Hello,
I'm installing a stereo into a 2000 Dodge Neon and had some questions. Here's what I've got:
Adire Audio Shiva 12" sealed sub in 75L enc (an old sub for my home stereo) hooked into a cheap amp I acquired from my brother.
Some Sony XPlod deck, not great I know but again I got it for almost free.

I've been listening like this for a good while and it sounded good enough for temporary use. However, a gradual rattle developed in the Front right door speaker and it increased until eventually the speaker cut altogether (taking the dash speaker out too). So first question:
Are the dash speakers connected in series or parallel to the door speakers? Cause if the dash speakers are in parallel it means the door speakers have failed to short circuit or the amp channel has failed right? If in series the door speaker may have failed open. I am going to test the impedance presented to deck today and see what case is true.

I've acquired some Infinity 6032CF to install which are 2 ohm, I'm worried that the impedance is too low for the Xplod deck, esp if the dash speaker in parallel. I was planning on replacing those with Infinity 3032, is it then ok to connect the dash and door in series to achieve 4 ohm impedance rather than 1 ohm if in parallel?

If it matters, I listen at pretty moderate volume, never extremely loud.

Update:
OK apparently I had a bad connection to the right speaker which is why it totally cut out, I fixed that. But it still rattles and will be replaced. I measured the DC resistance to the front speakers and got 4.5 ohm each, back speakers were 9 ohm. So I'm guessing they are likely 12 ohm impedance speakers (since the DC resistance is a little lower than the impedance presented to an AC signal). So if I install a 2-ohm front, it will be 2 ohms || 12ohms which is really pretty much equal to just 2 ohm. Will 2 ohm be bad for a cheap Sony deck as long as I watch the volume?

Since the dash speakers have 6 times the impedance and are presented with the same voltage signal (in parallel) they should have one sixth the power. So about maybe 7-8dB lower than door speakers assuming comparable sensitivity. Is it sensible to add an inline power resistor to the Infinitys to bring things closer?

 

Replace the door speakers, disconnect the dash speakers. If you don't like that plan, look for a set of component speakers that you can afford and put those in.

 

Thank you for the input. I will disconnect the dash speakers for now and run the Infinitys in the doors.

Another question: I don't really like having rear speakers, in fact I usually have the sound faded towards the front a good deal. If I wanted to add dash speakers back in at some point, could I simply wire the dash speakers up as rears and then use the fade control to adjust the level of bias between the speakers?

 

u could yes. i mounted my component tweeters in the dash spot, sounded pretty good to me.

 

I've decided to add a bit more $$ and go for a component set (Infinity 6032CS). The tweeters will be installed into the dash speaker position.

 

Good job

 

Got 'em installed. Really hated the sound at first but realized the guy who installed it EQ'ed for a deaf person. Took the highs and lows down to get rid of the "boom sizzle effect" and pushed the mids and it sounds very nice and clear. Lows are defined, mids are forward, clear and pleasant and the highs are open and extended. I'm quite happy

 

Awesome!