Has anyone tried these relatively new components from Zapco? Zapco are known for their amps but I'm not sure if they do as well with speakers. Would be great if you could share your experience or recommendations.

I've heard the CK16.2 at a local dealer. They beat the Alpine SPX-177A, A/D/S 246ix, and MB Quart PCE hands down. However, the CK-16.2 competition series is in a different league so this is not a surprise. It's also much more expensive so realistically I'm looking at the RB/RH reference series. The CK16.2 sounds very good in the store, highly detailed and balanced with good bass extension as compared with the others. The output, at 100W RMS and 92 db/ should do fine in the S.

The components that I'm planning to replace is a set of CDT 6-EF with upstage tweeters. These are comparable with the Inifinity Kappas, Alpine Type R, Boston Acoustics SL but is a tad too laid back for me with silk dome. At @ Fs=78Hz, Qts=0.58, IB, it doesn't go low enough to blend with my MBQ 12" sub. I'll miss the upstage tweeters though, they really work wonders to raise the soundstage so the music always seem to be playing on the dash.

CK-16.2
http://www.zapco.com/prod/Speakers/C...16.2_Frame.htm

RH-16.2
http://www.zapco.com/prod/Speakers/Referen...-16.2_Frame.htm

RB-16.2
http://www.zapco.com/prod/Speakers/Referen...-16.2_Frame.htm

 

Just my opinion, but with the ammount of road noise made by the S2000, I think those componants are big time overkill. While driving they will probably be indistinguishable from a set priced a 3rd less because of the engine/exhaust and road noise even after extensive sound dampening. Again, just my opinion... take it for what its worth I guess.

 

I haven't heard Zapco's yet. I just installed a pair of Polk Audio MMC6500. Love em!!

They are quite pricey (got mine on sale) but the reason I chose them was they cross over their tweeters significantly lower than most manufacturers. 2600 Hz. This brought my front stage in the car up just like I had tweeter pods in the window pillars. I'm powering them with a Kicker ZX350.4 bridged stereo output...175 watts X 2.

As for not bothering because of road noise.... ...my car is MUCH more enjoyable now...it's worth it to me!!!...Dynamat a must though!!!

Note...the Polk's come with an adapter that bolts right into the S2k without any modifications...no need to cut your stock spacers or make MDF ones.

 

way overkill, unless u r into competition.

 

The reference can be had for < $400 online. It's a gray area whether it's worth it - that depends on average RPM :-)

Most of my time in the S is short commute and I enjoy high SQ listening while I'm at stop lights or crusing at low RPM off highway. A good set of fronts can really give one the chills with vocals. It's just as pleasurable as knocking the eyeballs out of the guy/gals in the car next to you with clean, strong SPL :-)

Agree it would be an overkill for high speed / high RPM driving, but a great set of components would still give you the benefit of high listening levels with more clarity and further reduction in distortion.

 

I disagree with everyone who says high SQ speakers are a waste on the highway. Sure, you won't hear every nuance that you would hear sitting in the driveway, but that doesn't mean it's a total loss. There will still be some benefit over speakers with a lower SQ to begin with.

 

There are definitely benefit with high SQ speakers. It's more of a question of how much one is willing to spend for results. Some may be ok with sufficient sound level without too much distortion, other may also want tonal accuracy, improved soundstage/depth, resolution & details. $400 for a set of comps is probably too much for most of owners but considering a set of tires cost just as much and typically last for < 10k miles, that got me thinking.

I'm willing to shell $400 for the reference series (if it's good), but at $800 for the Competition, it's a bit much. Would reallly like to know if anyone have experience with speakers at a comparable "reference" level line to chime in here.