I need help understanding something.

I don't have the monsoon system, if that helps anyone.

My current head unit has these stats:

Maximum Watts per Channel 52 x 4
RMS Wattage 23.2 x 4

So, if I'm looking for new speakers, I just want a set of speakers that can run under the RMS wattage of 23.2, right? So I ask, why would the people at the shops be preasuring me to buy some expensive ass speakers that can handle 50 watts RMS? Well, other than the obvious reason.

Well, I can tell you that that HU puts out that much power with a TON of distortion, which is NOT good for speakers.

Typically running your speakers off your HU is ok, it's not great, but it works. The reason for recommending speakers like that is because most decent speakers which are worth you spending $$ on, all have a RMS rating of atleast 50W, if not 75Wrms. Not to mention if you ever want to upgrade later, you'll have to buy everything again.

BTW what HU are u running?

I'm using this. (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?j=1&id=1069300179365&skuId=6228735&productCategoryId=cat03066&type=product)

No way I'm buying another amp for speakers. Since such is the case, am I better of just sticking with my stock speakers?

No, aftermarket speakers will sound better than stockers. What speakers where you thinking of buying?

I'd recommend the following:

Alpine
Infinity
CDT
Kicker

Pioneers are ok, nothing impressive
Avoid Sony's, Pyles, and other no-name brands

Probably a decent set of base-model co-axials should work just fine for you. Those were suggestions for brands that are most likely in your price range.

One of my co-workers is running a set of Alpine SPX-177A's off his head unit, and they sound awesome! Obviously they'll sound better on an amp.

For what you have though, I'd actually recommend Infinity Reference series co-axials. They'll sound nice off the head unit, are very efficient, and the uni-pivot tweeter helps with imagining.

If anything you want a speaker that will handle MORE RMS power than your head unit puts out.

RMS power is the key, so some speakers that will handle 35-50watts RMS would be a great choice.

Hmm... thanks for the new info. Going with that, I'd probably get one of these.

Kicker (http://www.ikesound.com/product-product_id/1477)

Alpine (http://www.ikesound.com/product-product_id/1292)

Infinity (http://www.ikesound.com/product-product_id/1338)

As for the cables, I'm probalby going to have a place like bb install the speakers if I do this. I don't feel like I'm qualified to do it myself. I could probably buy the parts myself and not have to pay their prices. Where would you buy the coaxials?

I don't personally know of any install shop that will install equipment that they did not sell you, so that idea maybe outta luck.

Those speakers are all co-axial speakers; that means the tweeter is on the same axis as the driver, typically mounted together. The other type are components, where the tweeter comes seperate from the driver.

Most shops should install anything you bring in. The only thing is they don't honour the other manufacturers warranty, so you'll have to pay to have them removed and sent off should they blow.

Those speakers are all co-axial speakers; that means the tweeter is on the same axis as the driver, typically mounted together. The other type are components, where the tweeter comes seperate from the driver.
Heh, swing and a miss from me. :Owned:

Most shops should install anything you bring in. The only thing is they don't honour the other manufacturers warranty, so you'll have to pay to have them removed and sent off should they blow.
That's what I've seen around here.

So, which of those speakers do you think would be the best?

Edit: Also, they fit right? It's 6.5 for the regular old firebird?

The normal speaker size in a F-Body is 6.75 inches, also known as oversize 6.5 inches. Go to Crutchfield's site and play around with their speaker selection interface.

The normal speaker size in a F-Body is 6.75 inches, also known as oversize 6.5 inches. Go to Crutchfield's site and play around with their speaker selection interface.

Hah, now that you mention that, the reason I asked is because crutchfield didn't list any of the 6.5s as being able to fit my car.

If you buy the speakers from Crutchfield, they will include detailed instructions and the wiring harnesses to connect your new speakers to your factory wiring without cutting a thing... Plus the free technical support you'll get via the phone for live, it's great...

6 3/4" coax and tri-ax speakers at Crutchfield: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-IqkYycfOd4B/cgi-bin/ProdGroup.asp?c=10&g=52100&s=0&cc=01&avf=Y&search=

6-3/4" component speakers at Crutchfield: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-IqkYycfOd4B/cgi-bin/ProdGroup.asp?c=10&g=76500&s=0&cc=01&avf=Y&search=

I had it list speakers for a 1997 Pontiac Firebird....

Funny thin about crutchfield, I always go to them whenever I've looked for something, but I always go somewhere else to buy. Crutchfield is so helpful, but their prices are higher than most. Case in point, I listened to the advice of Lions3, and bought these (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-3K9MpKUH7QS/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=10&g=52000&I=1086002I&o=p&a=0&cc=01&avf=N&search=) particular speakers. However, I managed to snag them for 50 bucks a pair.

I agree that Crutchfield is higher priced that most. Other than that, Crutchfield may be the most trusted internet retailer there is.

Funny thin about crutchfield, I always go to them whenever I've looked for something, but I always go somewhere else to buy. Crutchfield is so helpful, but their prices are higher than most. Case in point, I listened to the advice of Lions3, and bought these (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-3K9MpKUH7QS/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=10&g=52000&I=1086002I&o=p&a=0&cc=01&avf=N&search=) particular speakers. However, I managed to snag them for 50 bucks a pair.
They're a VAR, so the value they add to the product is the instructions, wiring harnesses (mounting kits too in some cases), and tech support. IMO, it's worth the extra money for someone who doesn't already know these cars for things like regular speakers and head units. However, for subs and amps, the extra money isn't worth it. I'd go elsewhere too.

Hah, even though I said hell no, I'm thinking about another amp for the speakers. How's Profile? http://www.crutchfield.com/S-OyRJeKvR6Qf/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=120&I=489AP740&o=p&a=0&cc=01&avf=N&search=

Eh, they are ok for a budget.. nothing major. If you have an ebay acct, you can find some awesome deals on there. The seller Ikesound, also on their own website www.ikesound.com is a very good dealer whom has great prices. I've ordered plenty from him before.

IndoAudio is one that I've purchased a couple of things from on Ebay.

And get your wiring (power, ground, RCA's speaker wires, etc...) from KnuKonceptz.com too. Good product with great prices.

Eh, they are ok for a budget

That's works for me, and if it will do better than the head unit, I'm sold. I do buy through Ikesound. I believe I got my sub from them.

However, if anyone believes that it would be worth twice as much. I'm also interested in another kenwood. (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-qVcTiBv54Qe/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=120&I=113KAC8401&o=p&a=0&cc=01&avf=N&search=)

Two amps are going to be cramped in my t-top space, though. The people who installed my first amp sort of just stuck it in the middle. I hope they left enough wiring to unscrew it and bolt it down a bit more to the side.

Edit. Why do some people only power their front speakers?

Because ideally, the sound stage your speakers should create should be 100% in front of you. Even on systems that are fully amped, staggering your power (Say 150wrms for fronts, 50wrms to rears) helps push the sound stage up front.