Has anyone tried Performance Products' "Ultimate SL Stereo"? They replace the dash speakers with 2-way midrange/tweeter speakers. The rear shelf is removed and replaced with a custom-built full enclosure that is ported and baffled with two 8" woofers. No holes anywhere other than the slits in the front of the new rear shelf to allow the subs to come through; it looks almost exactly like the original rear shelf and is carpeted to match the rest of your interior. Speakers are made by BMI, price is $679, and installation is DIY.
I'm tempted, because it doesn't ruin the original look. Bu I don't know much about stereo systems and know nothing about BMI. Any advice would be appreciated.
I looked into that setup also, but decided not to buy it because of cost. I wound up having my local stereo guy removing the shelf and installing two 6 X 9 speakers. They not only work great, adding sound to the rear of the car, but look good too. And, they cost much less than the Perf Prod setup. My radio is a Blaupunkt Navigation radio that works wonders and looks almost like factory!
I also saw that stereo system and wanted to purchase. My hesitation is 1. I have to install it and 2. I don't know anyone that has it. Plus, it's only speakers, no head unit.
I understand your reservations. I am no DIY'er, so I would have to find someone to install it for me. Still, is that price ($697) in the ballpark for four speakers plus the custom-built enclosure?
I would not recommend installing the performance products system. While it may sound better due to the "better" quality speakers, you will still be running the new speakers and 8" woofers with stock amplification power. If you do not push enough power through the speakers it will not take full advantage of the available sound. My experience with the 107s is that you should replace everything audio wise. The stock sound system is horrible sounding and terribly underpowered. Replace the head unit with a CD player, the front speakers with 3 1/2"-4" drivers, and put 6*9 in the rear. Driven with the head unit the sound will be fine, but throw in a 50W*4 amp made by a reputable manufacturer (eclipse), and you will finally be able to enjoy quality sound in the SL.
Just on the subject of installing stereos... I installed one last weekend with a CD, SD card reader and bluetooth (how nice to drive a classic you can hear yourself talk in).
Like most new stereos there's a bright LCD display - which due to the rake of the windshield I discovered is now reflected left-of-center in the window after dark. It doesn't bother me but if you did a lot of night driving it might be annoying.
Obviously in 1972 the old 'becker' radio didn't cause that problem.
When you remove the package shelf you will see two deep wells in the floor underneath. They are wonderful for base response on standard 6x9" speakers. I purchased a pair of 6x9 Sony speakers for 90.00 at best buys. Using a standard jigsaw I cut holes in the package tray. This was incredibly simple. The speaker grills are large and will cover any minor mistakes. I put two dish towels inside whe wheel wells for additional base response. It sounds fantastic and cost almost nothing to do.
Installed free except for a little carpet and MY time. What could THAT be worth?
IMHO, I wouldn't go for an extremely high quality sound. How good will it sound in a car that has a
cloth roof vibrating in the wind OR the top down entirely?
I am also interested in the preformance products speaker system, but would like to have a review before spending $700. As for BMI I have a pair of 6x9 in my Honda that I have been happy with for 10 years.
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