Expert: Cleggsan - 5/7/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi.  I'm not entirely sure if you know much about car audio systems or not, you didn't seem to mention it in your profile.  However, I'll go ahead and ask.  I have a 2001 chrysler 300m, and the front speakers in the Infinity system are blown, which seems to be a recurring problem in this system.  I'm a highschool student, and can't really afford to upgrade the amp or the front deck if not necessary.  I've heard that replacing the speakers is the best way to improve your sound system dollar for dollar.  Is it possible to replace the speakers in this system for some aftermarket speakers without having to replace the deck, and will this truly be a worthwhile upgrade?

ANSWER: Infinity systems are good.

But, we must ask the question: Why is the speaker blown?  From too much power?  From water getting into the cone and warping so the voice coil rubbed and finally gave out?

So, that is the first thing to determine.

But, so far as replacing the speaker with a higher grade unit which will sound better and handle more power that is easy to do.  But, you must select speakers that will reasonably fit in the same space and match the impedance of the amplifier.  The best way to research that is to go to the crutchfield web site and go through their "outfit my car" procedure.  At the end of it they will give you some suggestions of speakers that will fit your 300m.

Go here:

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/autoinfo/autoinfo.asp?lp=%2fapp%2fCar%2fMyCar

Good Luck,
c



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again.  I've checked out and done the "outfit my car" feature on crutchfield.  What worries me is that I believe the current system in my car is different than any of the speakers I can buy.  I found the infinity reference speakers, which have a lower impedance like I need.  However, under installation details for the front door speakers, they all say "The factory speakers in this location only produce bass. To get full-range sound from your new speakers, you'll need to replace the factory radio with an aftermarket stereo AND bypass the factory amp."  Does this mean I need component speakers to get correct balance?  I'm fearful of messing with anything unless I know it will be simple, do I need to just visit a local professional?

Answer
ONE: I can assure you that Crutchfield knows what they are talking about.

TWO:  If they say your unit (there are many that went in this model car year - that is the reason I sent you to Crutchfield) has crossovers in the system then they are right.  It is true that many of the Infinity systems used woofers in the door cavities and tweeters mounted up on the column or in the top of the door body.  If so, there are separate amplifiers for the woofer units and the tweeters.

So, what they are saying is that if you want to use full-range speakers you need a head unit and amp system that drives full-range reproduction.

I suggest you consult with Ernesto and at least get a second opinion. He knows this model well and had done alterations to many of these cars.  You can find his profile on allexperts.com in the audio systems section, too.  Here:

http://www.allexperts.com/ep/835-69262/Audio-Systems/Ernesto-R.htm

Ernesto is really good on this type of problem.

C