I definitely want to upgrade the sound of my stereo without jeopardizing the dash controls. Until there is a true plug and play (Soundstream or OEM), I am going to stick with the stock head unit.

I was at Myer-Emco (high end shop in the MD/DC/VA area) yesterday looking at and listening to speakers. I asked the sales rep about 3-ways -- he told me that if I go with 3-ways, even with an amp (which I plan on doing), that I would potentially loose performance. Can someone please explain this to me? By no means am I an audiophile -- just like my tunes loud and clear!

I did listen to the BA 6.5 Pro Series Components that I really liked; the JL Audio XR-650 were also really nice; the MB Quarts were a little too metalic for my tastes...

Thanks for any info.

Mike

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mike L
[B]I definitely want to upgrade the sound of my stereo without jeopardizing the dash controls.

 

I had a chance to compare the Boston 6.5 Pro (~$400) to the Kenwood xr600 (~$200) and an Eclipse 6.5 coaxals (~$200) driven by 40 watts rms / channel Eclipse amps. I'm not sure if it was under powered, but it seems like the mid are missing on those Bostons. I actually like the Eclipse a lot more. The price included was for reference only, you can find much better prices on line.

 

Dividing the full spectrum of audible frequencies (let's say 20hz to 20khz because that's the standard) between more well-crossed over speakers is better... you lose performance when you ask one speaker to cover too broad of a frequency range... was your salesman referring to components or coaxials? I prefer 3-way components because I am able to mount the midranges + tweeters at ear level which allows me to bring more frequencies "up"... which will improve my imaging...

 

Perfromance could mean anything... was he referring to power handling, sound quality, weight ... Who knows what he was thinking.

Three way speakers do have three speakers (hence the term three-way). That means there are three speakers sucking power from the same power source (a single channel on your amp). Now, If I were to compare a two way to a three way of the same type of speakers, the three way would be less "efficient" at using power.

Essentially, all three speakers (combined) must provide a 4 Ohm load to the amp, meaning each of the speakers must be either matched in a 12+12+12 Ohm in parallel, or some other strange series combo (2+1+1?).

In the parallel case you would have the same current flowing across all three, decreasing thier power handiling efficency (maintaing volume, but increasing distortion). In a series combo you would have a drop in voltage across each speaker, in effect cutting the power by 1/3 (depending on resistance of each speaker) per (three-way)speaker. This would decrease volume and maintain distortion levels. So, any way you look at it you are changing the "performace" of the speaker by making it a three way.

Of course, you can't throw out the gains due to correct crossovers matched to speakers. I doubt the manufacturer would make a three way if it didn't sound better. The addition, in most three-way speakers, is a special mid-range "tweeter", which handels the most common frequencies (voices, and most intruments!).


I would suggest you go with what sounds best to you...two-way,three-way and yes even four-way, makes no difference if you don't have the correct power and environmental acoustics (shape of the car). And make sure the place has a good return policy. I used to test every speaker out in my car before I comitted to keeping it. The returns people at crutchfield must of really loved me .


Good luck on your audio upgrades

-- Robert


[Edited by Goldtrom on 05-28-2001 at 01:28 PM]

 

Robert (and everyone else!) --

Thanks for the responses -- Robert, your's was especially informing...

I went and listened to more speakers today (and liked them all about the same!):

JBL P632
Polk dx6
Infinity Kappa 63.1

I am going to sleep on it and then decide in the AM -- and hopefully place my order with Crutchfield tomorrow.

Thanks again for all of the helpful info -- I will let you know how my install goes!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by MacGyver
[B]I wouldn't hold your breath for true plug-and-play stereos to come out.

 

mike, i recently had mtx thunder 152 and polk dx6 installed. amp was put in tool tray without removal of jack or any tools.i had this done at stereo shop. i put in the polk's myself with help from macguyver's webpage. if you would like to hear them before you decide to buy i might be in college park area next weekend. let me know if you would like to meet up.

 

jps2k --

Thanks for the info, bro -- great to see another MD S2K on board!

College Park -- my old stomping grounds -- I went to UMD. Yeah, I would like to hook up if you are going to be in the area -- we can touch base in a couple of days (Thurs) to see what each others plans are.

I am on the road all week -- I will PM you on Thurs sometime. Thanks again for the offer!

Mike

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mike L
[B]I definitely want to upgrade the sound of my stereo without jeopardizing the dash controls.