Speaker opinions
 

I will be replacing the speakers in my EX. In front, should I stick with 6x8 or go with 5 1/2? In the rear, 6x9 or 6 1/2 ? I have been told that round speakers sound better than the ovals. I have never used ovals before. thanks.

Stick with the stock sizes. You won't hear any difference between oval or round, plus the installation will be easier. If you're going to add amps etc, you can put anything you want, but you'll have to see if there is enough room behind the door speakers (roll the window all the way down of course!), etc... Hacking away at your car to make something fit doesn't make sense if there isn't a reason too.

I agree there's no difference in sound between round and oval speakers but i put 6.5" rounds into front doors.
Reason is there's much more possibilities to choose speakers and i'll bet you get better 6.5" s than 6x8"'s when using same amount of money

www.angelfire.com/blues/bougha/speakers.html

i recommend infinity speakers, i have heard them and they sound excelent!!!

i myself am useing Clarions all around,
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Yamaha Fjr1300 Specifications

I do think round speakers sound better than ovals b/c they give a deeper bass sound. Now, if you want to add component, then def. go with 6 1/2 because there is a lot more of those than the 3 or so 5x7 components I have seen. You could buy adapters from Sound Domain that coverts your factory hole into one that fits 6 1/2 (with some cutting) and they are only $7 for a pair. I think its worth it.

Many folks conclude that a round speaker is better than oval, but I am not so sure. The reason for the opinion is that there are more different types and brands of round speakers, hence greater odds that you will find a really nice one.
Us and Pacific rim manufacturers support the oval, as they are used in cars built there. European builders generally focus on rounds because that is the desing most used be European car manufacturers.
How about going and listening to both ovals and rounds, and then getting what you like the sound of? As long as they fit, it is what is good to your ears that will work best....
Blue LEDz is right on as usual:p
The rounds are preferred for competition purposes, but for average use you will find ovals that work fine. It is a simpler install.
I have heard and owned ovals that run rings around round speakers (confusing statement makes my head spin, oh no more circular reasoning :D ), it is a matter of sound.
At one time the statement that rounds sounded superior to ovals might have been true (might) but with the speaker manufacturing capabilities today, ovals can and do sound as strong and anything else.
I would shy away from 51/2 unless there are some you like the sound of. Low frequency response range is a function of speaker surface size.
Ovals that are good
JBL
Polk
Boston
JL Audio
MB Quart

So go listen with your ears for what you want to install!:)