how did u installed the Infinity Kappa 692.7i in the rear! i tried to do it but the grills sponge is pushing the speaker's rubber, does it fit from below.. (inside the trunk) ??
New to this forum - it's a pleasure to be here. I just wanted to take a moment and share my experience with my recent search for OEM speaker upgrades for my 2004 Honda Accord EXL 5-speed manual.
My plan was seemingly simple to upgrade the speakers and leave the rest alone. I visited many websites including crutchfield, onlinecarstereo, sonicelectronix, and techronics for the best data and deals. What I found out was that the OEM fronts are not true 6-1/2", more like 5-3/4", and the rears are limited in their height clearance. This got the search started.
It was tough decision to find the right speaker setup as I wanted to be sure they were all voice matched. Hence, I chose the same brand/type all-around. Below are the ones I considered:
- MB Quart ESA 216 ; component 6-1/2" = $80 - MB Quart ETA 169 ; 2-way 6x9 = $100
- Polk dB6501 ; component 6-1/2" = $130 - Polk dB691 ; 2-way 6x9 = $110
- Boston Acoustics S60 ; component 6-1/2" = $130 - Boston Acoustics S95 ; 2-way 6x9 = $80
Clearly all these sets are excellent options, but there were reasons why many didnt make the cut:
1) The JL Audio TR690 and the Polk dB691 (both 6x9s) were too tall and I would not have likely been able to place the factory grill back so, both those systems were cut as I want a clean factory look. The JL Audio seemed like a great product, though.
2) The Infinity Kappa were my #1 choice until I realized they ran on 2-ohms rather the Hondas 4-ohm load this meant that the factory head unit would work harder to put out sound, and may lead to eventual overheating to my dismay, the Infinity set was cut. The step-down Infinity Reference series also runs on 2-ohms, so that was not an option either. Bummer.
3) Finally, although the MB Quart nameplate is well respected amongst audiophiles, this is the entry-level series and it appears they have been blasted by critics as not being true to the brand name a small concern, but enough for me to cut them.
I chose the Boston Acoustics because of the great reviews on the many websites and from you on this forum. I was also able to confirm the fit of the 6-1/2 size into the doors, per Crutchfields data. Most components they recommend are one size smaller (5-1/4), and I wanted the bigger size and the Bostons seemed to be the ones that actually fit. In addition, this forum has a number of posts claiming how easy it was to install the 6x9s into position this gives me some piece of mind as I plan on doing the installation myself.
The reason I posted this thread is that it was much harder than I anticipated in finding the right speaker at the right price for this car. I cant remember it being this tough the last time I did this. If money is no object, the Crutchfield is the place for you they will treat you right and give you all you need for a successful project. They have all the speakers pre-selected, but you will pay for it.
If you are not made of money, then you need to hunt for the right speaker (fit/type) and the right deal. I felt I saved a couple hundred bucks doing it my way.
I hope this helps you. Good luck to all of you in your speaker upgrades.
