I have spent the afternoon replacing the standard rear speakers with some phoenix gold 6x9s. Mounted on MDF and screwed to the metal work behind the cards. I have lined the inside of the bodywork with a chopped up foam camping mat.

The thing is they don't seem very punchy, less so than the originals. I have tried changing the polarity, but that has not worked either.

If I installed an amp, would that help or is the problem something to do with what I have lined the cavity with?
I used to have these in a Cinquecento and they were VERY bassy.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

Probably not enough power getting to them, if they are fixed nice and solid they should sound pretty good. What power is your head unit putting out? They will sound better amped up regardless.

My head unit is 50w x4, I am sure they punched better without the amp in the Cinq though. I have set the balance towards the rear but it doesnt seem to have the desired results.

I have got a decent JBL amp in the garage, so sounds like that is a job for one night this week... interior out once again.

Would the wiring make a difference? The cinq had top notch cables feeding them, but I cant see that being such a big factor???

Get some decent wiring and amp them up. They'll sound much better once that's done.

Wire and amp is sat on a shelf in the garage, so I will do. Should sound better than what they do though Shirley?
Is the standard wiring that bad? Seemed to be of reasonable quality when I chopped it up.

I have no idea on the standard kit. I went for focals and did as you've done but with flashing tape on the rear 3/4 metal, amped them up using cheapish speaker wire from richer sounds and they sound great.

Sounds like amping them is the way forward!

Mine are the same..mine sounded much better with standard rears and my infinity fronts.

What size are the front speakers thinking of getting some infinity upgrades myself

16cm/6.5" not sure what depth.

I ran the necessary cables through the car on Saturday and I have just fitted a CD changer and amp - turns out the polarity was wrong how, I dont know as I checked it 3 times. I amped the 6x9s up anyway and it sounds pretty good, going to put some flashing tape behind the door cards when I get chance just to improve the quality a bit more, but its not far off for my requirements, albeit I have only lab (garage) tested it and not tried it while driving.

I will run with it for a few days before deciding on whether I need a sub or not, I have been offered a 10" JBL in a sealed box today... Tempting! Although I have never felt the need for a sub in my previous cars, I might just borrow it for a week and see how I get on...

What kind of music do you listen to? A sub adds so much more depth to music like hip hop and dance. It's like watching a film in 3D, not essential but definatly adds something!

I listen to all sorts, mainly dance and rock. I know what you mean by a sub adding that extra something, but most of my experiences of listening to friends subs in cars have been just a bit too much though, they have probably just had them turned up too much for my taste, or maybe I am just old before my time!

I added a small, powered Pioneer sub, hidden in the boot storage cavity. Just fills out the bottom end without drawing any attention to itself. Probably the best 120 EUR I have ever spent on ICE - makes the whole system sound just right.

I have borrowed my mates sub so once I sort out a few mechanical issues I will plug it in and see how I get on, a kind of try before I buy.

Any pics in situ Neil?

Ross