Opinions on low-end component speakers

[Intense]

So, I've never actually owner a set of component speakers (beyond what's installed from the factory in my s2000). So, I have a feeling any decent set of speakers would be fine. I'm trying to decide on a set for the e30.

Initially, I'll be driving them off the head unit amp (Pioneer DEH-6900ub). But I'd like to amp them shortly thereafter. For the amp, I'm planning on using the 4 channel amp that can be installed in the Infinity Basslink II
See here: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-yZvnyGm...p?I=108bass4sc

I realize this isn't a 'high' quality amp. But, I'm not trying to rattle my windows either.

Obviously, this means I'll be (eventually) getting a Basslink II to fill in the low end. Again, I realize this is far from an ideal solution. But this combo fulfills my needs for space preservation in my trunk, all-in-one ease of use, and cost. (think Ebay).

That being said, I'm come to the sounds stage. Right now, I'm looking at three component sets for the front of my car.

They are the CDT-CLS50A - click here
Or the Madisound MADCAR - click here
Or the Focal 130H - click here

My musical tastes range from techno/trance to 80 hair band (Whitesnake, Guns & Roses). Pretty much everything but Country.

So, I'm basically looking for a good set of versatile speakers.

Oh, if you've got any other suggestions, I'm all ears....LOL

thanks!

[TheEtaUnderdog]

the focals and the CDT's aren't bad. I'm a big fan of Rainbows myself. Check out the forums at www.caraudio.com. They have a classified section and usually have some good stuff up for cheap. Read up in the other sections too, TONS of information.

[Intense]

As much as I've read about how the Rainbows are awesome, they're simply not in my price range.

Thanks for the link, though

[TheEtaUnderdog]

yea, they are pricey. i had a pretty kicking system in the Landcruiser before it all went to crap for some reason (im thinking my alt is screwed, my batt is dying, or head unit is effed) anyyyywho, what I'm getting at is that definitely stick to your budget. generally if you spend over it and expect tons, you never get what you were expecting.

[StereoInstaller1]

Intense, the Infinity is a pile. Don't waste your time. A fixed crossover of 80Hz@12db/oct is crap-ola. You NEED 100 to 130Hz @18db/oct MINIMUM...you are dealing with a 5.25" fitment with crap accoustics.
Your deck has better crossovers built in....and you can't use them because that pile of shit does not have a seperate subwoofer input. Do NOT buy that crap. You will also lose the subwoofer output of your deck using that POS Basslink...again, do NOT buy that crap.

As far as your speakers go, I would recommend the Madisounds over any of those other cheap-ass Chinese crap speakers. Most of the time, a lesser line of the high end brands just blow. Those Focals are crap. I woud modify the stock premium sounds before I used those shitballs.

If you want to find something a bit better, find a set of Memphis MSync components. They are EXCELLENT in the 5.25" size...might do justice to schweeeEEEEEet child o' miiiiiiiiiiiIIIIIIIIIIiiiiiiiIIIIIIIIiiiiiiiiiine. ..


Luke

[Intense]

Intense, the Infinity is a pile. Don't waste your time. A fixed crossover of 80Hz@12db/oct is crap-ola. You NEED 100 to 130Hz @18db/oct MINIMUM...you are dealing with a 5.25" fitment with crap accoustics.
Your deck has better crossovers built in....and you can't use them because that pile of shit does not have a seperate subwoofer input. Do NOT buy that crap. You will also lose the subwoofer output of your deck using that POS Basslink...again, do NOT buy that crap.

As far as your speakers go, I would recommend the Madisounds over any of those other cheap-ass Chinese crap speakers. Most of the time, a lesser line of the high end brands just blow. Those Focals are crap. I woud modify the stock premium sounds before I used those shitballs.

If you want to find something a bit better, find a set of Memphis MSync components. They are EXCELLENT in the 5.25" size...might do justice to schweeeEEEEEet child o' miiiiiiiiiiiIIIIIIIIIIiiiiiiiIIIIIIIIiiiiiiiiiine. ..


Luke

Coolness, thanks for the input. At Woofers etc., the Msyncs are a little out of my range. But I guess I could drive them off my head unit amp until I can afford a sub/amp set-up.

what would you suggest instead of the basslink set-up? Keep in mind, I'd like to minimize space and cost. Also, I'm not so concerned about big pounding bass, just something to fill in the bottom end.

A decent 5 channel amp and 10" sealed box, perhaps?

thanks

[TheEtaUnderdog]

Most of the time, a lesser line of the high end brands just blow.

x2!!!! You pay for the name up to a certain point

[StereoInstaller1]

Small, space efficient, cheap and great sounding.

Just exactly what everyone wants!

If you has a bit of money, do this: build your own box. I will be glad to spec it for you. Do a single 10" SVC 4 ohm woofer. I prefer ported, but they are quite a bit larger...but still, 1.4 cubic feet is not exactly big, y'know?

You MUST have a decent table saw, a sheet (more like 1/2 sheet, whatever) of 3/4" MDF and MUST use a cabinet stapler (1/4" crown, 1.5" length), plus some high quality wood glue. Screws are NOT to be used to construct boxes...no matter how carefully you predrill, you will split the wood. Use a stapler.

The box is THE most important part of sounding good...mine start at $200 (unless you are a dick, then it is $300 and a big fat fuck you)...so, since we are talking about $20 in materials, you would think this to be profitable, right? FUCK NO! I put a ton of time into my boxes, so they fit perfectly (ask old Jordo!) and are matched to woofer and car.

If you compare a true custom box to a prefab, the best "Bang for the Buck" is a cheap woofer in one of my boxes...use a nicer woofer later, when you have more money.

So, now you want to use a small 4 channel amp with VARIABLE crossovers...use half to run the front speakers, the other half to run the sub.

I sell an excellent one for $200 retail, but I am not trying to push my own stuff here, I am trying to help you make decisions and make your car sound good.

Personally, I do not care for rear speakers in an E30, but if you must, make sure your deck has "High Pass" filters (Panasonic CQ-C7413 is my #1 choice in E30s).

Front speakers? Get a decent condition set of stock "Premuim Sound" speakers that came stock in our cars. They sound excellent, and should cost about $50/set, max. I would expect about $10/set in a junkyard...

Now is where the instructions get tough: get out your phone book. Make a list of small, independent higher end car stereo shops in your area. Do NOT bother with Circuit City, Best Buy, tweeter, etc....indies ONLY, OK?

Now...drive to each one and head straight to the install bay. Look for the oldest guy, especially if he looks kind of raggedy/tweekie/techie. tell him you need a decent set of passive crossovers, preferrably something with Mylar Capicitors...but since you don't know how to recognise them, you would be trusting his info...right?

You are asking this guy to sell you used parts on company time...so be DISCREET!

Pay no more than $20/pair, but carry that in $5 increments...be smart, see? I would think more like $10 should do it...they were left over from something and are sitting in the bottom of his toolbox. He gets a killer lunch, you get better sound.

Anyway, off to work.

Luke
Local, Indie, Raggedy, Old Belligerant fuck.

Proud of it, too!

[Intense]

Small, space efficient, cheap and great sounding.

Just exactly what everyone wants!

If you has a bit of money, do this: build your own box. I will be glad to spec it for you. Do a single 10" SVC 4 ohm woofer. I prefer ported, but they are quite a bit larger...but still, 1.4 cubic feet is not exactly big, y'know?

You MUST have a decent table saw, a sheet (more like 1/2 sheet, whatever) of 3/4" MDF and MUST use a cabinet stapler (1/4" crown, 1.5" length), plus some high quality wood glue. Screws are NOT to be used to construct boxes...no matter how carefully you predrill, you will split the wood. Use a stapler.

The box is THE most important part of sounding good...mine start at $200 (unless you are a dick, then it is $300 and a big fat fuck you)...so, since we are talking about $20 in materials, you would think this to be profitable, right? FUCK NO! I put a ton of time into my boxes, so they fit perfectly (ask old Jordo!) and are matched to woofer and car.

If you compare a true custom box to a prefab, the best "Bang for the Buck" is a cheap woofer in one of my boxes...use a nicer woofer later, when you have more money.

So, now you want to use a small 4 channel amp with VARIABLE crossovers...use half to run the front speakers, the other half to run the sub.

I sell an excellent one for $200 retail, but I am not trying to push my own stuff here, I am trying to help you make decisions and make your car sound good.

Personally, I do not care for rear speakers in an E30, but if you must, make sure your deck has "High Pass" filters (Panasonic CQ-C7413 is my #1 choice in E30s).

Front speakers? Get a decent condition set of stock "Premuim Sound" speakers that came stock in our cars. They sound excellent, and should cost about $50/set, max. I would expect about $10/set in a junkyard...

Now is where the instructions get tough: get out your phone book. Make a list of small, independent higher end car stereo shops in your area. Do NOT bother with Circuit City, Best Buy, tweeter, etc....indies ONLY, OK?

Now...drive to each one and head straight to the install bay. Look for the oldest guy, especially if he looks kind of raggedy/tweekie/techie. tell him you need a decent set of passive crossovers, preferrably something with Mylar Capicitors...but since you don't know how to recognise them, you would be trusting his info...right?

You are asking this guy to sell you used parts on company time...so be DISCREET!

Pay no more than $20/pair, but carry that in $5 increments...be smart, see? I would think more like $10 should do it...they were left over from something and are sitting in the bottom of his toolbox. He gets a killer lunch, you get better sound.

Anyway, off to work.

Luke
Local, Indie, Raggedy, Old Belligerant fuck.

Proud of it, too!

As always Luke, your input is greatly appreciated and respected. I'm having a helluva time finding the Premium Sound speakers. Which is why I started the search for alternatives.

In case your wondering, I ended up with this head unit:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/product/details/0,,2076_310069880_338818745,00.html

It appears that it does have the high pass filters you were suggesting.

RE: the sub/ amp etc. When I get some additional funds, I'd be interested in building that box you suggested. I do have a decent table saw. The stapler, I'll have to get. But I'm sure I can use the stapler for something else.

One last question, your suggestion of running the fronts and sub off the amp. Would that allow me to run the rears off the head unit power? If so, will I loose my ability to fade? Sorry, I know jack about a 'real' stereo install. But I like to do things once and do them right.

thanks much for your time
mike

PS, I'm probably just as old as you....34 as of last Wednesday...:( :D

[Mless5]

One last question, your suggestion of running the fronts and sub off the amp. Would that allow me to run the rears off the head unit power? If so, will I loose my ability to fade? Sorry, I know jack about a 'real' stereo install. But I like to do things once and do them right.

thanks much for your time
mike

PS, I'm probably just as old as you....34 as of last Wednesday...:( :D

Yes, you will able to run rear speakers off your deck.
You will be able to fade. It's just that your fronts will be tied up to your sub.
Late Happy birthday.

[Intense]

Yes, you will able to run rear speakers off your deck.
You will be able to fade. It's just that your fronts will be tied up to your sub.
Late Happy birthday.

Coolness, that's what I was hoping for.

And thanks for the birthday wishes!
mike

[StereoInstaller1]

HB, Mike!

I will be 44 in september, BTW.

Your deck has front, rear and sub outputs...so if you do the 4 channel, you would run the appropriate output of the deck to the amp...so yes, you would fade just fine. Plus, your subwoofer level would also be adjutable...pimp shit, yO!
Luke