Infiniti Kappas for 300e...no cutting!!! Anybody got 'em???
 

OK guys...I'm considering the Infiniti Kappa 42.7i 4" for the front and the 52.7i 5.25" for the rear deck. I want this to be as simple an operation as humanly possible. I do NOT want to do any cutting. Repeat...no cutting. Period. I'm looking for a hook up, drop in and play application. I have a 1990 300E with a JVC KD-SH55 50X4 head unit.
After some research, it appears that the Kappas are almost exact in specs (size, depth, width, etc.) as the OEM speakers. I posted something similar awhile ago and the thread got hijacked by those who wanted to rant on about adding subs, cutting to fit larger speakers, adding speakers to the door panels, etc, etc. That's fine for them...but simply not what I want.
If someone has experience with installing these speakers, please free to jump in and help me out. I realize that some minor tweaks are to be expected, but again, I don't want to cut anything. I also understand the limitations of smaller speakers, but everything I've heard about the Kappas lends me to believe that this is an exceptional speaker for the size and price.
Thanks in advance for your input...and staying on subject :)

Bill

Are you running any new wiring or just using the existing wires? I've replaced the front speakers in 126s without any problems. Just make sure you solder the wires to the terminals the same way on both/each speaker to keep the polarity consistent. That only took about 20 minutes.

I have been through many different sets of speakers in my 88 300TE.


The first set of speakers that I ever put into there was a set of Infinity Kappa 4" speakers. The only problem with the 4" is the fact that they are too small for the hole, as the hole is approximately 5". The extra space around the speaker will give you poor bass performance, but you will get awesome highs!

The magnet and frame of the Kappa is bigger than the OEM speaker, but it will fit without problem.


But as you said, they will fit without any cutting... You just need to center it in the hole, and bolt it in.

Thanks man...
 

...and I assume that the 5.25 is too big for the hole (up front) without carving? Did I read in a previous post that you fabricated a bracket to eliminate the problem with the 4"? ...and have you tried the 5.25 in the rear? Thanks for the help...Bill

Ive got a wagon, so no rear deck.:( Ive got another set of 4" in my rear doors.



Yes, I have built a bracket for the front speakers, sealing them up, and giving them better response.

There are a few 5" speakers out there that will nearly drop right into the hole, I did this on a friends 300E a few weeks ago..


Let me call him to see what he bought and used.

Your help is appreciated...

Bill - I'll try to help and stay OT...:D...here is a post I made a while ago for my 300E, I was researching the exact same thing you are - drop-in fit Infinitys, no mods...

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/car-audio-multimedia/155836-w124-speaker-replacement-120mm-size-infinity.html

What I found is that basically, the 4" Infinity's are too small and the 5.25" are too big. The problem is that the stock speakers are metric - they are 120mm in diameter.

So...you can shop around all day trying to find a big 4" or a small 5.25" that may fit closely, but you won't get that tight seal around the dash critical for bass response without modification - which you don't want to do.

The only drop-in that I have heard of - that was designed to 'drop-in' - are the Rainbows, which I believe are currently discontinued, and potentially MB Quart as well.

I ended up giving up on replacing the stock speakers and simply added an amp - which did more than any replacement speaker could have done alone. When I upgraded the Becker head unit to an Alpine model (high output) that made a big difference. When I added the Alpine amp, that made the biggest difference!

Good luck!

Imagine that! A European car that is designed for standard size speakers rather than metric. Doesn't that seem ironic?

What about the Infinity 4"x6"metric size? I read about those and was wondering if those were designed for an MB rear deck. It sounds too big for the dash.

Rainbow Speakers
 

Dear Bill,

Have you looked into Rainbow speakers (for the front)? They are a direct fit, drop in. Best price and service I found was IQ (Jason). [No affiliation, just a satisfied customer.]

Regards,
Bob

Finally got through to my buddy that I put the speakers in for...


He ordered a set of Phoenix Gold Ryval 5.25" components for the dash of his car....


I installed them for him, and they were nearly a drop in fit into the dash... The only mod that needed to be done was to clip two if the mounting tabs off, and they dropped right in, nice and tight!


They have excellent bass repsonse.



Here is a link.

http://sonicelectronix.com/item_9207_Phoenix+Gold+Ryval+V5C.html

Dee8go - the stock speakers are metric...?:confused:

I had the Rainbow IQ120s in the front dash of my 300E. They were about as easy as it gets - plug in the speaker adapters, snap into the dash, and put the speaker cover back on. I was pretty impressed with them, they were clear and detailed, although a little bright and weak on the midbass, but that's probably going to be the case with any small coax speaker in that location.

If you want the Rainbows, I'm not sure they sell the IQ line anymore, but mine were basically the Soundline SL120s with Mercedes-specific lead adapters attached. You can also get these from Crutchfield as part of an installation kit for 80s vintage Mercedes and wire them together yourself.

You could try fitting 5.25" speakers in the front too, some of them may fit and they will give you a little better bass response. I would measure out the dimensions of the opening and bring it to a local store to see what fits. Also, it'll be easier to exchange if you find out it doesn't fit in the end.

thanks for the input...
 

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you guys earlier, but I had a photoshoot (I'm a photographer) yesterday with a gorgeous model and I'm trying to work through about 1000 photos...
...and I'm still trying to work through all the speaker info and trying to figure out which way to go...
Iwrock...it sounds like your suggestion may be the way to go for the fronts. I'm unclear if you also installed them in the rear of your bud's car?
I'm also kinda reluctant to purchase speakers without listening to them first.
More input from anyone? Any and all is appreciated.

Thanks again guys...

Bill

I put those speakers into the front of a friends W124 300E.


They fit perfectly after trimming two of the mounts off the midrange cone.