Replacing radio speakers

[billybovine]

I am going to start shopping for new speakers for my 2013 ST Limited. Just speakers no amp for now. So some questions.

1 What brands and models of 4 inch speakers are available that you can recommend?
2. Has anyone changed out their ST speakers? If so could you share your experience?

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I am going to start shopping for new speakers for my 2013 ST Limited. Just speakers no amp for now. So some questions.

1 What brands and models of 4 inch speakers are available that you can recommend?
2. Has anyone changed out their ST speakers? If so could you share your experience?.............. I switched to JBL ..GTO 528 front and 428 rear back in June. IMHO and M109Dreamer,( he did this also ) they are clear, crisp, and can do this at volume levels you won't use because they will hurt your ears .......I paid $ 100 for all four shipped to me ......they are 2 OHM and that's why they do what they do so well.............People at Spyderquest in NY in Sept. were AMAZED at the sound quality and volume ....PM Him for His opinion ..........Mike ...........PS , We have RT's so I'm not sure the 528 will fit an ST but the 428 should

[billybovine]

.............. I switched to JBL ..GTO 528 front and 428 rear back in June. IMHO and M109Dreamer,( he did this also ) they are clear, crisp, and can do this at volume levels you won't use because they will hurt your ears .......I paid $ 100 for all four shipped to me ......they are 2 OHM and that's why they do what they do so well.............People at Spyderquest in NY in Sept. were AMAZED at the sound quality and volume ....PM Him for His opinion ..........Mike ...........PS , We have RT's so I'm not sure the 528 will fit an ST but the 428 should

I assume the GTO 428's should fit in the ST. Since ST speakers are the same BRP part# as the RT rear speakers.

I see the GTO 428 is obsolete and replaced by GTO 429. Anyone what the difference is besides price???

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I assume the GTO 428's should fit in the ST. Since ST speakers are the same BRP part# as the RT rear speakers.

I see the GTO 428 is obsolete and replaced by GTO 429. Anyone what the difference is besides price???
​I wouldn't say OBSOLETE, they have been superseded by the 429.........I have looked at the specs ...and considering the price increase I would stick with the 428.....they are still available at many outlets ............probably for less now than what I paid.....................Before you buy anything ...check the HOLE size where the speakers need to fit into....you may be able to go with the 528.......BUT CHECK IT FIRST ................Mike :thumbup:

[bscrive]

We have been thinking of changing the speakers as well. Are the 428's waterproof? I did not read that they are and I would think that after they have been through the rain a number of times that they may fall apart.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

We have been thinking of changing the speakers as well. Are the 428's waterproof? I did not read that they are and I would think that after they have been through the rain a number of times that they may fall apart.......................Since I have them and recommend them.......in the specs you will find no materials they use to make the speakers that absorb water.......I have both the 528 & 428 and have been in the rain and have washed my Spyder and have had no problems with them...............When I removed the OEM speakers and examined them , I wondered how BRP ( or the supplier ) actually made THEM waterproof ??????, because they didn't look it...........................Mike :thumbup:........................PS.....In order to get "SOUND " improvement all the speakers have to be the same impedance ....The JBL - GTO series are 2 OHM.......The OEM speakers are 4 OHM's .....at 1/2 volume the OEM's are going to break up and that is what you will hear ............not the clarity of the JBL's .......I hope this helps ......Mike :thumbup:

[bscrive]

It does Mike. I guess we will go for it. Thanks for your help.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

It does Mike. I guess we will go for it. Thanks for your help.
You were at SPYDERQUEST ......Did you hear my speakers while you were there.............................Mike :thumbup:

[bscrive]

Yep we were at SpyderQuest but we didn't get a chance to hear your set up. Would have been nice to hear.

By the way. I just bought the 428's. I will install them in the spring.

[billybovine]

Yep we were at SpyderQuest but we didn't get a chance to hear your set up. Would have been nice to hear.

By the way. I just bought the 428's. I will install them in the spring.

Where did you get them and if you don't mind what price?

Thanks

[bscrive]

Billy,

I got them off ebay for $40 US.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

[QUOTE=billybovine;926032]Where did you get them and if you don't mind what price?

Thanks[/QUOTE....bscrive answered before I could ....and He paid less than I did ........Yes are not the current Model the 429 is ....HOWEVER ,,,I believe the 429 is a 3 OHM speaker and that will be entirely different than the 2 OHM 428........It's also 3 X's the price ......There is a lower priced JBL that I believe is also 2 OHM ...I'll try and find the Model for you ( it's a current offering from JBL ) .....Mike :thumbup:

[bscrive]

You can get a set of 429's for $62 and they are 3ohms.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JBL-GTO429-210-Watts-4-2-Way-Coaxial-Car-Audio-Speakers-GTO-Series-/201192949974?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ed808c8d6&vxp=mtr

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

You can get a set of 429's for $62 and they are 3ohms.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JBL-GTO429-210-Watts-4-2-Way-Coaxial-Car-Audio-Speakers-GTO-Series-/201192949974?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ed808c8d6&vxp=mtr..................:lecturef_smilie:...YOU DO NOT WANT ....3 OHM SPEAKERS ......I'm the guy who recommends 2 ohm speakers........for a darn good reason.............Mike .................And there are plenty of 428's on E-Bay I just checked

[billybovine]

..................:lecturef_smilie:...YOU DO NOT WANT ....3 OHM SPEAKERS ......I'm the guy who recommends 2 ohm speakers........for a darn good reason.............Mike :thumbup:

I thought the OE speaker are 4 ohm so the 3 ohm would be a closer match and be more efficient?

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1994_articles/oct94/impedance.html

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I thought the OE speaker are 4 ohm so the 3 ohm would be a closer match and be more efficient?

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1994_articles/oct94/impedance.html.........................Billy that's a great informative explanation..................................Do you now know what all of that means.....................................I'm guessing you may still be somewhat confused ....Don't feel bad most people would be ...........In simple terms ..for our aplication and needs ...2 OHMS are what you want .................If you want to get 3 OHM speakers , go for it .....However they are going to be ONLY slightly better than the OEM's ........................One of our Spyderlovers is coming down from Canada to pick up something on Friday....I will play my 2 OHM speakers for Him and He can give you a first hand report......or PM MS109 Dreamer and ask Him what He thinks ....because he got the JBL's also....................Mike :thumbup:

[bscrive]

Update,

I finally put the JBL 428's on my wife's STL last weekend. They are smaller than the stock ones and a little deeper. I used a couple of pieces of 1/4" plywood to make a gasket move the speakers ahead and close off the excess space so as to not loose bass. They do hit the plastic covers on the dash and I had to modify it a little but it was not hard to do. The speakers do sound much better than the factory ones and there isn't any distortion. A good mod. My wife is happy and that is all that matters.

Thanks Billy for starting the thread and BLUEKNIGHT911 for the info. :thumbup:

[Marker]

When my spyder is out winter storage I will install my new JBL 428 and 528 speakers
Great eBay deal for all four speakers. I have no garage to do winter farkling.
Thanks again Mike:thumbup:

[bscrive]

When my spyder is out winter storage I will install my new JBL 428 and 528 speakers
Great eBay deal for all four speakers. I have no garage to do winter farkling.
Thanks again Mike:thumbup:

Marker,
Too bad that you are so far away. I have a nice big heated garage and we could work on your bike together. I love doing this stuff.

[Marker]

Marker,
Too bad that you are so far away. I have a nice big heated garage and we could work on your bike together. I love doing this stuff.

Thanks for the offer bscrive very much appreciated:thumbup:

[billybovine]

Update,

I finally put the JBL 428's on my wife's STL last weekend. They are smaller than the stock ones and a little deeper. I used a couple of pieces of 1/4" plywood to make a gasket move the speakers ahead and close off the excess space so as to not loose bass. They do hit the plastic covers on the dash and I had to modify it a little but it was not hard to do. The speakers do sound much better than the factory ones and there isn't any distortion. A good mod. My wife is happy and that is all that matters.

Thanks Billy for starting the thread and BLUEKNIGHT911 for the info. :thumbup:

Good to hear that you fitted them into a STL. Did you need the 1/4 inch thickness? I have local source for sheet PVC and it's not that thick. That's what I had in the back of my mind to use.

[bscrive]

Good to hear that you fitted them into a STL. Did you need the 1/4 inch thickness? I have local source for sheet PVC and it's not that thick. That's what I had in the back of my mind to use.

Yes, I did. Otherwise the back of the speaker is hitting the headlight housing and the vibrations would probably brake the filiment in the bulbs. I think I have less than a 1/16" clearance with the speaker and headlight housing.

[billybovine]

Yes, I did. Otherwise the back of the speaker is hitting the headlight housing and the vibrations would probably brake the filiment in the bulbs. I think I have less than a 1/16" clearance with the speaker and headlight housing.

Thanks

[Purple Guy]

The GTO428's do not fit properly in the rear location on an RT.
There a 1/4" gap (see pics) around the speaker and you lose all the bass.
IMO the J&M Rear Speaker Upgrade Kit from Custom Dynamics is the way to go for the rear speakers.
http://www.customdynamics.com/can_am_spyder_audio_speakers.htm
I put the 428's in and was quite disappointed with the sound or lack of quality sound.
I ended up buying the J&M's, swapped one out to compare and the difference was night and day!
The GTO528's fit perfect up front and sound great!

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab92/Purple_Guy/IMG_20150127_160202_zps7307c871.jpg (http://s853.photobucket.com/user/Purple_Guy/media/IMG_20150127_160202_zps7307c871.jpg.html)


http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab92/Purple_Guy/IMG_20150127_160359_zpsb1327d46.jpg (http://s853.photobucket.com/user/Purple_Guy/media/IMG_20150127_160359_zpsb1327d46.jpg.html)

[Spyder 42]

I thought the OE speaker are 4 ohm so the 3 ohm would be a closer match and be more efficient?

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1994_articles/oct94/impedance.html


As as the song goes, it's all about the bass?

[bscrive]

Here is what I did to fill in the space left from the smaller speakers. At the top of the filler piece, you can see where I had to modify the 1/4 plywood so that the bike's speaker covers would fit. I had to do this to both sides. No loss of bass and the speakers sound great. I will see how the painted plywood holds up, and if it starts to swell too bad I will find some 1/4" plastic to replace it. The way it sits, I don't think the rain will hit it much. I made sure not to block the botton drainage hole so the water will drain away and not build up.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=102843&stc=1

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Here is what I did to fill in the space left from the smaller speakers. At the top of the filler piece, you can see where I had to modify the 1/4 plywood so that the bike's speaker covers would fit. I had to do this to both sides. No loss of bass and the speakers sound great. I will see how the painted plywood holds up, and if it starts to swell too bad I will find some 1/4" plastic to replace it. The way it sits, I don't think the rain will hit it much. I made sure not to block the botton drainage hole so the water will drain away and not build up.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=102843&stc=1

As a confirmed DIY'er I just love it when people manage to adjust to a slight bump in the road and just FIX the problem, Kudo's to you my friend , and I agree the likelihood of water affecting the wood is slight especially since you painted it .......:thumbup::thumbup:......Mike

[PMK]

Taking this a step further, when you folks did your install, did you seal the speaker box area and seal the edge of the speaker itself?

After watching the Finless video of installing the JM speakers, he made mention of the rubber style wellnuts and also a foam gasket. When I do the upgrade, will the speaker lay flat or is there a gap between the speaker and mount. Are the speaker boxes sealed well from BRP.

PK

[bscrive]

I did not seal around the speakers but there was a thin foam gasket on the stock speakers. I didn't notice any vibrations, and I craked the sound on it, but I guess you could put in a gasket. I will keep that in mind if my wife complains about the speaker sound not being quite right.

[freebob]

I am going to start shopping for new speakers for my 2013 ST Limited. Just speakers no amp for now. So some questions.

1 What brands and models of 4 inch speakers are available that you can recommend?
2. Has anyone changed out their ST speakers? If so could you share your experience?

I thought Spyder speakers where 5.25 "

[billybovine]

Installed a set of Pioneer 4 inch speakers. Used some closed cell foam weatherstripping tape to seal up the gap. No need for a spacer. fit in the existing space. Will have to see how long they last.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=102851&stc=1

[billybovine]

I thought Spyder speakers where 5.25 "

On a ST they're not. St front and only speakers are the same as RT rears.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Taking this a step further, when you folks did your install, did you seal the speaker box area and seal the edge of the speaker itself?

After watching the Finless video of installing the JM speakers, he made mention of the rubber style wellnuts and also a foam gasket. When I do the upgrade, will the speaker lay flat or is there a gap between the speaker and mount. Are the speaker boxes sealed well from BRP.

PK

Paul , what bscrive did above is really more than adequate when you need to consider where the speakers are and what they are on.......Would His set-up be OK at the Met in NYC .....Nooooooooooooooo........But on a Spyder on the highway at 65 MPH or more they will be more than adequate .........The key on this entire speaker thing is the OHM's + the actual quality of the speaker itself.........I have JBL's and I love them , I can play them at levels that can hurt my ears if I want and they are clear and crisp .....Unlike the OEM's which go south at about 1/2 volume..............As far as the Speaker boxes go they leak air like a sieve, BRP didn't need to seal them up, the OEM speakers are so BAD it wouldn't make any difference. I didn't seal my rear speakers like " bscrive " did , so my rears have an air GAP ( JBL 428's ).......frankly I don't notice any loose of Base. If were easier to access the rears I would add a trim piece , but I have too many other more important things to do...............Others here have gone with the JBL's for their RT's and really liked them......maybe they will chime in.........good luck, .....Mike :thumbup:

[PMK]

Paul , what bscrive did above is really more than adequate when you need to consider where the speakers are and what they are on.......Would His set-up be OK at the Met in NYC .....Nooooooooooooooo........But on a Spyder on the highway at 65 MPH or more they will be more than adequate .........The key on this entire speaker thing is the OHM's + the actual quality of the speaker itself.........I have JBL's and I love them , I can play them at levels that can hurt my ears if I want and they are clear and crisp .....Unlike the OEM's which go south at about 1/2 volume..............As far as the Speaker boxes go they leak air like a sieve, BRP didn't need to seal them up, the OEM speakers are so BAD it wouldn't make any difference. I didn't seal my rear speakers like " bscrive " did , so my rears have an air GAP ( JBL 428's ).......frankly I don't notice any loose of Base. If were easier to access the rears I would add a trim piece , but I have too many other more important things to do...............Others here have gone with the JBL's for their RT's and really liked them......maybe they will chime in.........good luck, .....Mike :thumbup:

Well Mike, don't launch the missiles and kill me, I got the 429 / 529 speakers, (ebay, new in box with free shipping, about $125), a TuneTrapper hidden antenna, and have the oem antenna hole plug on the way.

I am sure I will either make an adapter or come up with some form of a seal on the rears. Overall though, since the volume of the speaker enclosure is pretty small, I was toying with sealing any possible air leaks and ensuring the speaker mount flange is sealed to the box.

The wife has complained since day one about the audio quality. The above mentioned stuff is the next set of mods. We are not into having the music loud vs the quality. I am suspecting the speakers alone, whether 428 / 528 or 429 / 529 will be a step or two above oem and sound great.

Been doing homework on the install, seems I need to verify I have clearance between the headlamp shell and speaker. Need to build a mount ring or somehow seal the rears. The antenna is pretty cool and flexible enough it should mount in the rear bodywork.

Hopefully she enjoys this mod.

PK

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Well Mike, don't launch the missiles and kill me, I got the 429 / 529 speakers, (ebay, new in box with free shipping, about $125), a TuneTrapper hidden antenna, and have the oem antenna hole plug on the way.

I am sure I will either make an adapter or come up with some form of a seal on the rears. Overall though, since the volume of the speaker enclosure is pretty small, I was toying with sealing any possible air leaks and ensuring the speaker mount flange is sealed to the box.

The wife has complained since day one about the audio quality. The above mentioned stuff is the next set of mods. We are not into having the music loud vs the quality. I am suspecting the speakers alone, whether 428 / 528 or 429 / 529 will be a step or two above oem and sound great.

Been doing homework on the install, seems I need to verify I have clearance between the headlamp shell and speaker. Need to build a mount ring or somehow seal the rears. The antenna is pretty cool and flexible enough it should mount in the rear bodywork.

Hopefully she enjoys this mod.

PK....Haven't killed anyone lately :roflblack:........and not likely to do you :agree:......not launching any M's either......Unless the 529 is a lot larger than the 528 ( and I doubt it ) there will be NO issue with the Headlite housing ( you are putting this in a 2014 RT correct ????) ......The new 29 series aren't 2 OHM speaker's ........I'm not an Audio genius, but when you half the OHM's you effectively double the output of the Head unit ( relatively speaking )...........This is one of the reasons the 2 OHM ( OEM=4...JBL = 2 ) speakers can play louder - cleaner ...............I'm sure you will be Happy with those JBL's ,,,,the company makes really good speakers............Watch the video " finless " did it's really very helpful and will show you how to cut some time in doing it ......I wish I had seen it before I did my speakers ............Please keep us posted on how it goes .........:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:......Mike

[cyclelover63]

I didn't see CUSTOM DYNAMICS set up on their site....Where did you see it at?...Thanks!

[Purple Guy]

I didn't see CUSTOM DYNAMICS set up on their site....Where did you see it at?...Thanks!

http://www.customdynamics.com/can_am_spyder_audio_speakers.htm

[900Dave]

Installed a set of Pioneer 4 inch speakers. Used some closed cell foam weatherstripping tape to seal up the gap. No need for a spacer. fit in the existing space. Will have to see how long they last.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=102851&stc=1

What model Pioneers are they? I would like to compare to the JBL 428/429.
Thanks

[billybovine]

What model Pioneers are they? I would like to compare to the JBL 428/429.
Thanks

Pioneer's TS-G1044R speakers. There is no issue with the mounting depth so no spacer needed. The jury is still out on whether I like them or not. Need to go for a long ride and work them at the higher volumes. It's been too *$%%&& cold to do that.

[900Dave]

Pioneer's TS-G1044R speakers.

There is no issue with the mounting depth so no spacer needed. The jury is still out on whether I like them or not. Need to go for a long ride and work them at the higher volumes. It's been too *$%%&& cold to do that.

Thanks! That is why I wanted to look at them. No spacer required. I think the JBL is probably a better speaker IMO. But after listening to and looking close at the OEM speakers anything has to sound better. It is also a really tight fit on these ST's.

[DougC]

Polk db 401 and they are waterproof!!!

[Kevin Nemeth]

Polk db 401 and they are waterproof!!!
Installed the Polk DB501 speakers on my ST Limited and they fit perfectly so now I am able to listen to the stereo with greater clarity and volume. I think 5-1/4" would have fit without spacers or mods. I wish it had more bass but the tweeter is awesome and super clear. I'm on a new quest to get the best sound from 2 coaxial small speakers. I would like to try the JBL GTO 528s next.

[pwpalmbay]

How does the grill for the ST come off to remove the speakers?

[900Dave]

How does the grill for the ST come off to remove the speakers?

The grill just pops off. You can pry it up with a screw driver pretty easy. Now you can see the speakers. To remove them you have to remove several other pieces of the console :banghead:. The tupperware can be a big jig saw puzzle. Some pieces have to come apart in just the right order.

[SpyderRx]

I ordered the JBL GTO528 today. Already put the 428's in but wasn't pleased with the sound at highway speed so I am going to give the 5 & 1/4's a try

[900Dave]

I ordered the JBL GTO528 today. Already put the 428's in but wasn't pleased with the sound at highway speed so I am going to give the 5 & 1/4's a try

I will interested to know what the 528's sound like. Please report back. I put 5-1/4 Pioneers in mine. They are better than the OEM speakers but not as good as I thought they would be.

[pwpalmbay]

How does the speaker grill come out? I assume it's just in using some type of clip. I didn't want to break the mechanism.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I will interested to know what the 528's sound like. Please report back. I put 5-1/4 Pioneers in mine. They are better than the OEM speakers but not as good as I thought they would be.

They are 4 OHM ??????????........just a thought .......Mike :thumbup:

[900Dave]

So here is an article that explains the difference between 2ohm & 4 ohm speakers.

http://knowledge.sonicelectronix.com/car-audio-and-video/car-subwoofers/what-is-the-difference-between-2-and-4-ohms/

[SpyderRx]

Tried to install the JBL GTO528 today. They will not fit due to depth. The circumference looks to be fine. Even with a spacer or shim they will or fit because your top plastic would then not properly fit. I don't think the depth of the speaker is an issue as they are listed to have the same depth as the 428 I have installed. The problem is the circumference of the magnet is a good bit bigger than the 428 which hits the back of the headlight assembly. Oh well, it was worth a try. Now I have to try and sell the GTO528 as I broke 2 of the mounting tabs off trying to get them in.

[DougC]

Tried to install the JBL GTO528 today. They will not fit due to depth. The circumference looks to be fine. Even with a spacer or shim they will or fit because your top plastic would then not properly fit. I don't think the depth of the speaker is an issue as they are listed to have the same depth as the 428 I have installed. The problem is the circumference of the magnet is a good bit bigger than the 428 which hits the back of the headlight assembly. Oh well, it was worth a try. Now I have to try and sell the GTO528 as I broke 2 of the mounting tabs off trying to get them in.
From what I'm told there's only like 1" depth to work with. That's why I heard the Polk db401 work. Haven't done it yet myself

[billybovine]

Tried to install the JBL GTO528 today. They will not fit due to depth. The circumference looks to be fine. Even with a spacer or shim they will or fit because your top plastic would then not properly fit. I don't think the depth of the speaker is an issue as they are listed to have the same depth as the 428 I have installed. The problem is the circumference of the magnet is a good bit bigger than the 428 which hits the back of the headlight assembly. Oh well, it was worth a try. Now I have to try and sell the GTO528 as I broke 2 of the mounting tabs off trying to get them in.

Sorry it did not work. Thanks for being the guinea pig on this.

I am not real pleased with the 4 inch pioneers I tried either. Someone will find something will work great!

[Tgwinn]

Sorry to dredge up an older thread, I just didn't want to start a whole new one on the subject. Did anyone ever determine the actual size speaker needed for the ST's? I have seen both 4in and 5in bandied about in this thread but never saw anything definitive. I have an ST-S and was considering installing something like the polk db401 or db501 depending on what actually fits and then putting a bluetooth enabled amp in the frunk to stream my iphone through. I just don't have enough experience with these sort of things to know which amp (size, power, etc) would be needed to run this sort of setup. Thanks in advance for any solid info you guys might have!!! :D

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Sorry to dredge up an older thread, I just didn't want to start a whole new one on the subject. Did anyone ever determine the actual size speaker needed for the ST's? I have seen both 4in and 5in bandied about in this thread but never saw anything definitive. I have an ST-S and was considering installing something like the polk db401 or db501 depending on what actually fits and then putting a bluetooth enabled amp in the frunk to stream my iphone through. I just don't have enough experience with these sort of things to know which amp (size, power, etc) would be needed to run this sort of setup. Thanks in advance for any solid info you guys might have!!! :D

READ POSTS #33 & # 35......Mike :thumbup:

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: Neither post directly addresses the issue of speaker size... :shocked:

[Tgwinn]

Yep, I agree. I read through the entire thread before I ever posted that question and never got a straight answer. When i pulled the speaker grill covers off my ST-S yesterday, i measured the hole at 4in.. So, I guess that means that I need a 4 inch speaker..lol I am thinking I will use a bluetooth amplifier such as the http://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Audio-Receiver-Amplifier-Model/dp/B00JB4YWGO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435163247&sr=8-1&keywords=model+300+black and stream directly from my phone audio to the speakers. Just have to install the 12v power plug and use a dc to ac inverter to run the amp. Now to find out if the fuses that run the 12v plug would be enough to support that amp........ Seems all my solutions add more questions..lol:D