So, today I got my Infinity 6022si's in the mail from Crutchfield (http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=400&i=1086022SI&tp=105), to go in my 06 Sonata.

I have the Limited with the 6CD and Sub, but I felt that there just wasn't much depth from the factory speakers, so I picked these up after good reviews, etc. I only got the front pair thinking I would see what I thought before worrying about the rear pair.

Well after working on it 2.5 hours (with lots of issues like knocking the spring out of the door handle mechanism while pulling the panel off), I ran out of daylight and only ended up with 1 speaker installed, and compared to the other factory installed ones....it kind of sounds like crap.

It definitely has no low range, the mids are pretty weak, and the highs are ok. Flipping around balance/fade between the front right and front left (still factory speaker), the factory speaker completely blew away the Infinity.

So I call up Crutchfield to see what's up, and they give me this spiel about it really wanting more RMS power (even though they were supposed to work great with factory and aftermarket systems), and that the factory head unit its probably providing around 10W RMS. But then, most aftermartket units are only pushing 10-20W RMS without a separate amp. And really, I don't need to be blasting my stereo, I want good high quality sound at any volume.

So, I'm wondering what my line of action should be. What has anyone elses experience been in this situation? Should I return the speakers and put the factory one back in (which will be fun since I drilled out its rivets. Should I return and find a better speaker recommended by you guys that works with the Stock HU?

I mean, eventually, I will be getting a Navigation HU, but according the rep this still won't bring the speakers to their potential. Do I need to look at getting a multichannel amp?

Overall, I'm not looking to go ridiculous with the system, I just want the system to sound good to me, at any volume...its not to impress anyone else with how loud I can play my music. I don't want to spend ridiculous amounts of money, but am willing to throw a decent amount into the project.

Any advice would be appreciated.

This post has been edited by clemsonpablo: Sep 5 2008, 06:13 AM

I would suggest an amp for your speakers. A decent 4 channel amp to your aftermarket speakers is the only way to get really good sound. Additionally you are going to want an aftermarket head unit with multiple RCA preouts with high voltages.
This sounds like alot, but you can get the head unit for under $200, the amp for around $150 and speakers you already have.

I have tried to get good sound from speakers without an amp and there is just no way to do it. I have had Polks, Infinity, Pioneers, Boston Acoustics, Kenwood, and Alpine. With no amp, even with a great head unit, they only sound marginally better than factory and usually not as loud.

Also, look around on the Internet and you can find that some cheap amps are made by the same factory as expensive amps. US Acoustics used to be one (not sure if they are now). Basically, you get the same quality amp, for much less of a price.

One thing, you do not want a class D amp.

I agree buy a 4 ch amp. The speakers are definatley under powered. An amp doesn't just make it louder. They will sound alot better. Most Car audio stores you can compare what a speaker sounds like with and without an amp. I would see if you can notice the difference.

My Sony's sounded like total a$$ for a few days after install (all four doors, base stock head unit, no amp, no sub). They still don't sound great (they're still not amplified), but they sound much better than they did when I first installed them, and a he11uva lot better than stock.

Before returning your speakers, I'd recommend installing the other one and putting everything back together. Give it a few days and see how it sounds. Then if you still aren't happy, go the amp route or try a different speaker.

Agreed. I've been in the same boat years ago with my Taurus; had to add an amp THEN the aftermarket speakers sounded great.

Agreed on amp power not equaling loud; I run a 4-channel Alpine 70W/channel and I don't play it obnoxiously loud.

Yes, you need an amp but a 4ch is not going to do the trick unless you run 2 ch to drive 4 speakers and 2 ch to drive a sub, also the amp have to be able to drive a 2 ohms load. Why, because most aftermarket speaker do not reproduce much bass. A better option is to use a 5ch amp. 4ch to run your 4 speakers and 1ch to move your sub. Check Sonic Electronix they have much much better prices than crutchfield. If you decide to buy an aftermarket head unit buy the SCOSHE mounting kit not the metra because the SCOSHE have the option to slide the head unit to a position that will not protrude like with the metra type plus you can use the same kit for double din or half din. The P/N is HY1609B . I have already replace all the factory audio system with .

1-Kenwood Excelon head unit
2- Pioneer premier Components
3- Pioneer premier 2 way coaxial speakers
4- Directed 2500 equalizer
5- Hifonics ZXI8008 5 ch amp
6- Monster cable Rcas interconnects.
7- Bazooka 10" doble coil sub.

where are you guys mounting the multichannel amp in the sonata? in the trunk? If so do you have to do a bunch of crazy rewiring?

and what all work is entailed although I'd probably leave it to the pros

This post has been edited by clemsonpablo: Sep 5 2008, 04:26 PM

The trunk's the best place to mount the amp; it's where I mounted mine. If you don't want to run the wires needed to replace the factory amp, you can have the amp installed. I guess it depends on how much work you're willing to do.

You've successfully installed a door speaker, and this demonstrates you have the mechanical aptitude for doing most of the work. Yes, it involves wiring, and it's a learning experience, but I think you can do it.

When I installed my first aftermarket amp Crutchfield helped me a lot. That was on my '89 Taurus; it was a PITA. The Sonata's a lot easier to work on. There's a lot of expertise here, online and with Crutchfield.

Full range Class D amps such as the Alpine PDX, pioneer premier, and JL HD series are in some ways superior to Class A amps.

A normal Class D mono amp, of course, would not be what he wants, but a full range would work fine.