PinWoofer - Spike-2 Backbox Speaker Plates and Light Kit Compatibility
Posted by PinWoofer on Jun 22nd 2022
Spike-2 Backbox Speaker Plates and Light Kit Compatibility
Foreword Regarding the Stern OEM Speaker Light Kit - Please Read:
During your PinWoofer order process, if you check the box "I will be Installing the Backbox Speakers in Conjunction with a Stern Speaker Light Kit", we will assume that you have from the factory, or have upgraded to, the Stern 5.25in Speaker plates. This is because the Stern OEM Speaker Light Kit requires 5.25in plates for any trim (trim meaning, Pro / Premium / Limited Edition). The Stern LE OEM Speaker Light Kit does not include 5.25in plates because almost all LE's come with 5.25in plates from the factory. The Pro / Premium Kit does include 5.25in plates because no Pro / Premium come with 5.25in plates. It is also possible that you've added a set of 5.25in plates to your current order today because you intend to install your new speakers using the Stern LE Speaker Light Kit, which does not include plates. This is perfectly fine.
The Stern OEM Speaker Light Kit appears on many recent Limited Edition Titles from the factory including Metallica LE, X-Men LE, John Wick LE, Jaws LE. Also, many are now updating to the newly available aftermarket Stern OEM Speaker Light Kit too, and the list of available titles is growing. If this is your situation, you'll need to check the box mentioned above which will signal us to supply the appropriate speaker mounting solution.
Comments on Spike-2 Speaker Plates and Topology:
Below we will cover four scenarios, one of which applies uniquely to your situation as you place your PinWoofer order. These four possibilities are highlighted in yellow as you review the below information.
A quick review of terminology. Below image shows a Spike-2 speaker panel as indicated by the yellow star. The speaker panel holds the monitor and left / right speakers. The speakers are covered by a "honeycomb" style grille on each side:
Behind the front ("honeycomb") speaker panel you will find one of two types of speaker mounting plates:
1) Stern Pro and Premium Plates:
The pro and premium trims ship with 4in speakers and 4in speaker plates from the factory as shown:
Importantly, the 4in speaker plates are setup with two mounting studs that match the factory 4in speaker mounting holes:
When you select the "Pro or Premium - I am NOT adding a PixlWav Speaker Light Kit", we will ship a backbox speaker mounting solution that allows you to mount your new 5.25in speakers to your existing 4in Speaker Plates.
2) Stern Limited Edition or 5.25in Aftermarket Upgraded Plates:
Most Limited Edition (A.k.a. "LE") titles have 5.25in speakers from the factory and 5.25in speaker mounting plates as shown:
Importantly, the 5.25in speaker plates are setup with four mounting studs that match a standard 5.25in speaker mounting hole pattern, and of course a larger, 5in hole:
For nearly all LE titles, when you select the "Limited Edition" option we will know that you have 5.25in Speaker Plates and send you an LE Spacer Set that will work for your situation, and comprehending any light kit information gathered from the order form.
However, there are a few LE / Limited Edition titles that do not come with 5.25in Speaker Plates from the factory. The list of these titles is below. These titles and trims ship with 4in Speaker Plates. After reviewing the below list, read on to learn how to order for one of the below exceptions:
Aerosmith LE
Batman 66 LE
The Beatles Platinum
Guardians of the Galaxy LE
Star Wars LE
Plate Considerations - Final Word:
If you have a Pro / Premium and have already upgraded to 5.25in Speaker Plates, simply select the "Pro or Premium - I have Already Upgraded to 5.25in Backbox Speaker Mounting Plates" option so we will know you have 5.25in Speaker Plates and send you an LE style speaker mounting solution that comprehends any light kit information gathered from the order form.
Many choose to upgrade their Pro and Premium (4in) speaker plates to aftermarket 5.25in plates because they open up lighting kit possibilities, and they also expose the entire backbox speaker cone without obstruction. Another benefit to the 5.25in plates is they support adding colored acrylic surround plates found on most LE trims from the factory. It is easy to add a set of 5.25in plates if you have a Pro / Premium, or if you have an LE title from the exception list above. Simply select " Pro or Premium - Add a set of Upgraded 5.25in Backbox Speaker Mounting Plates to my Order...".
Use of Acrylic Surrounds / Spacers:
If you are not adding a speaker lighting kit, keeping the colored acrylic plates on the machine is likely desirable.
If you are adding a PixlWav Speaker Light Kit it is recommended (but not required) that you omit / delete your acrylic plates because they tend to dominate the color spectrum and detract from the lighting orchestration. But, the choice is completely up to you.
The image below shows the colored acrylic surrounds which are indicated by the yellow arrows:
We process a large number of Spike-2 orders and understand your needs, end to end. The questions in the order form serve as a purchase "funnel" and we'll know exactly what you need with high precision. In the rare event that we have a question, we'll reach out to you and ensure your order is correct the first time. If you need assistance, please reach out to us at any time using the contact points below:
+1 208-855-0346, 9am - 5pm MT, Mon - Fri