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Mazda Protege Owners: Meet the Members

335 messages,  Last post on Jan 25, 2009 at 10:59 AM

You are in the Mazda Protege Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda Protege, Mazda Protege5, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 33 of 34

#316 of 335 Re: Congratulations on your new ES. [mazdafun #314] by kenv

Jun 03, 2004 (6:03 am)

Replying to: mazdafun (Jun 02, 2004 6:19 am)
Hi, thanks for the info. I read your other messages on the speaker install - very informative and concise.
A few questions - hope you don't mind...
Did you feel that the Kenwoods were a sufficient enough upgrade?
Was the sound/power/clarity noticeably improved?
I don't need to thump loud, but I would like to crank it once in a while without fear of blowing any speakers. Actually, I think the stock stereo sounds pretty good already. Guess I just like the idea of having better, more durable, speakers in there.
I've found the two on-line Mazda parts dealers that carry the speakers. Do you think having the connectors was worth it? I have seen the speakers that tboggs recieved on Ebay for around 80.00 for rear and 60.00 for the front. Curious as to whether or not they're the same. The model number is (at least for the rear).
What was the model number on the front speakers you put in. The back ones are eXcelon KFC-X698, right?
I think that'll do for now.
 
I suppose any further discussions on this will need to be posted in a different section. If it needs to go to the Accessories board let me know.
 
Thanks,
KenV

#317 of 335 Speakers. by mazdafun

Jun 03, 2004 (8:42 am)

Actually, I put Pioneer speakers in my LX (TS-A68?? in the front and TS-A6999 in the rear). I still had the stock head unit at the time. They made a big difference in the highs and lows. The highs aren't as clear as with component tweeters mounted by the side mirrors, but they're much more vibrant. And bass can actually be felt, especially when I rest my arm on the door. With the stock head unit, I had to dial it up to 4 bars (out of 10) to get decent volume with the factory speakers. With the Pioneers, I was happy with 3 bars (I obviously don't blast the heck out of my eardrums). The new speakers also have rubber surrounds (instead of foam) and polymer cones (instead of paper), so they should last the life of the car (or as long as I will hold onto it). The stock speakers in my '89 323 lasted about 5 years before the foam surrounds and paper cones gave out. I replaced those with Pioneers too.
 
At the time, Crutchfield didn't have install directions and only a so-so connector adapter (designed for some Civic, if I recall correctly), as they didn't consider the aftermarket for Proteges to be big enough (they do now). I had to modify the connectors a little so they fit with the stock connectors, but I didn't have to cut any of the stock wire harnesses.
 
If you don't want to mess with cutting, crimping and soldering, you may want to go with the Mazda-custom Kenwoods or go with a reseller like Crutchfield who may (I haven't checked) offer their own adapters.

#318 of 335 Re: Speakers. [mazdafun #317] by kenv

Jun 04, 2004 (5:32 am)

Replying to: mazdafun (Jun 03, 2004 8:42 am)
Thanks!

#319 of 335 Protege vs. Elanta vs. Forenza by lonestar

Jun 05, 2004 (5:13 am)

Wasn't sure where to post this question... Anyone have any comments about how the Hyundai Elantra and Suzuki Forenza compare to the Protege? Obviously the Forenza is new for 2004 so such a comparison may not be legit.

#320 of 335 Re: Protege vs. Elanta vs. Forenza [lonestar #319] by Karen@Edmunds HOST

Jun 07, 2004 (10:15 am)

Replying to: lonestar (Jun 05, 2004 5:13 am)
Have checked the Sedans Comparison board? If there isn't a current comparison topic to fit your needs, you can create a new discussion.

#321 of 335 Re: KarenS [speedypt] by janslor

Nov 14, 2004 (7:52 am)

Replying to: speedypt (Feb 20, 2001 11:08 am)
Hi I'm jans
 
I'm new to this group. I just bought a used 2000 Protege LX. Wanted a Mazda 3 (being my very first car and all) but I'm a little tight on the budget. Why'd you guys chose a Mazda intead of a Honda or a Toyota? I'm actually debating on these 3 makes and ended up with a mazda.
 
Janslor

#322 of 335 Because it just felt right. by mazdafun

Nov 17, 2004 (10:25 am)

Seriously, my '99 Protege hit just about everything I was looking for (reliability, safety, value, efficiency, fun-to-drive etc.). The only improvement would have been having the P5 body style available in an LX trim at the time I purchased my car.

#323 of 335 Chat Night by PFFlyer@Edmunds HOST

Dec 21, 2004 (5:51 am)

Just a couple of shopping days left until Christmas... avoid the holiday crush and join us for an evening of automotive chat and good cheer!
 
PF Flyer
Host
Pickups & News & Views Message Boards
 
The MAZDA MANIA chat is on TONIGHT. Stop in for a holiday visit! Check out the schedule

#324 of 335 FOG on deck! by 11b33t

Jun 15, 2005 (8:07 am)

New poster but proud original owner of a 92 LX that's still going strong!

#325 of 335 Hey, welcome! by mazdafun

Jun 16, 2005 (12:45 pm)

Glad your '92 is doing well.
 
My '89 323 was still going good when I finally sold him , and my '99 is doing well (except for nagging bits of carbon sticking my EGR valve every now and then....I think my dealer is getting tired of that too).

Messages Page 33 of 34

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