Front component opinions

[darrenforeal]

I just bought an e30 a bit back and am looking to do a CHEAP stereo install in it, as I have all my money sunk into my e34 stereo. I am mostly going to use stuff I have... but I do need to a set of front 5.25 2 way components and a new deck. I know Hybrid Audio, Morel, Rainbow, CDT, Focal, and DLS among others are great choices but I am not looking for something of that quality. Essentially something under $200. Suggestions? I am not all that familiar with the lower end stuff.

Alpine type R? Polk Audio db5251? Infinity Reference? Or DLS C5A?

Or should I go with something in the $185-230 range like: DLS R5A? Rainbow SLX 230 Deluxe?
I just don't want to spend $225 for something that won't sound much better than a $130 set. Especially since I am probably just putting them in the stock location.

Thanks for helping me make a decision!

[StereoInstaller1]

Powerbass CS50 are shockingly good for under $60, typically...but seriously, stock premium sounds kick the shit out of any "under $125" speaker if you AREN'T running a sub.

[darrenforeal]

Powerbass CS50 are shockingly good for under $60, typically...but seriously, stock premium sounds kick the shit out of any "under $125" speaker if you AREN'T running a sub.

I'd definitely be running a 10inch sub in the ski pas area. And I would obviously be running the components off an extra amp I have. Zapco actually.

[StereoInstaller1]

Ah, I see. Find a set of the PPIs that were dumped if you can. If not, get some Memphis MSyncs. Either kick the shit out of Focal for 1/3 the price.

[darrenforeal]

Ah, I see. Find a set of the PPIs that were dumped if you can. If not, get some Memphis MSyncs. Either kick the shit out of Focal for 1/3 the price.

Cool thanks, I'll keep an eye out. Do you know anything about Polk DB5251 or DLS C5A or DLS R5A?

Also are the PPI 5.2 decent?

THanks again

[StereoInstaller1]

DLS is typical car stereo crap. Their "Iridium" stuff is excellent, the rest is typical made in China crap. Same with Polk, Alpine, Pioneer, crap...you name it.

Pick your product by the specs, not the sticker. It is a major pain in the ass, but WTF, most "manufacturers" don't actually MAKE anything anymore!

[darrenforeal]

DLS is typical car stereo crap. Their "Iridium" stuff is excellent, the rest is typical made in China crap. Same with Polk, Alpine, Pioneer, crap...you name it.

Pick your product by the specs, not the sticker. It is a major pain in the ass, but WTF, most "manufacturers" don't actually MAKE anything anymore!

Gottcha, and yeah I don't mind really putting in the in time figuring things out when I am building a nicer system like I have in my e34, but I just wanted it to be simpler for this one. That's why I was looking at the entry level DLS stuff.

[StereoInstaller1]

Well, see if you can find a decent set of those PPIs. I put them on SQ par with Iridiums, but better power handling. They were a PITA to install though. If the frame is thick, it is hard to get the kickpanel back on while allowing room for cone movement. You have to put spacers between the speaker and the panel. I simply put little nuts under the screw heads, it works great and isn't really noticeable.

Since you have an early car door speakers are not an easy option unfortunately. I will take a $75 pair of Infinity Co-ax in the doors over a $150 set of components in the stock location any day.

If you just wanna buy new, I would say MSyncs. A tad bit bright, but the detail and clarity is worth it. Nice and punchy, too. All in all a winner, plus they take an assload of abuse.

If you are thinking about those DLS, get "upper" Pioneer components: http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-TS-A13...066321&sr=1-12

The tweets are true silk and true neodymium, the mid is very punchy and crossovers are better than average.

What Zapco do you have?

Luke

[darrenforeal]

Well, see if you can find a decent set of those PPIs. I put them on SQ par with Iridiums, but better power handling. They were a PITA to install though. If the frame is thick, it is hard to get the kickpanel back on while allowing room for cone movement. You have to put spacers between the speaker and the panel. I simply put little nuts under the screw heads, it works great and isn't really noticeable.

Since you have an early car door speakers are not an easy option unfortunately. I will take a $75 pair of Infinity Co-ax in the doors over a $150 set of components in the stock location any day.

If you just wanna buy new, I would say MSyncs. A tad bit bright, but the detail and clarity is worth it. Nice and punchy, too. All in all a winner, plus they take an assload of abuse.

If you are thinking about those DLS, get "upper" Pioneer components: http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-TS-A13...066321&sr=1-12

The tweets are true silk and true neodymium, the mid is very punchy and crossovers are better than average.

What Zapco do you have?

Luke

cool thanks for all the info. The extra Zapco I have is just a Ref350.2. Not the best of their line but IMO will still blow most other high end amps out of the water. That said would 75 to 100RMS to each speaker on those Pioneers be too much? I think they are rated at 70 per set! Still, that may be fine but I am not familiar with those speakers.

What model PPI's should I look for? Do you think these are decent enough? http://compare.ebay.com/like/2905133...sort=BestMatch
Am guessing the old models are a lot better than the newer stuff. Like most speakers now. I used to have a old set of MB Quarts and they were fantastic compared to the stuff they have now. Same with Diamond Audio. I run an old set of 6.5 components in custom door panels in my e34 with CDT M6 mid-basses in the kicks with two Image Dynamic 10 inch IDQ subs in the ski pass. All the highs and mids powered by Zapco and the subs by an older JL 1000/1. I love that setup.

And about the door panels on the E30. I realize that would be ideal but I don't want to deal with any fabrication, especially since I will probably sell the car in a few years. That is why I need a set of components that won't sound funky with the tweet and woofer being separated like they are in the stock location.

[harv]

Those don't look like the PPI's I think Luke was talking about.

These were the ones he was talking about....

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_17117_Precision-Power-PPI-355CS.html

John

[darrenforeal]

Those don't look like the PPI's I think Luke was talking about.

These were the ones he was talking about....

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_17117_Precision-Power-PPI-355CS.html

John

ahhh...thank you for clearing that up.

Also how feasible do you guys think mounting the speakers in the door panels is? Not the hard? What I mean to say, is there clearance issues in there for a 6.5?

Luke, do you still sell those sub boxes for the ski pass?

[quickervicar]

I have a set of those PPIs that Harv linked to. They are pretty stinkin' good. A bit of a pain to mount, but worth it.

[darrenforeal]

I have a set of those PPIs that Harv linked to. They are pretty stinkin' good. A bit of a pain to mount, but worth it.

did you put them in the kicks or in the doors. If there is room in the E30 doors that would be much more ideal.

[StereoInstaller1]

ahhh...thank you for clearing that up.

Also how feasible do you guys think mounting the speakers in the door panels is? Not the hard? What I mean to say, is there clearance issues in there for a 6.5?

Luke, do you still sell those sub boxes for the ski pass?

Early models suck for door speakers. Window motor and track are in the way.

Yes, I will be building those boxes again soon. Gotta get some car stuff done first though.

[darrenforeal]

Early models suck for door speakers. Window motor and track are in the way.

Yes, I will be building those boxes again soon. Gotta get some car stuff done first though.

Cool, thanks for making my life easy and letting me know about the window track. Same for my E34, thus the custom door panels.

I will check back with you about the box. Any rough idea when you will build some?