I removed the door panel to see if I could fit a polk db6750 (6 ¾ in) and I have a question about the molded plastic ring behind the speaker grill. At first glace it looked like the OEM speaker would sit inside the ring and be sealed by some foam tape. After taking some measurements it looks like the OEM speaker sits about .100 in above the ring when the door panel is installed.

In order for the 6750s to fit I have to use a spacer that will actually allow the ring to sit on top of the basket between the outer rim and the paper ring (no room for sealing tape). I’m not quite sure how this will sound and I was wondering if anyone has run into this in the past.
Most of the posts I have read do not mention this ring but some refer to the OEM height of approx 1 inch.

Thanks.
jeff

 

I took these pics when I swapped out my speakers. The OEM speaker is on the left. I don't recall the ring you mention. Is it part of the door panel?

 

I think he's talking out the oem plastic mounts for the speakers. What you need is the Metra spacers, which will increase the clearance available, and provide an oem-like mount for aftermarket speakers.

I am using them for Infinity Kappas with no problems.

 

The plastic ring is molded into the inside of the door panel. It is about 6 inches in diameter and it looks like when the panel is in place it would cover the sides of the OEM speaker (like a wave guide to the grill). I had a similar piece on my wife’s Forester and I just trimmed it off. I don’t want to cut anything on the TSX because it’s a lease. I’ll see if I can post a picture.

Thanks
jeff

 

here's a picture

 

You don't need to trim that area at all. As long as you don't have a clearance problem, just put it all together and don't worry about it.

If you do have a clearance problem, provide a little better detail. Or, just try re-installing the panel and see if you can stretch it over it. Its easy enough to remove/install again.

 

Thanks for the pic mercman, I was completely off base. I agree with Reach, I don't think you should worry unless the ring or foam tape make contact with the cone surround. As long as the movement of the cone and the surround is not impeded you shouldn't have a problem.

 

By the way, if you're squeamish about drilling holes in your door, these brackets will clip directly into the OEM holes:

http://www.millionbuy.com/aihsb518.html (American International HSB-518)

Obviously, you should look elsewhere if you want the ultimate in sound quality, but these work well and stick solidly to my door (with a foam spacer between them and the speaker).

 

Not worried about drilling the holes as much as getting them in the right place. I did come across the link to the brackets while searching the audio posts and ordered them. I figure they will help align the speaker in the center of the ring then I’ll secure the whole thing with some screws. At a minimum they can be used as mounting templates.

I also ordered a set of db6500 6-1/2 inch in case the 6-3/4 ones are too tight.

The next step is to decide what amp I want, I like the sound of the JL 300/4 but the A4300 fits the budget a little better.

I’ll be running Polk db690s on the rear deck (full range) and disconnecting the OEM rear door speakers. My goal is sound quality not big bass.

jeff

 

I'm looking at doing the same thing right now.

I'm trying to mount some 6 1/2" speakers that I have sitting around in the front doors of my TSX.

I just have a few questions?
1) What is the Metra Spacer that someone mentioned?
Is is This one? (Link)
That one is 1" Deep (The same as the stock), except it looks like the aftermarket speaker sits on top of it (increasing the overall depth).
Has anyone had clearance issues with this setup?

2) If that bracket won't work, what other solutions have you guys used?

 

No, that's not it, but for the life of me I can't find a like to them right now. Metra makes a space for the TSX, Accord, TL (i think) that are all interchangeable... basically a Honda bracket. It slides into two slots below the speaker hole, and clips into 1 above. You screw your aftermarket speaking into it and then mount the plastic, clipping it into the door frame. It gives you a very secure, OEM style fit that requires no drilling into the door frame.

I am using Infinity Kappas, which are deep speakers (don't know exact dimension offhand) with no problems.

 

*sigh* ... am I invisible or something? There's a link above ...

 

Yes.

That looks right! Those will help a speaker install.

 

shrykhar,
Thanks for the link to the speaker brackets they fit perfect. I drilled through them and ran some screws into the door to keep things tight. No problem mounting the polk db6500 6 ½ inch.

I picked up an extra set to use as a template in the event I decide to go with a 6 ¾ speaker. I not that happy with the sound I’m getting and I think it’s a combination of the speaker being to far from the grill and that stupid ring on the back of the grill (subject of my post). I might just trim it off and make a wood spacer for the 6 ¾.

I have found a lot of good info on this site.

Thanks
jeff

 

I saw your link. I was just looking for "the ultimate in sound quality" spacers.

 

^^^ was replying to Reach. If you want better sound quality, use MDF spacers.