any recomendations for speakers? im looking between focals and JL audio i wanna spend around 250-300ish for the components and tweeters then 200 ish for the 6x9's?

any suggestions?
thanks
-benny

 

Focal polyglass components up front and I'd even put a set in back. I think that is their $350 set if I'm correct. I don't think Focal makes 6x9s, but I could be wrong? If they do, go with that, otherwise another set of Focal components. JL makes great speakers, but I've heard both side by side and they couldn't compare to the Focals.

 

If you don't mind me throwing in my two cents, I recommend Boston Acoustics. Their Pro60 6.5 Competition components can go head to head with Focal K2 Power and their Z series can go head to head with Focal's top-of-the-line Utopia line. On top of that, Boston makes a 6x9 two-way, called SL95, and they sound freaking AMAZING. Boston also includes a mounting bracket with their 6.5 components for easy mounting in Mazda's factory 5x7 door space. I've heard the JL Audio ZR top of the lines and while they sound awesome, they still cannot hold a candle to Boston Acoustics Pro60 6.5 competition components and the Pro60 isn't even Boston's top of the line. Also, and I'm not just saying this because I have them but their SL95 6x9's are the BEST sounding 6x9 speaker I have EVER HEARD in my entire life. I listened to about 10 different 6x9's before settling on Boston's SL95. I sampled two Alpine sets (they sounded very good though), Pioneer, Kenwood, Infinity Kappa 2 and 3-way 6x9's (which both sounded great), MB Quart Reference 6x9 (another great choice), and JL VR and TR series 6x9's (the VR sounds sweet).

Ben, if you're in the New York area, I'll be happy to come and let you hear my speaker setup if you're interested. I have Boston Pro60 6.5 competition components up front (6.5 in door and 1 inch tweeter in factory location) and Boston's SL95 two-way 6x9's in the rear deck all powered by an Alpine MRV-F545 4-channel amp pushing about 110wx4 to all the speakers.

I think the Bostons will fit your budget and may even save you some money, possibly.

Boston Acoustics SL95 6x9 - $149.99
Boston Acoustics Pro60 Competition - $269.99 - $299.99 (Normally stores carry them for about $500 but you can find them on eBay for $269.99 or if you are very good at haggling like I am, you can get them for $300 in a reputable car audio store)

If you really wanna blow your socks off in terms of sound quality and power handling, Boston makes the Z6 series which is basically one of the best car audio 6.5 component sets EVER MADE. Unfortunately, they cost $475 on eBay and about $1000 in retail stores. Be aware though that the Z6 components are basically for those looking to have the best imaging car speakers known to man. I hear NOTHING beats them in terms of flat and neutral frequency range and overall imaging quality.

 

vdelvec thanks for you input im gonna look into them... what kind of amp would you recommend? im looking at the JL audio 300.4 amp...

 

Lil BenNy,

The Boston Pro60's and SL95 are best served with an amp that puts out 75x4 minimum at 4ohms; which the JL does nicely. And since the Boston's are actually run at 3 Ohms, with the JL, you'll get a clean 80-85wattsx4; which will make those Bostons kick real nice!

Did you want to hear how they sounded in an RX-8 first Ben? You can hear mine if you'd like.

 

where are you located? im in NJ but ill be heading to long island this week and somewhere else in NY to pick up some rims... hit me up a pm. once again thanks for all the help

 

ps does the pro 60's come with tweeters? install hard?

 

I have Focals all around in my RX-8 but my Toyota Tacoma has Boston pro 6.5's in the doors and in the extended cab; coupled with a Boston pro 12 sub in a sealed enclosure. Power is supplied by two Phoenix Gold Titanium series amps. It's pure insanity. It sounds awesome. I used the mounting arm that they give you to install the separate 6" and tweeter like a coax so I could install in the factory locations (and keep the interior looking stock). I have no complaints about the sound quality. I almost got Boston Acoustic speakers for my 8 but decided to try something different. I'm not disappointed in the Focals in the least. I'd say they are an even match with the Bostons.

I would suggest giving whatever you're going to buy a listen first. Your ears will ultimately tell you what you think sounds better. However I really don't think you can go wrong with either of these manufacturers.

 

The Boston Pro60's come with 1 inch tweeters that fit perfectly in the stock factory RX-8 tweeter locations. In regards to the installation... do you plan on doing it yourself? If you're going to get them professionally installed or if you are doing it yourself, the Pro's come with a whole bunch of mounting brackets which make for an easier installation compared to other speakers.

By the way, do you have the factory standard system or the factory BOSE system?

You asked me about if the JL 300/4 was good and I say yes, it is very good. I would either go with the JL 300/4 or the Alpine MRV-F545. Both put out great sound, they cost exactly the same price. The Alpine puts out more power though and I, personally, prefer the sound output from the Alpine more than the JL. I also like the looks of the Alpine more; but again, that is just MY personal preference.

I just trust Alpine amps more than other brand amps at this point in time as I've owned 4 Alpine amps and they have NEVER, EVER let me down.

 

I use Focal K2Powers and JL subs in my vehicle and I am very happy with the results.

There are many many good options out there. I would give Focals and JL an "A+" but there are others that I would still give an "A" (most of which are mentioned above)

More is related to system configuration, install and system tuning. "A+" speakers with a "D-" install creates a "D-" system. "A" quality speakers with an "A" quality install will give you an "A" system.

Good luck,

-Mr. Wigggles

 

I'll have to agree w/ MrWigggles on the fact that teh bestest speakers in teh whole wide world won't mean jack if you have a no-name 6000watt amp powering it. You want clean signal and clean power.

 

what about the jbl gti series?

 

Eh... I'd stick with the Boston, JL, or Focal.

 

I used MB Quart 6x9 components in the rear powered by a Rockford Fosgate DSM 200 (150 watt per channel) they sound excellent. $180 a pair w/shipping.Here is a link to where I bought them if interested.
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Pair-MB-Quar...QQcmdZViewItem

 

so i installed the AP lightweight pullies and now my system sounds worse.. i know it effects the system but in what terms? originally i though it was only the subs... but iw as wrong lol... if i upgrade my speakers would there be a difference? is there anything i can do to balance it out so i still have the benefits of the pullies and have a good system?

 

might wanna try looking into getting a Yellow Top Optima battery... and changing speakers won't make it louder, if anything the sound will be cleaner... You could always add on another little tweeter (if you have the Bose system) and run the stock Bose amp at 2 ohms, instead of 4... I tried that, it was most definately alot louder

 

I have Diamond Audio D6 components and D3 6x9 coaxials and they sound amazing. The components retail for about 350-400 but you can easily get them off of ebay for 170 brand new. Not people know about Diamond but they make products that are better than most of the best brands out there. Check them out. About the pullies, if you are running more than one small amp for your sub I dont recommend underdriving your system. you need all the electrical power you can get.

 

Benny, check out my Audio thread to see what I recently put in my car.