![]() |
1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I recently removed the stock speakers from dashboard and installed a 165 mm/6,5" 2-way component speakers (Austrian brand "Signat").
Mid-basses to the doors needs little work - I enlarged the openings in the doors by about 1 cm, it took 1 hour both doors and tweeters to the dash, installation clamps were supplied but I made my own from 8mm MDF. Crossovers can be put below dashboard. I also run new 2,5mm2 OFC signal cables from head to crossovers and also to the doors of course. And I added some noise-damping to the doors for better mid-bass and less vibration.
Important! Make sure that the mid-bass elements don't disturb the windows from moving. My Signat's needed 1mm MDF installation rings to prevent that. Cables and damping the doors were most time-consuming I guess.
Rear stock 6x9-s are still there and faded out so that you don't hear them. No amp at the moment. The job took 4-5 days.
The system now sounds very good! I dare to say that, beacuse I presented the final result to one of the most profeesional guys in Estonia in terms of mixing music in studios and tuning the soundstage in cars. And he was surprised! He commented it later in audio newsgroup saying that he has EVER heard only 2 cars that sound more or less good without amp. The best was my Saab (3-dr) and another one was some Lotus with Nakamichi(!) headunit. My head is quite simple Clarion (1 line-out).
So I suggest - go for 6,5" components, damp the doors and you won't need any rear speakers at all, neither the subwoofer. Of course, 5-dr 900 will sound a bit different due to smaller volume doors but then, all 6,5" elements are different anyway. I doubt that you find Signat in US, but Infinty Kappa for example should be at least as good.
Manufacturers put bigger speakers to rear 'cause it's easier. But sound must come from the front and Saab is a good car to enjoy 'normal' soundstage.
Proper install is in terms of sound quality even more important, than expensive speakers!
Andres
'94 900
Clarion DRB4375
Signat SCC 1650 2way
plus Alpine MRV-F400S (4-channel amp) waiting to be installed
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |