which describe the setup. No good connecting the Infinity Xover to the mid speaker wire since the highs are not present on this wire connection, they are on the other speaker wire for the tweeter. If your adding an amp, bypass the stock wiring and run new speaker wire from the amp to the Xover and speakers. Rude Dog, it sounds like your hooked on the 60.5CS's, but don't sell the 605CS's short. If I was spending $140 on 605CS's I would definately go the extra mile and buy the 60.5CS's for $150 as Ben stated. But, you will probably be able to buy a set of 605CS,s on Ebay for $50-60,, Hmm $150 or $60, decisions decisions. Only thing about Ebay, it's a risk since the ones on auction starting at $9.99 are used/demo/returned/dent/damaged, no warranty, no returns. I was realy happy with the ones I got off Ebay though, there were factory packed with a scratch on one grill, grills went in the trash anyway. It was like 2 for 1 since I paid $150 for 2 pair of 605CS's, 1 pair new and 1 pair damaged grill. I built my whole system off purchases from Ebay and Etronics, it cost about $700, Pioneer DEH P77DH deck and P680 changer $330 (Etronics), RF 301S amp $105, Orion 435 Amp $65 and 2 pair Infinity 605CS components $150. Orion amp and one pair of Infinity's weren't new, but I couldn't tell they wern't new. Throw in 2 RF 10's that I had, $100 for wire and supplies and a weekend installing and building custom sub boxes and I have a sweet system for about $800
Rude Dog Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/09/2004 10:40:54	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: DSW, Your argument about the Infinity speakers is confusing to me. What's the difference between 60.5CS and 605CS other than ~$90. I've looked on Crutchfield and cannot find these 605CS speakers you speak of. Perhaps you have the model name wrong? Please advise. - Rude Dog
DSW Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/09/2004 17:25:09	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: Rude Dog, 60.5CS's are the Kappa series ($150 Ebay new) and 605CS's are the Reference series ($140 Ebay new). The Kappa series are going to be better than the Reference series and If I were paying retail there would be no way that I would have bough the Reference series since the Kappa's are about $10 more. But, since I picked up the 605CS References so cheap it made no sense spending another $150 upgrading to the Kappas. If you want to look at the difference, do an Ebay search for 605CS and then 60.5CS. You will notice that there are several pair of not new 605CS's that are up for auction starting at $9.99 and the new 605CS's are $140, the new 60.5CS's are $150. Don't know exactly what makes them different, but the price made my desision. Think it probably has something to do with the design of the mid drivers, as the tweets and xovers look the same.
Ben J. Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/09/2004 17:32:35	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: A few quick things. 1) Those mp3 fm tuners are JUNK that have TERIBLE sound quality and are not very nice. If you are spending good money for nice speakers, do not go cheep on the sound signal. 2) If you want to retain your stearing wheel controls look at crutchfield. Tere have a WIRELESS option that hooks into you wheel contorls and keeps them working. 3) The Panasonic deck I told you about has a remote with it. It is VERY slim and nifty. I is about the size of 2 credit card stacked one on top of the other. 4) Ebay is a GREAT place to get deals. BUT MOST of the time all the items come WITHOUT warentee and without their stock packaging. This Means no apdapetrs, no wires, no screws, and no instructions. Any dolt can install speakers without instructions, but you will need the adapters and other stuff. I would have gotten all of my stuff off of ebay too, but I HAD to have a warentee. 5) I think DSW Is talking about is eather the diferance between the 3-way speakers and the components, OR the dipperance betweek the referance series and the kapppa's. I am going to assume the latter. If you can get the money together I you definatly got with KAPPA's (NOT kappa perficts). As I stated befor the kappas sound MUCH better than the referance series and are not that bit of a jump in price. I do not think that The KP's would be worth it because you need to buy a amp to go along with them. Well that is just my 2 cents (or 2 million lol) Always Thankfull, Ben J.
DSW Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/09/2004 17:38:50	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: Go to Etrinocs and do a search on "605CS" it shows both the 605CS reference and 60.5CS Kappas. It might be that the referecne series is an older model since they are out of stock.
DSW Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/09/2004 18:00:23	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: The 605CS and 60.5CS are both 6 1/2" component speakers. The cone material is different between the two and hence the different model numbers. I looked at Crutchfield Rude Dog, and they showed the 6000CS Reference speakers which are a step down from the 605CS Reference speakers since the 605's have silkdome tweeters and the 6000's have textile dome tweeters. The 60.5CS's used somdthing like CMMD cone material for both the mids and tweets. Damn sorry if Iam getting you confused, 60xxx this, blah blah dome that. I guess pick what ever's in your budget, run with it, and never look back. Yeah, I could have spent more money on my speakers and it would have sounded better, but how much more money and how much better would have it sounded?? Don't know and don't care at this point since I am not touching the stereo unless something blows.
Rude Dog Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/09/2004 22:32:42	RE: '00 Infinity Speaker Upgrade IP: Logged Message: DSW, Ben, et al, Well i pulled the trigger today and got the Kappa (60.5CS) components. I got them from Etronics (thanks again, Ben) for $165 which was a substantial savings over Crutchfield. Right now my only worry is that the stock tweeter is wired directly to the amp as DSW wrote. I will investigate before even opening the Kappa box to be sure. However, if the signal is indeed split at the amp, do you think it would be ok to omit the Kappa crossover and just replace the speakers (mid ranges and tweeters)?? Or, would it be safe to splice the high and mid wires together and run them through the crossover to be split again?? If the signal is split at the amp, then i am at a crossroads. Do i keep the Kappas and save up for an after-market amp and a set of 2-ways for the back? Or do i return the components and get a set of 2-ways to replace my blown midrange and be done with it? Decisions decisions. Let me know what ya'll think. Thanks, Rude Dog
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