What is the model number for the "drop-in" Sony Xplodes? The Sony site shows an XS-HF78 with a seperate tweeter and it goes for about $300. Is that the one? The Crutchfield site indicates a number of Sony 6 1/2 inch speakers. If there are some "drop-ins, I would just as soon put those in. Thanks.

I don't know if there is some variance between models/years, but in our '91 190E 2.3, the 'drop-in' size for the rear deck is 4". I note that some have installed a larger size, with mods and a non-stock grille.

Boston Acoustics makes a 4" model that is drop-in, and it also comes with break-away tabs and clips that make it drop right in the dash, as well.

I considered the Sony, since it is available in a similar size, but found the sound disagreeable compared to the BA's.

Steve

I was about to buy the 6 1/2" Sony Xplodes for the rear deck over the week-end since Brooks verified the exact speakers. They are the XS-V series. All of these should drop right in. I understand that the Infinity 6 1/2s need just a little cutting to make them work in the back. By the way, those Sonys are very ugly looking and I really would not want them showing on the back deck unless they had very superior sound. Anyway, my son went to Tweeters to listen to the Xplodes and he did not like the sound. The guys at Tweeters said that the Boston Accustics were better. Now my question is, will the BA 6 1/2s fit in the rear? And the other question my son has is: what is the cheapest way to add a sub-woofer to a 190E? Searching the posts here last night, there are a couple of ideas. I think I will wind up with a free-air 10" in the FirstAid kit area with an amp with enough power to drive just the sub. Head unit is a Bekker with 4 x 50 watts and that should be enought to drive the four small speakers (2 front, 2 rear deck).

Can't say on tha larger size B/A, but I doubt they will fit. They make more than one series, though, and I can't say on those. The model I used front and rear is FX-4, and the magnet is quite large. It barely fits in the rear, and compresses the vent ducting a bit in the front. Sound is a bit weak in the bass, of course, but very transparent, and can take a bit of bass boost. The larger speakers should not be necessary if your son intends using a sub.

Trex --

-- as for the XPlods being ugly, who is going to see them? Aren't you going to put the factory covers back on?

-- as for the sound; he listened to them in the store? That really doesn't have anything to do with how they will sound in your car. Besides, I have the door bass speakers, as well. I think mine sound great -- and I'm picky.

brookspw

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1994 C280, dark green metallic
105k miles

1991 190E 2.6, Black
191,500 miles
(sold to another forum member)

2003 Chevy Tahoe LT, Redfire Metallic
105k miles

1989 Mustang GT Cobra Convertible
43k miles

I was going to ask about speaker grills. On your set up, then, you dropped the 6 1/2" Xplodes in the rear and still used the standard/stock Benz grill covers? That sounds ideal to me.

But here is a problem that cropped up: son just had (two hours ago) an accident that crunched the rear driver's side fender. Took out the rear light. Looks like a new bumper cover. I THINK the trunk is O.K. He is fine. A little parking bash with one of his friends in a Jeep. A little damage - as we all know, it won't be a little money.

But, anyway, let me know if you put the stock grills over the Sony speakers. I really have not done any speaker work in, probably, 20-25 years (I remember when a 6 x 9 speaker was REALLY hot). Would the grill screws just screw into the deck or the speaker housing? Thanks for all of your help so far. And I know what you mean about not being able to test a car speaker in the showroom.

Stock speaker cover/grills fit perfectly as before. Looks 100% stock.

__________________
1994 C280, dark green metallic
105k miles

1991 190E 2.6, Black
191,500 miles
(sold to another forum member)

2003 Chevy Tahoe LT, Redfire Metallic
105k miles

1989 Mustang GT Cobra Convertible
43k miles

Now, did these explodes drop right in the rear deck, or did you put them in the oddball plastic housing? I looked at a pair of Jensen's that I think might drop into the plastic housing.
Thanks
Darryl

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'91 190E