03AerioSXAWD

I own a 2003 Suzuki Aerio SX (wagon) that came with with a six speaker factory setup. Tweets in the upper dash, fronts in the lower doors, rears in the top of the D pillar. Factory head unit is a double din Clarion unit that my wife and I both actually like. I like the big buttons as its easy to operate even with Winter gloves on.

My first audio upgrade was to replace the front mids with a set of Infinity REF6002I Series multi element speakers. Which I like, but I'm debating my choice now (coax vs component).

My original intent was to put the REF6002I up front and REF6002SI in the back, disconnecting the factory tweets. The rear pillar is very shallow and the 6002I won't fit without some fabrication. The REF6002SI are currently on backorder.

I'm starting to rethink myself now and this is where I need recommendations.

Currently my factory tweets are running alongside the REF6002I. My original plan was to disconnect them. But I'm concerned about how that will effect the sound stage. The factory tweets I currently believe are effecting my sound in an adverse way. I have two options as I see it.

Option One: Disconnect the factory tweets and run as originally planned with the REF6002I in the front and the shallow mount REF6002SI in the rear.

Option Two: Do some fabrication in the rear and move the REF6002I to the rear and get a set of REF6000CS components for the front to replace the factory fronts and tweets.

Things to understand in assisting me with suggestions.

- I'm going for a stealth install. I don't want to advertise that I've upgraded anything. Factory head unit and speaker positions ideally (I understand that may not be possible for the tweets in the component set, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it).
- I have 65 square feet of RAAMmat (Dynamat type product) in transit and plan to do the doors, hatch and hatch floor. I put this in hear cause I want you to understand I want a quality sound. I'm not looking to build an award winner, but I'm not gonna pick up a set of noname brand speakers from Zellars either.
- I haven't ruled out picking up an amp to power everything. Recommendations would be welcomed. Can I do that with a typical OEM head unit?
- I bought the REF6002I understanding thier serious lack of bass. The plan when the time and finances are available is to add the Infinity Basslink powered sub. I like its size and its recieved decent reviews. That being said, if its expected I'll get better base out of the REF6000CS set, I may forgo the sub entirely.
- Quality sound is important but I'm not looking for a window rattling, car vibrating experience.
- I'm on a budget, hense the Reference series vs Kappa series drivers.

03AerioSXAWD

[EDIT]
I've heard that sound dampening/deadening has a amazing effect on base. My hope is to make due without a sub. But I'm not holding my breath.

If Option Two ends up being the route to go, I need to know how much clearance a speaker typically needs between the magnet and the outer metal. I'm guessing they shouldn't be touching but do I need to give it more then a cm clearance?

With any amp recommendations, I want to know whats best bang for the buck. I don't necessarily want the cheapest available, but I really can't afford some of the ones I've seen in magazine installs. So small, capable, cost effective.

Thanks guys!
[/EDIT]

[ August 18, 2004, 12:30 PM: Message edited by: 03AerioSXAWD ]