Too many choices!

psyrex · 06-02-2006, 10:35 PM

I haven't been too involved in these forums recently (just poking my nose in once in a while) as I've been mucking about my car's sound system. I have a decent AC3 collection plus movies that I'll play in the car so I'll need at least 4 good channels.

I finally got a decent amp, the MB Quart RAA4200 (4 channel 100w RMS @ 4 ohms, and 200w RMS @ 2 ohms), and now need decent speakers to power. I'll have a separate amp+sub later.

Stock speaker sizes are 6.5" in the front and 6x9 in the back. Stuff I can't decide on:

-- Should I go with 6.5" in the back since I want 4 good speakers? The 6x9's I've been listening to in stores sound decent and mounting would be easier. I read alot of people denounce 6x9 as unpure sound, but I can't hear it.

-- I'm willing to shell out cash for good components, but is something like the Polk SR6500 (~$500/pair) worth it? I've been to tons of stereo shops recently and, of course, got different opinions. Most of the speakers in the $150-500 range sound nearly the same to me. Only difference I can hear is aluminum vs silk tweeters (I like the silk). Can I not hear the difference cuz I suck at this or because I haven't spent enough time listening to them?

-- Listening to speakers in stores will of course be different than listening to the same speakers installed and tuned for my car. Should I just bite the bullet and buy the speakers because they are well regarded? I can't find all of the ones I've been researching in retail stores to listen to.

I've this amp just sitting here doing nothing. I really want to finish this install! *sigh* All these decisions are making my head spin.

I want to buy good stuff, but don't want to mis-spend on components I'll end up hating a month later.

-psyrex

fooshizn1x · 06-02-2006, 11:26 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by psyrex

Stock speaker sizes are 6.5" in the front and 6x9 in the back. Stuff I can't decide on:

-- Should I go with 6.5" in the back since I want 4 good speakers? The 6x9's I've been listening to in stores sound decent and mounting would be easier. I read alot of people denounce 6x9 as unpure sound, but I can't hear it.

First off let me say I"m no car audio expert, just an average audiophile that really enjoys his music/dvd/audio in general in & out of car.. I've never seen much difference in a properly setup 6.5 vs 6x9.. although i've never compared head to head.. I think with the correct crossovers and such you'd be fine with the 6x9's

Quote:

-- I'm willing to shell out cash for good components, but is something like the Polk SR6500 (~$500/pair) worth it?

that can only be answered by you, its your car, your ears, your money. I personally think it is NOT worth it for the average joe. I've been very pleased with speakers ranging from $49-$149.. It does pay to listen setups inside cars though.. but at least comparing apples to apples in a store environment will give similar results since its in the same environment.. although both could potentially sound different in the car environment I think you'd still see similar differences found when listening in the store.

Quote:

I've been to tons of stereo shops recently and, of course, got different opinions. Most of the speakers in the $150-500 range sound nearly the same to me. Only difference I can hear is aluminum vs silk tweeters (I like the silk). Can I not hear the difference cuz I suck at this or because I haven't spent enough time listening to them?

-- Listening to speakers in stores will of course be different than listening to the same speakers installed and tuned for my car. Should I just bite the bullet and buy the speakers because they are well regarded? I can't find all of the ones I've been researching in retail stores to listen to.

Again, thats up to you.. I think that running out and dumping a huge wad of cash is the worst thing to do. But hey its your money, and if you can afford it.. have at it.. I think you'd be able to find enough good speakers at the local stereo shops to listen to that you should be able to make an educated purchase without just throwing money blindly in the air because somebody said they were good.

... With that said above this is only my opinion and yours, and others may vary.. good luck with your purchases, let us know how you make out. Speakers are not the only important thing to look at, you'll want to look into some sort of EQ/Crossover/Line Driver/Processor also.. getting good speakers and sticking them in is worthless if your sending the wrong, too much, or not enough signal(s) to them.

enjoy

Jahntassa · 06-03-2006, 01:09 AM

Spend as much as you're willing to spend. If you can't tell the difference in sound, then go with whichever one you want. Yes, installing 6x9's in your case would be the better option.

Sound is extremely subjective. Something that sounds great to me could sound horrible to you.

2k1Toaster · 06-03-2006, 02:10 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Jahntassa

Sound is extremely subjective. Something that sounds great to me could sound horrible to you.

I am perfectly happy with my stock speakers, but I don't turn them up loud enough to block out the jet airplanes either.
I wouldn't spend $500 for a pair of speakers that is just a cloth and a magnet. If you can't hear to much difference in the store, chances are, you wont hear too much difference in your car. Like Jahnttassa said, extremely objective. The people who buy the $500 speakers are the same people who refuse to listen to the radio or to a burned CD because of the poor sound quality.
I personally don't listen to the radio because of commercials, but meh... different thread.

psyrex · 06-03-2006, 02:47 AM

Yeah, I know it's subjective, and I'm really only venting frustration from wanting to make a good system.

I do hear the difference between a $50 pair of speakers to a $150 to a $500, but the SQ doesn't go up as fast as the prices do, of course. I'm trying to decide where to put the compromise of SQ to price, but have no previous experience to back up any decisions. I'm just having trouble deciding what is the price point for me.

-psyrex