[Johns 66]

Originally Posted by BIGglaSS

No problem! It will take me a while to address everything you said. When I get a chance, I'll take a look at the speakers you mentioned, but my first thought is gimmick...

First, set a budget with what you're willing to pay.

If you don't want to cut the dash:
1. Retrosound radios get a solid reputation, AND, I own one. (But haven't installed it yet).
2. Bluetooth interface + amps (but no FM radio options that I know of!)

Meanwhile, check out my Squarebody stereo from the thread in my signature. It is a very simple head unit, amp, speakers, and 8" subwoofer. Total investment $257. This won't fool an audiophile, but will impress many folks that spend 3x that amount.

For my '57 pickup, I spent $1000 total for Retrosound head unit, component speakers, 5 ch amp, 8" subwoofer, and digital signal processor. All name-brand quality stuff! Granted, I bought this a few years ago. In today's dollars at full retail would be north of $1500.

You don't have to spend a fortune to get great sound. Thoughtful design and seeking out great deals will save you a lot of $.

If you put speakers in the vents, you should close off the air vents. I am sealing the fresh air intake on my cowl, and running A/C. I installed quality co-axial component speakers into my fresh air vents. Not perfect, but an acceptable trade-off.

The speakers will be covered with these 63 impala vents:

Originally Posted by BIGglaSS

Oh yeah, I was going to say... If you want to keep a traditional "in dash" radio, start with a retrosound head unit, and try the center speakers you have now. It may meet your needs just fine. Then upgrade from there if you're not happy and need more. That head unit has decent power, plus bluetooth and usb inputs. It also has low level outputs and tuning features if you upgrade to amps and component speakers later.

I checked both your build threads and they are both GREAT...You are very talented.

I do want to keep the original look of the in-dash radio so Im looking at the retrosound you mentioned...and of course there are a few options.

I noticed in your builds you had a 5 channel amp? Have no idea what the channels mean...Im assuming more is better????

The only real thing I know about speakers is continues power...in that I have some Klipsch home speakers that never distort but they are pricey.
Its looking like I am gonna have to do what you did as far as placing the speakers in the kick panels...not feasible to put them in the top of the dash like your square body.

It also make a lot of sense that anything you put under or behind the seat will basically be a waste of money unless its specifically a sub. I has thought about mounting some forward facing speakers under the seat....with the old adage that the more speakers the better. But from what I am learning from you is that its better to have a well thought out system than just throwing speakers at it.

Ill be interested to know what you suggest and where when you have time to look at some things. Once again I really do appreciate it a lot.

John