Enclosure for 5 1/4" speaker

[rogerdodger]

I am replacing the 5 1/4" speakers, and they are wall mounted, with nothing behind them but the outside wall, and open to the interior space between the walls. If I make small enclosures from cardboard between inside wall and outside wall, will this improve the sound, or install them as the old ones are installed? Thanks in advance for the help.

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by rogerdodger

I am replacing the 5 1/4" speakers, and they are wall mounted, with nothing behind them but the outside wall, and open to the interior space between the walls. If I make small enclosures from cardboard between inside wall and outside wall, will this improve the sound, or install them as the old ones are installed? Thanks in advance for the help.

As an old time audiophile, I don't think anything you can insert into the wall area would have large enough volume and be ridged enough to improve the sound quality, and might even vibrate and cause a buzz. You might help things by adding additional insulation in the area of the speaker, but IMHO that's about it.

[moparjohn]

I recently replaced my original 73 speakers. I got good replacement ones, (JBL's)and they mounted into the original speaker grates. The cone was deeper and I easily found speaker spacers in the right size(internet), got longer screws and was done. I used automotive sound deadener (Dynomat) on the inside of the outer shell. Much improved sound!

[m.hony]

Just the fact that they are bolted in will give full range sound.
When speakers are mounted on a baffle board only they are "free air"- meaning an enclosure is not necessary.
An enclosure only matters on bass response- subwoofers.

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by moparjohn

I recently replaced my original 73 speakers. I got good replacement ones, (JBL's)and they mounted into the original speaker grates. The cone was deeper and I easily found speaker spacers in the right size(internet), got longer screws and was done. I used automotive sound deadener (Dynomat) on the inside of the outer shell. Much improved sound!

Better quality drivers will almost always provide improved sound quality.

[rogerdodger]

I replaced the speakers and installed a new stereo CD player, all from Crutchfield. 4 Sound Ordnance P-52 5-1/4" 2-way Spkrs, 3/4" Silk Dome, and a Pioneer DEH-150MP CD Receiver. Awsome sound. I used the original speaker enclosures. Thanks for the info and encouragement.

[Aage]

I think that the best ways to make significant improvements are

1. Improve the driver (a la JBL mentioned above)
2. reduce various and sundry buzzing and rattling such as the use of Dynomat or similar
3. reinforcing the panel the speaker sits on, by perhaps gluing and screwing 3/8" plywood to the back, front, or both.

A subwoofer will add much more bass, but will require a more significant investment of money and space.

[SeeMore]

If you really enjoy enhanced music and can figure how to run/hide wires, find a spot for this item:

Jensen JXA8BA2 8" Amplified Subwoofer

[m.hony]

That powered sub would go behind/under the couch.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Gave up on the Sony OEM "sound system"

This works well for the tv.

And this for the music...

....and both have applications outside the AS.

Bob