Miata Mailing List: November 1993, Message #202
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   From: robert@caliban.ucsd.edu (Robert Holland)
Subject: RE: Headrest Speakers
   Date: Tue, 23 Nov 1993 11:37:27 -0500

Herb Samuels writes:
> A while ago there was some discussion about aftermarket headest
> speakers but I don't remember the details.  From what I can see
> advertised in addition to the Mazda speakers, which I understand have
> very low output, the main alternatives are those from Kenwood,
> Clearwater, and possibly Sony.  What has been the experience with
> these speakers?  Do they enhance the sound or do they just sound   
> tinny since I am not sure that you can alter the base and trebble
> other than the main frequence control dial which affects the door
> speakers?   Also, do they come with wire harnesses and the
> correct plug to connect to the rear of the radio without any hassles
> and  with good instructions?  Also, is it possible to connect the 
> wiring harness to the radio rear connector without taking down the 
> dash?  Removing the center console or plastic on the sides of the radio, 
> however, looks easy.

I got the Kenwood speakers before I heard the Clearwaters. A friend got the Clearwater 
headrest speakers and they sound a little better to me. For top down driving, headrest 
speakers really help, since the wind and road noise tends to wash out the door speakers. 
The stock headrest speakers sound tinny, the after market stuff do enhance the sound. I 
know that the Kenwoods and Clearwaters come with the wiring harnesses (DIN plug). The 
instructions that came with the Kenwoods were OK, but not great. I didn't know how to 
remove the facia at the time, so wiring was a pain. At the time, I had to put my head up 
against the gas pedal to look behind the plastic, and used a long screwdriver to guide the 
DIN plug into the hole closest to me. Took about 15 minutes of fumbling with it to finally 
get it to slide in. It easier to just remove the facia, make sure the wires are routed 
properly, and insert the plug.

In case you don't know, there are 2 screws under the eyeball air vents. You have to pop out 
the vents. I've found the easiest was was to use shoe laces guided behind the center of the 
vent and then pull real hard till the pop out with a sickening crunch. Then there are the 
screws under the center console. Hope this helps.

----------------------
Robert Holland (JTBob)
Southwest Fisheries Science Center
Internet: robert@caliban.ucsd.edu

"But remember your way in is also my way out, and love's four-letter word is no 
compensation."
: Jethro Tull