Polk Audio SR6500 Series

[cam5860]

Im pleased to tell to everyone that the test results are out on the SR6500 today. I received my december issue of car audio and electronics today in the mail. Just let me start by saying this is one of the best reviews ive seen on a component set. There was five test on these baby's in the music selection. Lets start with the blues music. Here's what they said on the blues selection. At moderate to high volume levels the bass reappears and the speakers don't exhibit any breakup or ear fatiguing harashness. Quite a performance. There was also a test on vocals, jazz, rock and classical. The scoring slection on the music selection was great. Blues scored a 16 out of 20 points possible. Vocal scored 17 out of 20, jazz scored 17 out of 20, rock scored 16 out of 20, and classical scored 15 out of 20. That brings the overall score on the music selection to a 81 out of 100 points possible. Now for the overall sound quality score chart here's what the scores where on that. Overall sound quality had a score of 16 out of 20 points possible. Tonal balance 8 out of 10 points possible. Low frequency extension 9 out of 10 points possible. Clarity at low volume 7 out of 10 points possible. Clarity at high volume 8 out of 10 points possible. Image Stability 8 out of 10 points possible. Listening Fatigue 9 out of 10 points possible. Flexibility of installation 15 out of 20 points possible. Now that brings the total overall score to a 80 out of 100 points possible very impressive. One thing that i want to point out about this review, is i heard nothing negative about the component set. It was all up beat thats very impressive if you ask me. In the conclusion here's what the reviewer had to say. I would heartily recommend saving up until you can afford these. You won't be disappointed if you're looking for detail, realism and above all smoothness. Kudos to matt and the engineers at polk audio.

[exalted512]

is there a link to this review? or can someone scan it and attach it?
-Cody

[audiobliss]

^^ That'd be great as I don't subscribe to that rag. But it does sound like a good review.

[MacLeod]

Christ you cheapskates. Run down to the local book store and pick up a copy!

Outstanding! Im really glad Polk sent them off to be reviewed. This will be a lot of good publicity for the SR's.

Just for comparison, the $1200 Zapco components received 80 out of 100 with a 16 for SQ.

And even better, the $3500 Focal Utopia BE received a 76/100 with a 15 for sound quality!

And the $750 Polks got an 80/100 with a 16 for SQ.

So when compared side by side with the best (and most expensive) speakers in the world, the nearly half priced Polks kick ass which is why I say theyre the best speakers on the market!!!

[exalted512]

walmart doesnt carry it anymore and no one else in town that i know of has it...or else id buy it
-Cody

[cam5860]

why don't you just subscribe to car audio and electronics. It is only 15.95 for a full year. That's only like a 1.33 a issue compared to the 4.99 on the news stand. To me it's well worth it because i like to keep up with the new products and technology.

[Jstas]

Christ you cheapskates. Run down to the local book store and pick up a copy!



Thank the good lord somebody else said it so I wouldn't have to be the big meanie again!

Any bookstore will have the magazine. Barnes and Noble, Borders, B. Dalton, Walden Books...you name it, they all have magazine racks.

[spwuinmk67]

But your always the big meanie john. Just how it works around here.

As far as the mag goes, theres only very few places around me that actually have it, and none of them am i usually near. I'll break down one day and subscribe.

[MacLeod]

All the major bookstores will have it. Books-a-million, B Dalton and so on. Little shops in the mall or mag stands in grocery stores may have it but probably not.

[audiobliss]

...and who asked you?!

;)

[MacLeod]

...and who asked you?!

;)


Post whore.

[audiobliss]

Post whore.

And again I say....who aksed you?!

:D ;) :p :cool: :D

["Polk" Paul DiComo]

FYI, we will be buying the reprint rights for this review so eventually we will post a Acrobat Reader file of the entire review on the site. In the meantime all we can do is use excerpts. Performance Auto & Sound has a set of samples and we should be seeing a review from them in a couple of months.

[CrBoy]

^ Sweet!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D

[exalted512]

^ Sweet!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D
what does mine say!?!

[CrBoy]

what does mine say!?!

:confused: :confused: :confused:

[bknauss]

what does mine say!?!

Dude!

...its a line from "Dude, where's my car?". Terrible movie, but it had its moments.

[CrBoy]

Dude!

...its a line from "Dude, where's my car?". Terrible movie, but it had its moments.

I gotcha!

[audiobliss]

Paul - Since you can only post excerpts...why don't you post 1/4 of it in the Car and Audio Electronics forum, 1/4 in the Garage Sell forum, a 1/4 in the Custom Fabrication forum, and a 1/4 in the Car Subwoofer Talk forum?

:D

[MacLeod]

FYI, we will be buying the reprint rights for this review so eventually we will post a Acrobat Reader file of the entire review on the site. In the meantime all we can do is use excerpts. Performance Auto & Sound has a set of samples and we should be seeing a review from them in a couple of months.


Excellent idea.

I strongly believe in the selling power of magazine reviews and having them on a manufacturers webiste makes it a lot more likely shoppers will see them. A lot of audio rookies or whatever wont take the time to research magazines for reviews but having them readily accessible on the webiste will earn a lot of points with potential customers. I know because it did with me.

In '98 when I was researching components for my new system I decided to use the internet which we had just gained access to. The first thing I did was look up the brands websites that I was interested in. MB Quart and JL Audio had reviews posted on their website of the products I was interested in and that put them at the top of my short list and ultimatetley I bought those very products.

[fireshoes]

why don't you just subscribe to car audio and electronics. It is only 15.95 for a full year. That's only like a 1.33 a issue compared to the 4.99 on the news stand. To me it's well worth it because i like to keep up with the new products and technology.

Sounds like you need to get yourself an Ebay, son!

One year for $5.50, two years for $9.50, and three years for $12.95 (http://books.search.ebay.com/car-audio_Magazine-Subscriptions_W0QQbsZSearchQQcatrefZC6QQcoactionZc ompareQQcoentrypageZsearchQQcopagenumZ1QQfgtpZQQfp osZ63303QQfromZR2QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ2QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1Q QlopgZQQsacatZ29253QQsadisZ200QQsaprchiZQQsaprcloZ QQsargnZQ2d1QQsaslcZ2QQsbrftogZ1QQsofocusZbs)

Pwn3d! ;)

[aaharvel]

Yup. I bought my RTi4's based on the Stereophile mag. review~ which in turn led to a total makeover of my system. (god bless those 1yr. guaranteed CircuitCity returns)

[cam5860]

Dang on i did not even think about checking ebay for magazine subscriptions. I don't buy anything off ebay most of it is junk that people don't want or some scamer is selling some product to make money. Anyway you look you a loser somewhere down the line if you buy off ebay. Ive never been big on used stuff. I like new products i had rather save up to money to own a new product.

[cam5860]

Im trying to figure out why crutchfield is not carrying the sr series yet. car domain has had them for a month at least. Im thinking that crutchfield is not going to carry them.

[MacLeod]

Im sure they will. If Polk makes it, Crutchfield will sell it.

[1996blackmax]

These things were given a great review. I went to Tweeter with some of my tunes and listened to them for a long while. The sales lady kept asking me if I needed help. I just said no thank you :). They had some Focals there so it was cool to compare them side by side. The Polks just sounded better, I would say smoother. Not that the couple of different Focals did not sound good, just not as good.

[cam5860]

I was wondering if anybody know's if polk is going to make a full range line of the sr series or just components? Also are they going to offer a 5 1/4 component set?

[spwuinmk67]

a 5.25 set is in the works. There was one on there sound board at Polkfest. If you check out some of the pics from there you should be able to see them. I believe some subs are in the works too.

[MacLeod]

I doubt and hope they dont come out with SR coaxials. Coaxials are fine and all for entry level and mid line speakers but have no place in a line as superior as the SR's.

However, the SR's can be mounted coaxially so you get the benefits of a coaxial speaker and still have the superior product of components.

[neomagus00]

i think you answered your own doubt :p... but i personally lust for an SR sub, i'd love to have the sound of the sr6500 extend to 16 Hz... mmm...

[PolkThug]

It would be really nice if someone from Polk could confirm/deny SR subwoofers and what sizes will be available and ETA, BEFORE I tear apart my brand new Stang. (ie, I spend mucho time and $ making the Momo 15's fit, then at Christmas, SR 12's come out. I think I would snap.)

Regards,
P-Thuggy

[MacLeod]

They are eventually coming out with an SR line of sub, we saw the prototype at Polkfest. Theyre also coming out with a redesigned Momo sub as well.

Hmmm, I hope none of this was top secret. Polk probably wouldnt like me telling......wait....I think there is somebody at my window......it looks lik

[audiobliss]

I got dibs on Mac's truck!!!!!!

:D

[exalted512]

you can have that POS, but I get the speakers:D
-Cody

[audiobliss]

Hey...it all comes as a package, now!!!! (AND I GET IT!!!! 'CAUSE I CALLED DIBS FIRST!!!! *prepares for battle*)

:D:D

[exalted512]

then i get your jeep!!!

wait...im getting screwed here...
-Cody

[audiobliss]

ROFL

Hey, you're getting it FOR FREE. That's a bargain.

:D

[exalted512]

i dunno, id probably have to PAY someone to take it off my hands:D
-Cody

[bknauss]

They are eventually coming out with an SR line of sub, we saw the prototype at Polkfest. Theyre also coming out with a redesigned Momo sub as well.

Hmmm, I hope none of this was top secret. Polk probably wouldnt like me telling......wait....I think there is somebody at my window......it looks lik

That info WAS correct back at Polkfest.

[spwuinmk67]

Well being that it was correct then, what's correct now?

[cam5860]

I can't wait to see what the redesigned momo series is going to look like. I hope they add a little more new technology to them for a even more better listening experience.

[MacLeod]

That info WAS correct back at Polkfest.


He's just saying that so he doesnt have to kill me.

[Jstas]

Picked up the mag to read the review. I recommend that everyone get this issue because it has an article on power handling that should be required reading for everyone in the hobby. Anyway, the review was positivly glowing even if it was a bit repetative. They really liked the speakers. Polk isn't allowed to post the article and I'd type it all in but that would take too long. So here is the conclusions:

"Through the use of cutting edge materials and technology, Polk Audio has created a set of audiophile-grade components that rival some of the best home speakers I've heard in the areas of detail, dynamics and imaging. If you can handle what I consider a reasonable retail price of $899 for these speakers, you will be rewarded with years of listening enjoyment. If $899 is too steep for your budget, I would heartily recommend saving up until you can afford these. You won't be dissappointed if you're looking for detail, realism and abve all, smoothness. Kudos to Matt and the engineers at Polk Audio!" -- Bob Morrow, Car Audio & Electronics, December '05, Polk Audio SR6500 Test Report pg. 82



As a comparison, they also tested the MB Quart QSC 216 set of components on pg. 84. They have an MSRP of $799 compared to the quoted MSRP of $850 for the Polks. The Polks scored 80 out of 100 suibjective points and 81 out of 100 music selection points while these MB Quarts scored 74 out of 100 subjective points and 40 out of 50 music selection points. They were reviewed by different reviewers which explains teh disparity in music selection points. However, if these are teh price point competition for the Polk SR6500's, it seems that the set has the ability to trounce it's direct competition and is going for the juggular of the gear placed squarly above it in the price rankings. Defintly one hell of a value and a much more than solid performer. Having heard these in person myself, these are quite impressive, worth every penny will exceed many people's expectations.

[audiobliss]

Jstas - You planning on getting yourself a pair? Or only when your current speakers go?

Oh, and thanks for posting the conclusion. I'll have to look for this mag next time I'm at a book store; that power handling article sounds interesting.

[beardog03]

I need to get a car that has a better "sound room"..

This kick panel stuff is going to make the Sr`s and the momo`s about the same in SQ in my project car..

I`m saving for the components for the front and 6x9`s (?) for the rear..

The Sr`s would shine in the rear deck , but in the kick panels my feet won`t be able to hear the difference..!

[neomagus00]

you might be surprised, especially if you aim the kicks...

[beardog03]

I could maybe do that on the passanger side , but on the driver side there is not enough room..

[hellohello]

just get smaller feet :)

[MacLeod]

You dont put speakers in the kicks for better tonal accuracy. You do it for better imaging. By putting them in the kicks you make the distance between the two speakers and your ears more equal which equates to a better soundstage.

Generally youd only put the mids in the kicks and put the tweeters up high like in the A pillars to provide proper stage height.

[1996blackmax]

I love the T.A. feature on my HU :).

[neomagus00]

i hate mine... it adds a separate eq curve that i can't figure out, so it totally ruins my tuning...

[1996blackmax]

What HU do you have?

[neomagus00]

pioneer premier deh-p860mp (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4041_64496601,00.html)... or the same thing from a year or two ago...

[MacLeod]

Time alignment is CHEATING!

http://www.animation-station.com/smileys/images/rulez.gif

[neomagus00]

and i don't use it, so HA! :D

btw, do we have any sort of a timeline for the sr subs?

[audiobliss]

Hey, I didn't know you use that HU! Both 1996blackmax and I use that HU!

*high five*

[exalted512]

GAY^^^
-Cody

[1996blackmax]

Time alignment is CHEATING!

http://www.animation-station.com/smileys/images/rulez.gif


So trying to get the best sound for my application is cheating :rolleyes: .


I guess the same could be said for using crossovers, and eq's.

[1996blackmax]

pioneer premier deh-p860mp (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4041_64496601,00.html)... or the same thing from a year or two ago...



I have the non-premier version of that HU and I have not encountered that issue. Did you do the time alingment manually or let the HU do it?

[MacLeod]

So trying to get the best sound for my application is cheating :rolleyes: .


I guess the same could be said for using crossovers, and eq's.


Crossovers and EQ's are not the same thing as using digital processing to artificially shift the soundstage to a proper placement at the expense of the passenger side stage when you couldve done the same thing with a little elbow grease and speaker placement. :rolleyes:

Kinda like bodybuilders using steroids, you didnt do any of the work, the bull semen you injected in your veins did. Same here, your processor is doing the work for you. Dont be lazy!

[audiobliss]

*yawn*

*stretches*

Don't be lazy?! Yeah, right!

*turns over in bed*

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[neomagus00]

Did you do the time alingment manually or let the HU do it?
yes... even when i set both speakers to the same delay, there's a sound change... i believe that it's not directly the TA, but rather the setting of "front-left" in the position selector that you must choose to do TA that causes the change...

mac - even without TA, my soundstage is wonderful, but the passenger's is crap, because there's different aiming of the left and right mids and especially tweets...

[cam5860]

I agree the time correction feature does make a difference in the way your eq is set. I think that maybe it is just because of the delay in the speakers. But heck Ive never really figured it out. Ive tried the feature several times but I just flat out don't like the way it sounds. It's kinda dull sounding to me.

[neomagus00]

zactly... i've spent literally hours trying to re-eq that crap away, and it just doesn't happen, so f- it...

[1996blackmax]

Crossovers and EQ's are not the same thing as using digital processing to artificially shift the soundstage to a proper placement at the expense of the passenger side stage when you couldve done the same thing with a little elbow grease and speaker placement. :rolleyes:

Kinda like bodybuilders using steroids, you didnt do any of the work, the bull semen you injected in your veins did. Same here, your processor is doing the work for you. Dont be lazy!


Mac if that works for you that's great, but do not come down on me for what works for me. I will do what I want with my system, if you don't agree then.............

I have done all of the work on my car so just cut it with the lazy B.S.

By the way, I thought that using an EQ was a form of signal processing.

[1996blackmax]

zactly... i've spent literally hours trying to re-eq that crap away, and it just doesn't happen, so f- it...


I let the HU do the T.A. automatically, which by the way is the same as the meaurements that I've had for years with my other systems :). In the good old days I did this the old fashion way which was to actually measure the distance between me and the rest of the speakers, and then compute that into milliseconds. It is so much easier now :D. Anyway, when I did the auto T.A. thing it does the auto EQ as well. I desinganged the Auto EQ because I did not like how it sounded. Pioneer lets you use both EQ's at the same time. The auto EQ along with the one that you can tune yourself. This is where things can get confusing. I finally figured this out and then disingaged the auto EQ setting. When it does the auto tuning thing it also puts the sub X-over frequency at 200Hz and then reversed the phase on my sub (it does this to get an accurate reading). I just put it back to 80Hz and reversed the phase, this did the trick :). Kind of confusing, but the end result is worth it.

Messing with the T.A. feature can also give you a slightly better image for the front passengers if you are also using rear speakers. It wont be as good as the T.A. just setup for either you or the passenger, but it is an improvement. My wife could actually care less. I show her the diffences and she does not think it is a big deal at all. I just say ok better sound for me then :D .

[PolkThug]

Are there going to be subwoofer SR 12's AND 15's or just 12's? It is REALLY important that I know this. I'm trying to map out a game plan for the ThugStang and being caught between the Momo vs. SR isn't making it easy. The new Mustang trunks suck for sub box options, so I'm probably going to have a custom fiberglass job.

[audiobliss]

PT - I'd probably call Polk, explain your situation, and ask for definitive answers. I don't see why they wouldn't be willing and able to answer your question.

[neomagus00]

blackmax - the eq curve of which i speak is separate from the auto-eq curve, which i just use as a starting point for my own tuning... there's some hidden eq-ing going on inside the position selector that i really don't like, so i just don't use it...

PT - if you get any info on the SR subs, make sure to share! :D

[brettw22]

I went into a shop to match a system with the SR's and for 6x9's, the momo's don't mesh that well. The best matching speaker that Tweeter had was a set of Boston 6x9's (not sure of the exact model), but the salesperson said there was an SR 6x9.....true?

[neomagus00]

nope, not yet at least... and the sr's are far beyond the momos, so i'm not surprised they don't mesh...

[brettw22]

So the only alternative is to buy someone elses brand of speaker to mesh because no such 6x9 exists? That's no good.......

[neomagus00]

no, the SRs are too good for a 6x9 (i'm not being facetious, that's true... it's HIGHLY unlikely that an SR 6x9 will ever exist)... if you're going to buy the SRs, the assumption is that you will spend time, money, and effort on the install, and very very few SQ installs use oval or rear speakers...

[brettw22]

So buy 2 pairs of the SR's? Everyone I've mentioned that option to says that's a pointless thing to do since the rear is basically for filler space, and that's what the 6x9's are primarily for.....

[bknauss]

Screw filler space I say... unless you have annoying people in the back of your car and want to drown them out with sound.

[brettw22]

There WILL be 6 speakers in my car if that's what i'm taking out........

What's the best suggestion for rear speakers in a sedan?

[audiobliss]

There WILL be 6 speakers in my car

Why?

[Jstas]

I say get the 2 sets of SR's, the hell with what everyone else thinks! It's your money, car and ears, why shouldn't you get what you want? Get some mounting plates to mount the 6.5" speakers in the 6x9 inch holes and go to town! I'm not 100% sure what would work well for a sub so you might want to head down to a Tweeter or some place else that has them and bounce some subs off of them. I'd say the DB subs would work well but I think that you can find a sub that digs deeper than the DBs. You might pay more for them but so what. You are gonna be dropping $1200+ on the SR's most likely unless you can swing a deal.

If you are still on the fence, just remember what those SR's sounded like compared to the B&W 801's sitting next to the sound board!

[Jstas]

Why?

Why not?

[audiobliss]

I suppose there are reasons why someone would want them. Personally, I wouldn't because of imaging, soundstage, and expense. Since I can't think of any reasons for it, besides rear fill, I was asking why.

[MacLeod]

Brett - One solution could be to run SR midrange drivers only in the rear. Get the SR's and if the dealer wont sell you the mids seperately Im sure Polk would. Just stick em in the back without a crossover. Just use the natural roll off of the speakers and that would provide excellent rear fill and also give something for your passengers to listen to.

A lot of us dont care for rear speakers cause they tend to pull the stage to the back and can cause cancellation issues but generally I dont see a problem with them as long as youre not going to be competing.

[brettw22]

I don't understand the logic in having no sound in the back at all other than a sub because you DO hear sound from the back....

The SR driver only in back is ok, but why not have the full system in back? Any of the 6x9 drivers on the market have both a tweeter and a mid combined, so what would the difference be?

[audiobliss]

The real reason for not having any speakers in the back is because the sound will reach your ears at different angles at different times, thus 'smearing' the soundstage and imaging. This effect is more pronounced with higher frequencies, so if you just ran the mids it would be less pronounced.

[MacLeod]

Well, for one the tweeters would be very directional and you really wouldnt be getting much from them with them firing straight up into your back glass or even worse in your rear doors firing across the floor. In fact its safe to say that you wouldnt hear them at all so why pay for them?

Second, you want your stage to be out in front of you just like in home audio and using rear speakers will usually pull it more to the rear. Now if youre designing a 5.1 system in your car thats a different thing but for the best SQ a pair of speakers in the front only are the only way to go. The example that gets thrown around a lot is when was the last time you went to a concert and the band was behind you?

This is all personal preference tho, a lot of people like the "thicker" sound with rear speakers and there is nothing wrong with that at all.

*edit
One other thing, having the rear speakers playing the same thing the fronts are but having them at different distances can cause some cacellation issues and smear detail some. Try it at home and youll see. Play some music running thru your surrounds as well as your mains and youll notice it may be a little thicker sounding but overall SQ has diminished.

[Jstas]

See, that's the issue. How many records are actually done at a concert?

They are done in a studio and in quite a few recordings, teh soundstage is accurate but confusing because of the way the studio, the mics and the musicians in the studio are placed. In a recording studio, it is quite possible to have instruments all around the recording point. Your lead singer and your lead instrument usually get thier own recording point so they will usually be front and center because they are distributed across both channels of a stereo rig.

The idea of high fidelity is not reproduce a live performance from a recording but rather to faithfully reproduce the instruments and vocals. The basic idea is that you want a violin to sound so freaking real you feel like you could pick the nose of the violinist sitting right infront of you. You want that signer to sound so real and have such a prescence infront of you that you feel like you could kick him in his "Flanders-doodles"! You aren't going to duplicate a live performance that doesn't exist. There is so much more than music and vocals that is present in a live recording that you just can't duplicate reliably and accuratly.

Also, the last time I was at a concert, I was at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia and I'll be damned if the sound doesn't sound like it is all around you! That building has the most incredible acoustics I have ever seen!

[MacLeod]

Like I said, its a matter of personal preference.

Me, I like my stage out in front of me at eye level and I want all the detail I can get so for me its a pair of speakers only. But there is certainly nothing wrong with rears if thats whatcha want.

[brettw22]

But also yo guys are dealing with a system that is trying to go into the cab of a truck, which would have a completely different sound than that of a 4 door....

My rear speaks are on the deck, and without speakers in back, it sounds less full. I' not getting a sub in this car, because this car is only gonna be around for 2 years max, and then will be transferred into the new one......

[MacLeod]

Youre crib (a little hip-hop lingo there) is a lot bigger than a car so when you listen to 2 channel music do you think it sounds less full? Besides, like I said, having the same music coming at you from 2 different distances doesnt sound as good (to me) as having it all coming from only 2 channels.

Im not trying to talk you out of using rears, if thats what you want go for it.

[brettw22]

I guess my only point is that not EVERYone, and I'd say that MOST people aren't looking to go for Show Car installations, and that means that there SHOULD be a better option for filling the rear stage than to say either use someone elses 6x9's or use the Momo's that don't sound like they belong at all.

[MacLeod]

Well, 90% of the people that would be willing to pay $800 for a set of car speakers are deadly serious about their audio and do want the most realistic stage and imaging they can get which usually means no rear speakers so R&D'ing and coming out with a set of 6x9 coaxials in the SR line wouldnt be worth it because purists would use them.

Could you imagine a SDA HTiaB. :eek:

Still, using a SR mid only in the rear is not a bad thing. Their natural roll off will be enough youll get some high frequencies out of them and the stuff they dont reproduce you wouldnt be able to hear from the front seat anyway.

[exalted512]

quick question, how are CDs recorded now? stereo? quadraphonic? 5.1? 7.1?
-Cody

[audiobliss]

SDA HTiaB

LOL!! Good one!


I'd say, if you're stuck on having rear fill, grab ya some SR mids.

[MacLeod]

Link to the CA&E review of the Almighty SR's. (http://caraudiomag.com/testreports/0511cae_polk/)

[spwuinmk67]

Brett, my old car was a 92 camry, pretty big car, ran only fronts. It takes some getting used to, but definatly sounds better, to ME. once again all personal preferance. Cody's old truck was a rather big one i think, and he had his rears off most of the time, if i remember right. I just wanna let everyone know it took me forever to type this, cause ive been drinkin :) FYI, i believe the SR's come with an adapter plate for a6x9 hole, and brett, just try to remember what that subaru sounded like at pf, that should give you a good idea of what to expect out of running the srs in the rear as well. although they were probably using TA in there a bit.

[brettw22]

Look at you Bill.....you type better drunk than some of these monkeys sober.... lol

I didn't remember what the Subaru had in it to be honest, and I think that I'm probably more likely to go down the line of 2 SR sets than to leave it completely empty in the back. The only concern that I'm going to have is with the modifications that will have to be made to the rear deck to accomodate the speaks, knowing that I'm planning on getting rid of the car in the somewhat near future......

[spwuinmk67]

The subaru had a set of SRs mounted speratly in the front doors, a set mounted as coax's in the rear deck, and there was a 3rd set of crossovers in that truck, but i didnt see where the speakers were. all running off polkmomo amps. what kinda speakers are in your rear deck now? cause like i said, im pretty sure they come with the adapter plate, but youd have to ask cody or mac for confirmation. if you have a set limit, id rather see you go with just the fronts and sub, and some kick ass amps, then skimp out just for some rear fill. think about when we were at Mark's house listenin to the lsi's in the tube room, all you had sound comin from was in front of you, same idea in a car. Why not try this. pick up the SRs, your sub, and your 2 amps, listen to it like that for a while, and if your not happy with that, then you can pick up the extra SR's or whatever later. properly powered and set up, i think youll be more then happy.

[brettw22]

The plan is to skip the sub at this point......just because.

Right now I'm thinking of getting 2 sets of SR's, a 400.4 amp, and a not yet decided on deck.

[spwuinmk67]

if its due to a budget, id highly recommend ditching the 2nd set of sr's and pick yourself a nice ass sub and amp. those speakers with 150 to each channel, is plenty brett, even in a 4 door car. like i said, i had a 4 door camry, with only 80 to each channel, and that was enough. youll need a sub though, cause while the sr's dig pretty deep, not deep enough, especially for a 4 door car. it will really improve your bottom end. road noise and what not kills bass. as for a deck, im a big pioneer fan, ive had 3 different pioneer decks. loaded with features, easy to use, and they look good too, got a price range for a hu?

[brettw22]

The reason for skipping the sub is primarily that I know the speaks are 100% transferrable to a new car, but the sub isn't entirely the same. That and a sub in a car isn't so much my cup of tea. I'm not looking for the type or amount of bass in my car as I am from my 2 12's in my PSW1200 for my HT setup. It's the bottom priority for me to be honest.....

As for the deck.......i've been considering Pioneer's AVIC units, but I think I' probably more likely to get one of the standard single DIN non-DVD/NAVI systems. The reason for that being that the ONLY way I can get an aftermarket system in my next car (300) is with some serious mods to the dash, and while I was at Tweeter, they have a device out now that does some fairly significant signal processing, allowing you to keep your stock unit (allowing all of the features to be used by not hooking up an aftermarket) but processing it as well as an aftermarket deck.

[spwuinmk67]

a sub can easily be transfered, probably easier then the speakers. And you dont need 2 12's with 1800 watts each. I had a single DX12 in my car with about 500 goin to it, and it was enough to round out that bottom end. tune it right, and you can get no trunk or license plate rattle without sound deadening, just need to do the rear deck a little. This is where that CA stereotype comes in, most people you see around with a "system" have bass that rattles the car to shit, which just isn't needed. A single sub with enough power to round out the bottom end is all thats needed. You could probably go with a momo or db sub and be happy. shit, if you really want, i know i'll probably regret getting rid of it, but i could sell you my DX12. It's pretty new, only used it for a few months, and I could even build you a new box. The one its in now is shit.

[brettw22]

I'm planning on putting the 400.4 under the passenger seat becauase I don't want to mount it to the back of my rear seats that fold down. I definitely don't have room to put another amp for the sub in the mix while trying to keep it as simple as possible.........I don't know that I'm 100% opposed to subs in general.......but I am with this specific vehicle.

[spwuinmk67]

I know some people are against it, but you could mount the sub amp right to the box. I've done it several times, even seen shops do it. I've seen no problems. If you mount it to the box, it can come out as one whole piece, all you'll need to worry about is the wires, which you have to run for the other amp anyway.

[brettw22]

All options I'll consider for the 300........the Honda is getting no sub.......

[spwuinmk67]

haha, how long till the 300

[brettw22]

I won't get a new car until I get a different job where I'm not putting 20-30k miles a year.......I'd say another year or two.

[spwuinmk67]

ah...i see. I've made my suggestions, and now my buzz is wearin off, so i think its bed time. I need a new car, I already know what I want, and which specific one, but I just need the $12,000 to get it. damn, money sucks...

[MacLeod]

Brett - Sounds like youre talking about the JL Audio Clean Sweep. Thats a damn fine piece of equipment right there and the best answer to cars with head units that cannot be removed.

[brettw22]

Ya.....it was the JL Sweep device.

The only reason that I like that as an option is that with the 300 I'm getting, some of the information from the radio/cd player is displayed on the dash computer under the spedometer, and as querky as it may seem, I don't want to lose that function of the stock unit. Plus, most of the stock units nowadays are 6 disc changers, which is a huge benefit in my opinion. For $300ish, the Sweep seems to be a nice alternative to aftermarket.

[MacLeod]

Yup, as the OEM makes it harder and harder to have good audio in the car the Clean Sweep is a great alternative. Its still not as good as an aftermarket head unit but unfortunately, the car makers arent giving us as many choices as we once had.

[bshissias]

Here's what will be going in my 2003 Tundra in March. SR6500s in the front, MMC6500 in the rear access cab, JL 450/4 to drive them, JL 250/1 driving the QLogic box with the 8" JL subs, Alpine CDA-9857(due in 3/10) w/IPOD interface, XM radio and of course, sound deadening. Anybody out there got a Tundra and care to share?

[MacLeod]

No Tundras on here but we got a couple Rams and a Silverado here. Good to have another fullsize truck in the fold.

Is the access cab just the extended cab or is it the crew cab version? If its the extended cab, you might want to consider dumping the rear speakers.

[cam5860]

On that Alpine CDA-9857 you might want to look at some other brands for headunits.

Alpine's lineup of headunits are not that great this year.

[scottyf]

I have a 2002 Tundra. Put in two - three layers of peel-n-stick on the floor, doors and back wall. I am also running the Q-Logic box, though I have 8" Momo's in there.

I just recently purchased a pair of SR's to replace my Momo seperates. I moved the Momo's to the back. Big waste of time and money. I wish I had just sold them (though they look real good in the doors back there!) I find that the SR's do the job musically and the Momo's just screw up the soundstage. Besides, real people don't fit back there, so it's basically my dog's place in the truck.

Don't be afraid of the Momo subs...they sound great. If you can save a little money, I would suggest going with them.

My next step is to soundproof the roof. I'm kinda wigged about the whole headliner thing, though.

[scottyf]

And yes, McLeod, the acess cab is the same as an extended cab.

And yes, I agree, forget the rear speakers.

[scottyf]

That reminds me. Make sure those amps will fit behind the rear seat. There is very little space back there and I actually installed a pair of Xtant 403's, but when I tried to put the seat back in, it would not fit.

I also removed the rear vents. One, I just peel-n-stuck right over, and the other I replaced with a rear door vent from an old car. The truck still vents, but probably not as well as it did before the mods. I also added some bushings to the bottom of the seat to make more room.

Here's a picture of the doors and rear wall with amps. Less room than you think, trust me.

Those SR's took a lot of work to get in there as well. They are much deeper than they look. Deeper than the MMC6500's for this application because there is a brace directly behind where the mid base goes.

It's going to be a challenging install. But it sounds great!

[bshissias]

Thanks guys. Decided to dump the MMC6500s and replace them with the coax MMC650s. Everything will stay the same. Re: the Alpine comment, I have been pleased so far with the other two Alpine units. I have the CDA7995 in my Highlander and the CDA7998 in my Z3. They've been very reliable. The install is on hold cause I received a call from Crutchfield saying Alpine is not meeting the 3/10 release date for the product. :confused: So if I was looking for a different H/U what would it be???? :o

[MacLeod]

That reminds me. Make sure those amps will fit behind the rear seat. There is very little space back there and I actually installed a pair of Xtant 403's, but when I tried to put the seat back in, it would not fit.

I also removed the rear vents. One, I just peel-n-stuck right over, and the other I replaced with a rear door vent from an old car. The truck still vents, but probably not as well as it did before the mods. I also added some bushings to the bottom of the seat to make more room.

Here's a picture of the doors and rear wall with amps. Less room than you think, trust me.

Those SR's took a lot of work to get in there as well. They are much deeper than they look. Deeper than the MMC6500's for this application because there is a brace directly behind where the mid base goes.

It's going to be a challenging install. But it sounds great!


Mmmmmmm. Xtant.