Hey guys. I'm looking at doing an install in a 2000 Impreza. Was wondering how worthwhile door pods really are.

I know they'll obviously produce a better result (if everything else is done right, anyway), but are they worth shelling out hundreds of dollars for?

The obvious alternative is to put the speakers in the door, which seems okay to me, but will restrict me to 'slim' speakers - I'm looking at Focal 165 V Slims. I've read some good reviews on these, and they seem like a good alternative.

So, is it worth spending a few hundred on pods so I can get a better range of options for the speakers? Or should I just stick to the slimlines - and if I decide I want to later, I can get pods later down the track..?

Thanks
Josh

I know in my car, when you put the door trim effectively over the speakers, it cuts out a lot of the sound.

Door pods help put the speaker further in the cabin, and let you angle them up towards you. In short, it usually sounds much, much better. Clearer. Less muffled. Etc etc.

That said, by all reports the slimlines are fantastic, but even so, they'd still sound better in a set of pods, i'd daresay. Provided the pods are well made and solidly secured/sealed to your door.

well is it an okay idea to live with them in the door for now, and get some pods made later? if the slimlines will sound okay in the pods, then it seems okay to me.. but yeah, my concerns with having them just in the door meant that the sound would be muffled, and it'd be aimed at my legs.. ugh. but it'll do for now, i'm guessing..

I've got the same speaks. They sound great but I spent a bit of time fabing pods behind the door trim, instead of the factory plastic crap. I had enough room behind the grills to get them 'on axis' (aimed at ears) too.
At a guess, to get a set of pods made that suit your doors and actually look good, you'd be looking at about $500.

Have a go at making your own. Thats where most of the fun and satisfaction is.

*cough* Eventually. Lol.