Speakers for 97 impreza wagon

Discussion in 'Modifications & DIY how-to' started by SubiNoobi, May 6, 2011.

  1. SubiNoobi

    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2006
    Messages:
    831
    Likes Received:
    0
    My fiance needs some replacement speakers for her wagon. I think only one actually works properly because we have to balance/fade the sound to the left rear to avoid serious distortion at any volume level.

    I am looking for either an OEM replacement or an inexpensive and easy to install aftermarket option. We will not be upgrading the headunit or changing/adding anything. Just need some speakers that actually work.

    Suggestions?
     
  2. Mad Mallard

    Mad Mallard the mad mallard

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2005
    Messages:
    1,571
    Likes Received:
    4
    suggestion: completely identifiy problem before spending money.

    if you buy speakers and it turns out it was just a damaged wire, you're out money.

    If you buy speakers and it turns out the Headunit went, now you gotta buy a HU too.

    I'd say just be sure and pull both speakers out, test them on a home stereo or something. and/or get a home speaker and test the left/right connection on the car.
     
  3. SubiNoobi

    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2006
    Messages:
    831
    Likes Received:
    0
    I think this is good advice. However, I am fairly certain it is the speakers because:

    1. The head unit work fine - it controls the volume, fade, etc without any issues. (Although I had a home theater AVR that turned out to have an internal short. I always though the left speaker was no good, but replaced the AVR and now the speaker works fine.)

    2. The sound is consistently bad to all but the left rear speaker. A loose/shorted wire would have intermittent issues.

    3. The speakers are distorting at all volumes.

    Nonetheless, I think I will remove them first and test them. Is there anything about the connection that would make them difficult to test with my home stereo?
     
  4. cMags

    cMags Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2007
    Messages:
    254
    Likes Received:
    0
    You could also try swapping the speakers around. If the issue follows the speakers, its those. If the issue stays where it is, its the wiring or hu.

    Not sure what size the speakers are, but a buddy of mine just pulled out his stock speakers on his '01 forester and I'm sure would let them go for uber cheap. I know the fronts were good, but one if the rears may have been iffy. PM ninja01 on here. Maybe you'll get lucky and the speakers will match and you can just drop in the 3 good ones with your one good one and be set.

    Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk
     
  5. Alex

    Alex Community Founder
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2003
    Messages:
    15,892
    Likes Received:
    20
    I have a set of Infinity Kappa Perfect 6.5" components that you and Cathy are welcome to have. I am not 100% certain if they're 100% in working order (a tweeter may be bad), but that's easy enough, and cheap enough, to fix with Parts Express tweeters.
     
  6. SubiNoobi

    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2006
    Messages:
    831
    Likes Received:
    0
    So I'll upload pics later, but the speaker do look pretty bad. The paper cones have water marks on them, and they are visually distorted on the bottom side. I may have to re-seal the doors before I even consider putting new speakers in there.

    Still haven't tested them yet, though....

    Thanks for all the replies, I'm sure I can make something work.
     
  7. SubiNoobi

    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2006
    Messages:
    831
    Likes Received:
    0
    So two questions:

    1. There are the two rubber parts that go on either side of the window that seal it from rain etc... what are these called?

    2. What is the tacky rubber stuff used to seal the plastic sheet inside the door?

    I think both of these are worn out and should be replaced before I put new speakers in.
     
  8. cMags

    cMags Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2007
    Messages:
    254
    Likes Received:
    0
    You can try sealing the door but also look into installing speaker baffles - little hoods that cover the top side if the speaker keeping the water from dripping on it.

    Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk
     
  9. SubiNoobi

    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2006
    Messages:
    831
    Likes Received:
    0
    The old ones actually had these, and they were still water damaged!

    Although, I might be able to salvage the old hoods and replace the foam ring; then I could use them with new speakers.
     
    #9 SubiNoobi, May 9, 2011
    Last edited: May 9, 2011
  10. b reel

    b reel Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2008
    Messages:
    3,285
    Likes Received:
    15
    weatherstrip sealant works for the plastic sheeting as does "mighty putty"

    might be best to check your weather stripping and door seals before getting all carried away with speaker mods to only fail with more water damage.
     
  11. b reel

    b reel Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2008
    Messages:
    3,285
    Likes Received:
    15
  12. Alex

    Alex Community Founder
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2003
    Messages:
    15,892
    Likes Received:
    20
    I don't Subaru has ever had good moisture barriers on the door panels.
     
  13. cMags

    cMags Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2007
    Messages:
    254
    Likes Received:
    0
  14. SubiNoobi

    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2006
    Messages:
    831
    Likes Received:
    0
    This is exactly what I was thinking!

    Thanks for all the help. and I really appreciate all the offers for speakers. However, I think I have some preliminary work to do first!
     
    #14 SubiNoobi, May 9, 2011
    Last edited: May 9, 2011

Share This Page