Adding tweeters to existing stereo

An alchemy of sparks, copper wire and earth

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

Locked
User avatar
Zebedee
Registered user
Posts: 368
Joined: 17 Jan 2009, 17:31
80-90 Mem No: 9267
Location: Maryport, Cumbria

Adding tweeters to existing stereo

Post by Zebedee »

Has anyone fitted the cheap tweeters that are available on ebay to their van?
The ones that come with a built in crossover?
These sort:
Image

I've got some 80watt kenwood 5.5" coaxial speakers mounted in the bottom of my cab doors and theres virtually no treble to be heard when driving along.
I know the position is not idea for the high notes (bass is great) but the previous owner fitted them not me and as i'm loathed to cut another hole further up the door to move the speakers up i was thinking of fitting some tweeters on the dash or A pillar.
I'm not expecting miracles (and a 500watt tweeter isn't matched to a 80watt coax's) but a little treble would be better than non (i've already adjusted the stereo to give as much as possible).

Problem is i have no idea how to wire them up.
The stereo has 4 speaker outputs which are already running 2x coax in the front and 2x 3 ways in the back so theres nothing to connect tweeters to.
I understand how to wire up proper component speakers with a passive crossover but these have a crossover already built in.
Movember, growing a tash for charity.
Please donate: http://mobro.co/Zebedee

When you do things right people won't be sure you've done anything at all.
http://www.border-dubbers.co.uk

1988 Caravelle running LPG

User avatar
eatcustard
Registered user
Posts: 1817
Joined: 27 Oct 2008, 07:26
80-90 Mem No: 6062
Contact:

Re: Adding tweeters to existing stereo

Post by eatcustard »

They are not designed to use with Coax.
It will kill your head unit over time.

Cant you adjust the treble on your head unit?

or replace the coax ones for better ones
https://www.penguinjones.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; PM me for your 10% discount

Fin
Registered user
Posts: 314
Joined: 21 Jan 2010, 19:40
80-90 Mem No: 8714
Location: Bradford On Avon
Contact:

Re: Adding tweeters to existing stereo

Post by Fin »

I just ran mine in parallel with the door ones by hooking them up to the extra tangs on the door speakers - I don't know if that's exactly correct but they sure sound nice.
Single cab pickup, running 1996 Subaru WRX STI engine, Aiden talbot gearbox.

User avatar
Zebedee
Registered user
Posts: 368
Joined: 17 Jan 2009, 17:31
80-90 Mem No: 9267
Location: Maryport, Cumbria

Re: Adding tweeters to existing stereo

Post by Zebedee »

Turning the treble up on the head unit just makes it sound tinny.

I think i might just have to look into a proper set of component speakers and crossovers.
Thought they seemed too cheap to be true.
Movember, growing a tash for charity.
Please donate: http://mobro.co/Zebedee

When you do things right people won't be sure you've done anything at all.
http://www.border-dubbers.co.uk

1988 Caravelle running LPG

poops1966
Registered user
Posts: 21
Joined: 21 Jan 2011, 21:04
80-90 Mem No: 9161
Location: Wallingford, Oxfordshire

Re: Adding tweeters to existing stereo

Post by poops1966 »

Its mainly down to the impedence of the speakers you have and tweeters you want to add and if you wire them in parallel or series. Low impedence could cook your head unit!! high will effect (lower) the sound level as will effect power. Here is a link to a car audio website, they are based near me and there knowledge is second to none. https://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk
In addition see this article which better explains what I am going on about.
https://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/caraud ... d=20&nav=0
Use the contact link on their website and I am sure they will be able to advise and even supply what you need. Might not be as cheap as flea bay but it will be right and wont fry your head unit.
Cheers poops
Cornwall on a sunny day with a pint of Tinners in hand, is my aarrrgh moment!

User avatar
Zebedee
Registered user
Posts: 368
Joined: 17 Jan 2009, 17:31
80-90 Mem No: 9267
Location: Maryport, Cumbria

Re: Adding tweeters to existing stereo

Post by Zebedee »

Cheers.

I think the lack of treble is mainly caused by the speaker position (right at the bottom of the door panel) where the passengers and drivers legs block it getting to your ears.
The sony stereo in my other van (speakers mounted in a similar position) has a setting which lifts the virtual sound stage higher up giving a better sound but this stereo doesn't have that function.
Movember, growing a tash for charity.
Please donate: http://mobro.co/Zebedee

When you do things right people won't be sure you've done anything at all.
http://www.border-dubbers.co.uk

1988 Caravelle running LPG

Locked