While searching for stereo upgrade info in the ToyotaNation web forum (have plans to sell my '04 GMC Sierra and replace it with a Toyota Tacoma Double Cab) I came across a write up by a very savy car audio guy as to the merits of rear speakers in an upgraded sound system. Have read that rear speakers are a waste of money but this write up adds a lot more clarity to the issue.
When I upgraded my sound system, see signature line below for components, I did replace the factory rears and upgraded to 4" co-axials. The rears would be driven by the head unit's built in amp where the front component speakers and sub would be driven by the Alpine 4 channel amp. After a short while I faded the sound fully to the front given the rear speakers distorted at the sound level I typically listen (unless the wife is on board).
Bottom line, if you are building a 5.1 surround sound system, fine, replace/upgrade the rear speakers, but other than that you are deminishing the sound quality with the rear speakers, not improving it.
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I will say that rear speakers are definitely a good thing when setting up a DVD video system and they have some sort of 5.1 or 4.1 surround sound processor. But for everyone else that is setting up their system for music, rear speakers actually do more bad then they do good if they have already setup the front speaker system properly.
Music is recorded in left to right stereo with emphasis on frontal staging and imaging. Sometimes, very rarely, music is recorded in 5.1 surround for DVD Audio. Most of us don't have DVD Audio capabilities in our car (and if you do, you SHOULD have rear speakers). So for this stereo recorded music you should have a stereo speaker system.
The goal in a well designed system for best sound quality is to have the proper Imaging and good stage depth.
Imaging: Imaging has to do with left to right and center sound. The "Image" of where the music is coming from can vary depending on where the artist wants. One really good song for an example of left to right imaging is Pink Floyd's "Money" Where you can clearly hear the "chaching" and the cash register's sound move from left to right. Then you also have a center image. Most vocals are supposed to be centered coming from right in the middle of the dash, under the rear view mirror.
If you've ever listened to Nora Jones, the recording has a very prominent center image.
Rear speakers can throw off this imaging BIG TIME. Try fading your speakers all the way to the rear and have the left to right balance at 0. You will notice that you can clearly hear the left rear speaker more than the right rear speaker. Well when you have your front speakers faded in, that left rear speaker is pulling your imaging to the left. Not good.
This brings me to staging and stage depth.
When you go to a concert or even your home stereo and you have your music playing. Where is the sound coming from------the front!
We want to reproduce this effect in our car. By having rear speaker's it make's it sound like it's coming from the center of the car, or in your head. This is where most people can't grasp the concept that this is NOT what you want.
What you want is it to sound like the band is playing on your hood (or at least your dash). The hood being the "Stage"
So ditch the rear speakers and you've now just fixed your problem of your left rear speaker pulling your image to the left, and you've fixed the problem of your rear speakers pulling your stage back into the middle of the car.
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In my Explorer, I had 2 pair of MB Quart PCE 216 Component speakers, a pair up front, and a pair in the rear doors. The rears were about the same distance from my head as the fronts. It added a lot of sound quality for me and the rear seat passengers.
Seeing as how no one is going to be riding in the rear seats of my Solstice anytime soon, I'll probably delete them from my stage when I upgrade...
Those that wear headphones know what it is like to be in the music.
This seems to be a preference thing. To each his or her own.
And this certainly can effect the price of the system as a whole.
Actually, I like being in the middle of the stage. And certain digital effects can use the rear speakers effectvely.
The reason the left rear speaker is pulling to the left is because that speaker is closer to your ear. Move over to the passenger seat and see if that left rear speaker is still the culprit. Actually the front speakers do this too. I usually have my balance turned to the right just a bit to compensate. A passenger could hear this 'imbalance' I use, but my passengers don't hear details like this.
Some people can justify spending lots of money for their engine to sound deeper or additional hp, tires, paint, or whatever. Same with audio. If you can't hear the difference, then what's the point? But for those that can hear a difference, it makes sense.
I just started the upgrade process, put a set of JBL GTO component speakers in the front doors and upgraded the tweeters. Still playing with the crossover. I also dynamatted the doors on the inside skin inside the door. I get a much cleaner sound now, and the funny thing is now for the first time since I bought the car I can hear the rear speakers. I think it is just due to the JBL's being a little less efficient than the stock, I just tweaked the fader a bit until I get the new head unit and amp. The dynamat has made a difference the car just is more solid sounding, even with the stereo off. I have just begun, lots and lots more work to do and money to spend.
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Dynamatting the interior made a world of difference just like you said, even with the sound off. I had the complete interior covered--back wall, doors, floor, trans tunnel, and as far up the fire wall as you can. Cut down on road noise a good bit. Really makes a difference with the top up although it is never going to match a hard top but you can only do the best you can.
Bought a bulk pack of Dynamat Extreme on E-Bay and saved a good bit over retail.
__________________ GXP--Cool / 5-Spd.
TSW Nogaro 19" Rims, 245/40ZR-19 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx XL Tires, M/F 3" Exhaust, Side Cowl Panels, Side Skirts, Gentex Rear View Mirror, Stubby Antenna, Little Chromies, Momo Shift Knob, Hand Brake, & Floor Plates, Full Interior Reupholstery.
Those that wear headphones know what it is like to be in the music.
This seems to be a preference thing. To each his or her own.
And this certainly can effect the price of the system as a whole.
Actually, I like being in the middle of the stage. And certain digital effects can use the rear speakers effectvely.
The reason the left rear speaker is pulling to the left is because that speaker is closer to your ear. Move over to the passenger seat and see if that left rear speaker is still the culprit. Actually the front speakers do this too. I usually have my balance turned to the right just a bit to compensate. A passenger could hear this 'imbalance' I use, but my passengers don't hear details like this.
Some people can justify spending lots of money for their engine to sound deeper or additional hp, tires, paint, or whatever. Same with audio. If you can't hear the difference, then what's the point? But for those that can hear a difference, it makes sense.
No offense taken because you are just wrong You are right, everyone has an opinion, but I read a good bit about car stereo from custom car audio magazines to forums and have yet to hear anyone that is serious about high end car stereo would agree with you about targeting your sound stage to image from the sides. Have had some very good sound systems installed and none of the custom audio install shops would set up a vehicle the way you say you like it.
You say this is what you prefer, but possibly you have not heard a really good car audio system that was set up properly with the proper imaging. Believe if you did you would not prefer your imaging from the sides.
Sorry.
__________________ GXP--Cool / 5-Spd.
TSW Nogaro 19" Rims, 245/40ZR-19 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx XL Tires, M/F 3" Exhaust, Side Cowl Panels, Side Skirts, Gentex Rear View Mirror, Stubby Antenna, Little Chromies, Momo Shift Knob, Hand Brake, & Floor Plates, Full Interior Reupholstery.
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