[andisval]

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=120804.80

The link above is a thread that brought me to this website. I'm a bit naive to the function of this forum, clearly its about audio but its most certainly out of my scope of knowledge about audio. With that being said, if this is the wrong forum to ask this question just lemme know.

My question
I'm working on improving my miata sound system, I'm not expecting anything miraculous but for my utility there aren't many options. The headrest speakers fit 3.5" drivers, apparently the Polk db 351 fits perfectly. Do any of you have any suggestions on what I can use? These will be hooked up to an amp.

I was curious also about the linked thread above, where can I buy these if I wanted to put them in?

[Letitroll98]

Welcome to Audio Circle.  We used to have a circle devoted to automobile audio, but for a variety of reasons, admin decided that it just wasn't our cup 'o tea and the circle was put down gently to forever remain in the archived circles department.  With the caveat that one should prolly seek advice for this on a car audio site, I don't see any reason why we can't have a discussion about car audio here as long as it adheres to C&C guidelines, e.g. no system over $1,000 and no individual component over $400.  That's a synopsis of the guidelines for the circle, you can read the full description in the 'Welcome To' thread.  Note that we stretch the rules all the time if the item has enough merit in value vs performance.  So if you're driving a Miata I'm assuming you're looking for Cheap and Cheerful, therefore anyone with any knowledge in the area feel free to chime in.

Buying Danny Richie's speakers are as easy as sending him a PM, he does business on the site and is very knowledgable about all things speaker and electronic.  I'm sure he'd be very willing to answer any of your questions. 

[Doublej]

or you can just click on this linky and buy them right from his website.

http://gr-research.com/drivers.aspx

http://gr-research.com/lgk10.aspx

[DS-21]

Since you're talking headrest speakers, I assume you mean an NA (1989-1997) Miata.

Honestly, you won't find anything better in that role than Jeff Anderson's upgrade. Look on the miata.net for more info.

(I ran a 2001SE as my daily driver for a decade. Until last April. Completely fantastic car. Alas, now for sale because of an impending family addition.)

[jpm]

The best way to get good sound quality in a Miata is by using headphones or in ear monitors.

I know, this sounds like a downer, really I'm not trolling - this is based on personal experience and, frankly, wasting a butt load of $ in pursuit of a solution.

I replaced the wholly inadequate stock Bose system in my '08 PRHT with the Clearwater Audio replacement drivers and crossovers, along with a very nice Sony head unit and a device to keep the steering wheel controls functional, all professionally installed. It sounded great ... until I started to drive.

There's a fundamental problem with great sound quality and the Miata. The car is a noisy little ******. That's part of it's charm - it's raw, elemental and provides an unparalleled connection between the driver and the road. The road noise, the wheel noise, the engine noise are all part of the experience. With the top up, you have a different set of challenges - the hood that was insulating the noise from the trunk and rear wheels ... ain't there any more! All of the crashes and bangs transmit straight from the rear wheels and the echo chamber trunk straight into the cabin, where the top, now up, helps to trap them!

So, if you really truly are dedicated to getting a good sound system in your Miata, begin with damping and sound proofing and stick with the stock stereo until you get that part right.

I wish you the very best of luck, and please keep us posted on what you discover. Above all else, enjoy your Miata