Speaker mounts and baffles

Here is my story: just bought a new deck for my 02 tacoma (alpine 9884). The only reason I was upgrading at this time was because I had a 'use it or lose it' $200 gift certificate from a local audio store. The difference in sound quality was day and night. I love it, but realized that a few hundred dollars more and I could probably make yet another dramatic difference if I upgrade the speakers.

1. I have viewed quite a few threads on 'properly' installing speakers, which include baffles and speaker mounts. From my understanding, the mounts are just a heavy duty spacer between the speaker and the door frame to reduce vibration, which is understandable. The question I pose is if I do this, it seams that it is inevitable that the stock speaker grills are no longer used. Is this a correct assumption? Or does this depend on the speaker I buy?

2. I've seen that both MrMarv and ********* are popular places to get these speaker mounts. What are they using for a baffle? I am assuming that neither of these have the speaker baffle integrated into them, correct? (I know, it seems like a stupid question, but some of these threads have confused me and was looking for a more direct answer in order to do this correctly).

3. I am not intalling a sub nor an amplifier at this time, and may not ever, therefore am not interested in a component system, although I KNOW it is a much better quality. With that said, am I wasting money on buying the rmore expensive speakers that run up to 60w RMS or would it be just as sensible to get a set of Boston Acoustics the run/handle 35w RMS? The deck is a typical power of 18w RMS.

Thanks all...any suggestions on speakers are welcome also. I'm thinking around $130 per pair.

 

A mounting bracket (in this case) is used to marry two different hole patterns together (the screw holes in the door with those on the basket of the speaker).
A baffle is used to seperate the sound waves created on the front side of the speaker from those on the back side, to avoid interference between them.

In the case of Marv's and ********* builds the two functions are combined. The baffle covers the entire speaker mounting hole left when you remove the stock speaker and the plastic surround, as well as functioning as a mounting bracket for what ever hole configuration in on your speakers.

What you are seeing as the baffles on crutchfield work as true baffles, but are not mounting brackets. I hope that help.

 

Nice explanation of what a "baffle" actually is! (sometimes it is used as a "generic" term for "rings" and "adapters")
Polowhitfoot, since you have a 2002 you will need a baffle/adapter like the picture below and ideally you would need a fairly shallow mount 5 1/4" unless you have a desire to cut up the doors in your truck to fit a 6.5".

 

So in the picture above, I see no enclosure, just the bracket. Do they function as a baffle or is there something else that comes with them?

 

That blows!I haven't removed my speakers yet, but from all the research, I was led to believe that I had 5x7/6x8's in the front and 6.5's in the cab (no doors) based on Crutchfield's info. Can someone else confirm this? I would like to stay at a 6x8 in front and 6.5 in back if all possible.

 

A baffle is not an enclosure however an enclosure can function as a baffle (check the explanation sooner gave above). Technically I guess you could say the larger portion is the "baffle" since it separates the back wave from the front wave (fills in the door hole that is larger than the speaker opening).

Yes your truck does have 5x7's in front however I "assumed" you wanted to switch to a round speaker as most do.

 

I was hoping to get a response that would clarify if using a smaller enclosure (like a surround, which gives smaller air volume behind the speaker) is more noticeable than using the volume of the door airspace in combination of the stand-off. I apologize for being so inquisitive, but I tend to over think things most of the time in order to get a full understanding. You've done well, along with others, to get the concept laid out. I think I'll call you as opposed to dragging this thread on. Thanks.

 

Asking questions until you understand is the only way to learn IMO so no need to apologize and if you were referring to calling me please feel free to do so any time between the hours listed (I'll answer here as well so others won't be left in the dark).
Although you may think of a door cavity as an "enclosure" it is typically large enough for most smaller speakers to "see" it as infinite baffle (depending on the specs of the speaker, once you get past a certain amount of airspace it will be infinite baffle and have no effect on cone control). In my experience using those little "baffle/enclosures" you linked to was actually detrimental to the sound since the majority of mobile audio mids/mid woofers (not including subwoofers or sealed chamber mids) are designed to work in an infinite baffle configuration and in any case you must always seal the back wave from the front wave (purpose of a baffle) for the best performance. Hope that made sense and if not ask away and/or give me a call!

 

I just installed the same unit, Alpine 9884, this weekend. I also added Alpine speakers. I just removed the old ones and used the adapters to mount the new ones. I had to disconnect the factory tweeters on the front doors and loop the wires, but otherwise it was simple plug and play. I kept it simple as I also do not plan on adding a sub or amp and just wanted a little better sound than stock. I read all the stereo threads and the technical talk is beyond me. I am pleased with the sound quality. I ordered everything from crutchfield and they send vehicle specific adapters with the speakers which fit great. I also ordered the AUX accessory adapter to play any MP3 player instead of the IPOD and it would not work, they are sending a new adapter to see if that is the problem, I hooked up the IPOD adapter and it worked. I am also adding satelite radio (ordered the wrong one, they are sending the right one).
Hope you enjoy the new radio, I am enjoying mine. I'm sure Mr Marv was able to help you out, his information is more than helpful .

 

MrMarv - it is amazing how patient you are. It's no wonder you are respected the way you are. You have the secret to success, as you are probably aware. Your passion is something I desire. Thanks so much.

 

hey, see you're in the market for some speakers. i just picked up some Alpine type-S for my truck from crutchfield. they have the 6x9s and 6.5's for $49.99 including free speakers adapters and wiring adapters. click here to see all their current car audio deals. just thought this may help the wallet a little.
Nice choice on a deck btw, i love my Alpine 9886

 

I just added these speakers, Alpine SPS-17C2 along with the 9884, I wanted to be able to make the buttons all red . Their adapters made a nice easy install. I like the sound much better than stock.

Nice to see that I'm not the only one with this setup, I was hesitant on what to get.

 

You're welcome and thanks for the kind words!