Speaker location?

[Al_C]

Among other things, it's time to think about a sound system. Most likely will go with the Out of Sight Audio (forum vendor) Mark II and four speakers. I did a search to see what there was on the forum about speaker location, but most of what I found was 818-oriented. That's fine, but their cockpit is at least a little different than a Roadster.

So.... got speakers in your Roadster? If yes, where'd you put 'em? Love to see some photos. Thanks! (I'm thinking 2 6x9" and 2 4")

[MisterAdam]

i have two 4" behind the seats with the Out of Sight module. IMHO i wouldn't do it again. I think it is extremely difficult to hear them over the engine and the wind buffeting. when it is parked.....ice cream, gas etc....usually people approach to talk so the bluetooth is off. I do not think i have 30 minutes on it in 10,000 miles. My wife tends to use her earbuds to listen to music. 59605

[GoDadGo]

I've got four 4" Polk marine speakers under the dash, but and you have to look hard to find them.
You can see them in my Rolling Chassis Chevy Cobra Album that is posted on this forum.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Have 4 Polk speakers. 2 in the console I built under the dash & two in the panes just under the doors at the front end.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=13899&pictureid=54727.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=13899&pictureid=55414

The hole for the speaker is just to the left of the orange bucket, IIRC the were all 5.5" in diameter.

[JIMOCO]

I agree with MisterAdam. I installed a pioneer system with two 4.5" speakers between the seats. I could not hear it over the engine so I added a 900watt amp. It's ok in local traffic until you stop at a light and realize how loud your music is. But that is manageable and I still use the system. On the highway, the engine and wind end up pushing the limits of the speakers so I usually turn it off. To get any good base sounds the volume will distort the speakers. Since my speakers are side by side I am not getting any stereo separation. I am considering using one of my current speakers connected to both channels and replace the other with a 4.5" sub. That will be one of my winter projects. Maybe some of the technical minds on the forum will have had better success with their systems.

[rich grsc]

Put the speakers in the box they came in, take them back. :rolleyes: Wont be able to hear them anyway.

[wallace18]

I bought the Breeze quiet pipes. I can easily hear my radio and have easy conversations with my passenger at any cruising speed. When I get on the gas I get a pleasing sound that reminds me I have 400+ HP under the hood. IMO the stock exhaust sounds great but can be tiring after awhile. JMO.

[Arvin]

Put the speakers in the box they came in, take them back. :rolleyes: Wont be able to hear them anyway.

Agree with Rich - I have the Marine Polk Audio speakers in right behind my ears between the two seats with a 400 watt Rockford Fosgate amp - you can tell there is something playing but cannot "enjoy" the music. Save yourself some money, send everything back - you will not be able to hear anything. Anyway, the sound of the pipes is music enough.

[Crawleyscobra]

This is a topic that has many differing opinions. I have always driven with music. So I decided to install a radio with the full understanding that the sound quality would be lacking.

Each of us has our own unique setups. My cars side pipes have chambered muffler inserts along with Vortec cones stuffed with Stainless steel Scotch Brite. So they are much more quite that the stock FFR side pipes. I also have a top witch cuts down on the road noise and holds in the radio sound. I installed two 6”X9”s behind the seats and a 6” in each foot box.

So for me, if I cruise below 50 MPH, I can hear my music.

Which makes me happy.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

One extra thing: Even with the FFR side pipes the COYOTE is pretty quiet at cruise in 5th. Wind nose at speed is more of an issue than the exhaust system.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=13899&pictureid=55425

Made a change since the first picture was taken

[Al_C]

Interesting opinions! I have not bought the system or speakers yet. Having second thoughts, obviously, but no decision quite yet. One point - and this obviously only applies if I go ahead with the idea - is to use marine speakers rather than traditional automotive speakers. Hadn't considered that before. The whole conversation is getting interesting. I hope others chime in as well!

[jceckard]

I've been considering high back seats. Would it be possible to mount speakers in the head rests? One could route the front channel to the driver seat and the rear channel to the passenger seat. Maybe a sub in the middle.

[GoDadGo]

Guys,

You are all missing the point of having a stereo in your MK-4 Roadsters.
It is for when you are parked at a Hot Rod Run or pumping your gas with the engine is off.
Another good use is to listen to "The Big Game" in your garage when it is raining outside.

Steve

[Straversi]

I had stereos in my jeeps for years. They deteriorate pretty quickly in the elements. The Marine speakers are more durable but less clear. I'm skipping the stereo. I'll listen to the music on my phone with noise canceling ear buds. Illegal but no different than driving with ear plugs. I'll connect the Bluetooth JBL portable speaker for shows etc.

- other Steve

[RR20AC]

My choice was to go with a portable Bluetooth speaker. I wanted a pair for stereo sound. The only one I found was the Braven Bluetooth speaker. You can get them for $500 to $600 a pair. Tried them in my regular car on each side of the floor. Sound is comparable to my JBL sound system with plenty of bass. I can use these at car shows away from the car. You can place them up to 30 Ft apart. Also use them almost anywhere. Just didn't want to add the permanent weight to the car with a sound system and most were saying (can' be heard anyway).

[wareaglescott]

My choice was to go with a portable Bluetooth speaker. I wanted a pair for stereo sound. The only one I found was the Braven Bluetooth speaker. You can get them for $500 to $600 a pair. Tried them in my regular car on each side of the floor. Sound is comparable to my JBL sound system with plenty of bass. I can use these at car shows away from the car. You can place them up to 30 Ft apart. Also use them almost anywhere. Just didn't want to add the permanent weight to the car with a sound system and most were saying (can' be heard anyway).

How are these speakers powered? Do they have their own batteries

[RR20AC]

Play time is about 28 hours, can use it to charge your phone, Water resistant, Stays paired so when you turn them on they start up right away. Home charger converts to 12 volts. Did not see a 12 volt charger available.

[ryanmac]

+1 on bluetooth speaker for car shows...these are very good quality these days and not too expensive.

Otherwise, stick with the two 3" by 5" speakers supplied in the kit...usually installed externally, below just below doors. :)

[toadster]

for those of you who mounted speakers on the exterior of the chassis - e.g. door panels did you use a baffle to protect the back of the speaker?

[Al_C]

I love it when old threads are resurrected. Especially when I started it! As you probably discerned early on, I did not install a sound system in my car. I'm still happy with that decision. Nevertheless, in answer to your question, I would recommend that you treat the installation as if you were installing speakers on a boat. If you'd put baffles in your boat, then do it here. What do I know? Sounds flippant, but it is not intended that way. Consider that your speakers will be exposed to the elements much more than in an enclosed vehicle. I still agree with RR20AC's approach. Removable bluetooth speakers.

[GFX2043mtu]

Two words “ear buds” when cruising around the only time you have a chance of hearing it is at lights. Not to mention these cars are loud enough to cause hearing damage thus, some sort of hearing protection is wise. They have some nice ear buds out that seal out a lot of outside noise while letting you listen to what ever you want. They are easily removable if any one at a light wants to talk to you too. https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/headphones/earbuds/quietcomfort-earbuds.html?mc=25_PS_HP_PL_00_GO_&gclid=CjwKCAjwmv-DBhAMEiwA7xYrdwslQKhIuAGXJL_AtKELbDPE6y2enK2B3A93U DwCMbeUVveDmdN00xoCK54QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#v=qc_earbuds_black https://isotunes.com/products/isotunes-free?variant=32385097793598&gclid=CjwKCAjwmv-DBhAMEiwA7xYrd2UjPMfroCTka9KLBTcbhGt3BNSBrlO6USK7y-B9xHQypn6eTMOfkBoCLiIQAvD_BwE These are an awesome choice and cost less than a radio.

[FLPBFoot]

I just grab my Fugoo bluetooth speaker and place it between the seats. Great thing is the Fugoo is waterproof, IP67, very loud, and costs only $89.99. Have an earplug in the left ear for the outboard wind and exhaust noise. Better half has one in her right ear. Works great. Can hear it nicely during cruising. Hard acceleration....no way. I noticed when I did a run with Nuhale a few weeks back he did the same thing....bluetooth speaker on the console.
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Steve

[Ducky2009]

I used a UE Boom portable speaker before I installed a radio. Placed it behind the passenger seat. I already had it, so I tried it out. Plenty loud enough. I added a radio later. Installed four 6" marine speakers behind the seats later. The radio was acting up so I removed it and added an AMP and bluetooth receiver. I now use my phone for music.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

for those of you who mounted speakers on the exterior of the chassis - e.g. door panels did you use a baffle to protect the back of the speaker?

Yes, foam cups

[narly1]

I'm thinking that wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation for driving, along with a Bluetooth speaker for when you're sitting still might be the best solution.

[Ed Mc]

Added a blue tooth amp and two marine grade speakers between the seats. Use iPhone for the music. Not concert hall quality but around town under 45 you can hear it pretty well without blasting it like some motorcycles do. Above that the wind noise takes over

[David Hodgkins]

For my brother's build I put 4" speakers below the door and 6" speakers in the cubby I created in the trunk. I added a second hinged wall to hide the amp and create a "speaker box":

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=44623&d=1440134737

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=44659&d=1440220950

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=44631&d=1440134750

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=44622&d=1440134735

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=43422&d=1436213805

For my build I simply use a UBOOM Bluetooth speaker on my dash connected to my phone:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=92412&d=1535841435

As others have stated the only way to hear either of them at speed is if they are turned way up. The alpine does sound better when at a standstill but the UBOOM is adequate and I didn't feel the need to add a stereo to my build when I had it apart for a refresh.

HTH,

:)

[Blitzboy54]

My choice was to go with a portable Bluetooth speaker. I wanted a pair for stereo sound. The only one I found was the Braven Bluetooth speaker. You can get them for $500 to $600 a pair. Tried them in my regular car on each side of the floor. Sound is comparable to my JBL sound system with plenty of bass. I can use these at car shows away from the car. You can place them up to 30 Ft apart. Also use them almost anywhere. Just didn't want to add the permanent weight to the car with a sound system and most were saying (can' be heard anyway).

This is my plan as well. I put my charging port behind the trans tunnel cover.

[narly1]

My local Audiologist just called me back and by coincidence he's a car guy so he gets what I'm looking for. He thinks that he has a supplier who can retrofit Bluetooth earbuds into ear impressions that he would custom mold from my ears. These ear molds would be an improvement over ear buds in terms of road/engine noise reduction due to their more intimate fit in my ears.

Estimate is about $250 CAD + the cost of the ear buds for this solution.

[Hacksaw84]

I installed 4" speakers under the dash in pods I found on amazon. Pointed down and a little out. Then 6" speakers in the rear between the two seats, I carpeted over them so they cant be seen. Both sets are marine grade coaxial speakers. They are powered by a Kenwood Bluetooth amp behind the glovebox. No head unit, audio only comes from my phone.

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[toadster]

I installed 4" speakers under the dash in pods I found on amazon. Pointed down and a little out. Then 6" speakers in the rear between the two seats, I carpeted over them so they cant be seen. Both sets are marine grade coaxial speakers. They are powered by a Kenwood Bluetooth amp behind the glovebox. No head unit, audio only comes from my phone.

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looks great! when the carpet is over the rear speakers did you have to trim the backing to let the highs out? I guess it depends on how thick the carpeting is right?

[Hacksaw84]

I didn't trim anything off the carpet and the sound comes through good enough. Obviously not the most audiophile way to install them but I wanted the system as hidden as it could be. The speakers are installed in a panel so they sit back a bit from the rear wall. I also installed a wire mesh over the holes when spraying on the insulation just for an but of structure over the hole.

[Blitzboy54]

I installed 4" speakers under the dash in pods I found on amazon. Pointed down and a little out. Then 6" speakers in the rear between the two seats, I carpeted over them so they cant be seen. Both sets are marine grade coaxial speakers. They are powered by a Kenwood Bluetooth amp behind the glovebox. No head unit, audio only comes from my phone.

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This isn't the point of the thread but your dash board looks incredible from the corner that I can see. I don't have IG or FB so I can't see your build thread. Any chance you could share a photo of the complete dash?

[Hacksaw84]

This isn't the point of the thread but your dash board looks incredible from the corner that I can see. I don't have IG or FB so I can't see your build thread. Any chance you could share a photo of the complete dash?

Thank you, I did spend a lot of time on it :). Here are a couple pictures pre-paint. I need to grab some closeups now that its back.

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[Blitzboy54]

Thank you, I did spend a lot of time on it :). Here are a couple pictures pre-paint. I need to grab some closeups now that its back.

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That is sick

Congratulations, you should throw some pics on here when you're done

[Hacksaw84]

That is sick

Congratulations, you should throw some pics on here when you're done

Appreciate it. Yeah I plan on it. Getting close now just working on finishing touches and little details now.

[nelsond003]

I have 2 6.5" JL audio C2's between the seats powered by a JL Audio amp. I can hear it going 80 down the highway and it is only turned up halfway. If you are going to install speakers, don't go cheap. I 100% would do it again and again.

[narly1]

I'm tending towards more of a minimalist installation and in doing some research I found this:

https://www.memphiscaraudio.com/product-page/mxamcapp-app-controled-headless-source-unit

If it had the capability of transmitting Bluetooth audio to earbuds it would be perfect!

[cgundermann]

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Difficult to see, but - behind the seats (up high) and in between the shoulder harness holes of the rear trunk firewall. Just enough room to fit marine grade speakers. These are powered by an amp in the trunk and Bluetoothed to the IPad. Volume controls on the lower edge of the transmission tunnel. I can hear these, although at my comfort level - I’m making the passenger’s eardrums bleed…

(Apologize for the pic orientation - for some reason it does that on my IPad).

Chris

[narly1]

I like your solution Chris but to me there are times when I just want to listen to the radio. That makes me old I guess LOL.

Earl

[RJD]

Similar to cgundermann, I have Kicker 4 inch coaxial speakers (marine speakers), 150 watts, installed on the rear wall between the shoulder harness mounts.

Receiver: Kenwood KMR-M25BT (marine receiver) - AM/FM, Bluetooth, Pandora, USB. I just stream music so no antennae. Installed in a custom center console.

Amp: Kenwood KAC-M1804, compact 4 channel amp. Installed below dash, passenger side.

Front speakers: Kicker 4 inch 2 way speakers (marine speakers), 120 watts. Installed in custom speaker boxes below the door hinges.


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[BLUE KNIGHT]

Speaker issues .... IMHO placement is limited because of the small area available .... Concerning Marine vs. regular , I also have a Can-Am Spyder ( RT - touring model ) with four JBL 2 Ohm 5 1/4 in. speakers ... they arn't Marine, but in 57,000 + miles in all types of bad weather they haven't failed, why is this ... because ALL of the materials use to make them are waterproof. I highly recommend them for their Audio quality and ability to over-come outside noise. I can enjoy my R & R at 85 mph at 75% volume. ...... Mike ;)

[nashuanuke]

I just ordered the GasN quiet pipes. I'm hoping they'll be similar.