Replacement Speakers Recommendation

[zx2yetti]

I'm looking to replace the speakers in my car.....6.5" in front, and 6x9's in the rear. I am looking for speakers that are around the quality of say Alpine Type R's. As for budget, I was hoping around $75-$100 shipped for each pair. Do you have any recommendations?

[SeRiousZX2]

Would you like the front to be components or 2/3/4-way? Do you want the backs to be 2/3/4-way?

[zx2yetti]

3-ways or components, front and rear, please.

[SeRiousZX2]

FRONT:
Phoenix Gold RSD6.5CS: $75
PowerBass 3XL6C: $80
Planet Audio BB625C: $70
Alphasonik PCZ65: $65
MA Audio Y30C6: $75
Clarion SRS1686: $90

BACK:
PowerBass S693: $35
PowerBass L693: $50
Planet Audio BB690: $65
Planet Audio RX6935: $50
Planet Audio ZR69: $35
Alphasonix PFZ693: $60
MA Audio HK6920: $70

[zx2yetti]

Ok.....I'm liking for the fronts either the PowerBass 3XL6C or the Alphasonik PCZ65. For the rears I'm liking the PowerBass L693 or the Alphasonix PFZ693. I'd like to pick one brand, or the other. Which brand, in your opinion, is higher quality (read better)? I'm kind of leading towards the Alphasoniks. And both of these are as good as some Alpines, right?

[zx2yetti]

If I go with the alphasoniks, I can use my 2x100 W rms california amp for the front, and my 2x200 W rms rockford fosgate amp for the rear. So, I guess the bottom line is.....Do the Alphasonik speakers kick some ass?

[SeRiousZX2]

Yes, the aphasoniks are not sold in retail stores for a reason. They are a top shelf brand and have incrediable clearity. They are competition grade and made to withstand loads of power. You want smooth bass that is clear, go with these.

PowerBass is the new guy in town. They are making a name for thierselves in the competition arena. You want hard hitting bass, go with these.

Also, I forgot to mention that all prices are without S/H. Add about $10 a set.

[SeRiousZX2]

Also, all the fronts are component sets.

[gold_member]

i have the alpine type-s front and rear, i forget how much they were retail i think like 100 per pair. i got em for 50 a pair... best buy discount ftw

[mellowness65]

serious how would those brands compare with alpines? I'm going to be needing new speakers soon with the volume I've been using lately :)

[zx2yetti]

Serious: PM'd

I'm also looking for a new head unit. I have a Pioneer 7600, and want a head unit as good, if not better to replace it. I do like Pioneer, but I was also thinking of Alpine. What other brands of headunits can you recommend in the $200 to $300 range? Requirements: MP3/CD, Aux input, motorized face plate, prefer some sort of actual display (OLED, Biolite, etc.), >4V preouts (F,R,SW). I think that's it.

Thanks in advance!

[SeRiousZX2]

Planet Audio P590V
http://www.planetaudiousa.com/main/wsc_content/pics/mediabox/medium/12014759141.jpg

IN-DASH AM/FM DVD/MP3/CD RECEIVER
WITH 3.6” WIDESCREEN TFT MONITOR
WITH MOTORIZED, SLIDE DOWN FULL DETACHABLE FACE PLATE

PARAGRAPHIC SOUND PROCESSOR
Programmable Center Frequency: Bass/Midrange/Treble
Programmable EQ curves: Bass/Midrange/Tweeter
Adjustable Bass Boost (0- +12dB)
Selectable Subwoofer Low Pass Crossover Frequency

· DIN mounting
· Motorized slide down full detachable panel
· DivX/WMA/MP4/MP3/DVD/SVCD/VCD/CDR/CDRW
· and SDVD compatible
· Built-in 3.6” Widescreen TFT monitor
· Resolution: 1152 x 234 pixels
· Brightness: 600 NITS
· NTSC/PAL compatible
· 3.5 mm jack on front panel for
· A/V input/video output
· Full control for iPod (when used with
· IPC60 Integration Cable, sold separately)
· Paragraphic Signal Processor (PSP)
· Dual A/V zone function
· Rear speaker on/off control
· Internal amplifier on/off control
· Repeat/intro/random
· Last position memory
· 1-Bit D/A converter
· ESP (anti-skip mechanism)
· Illuminated controls
· PLL synthesized AM/FM tuner
· Switchable USA/Europe/Asia radio frequencies
· RDS (Radio Data System)
· Preset EQ response curves
· Separate bass and treble
· Balance and fader controls
· Subwoofer low pass filter control
· Loudness
· Stereo/mono switch
· Local/distance switch
· Mute function
· Dual RCA outputs
· Subwoofer output
· Backup camera input
· Wireless remote control
· Output power: 80w x 4 channels


I love this headunit. $260 + S/H

[zx2yetti]

That does look pretty sweet. Just a few quick questions.....does it have both front and rear rca pre-outs (I saw dual rca...does that mean f&r)? Also, do you know the pre out voltage? How is the sound quality of the unit (saw 1 bit converter, as opposed to 24 bit)? Is it a reliable unit? I am looking for a high quality unit (like an Alpine CDA-9886...about $250), and want to make sure I would be buying pretty top notch stuff (within reason, of course).

Sorry for so many questions.....I just haven't really heard of a lot of the brands you carry, and there are limited reviews around the internet. Thank you so much for all of the info, and I can't wait till you get back to get those new speakers, and possibly a head unit!

[SeRiousZX2]

Yup, you guessed it. Dual means "front and rear" So it comes with 3 sets of RCA plugs.

It also has plugs for you to install an XBOX if you wanted. It has plugs for you to install 2 more tvs and a backup camera too!

The 1-Bit D/A is the Digital Amplifier that is built in. Without going into the theory behind them, they blend the best attributes of analog and digital technology, by interpreting audio in an analog like way. So you have the dynamic range of a digital signal with the sound quality of analog. 1-bit amplifiers are the future of high end audio. Its what most of todays high powered headunits use. Thats why they can push more power. Like this headunit. Its rated at 80 watts x 4. In the old days headunits were lucky to be 30 watts x 4.

The Preout voltage is 4 Volts.

I can tell you this, Planet Audio is only sold by authorised dealers. Thats why they aren't "everywhere" like Pioneer, Sony, and Alpine. One thing that those companies do is once thier name was established they started replacing high quality parts with cheap parts. Planet Audio hasn't done that. Because of that, thier headunits run high in price compared to others. But the quality in material and sound is much better. You can find PA on the competition level shows world wide.

For what this headunit is offereing in terms of quality and features, its hard to beat. This headunit destroys the Alpine 9886 and has sooooooo much more features!

[zx2yetti]

Alrighty then..... I really like what I hear. It sounds like a really good unit, especially for the price. If I get my next paycheck before you get back into town, I might be able to buy this whole set up at once. I'll let you know when you get back though.

I also appreciate you taking the time to answer my noobish questions. You know your stuff, and I look forward to getting everything in, and hooked up. Thanks again!

[SeRiousZX2]

Its not a problem. It doesn't bugg me at all to take a few minutes out of my day to answer a question. I'll get back with you the day I get back. Have a fun and safe holiday.

[zx2yetti]

Hey Serious,

One last question on that head unit. Power output is 80x4. Is that RMS or peak? I only care about the RMS value. Maybe I can power some more speakers, who knows.

Is there any warranty with this equipment? Just let me know when you can. Thanks a bunch!

[SeRiousZX2]

Hey Serious,

One last question on that head unit. Power output is 80x4. Is that RMS or peak? I only care about the RMS value. Maybe I can power some more speakers, who knows.

Is there any warranty with this equipment? Just let me know when you can. Thanks a bunch!

That is the MAX POWER output. RMS is maybe 20 watts each channel.

Warrantee is 1 year full, no questions asked. After that, its whatever the manufacture warranty is.

[zx2yetti]

Hey serious, you back in town yet?

[SeRiousZX2]

Yes I am. Won't be in town this weekend though....

[mrwislr]

I know nothing about car stereos so forgive the question... but what the factory sizes for front and back and is it possible without to much trouble to put 6.5 in the front and the back?

[zx2yetti]

From what I hear, 5.25" is the stock size in front, and 5x7 for the rear. But it is pretty easy to fit 6.5" up front (drill new holes, and a spacer on rare occasions). In the rear, I made some spacers out of 1/2" fiber board and drilled some holes, so some 6x9's would fit. I don't know about 6.5" in the rears though....

[SeRiousZX2]

From what I hear, 5.25" is the stock size in front, and 5x7 for the rear. But it is pretty easy to fit 6.5" up front (drill new holes, and a spacer on rare occasions). In the rear, I made some spacers out of 1/2" fiber board and drilled some holes, so some 6x9's would fit. I don't know about 6.5" in the rears though....

Yes, you are correct. In the back panel though I didn't need a spacer. I just cut out the section on the panel and secured the speackers to it. But the were shallow mount. Others will require spacers.

6.5s can fit in the doors. Will need a 1/2" to spacer or plastic/rubber grommets.

[zx2yetti]

Hey serious, have another recommendation question and didn't want to start another new thread.

A buddy of mine is looking to buy some Boston Acoustics components to go into his BMW. He is looking for an amp to power the speakers that will produce very high quality sound, and be very reliable. He doesn't want to have to mess with it after it is in there. The components are rated at 150 w rms, and he wants to run two sets, so he needs a four channel amp. As for budget range, I would say $400-$600 shipped. He has emphasized sound quality and reliability far more than price. Which amps would you recommend? Thanks again for the info.

Btw, anxiously awaiting those speakers I bought....I can't wait to get them in. Hopefully they get here this week sometime :)

[SeRiousZX2]

I like these:

Phoenix Gold RSD300.4 - $185
Clarion APX4360 - $206
Planet Audio BB175.4B - $260
Alphasonik PMA4150A - $340
Alphasonik PMZ6004A - $176


All of them are have really good quality for SQ. If I had to choose, it would be either the BB175.4B or the PMA4150A.

[zx2yetti]

Hey man, any idea when I should be getting my speakers?

[SeRiousZX2]

Nathan, your speakers were backordered without me knowing. But, I came up with a solution that you are going to LOVE. I'll give you the details tomorrow. But lets just say that you are getting $600 worth of speakers for what you paid. I upgraded you to competition level components all the way around; including the 6x9s.

[zx2yetti]

That sounds pretty amazing!! Just let me know the details when you can. Thanks again man!!

[SeRiousZX2]

Ok, here are the details. If there is anything you don't like let me know and we can work it all out.

First, my distributer claims Alphasonik (because its all hand made) can't keep up with the demands for the products. So they won't have 6.5" components for awhile due to the waiting list on the backorder. SOOOOOO, I "upgraded" you to a competition series 5.25" (stock ZX2 size) speakers. The cool thing is that the tweeter is either removeable and made a seperate or you can leave it connected but still its own independant speaker.

Second, Because you have been soooo patient and an awesome customer I went ahead and "upgraded" the 6x9s as well. These aren't just any 6x9s either. They are component 6x9s!!

The model #s are:

PF52C: $150 retail
PF69C: $300 retail

I over exagerated the $600 but $450 isn't bad either.

[zx2yetti]

I just looked at the specs for those speakers, and it sounds good to me. 140W rms for the 5.25s and 280W rms power handling for the 6x9 three way component speakers. I think that will work perfectly with the two amps I have. So everything sounds good to me. Let me know when you get them shipped so I have an idea of when to expect them. Thanks again Serious!!

Real quick....I was looking at those model numbers, and noticed that PF69 and PF69C are both model numbers. The 69C are two way coaxial. The 69 are three way components. Just making sure you were talking about the PF69 components. The front speakers look good.

[SeRiousZX2]

I have them. I will box them up tonight and get them out to you tomorrow. I was just waiting on your approval.

The rears will be the 69C model which is the 2 way component set. The tweeter is removable and it comes with a crossover and 220 watts rms. You can leave the tweeter attached or relocate it if you want. Either way, these things get loud and the clarity is amazing!! If I wasn't running all PowerBass, I would run these.

http://www.alphasonikuk.com/

[zx2yetti]

Sounds good man. Can't wait to get them. Only runnin on two speakers right now (but they still sound pretty good). But can't wait to get these put in. I'll let you know once I get them, and how they sound.

[zx2yetti]

When did you ship the speakers? Still haven't received them.....

[SeRiousZX2]

Bro, I sent you a PM

[zx2yetti]

Just thought I would update the thread real quick.

I got the speakers installed and all hooked up, and they sound AWESOME!! Everything is crystal clear, just as expected. When I get a little more time, I might make a small project work log for all the specifics.

Serious is an excellent guy. He will take care of you. Highly recommended.