I went with the Polk Audio separates DX 6510 (6.5" rounds) and DX3000 adjustable tweeters. Put a 325 watt MTX amp in the tool bin. Kept the stock head unit. Sounds beatiful!! But, I'm looking forward to hearing the Kelton Bassworks underseat subwoofer, because the sound needs another dimension.

2x6spds

 

nah. Focal or Dynaudio

 

Ah, that's much better. Still, go for an amp. I've got the Sony CDX-M750 with 50W per channel and I can assure you an amp is chalk and cheese in the higher volumes and much better for those nice speakers.

As for mixing brands, go for it. I don't think one company makes the best of eveything. I only bought Sony because it's red

 

My system as follows:

Sony CDX-M600 Head unit with remote control ($289 - Sears)
Sony 'X-Plod' 10 stack CD changer with ESP ($189 - Internet vendor)
Sony 'X-Plod' 1631 3 way 6.5" speakers ($75 - ABC)
Bazooka EL-10A 10" amplified subwoofer ($179 - Ubid.com)

I am VERY happy with the way my system sounds. It is SOOOO much better than stock. Contrary to what some others have said about Bazooka's being the worst option for bass, my bass is tight, loud and works very well. And, it doesn't overpower the rest of the system (it could if you wanted it to, but I set it conservatively!!).

All up, the system came to $732. I installed the Bazooka on a removable false floor that sits on top of the tool tray. Covered it in matching gray carpet from Home Depot that works very well.

I do not need to ever upgrade my system any further.

Cheers,

 

Sime,

sounds like you got one hella sound system... would you be interested in meeting up one day to show it off? i'm in the area...

 

Sure, most Saturday mornings I am at the (Do it yourself) car wash on the corner of Shiawasee and Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills - usually at/around 10am. I can give you my cell to make sure that I will be there for sure if you like.

I hope you can understand, but with regards to meeting up, I don't like to give out my home address to people I don't know well, because the last time I did, my C5 'vette was broken into, wheels, tires and V1 stolen and $9000 damage caused as a result.

Of course I can't prove who did it, but it is strangely coincidental that 2 weeks after I invited some people over from an online 'car enthusiast' forum, this happened to my car. For a whole 6 months before that time, I was able to leave my car at night with the roof off and the V1 on the windshield.

Now, unfortunately, I am very (overly) protective. I have a very good alarm on my car, and a Glock 23 .40 cal semi automatic with laser aiming!!!! I hope that I never have to use it for an intruder in my home.

I'm really a nice guy!!! I'm just very particular about some punk(s) taking things that I have worked hard for (as any of us would be). These days, you can't be too careful!

But as I said, I'm happy to meet up on 'neutral ground' for now so to speak.

Cheers,

 

Sime, very good deal on the 1631s - the XSV1635M are $A249 a set in Oz. Are these the equivalent?

I am looking at the 1621s but in OZ the SONY website lists only an XSF 1620 - AusS2000 are these the same speakers or different quality, they sound like a good deal at $A125.

As I don't intend to upgrade my head unit I am wondering if it is worth the extra for the 1635s at twice the price - will I be able to drive them without an amp?? Or is there a value for money amp that is worthwhile using with the stock head unit?

Thoughts anyone?

 

Sime - nice set up. Does the 600 have the sub-outs like the 750 or did you use the rear channels? No Amp? Whassup?

2kturkey - Not sure on the differences between the US and AUS models.

Sime - Where are your speakers manufactured. The Aus product is made in Thailand if I remember correctly. The Thai are renowned for their high fidelity sound systems

Are these similar to the us 1621's



Are these similar to the 1631's



2kturkey - Don't pay much attention to the Sony site. The availability and price is often very different in a store like Strathfield Car Radio (do you have those in Melb?). I'd strongly suggest an amp. Either the XM222 (I have one) or even better the XM255EX. Once again: subject to availability.

 

Thanks AusS2000. I checked out the Strathfield website and they have the XSF1620s at $A98 and the XSV1635Ms at $A229. Yes, Strathfield are in Melb - I was actually in their shop on Sunday. However, we also have JB Hi-Fi here and they are usually cheaper again than Strathfield, so I'll check out both before I buy.

I do have concerns with both the speakers above though.

1. I looked at the US Sony website and the 1621 is available as either an XSF or an XSV - the F model is 2 way whereas the V model is 3 way. After reading a few other posts in this area everyone in the US seems to be going for the V models which are not available in Oz - will 2 way vs 3 way make such a big diffenece?

2. The 1620 has a depth of 48mm (1 3/4") whilst the 1635s have a depth of 57mm (2 1/4"). Can the Stook take a 57mm deep speaker or will it hit the frame/window?

I appreciate your advice re the amp - I will seriously consider this.

 

Can't comment on the difference as I have separates. Although i suspect one is 100% better and the other is %110 better. Anything is better!

Tweeter sound (hi-freq) is fairly directional and is easily blocked by yours or your passengers legs so I mounted the tweeter on the dash (no damage BTW)

My HL635's are 57mm deep and are no problem once you modify or replace the basket.

See my Audio Upgrade page for info.

[Edited by AusS2000 on 03-05-2001 at 09:18 PM]