I finally got the front speakers replaced on my 2008 MCS. I got a set of Eclipse SC8365 3-way speakers (specs are at http://www.eclipse-web.com/component/sc8365.html). They are not a current model, so they can be had for $250 or so.

They sound so much better that I decided I didn't need the back speakers replaced at all. I just set the fader to +3 towards the front, and it sounds excellent.

I'm not one of the 99.9% people who needs the audio to be the best in the world; I would say I'm one of the 90% people who needs it to sound really good. And these sound really good.

 

Are you upgrading stock system or optional hi-FI system speakers?

 

D'oh! I forgot to mention that I have the Hi-Fi system.

My two previous cars (Audi A4 and A6) had Bose premium stereos, which were good enough for me. I was surprised at how poor the "premium" stereo in my MCS sounded, so I decided to upgrade it one step at a time. After step 1, I am now finished.

 

did you do the install yourself and if so how difficult a job was it??

 

No, I had it done by professionals. The guy said that the work was very difficult; much more difficult than average.

 

So the 3 speakers fit OK in the 3 front stock locations, or did they have to do some "alterations"? I assume no crossovers were involved in the kit.

 

It can be done yourself. See the sticky thread entitled "r56 speaker replacement how to" for detailed instructions. Took me about 3 hours for both sides. I didn't think it was hard (except for that $#!@ mirror control).