Best Bang For The Buck 6" x 9" Speakers... Update: Infinity Reference Gets The Nod

[Ornery]

I just want to replace some OEM speakers with some 2-ways and no sub. Just a simple Aiwa MP32 running them. I'll put a matching set of 6" x 8" 2-ways in the front.

These are sort of rare from what I've seen, but I'm hoping somebody has heard them:

Audiobahn ABF29Q 6" x 9" 2-Way $84.99 Pair

• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 21kHz
  40 oz. Magnet
  Chrome Plated Flame Basket
  Glass Fiber Composite Cone
  EPDM Rubber Surround
  2 Layer High-temp ASV Voice Coil
  3/4" Neodymium Concentric Swivel Tweeter
  4 Ohm Impedance
  Sensitivity: 95dB
  Complete With Mounting Hardware
  Detachable tweeter

I was initially going to get these, but the ones above have better specs:

Kenwood KFC-6905S 6" x 9" 2-Way $59.99 Pair

• Pearl-mica injection-molded polypropylene woofer with cloth surround
  2 3/4" water-resistant paper cone tweeter
  Frequency response 28-26,000 Hz
  Recommended power range 2-45 watts RMS
  Peak power handling 170 watts
  Sensitivity 92 dB

Pioneer? Alpine? Rockford Fosgate? Sony? Others? By the time those have decent specs, their prices are double what I'm looking at with the Kenwoods. I know specs don't mean much, but nobody I know has any of these and I couldn't hear squat at Best Buy :frown:

 

[Ornery]

• Hello? I'm flabbergasted there's no opinions at all? :Q

 

[Spoooon]

Just say no to Audiobahn. I've heard bad things about their woofers and amps. I have an Audiobahn active crossover that I'm satisfied with though. If I were you, I'd try finding something else, especially since you're only getting 6x9s.

edit: How about these Kenwood 4 way speakers for 79.95? click

I just received my IDQ 12D2 V2 from there a few hours ago.

 

[Danman]

I have some Pioneer 5 X 7's and they are pretty damn good for 60 bucks off of Crutchfield, I also got some Kenwood 6 1/2s and they suck, I wouldn't get Kenwoods again.

 

[Migroo]

As a pair of speakers then Audiobahn are probably far better than the Kenwood, as long as you are planning on running them with a seperate amp.

If you are planning on using the HeadUnit's built in amp then I wouldnt spend too much on the speakers (Edit: regardless of brand) as youre probably not going to be able to hear the difference.

I have had good experience with Audiobahn btw.

 

[Spoooon]

Well, I suppose your mileage may vary with the Audiobahn. On some car audio forums Audiobahn has a bad rep.

 

[Migroo]

Oh just FYI and ever-so-slightly off the main topic:

Its regarding rear speakers. It is many people's opinion that all you need is rear 'fill' - ie: no treble freqs. All you need to do this would be to purchase some bass killers (basically capacitors) that absorb the bass freqs and place those in the stock speaker circuit. The reason for doing this is: having a rear soundstage can really affect the front soundstage - its up to you but most people prefer the sound to come from infront of them (ie like listening to a home hifi). I found this out the hard way and I have disconnected the tweeters on my rear component speakers (Infinity).

With regards to some fronts, give Pioneer a look, I love mine (not sure about size though)

 

[Migroo]

Originally posted by: Spoooon
Well, I suppose your mileage may vary with the Audiobahn. On some car audio forums Audiobahn has a bad rep.

I should really have been more specific. I'm directly talking about their subwoofers and ready-made enclosures They really shake!

 

[Spoooon]

Originally posted by: Migroo
Oh just FYI and ever-so-slightly off the main topic:

Its regarding rear speakers. It is many people's opinion that all you need is rear 'fill' - ie: no treble freqs. All you need to do this would be to purchase some bass killers (basically capacitors) that absorb the bass freqs and place those in the stock speaker circuit. The reason for doing this is: having a rear soundstage can really affect the front soundstage - its up to you but most people prefer the sound to come from infront of them (ie like listening to a home hifi). I found this out the hard way and I have disconnected the tweeters on my rear component speakers (Infinity).

With regards to some fronts, give Pioneer a look, I love mine (not sure about size though)

That's how mine is setup. No rear fill whatsoever. It was weird at first, but now I think it sounds superior. Especially with a good pair of comps up front.

 

[Ornery]

Ah good, thanks for the input! The only reason I'm looking is because I got spoiled over the last couple months. I've used a Dodge Caravan Sport, Buick Century and lately, a Chrysler LHS. They each have upgraded factory sound, which sounded OK to me. I cranked 'em when good tunes came on and was happy.

I recently took my son's Grand Marquis out for an errand. Cranked up the tunes and was kind of dumbstruck how flat it sounded! Bass was not there at all. It is using the OEM speakers that came with the car. I don't believe the cars I've been cruising around in have subs, but it's not impossible. I noticed in the service manual for the G. Marquis that it did have a sub available as an option and there's a cutout in the rear deck for that purpose... I'll be damned!

All I want now is something comparable to the sound I've been enjoying in those factory based systems. They can't be that high end, can they? BTW, I fade the sound to the rear, so that I hear front and back equally. I prefer to hear highs favoring the front and bass from the rear basically, but equal volume from both. I don't consider the rear to be "fill", though I understand that is the norm.

 

[Spoooon]

I've seen "woofer" 6x9s. They are just a one way speaker, no tweeter. I can't remember who made them though.

 

[Viperoni]

Ornery, look around for Kicker Freeair 6x9 subs. Those will fill your need.

Or the Blaupunkt dual voice coil 6x9's.

 

[Ornery]

Hmmmm, you know what's bad about this is that I'm buying online. If it doesn't sound right I'm screwed. I can snag the Kenwoods at BestBuy, but they're a good bit steeper in price.

I want full range, matching speakers all around. I figure I can fade 100% to the front if need be, but I don't think that will be the case. If nothing else, I can block some of the bass going to the fronts, then favor the front with the fader. I want them pretty much equal to start with, though.

Was the general consenses to just forget about Kenwoods? Their specs point to them being fairly decent! Does that magnet weight figure in the equation? I'm surprised how small the magnets are on some of the more expensive units. Could they be getting by on their name?

 

[Spoooon]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Hmmmm, you know what's bad about this is that I'm buying online. If it doesn't sound right I'm screwed. I can snag the Kenwoods at BestBuy, but they're a good bit steeper in price.

I want full range, matching speakers all around. I figure I can fade 100% to the front if need be, but I don't think that will be the case. If nothing else, I can block some of the bass going to the fronts, then favor the front with the fader. I want them pretty much equal to start with, though.

Was the general consenses to just forget about Kenwoods? Their specs point to them being fairly decent! Does that magnet weight figure in the equation? I'm surprised how small the magnets are on some of the more expensive units. Could they be getting by on their name?

The magnet size is kind of hype, especially on a 6x9. I've seen super cheap pos 6x9s with 60oz magnets. I think I found the Kicker 6x9 woofer though. here

 

[Viperoni]

Ornery, if you have the cash, consider the http://www.thezeb.com/caraudio/CDT_Audio_FullRange.html
They're really good I've heard.

 

[TNTrulez]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Ah good, thanks for the input! The only reason I'm looking is because I got spoiled over the last couple months. I've used a Dodge Caravan Sport, Buick Century and lately, a Chrysler LHS. They each have upgraded factory sound, which sounded OK to me. I cranked 'em when good tunes came on and was happy.

I recently took my son's Grand Marquis out for an errand. Cranked up the tunes and was kind of dumbstruck how flat it sounded! Bass was not there at all. It is using the OEM speakers that came with the car. I don't believe the cars I've been cruising around in have subs, but it's not impossible. I noticed in the service manual for the G. Marquis that it did have a sub available as an option and there's a cutout in the rear deck for that purpose... I'll be damned!

All I want now is something comparable to the sound I've been enjoying in those factory based systems. They can't be that high end, can they? BTW, I fade the sound to the rear, so that I hear front and back equally. I prefer to hear highs favoring the front and bass from the rear basically, but equal volume from both. I don't consider the rear to be "fill", though I understand that is the norm.

Get professionals to install your system if you have the $$$.

 

[Ornery]

Thanks for finding that link, I've been looking for ten minutes! $65.00 for one speaker?

Here's what I'm thinking. How much should it cost to duplicate the sound from those factory setups? I'm already assuming the Aiwa MP32 is cleaner and more powerful than the factory head units. I'm hoping to have all four purchased and shipped for about $150.00 and be as good. No way?

 

[Spoooon]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Thanks for finding that link, I've been looking for ten minutes! $65.00 for one speaker?

Here's what I'm thinking. How much should it cost to duplicate the sound from those factory setups? I'm already assuming the Aiwa MP32 is cleaner and more powerful than the factory head units. I'm hoping to have all four purchased and shipped for about $150.00 and be as good. No way?

Basically any aftermarket speaker you buy will be better than factory. If you really want to save money and get decent speakers, you can go with any brand, even Audiobahn. Just stay away from the "bargain" brands like Ultimate or what have you.

65 dollars should be for a pair. I would email or call to make sure that that's what I think it is as Kicker no longer has it on their website. BTW, I've ordered from TMS before (a CompVR 15) with no problems.

edit: here are some 6x8s and 6x9s. Go down the page to the GTO7525 (68.95) and GTO925 (89.95). Those could work. They'll probably sound decent.

edit2: Option 2 which I think is better: MB Quart adapter plate for 21.95, 5.25 2 way speaker (DKD113 for 93), and that Kicker woofer 6x9 linked above.

 

[T2T III]

Just say no to Audiobahn

I've been running Audiobahn separates w/crossovers for over a year now. They have been excellent speakers - they have held up to everything I've put through them and they sound great. The retail on these was about $370 at the time, but I paid about $170 and purchased them from a dealer who wasn't authorized, so I forfeited the 1-year warranty. The speakers came nicely packed Audiobah wooden wine box. I was quite impressed with the care that was applied to the packaging of these speakers.

 

[Spoooon]

Originally posted by: wje

Just say no to Audiobahn

I've been running Audiobahn separates w/crossovers for over a year now. They have been excellent speakers - they have held up to everything I've put through them and they sound great. The retail on these was about $370 at the time, but I paid about $170 and purchased them from a dealer who wasn't authorized, so I forfeited the 1-year warranty. The speakers came nicely packed Audiobah wooden wine box. I was quite impressed with the care that was applied to the packaging of these speakers.

I also said your mileage may vary. I have an Audiobahn active crossover that I've had no problems with. But, I've heard bad things about Audiobahn on some car audio forums and I thought I would be remiss if I didn't forward that information along.

 

[Ornery]

Thank you so much for all the links and food for thought. I'm in no hurry, so I'll take my time to get that best bang for the buck system. I'll need time to research all the links, but I gotta hit the sack for now. This all just got a whole lot more interesting!

THANKS AGAIN!

 

[Spoooon]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Thank you so much for all the links and food for thought. I'm in no hurry, so I'll take my time to get that best bang for the buck system. I'll need time to research all the links, but I gotta hit the sack for now. This all just got a whole lot more interesting!

THANKS AGAIN!

No prob. BTW, all the places I've linked I've ordered from and have had no problems. These places have given me no difficulties: www.mmxpress.com, www.sounddomain.com, www.ikesound.com, www.tms-electronics.com. When ordering though, call or email ahead of time to make sure the items you want are actually in stock. Good luck, let us know what you do when all is said and done.

 

[Ornery]

How much power does it take to drive one of these KICKER Freeair F6x9c? It has a 88.0dB sensitivity. $65.00 for a pair isn't bad for good equipment. Might be smarter to get the full range type, though: Kicker I690 6X9" 3-Way 125W Speaker $99.95

Called a local place other than CC and BB that installs this stuff. They recommended Lanzar for $65.00 per pair, but didn't mention the model. He said they would be fine for what I'm looking for. The installer I spoke to said he uses Lanzar in his own car, but again, no details on what model etc. They're available for $39.95 at MillionBuy. 4 more 6" x 9" Lanzars at etronics

Only $40.00 for Blaupunkt PCXT693 6"x9". Would those be considered "dual voice coil"? Still poking around...

 

[gogeeta13]

Audiobahn of more or less flea market crap, as I have recently found out. IIRC their AlumQ subs are the only ones that they make. All of their amps, component speakers, high excursion subs, everything is all outsourced flashy flea market crap. Not as bad as the pyramid stuff you find on ebay, but it is bad. There is nothing consistent about audio bahn, but I will admit that I have seen some things from them that were very nice/good at a great price. But unlike say MB Quart, you can't say wow I had a great AudioBahn 6.5" component set, their 6x9s must be nice.

I would go for one of the following three low cost brands: Directed, Pioneer or Kenwood. In that order. I have had wonderful expirience with the latest models of Kenwoods 3way and 4way 6x9s. With pioneer, you pay for what you get on anything they sell. And with directed, They have the most bang for the buck but arent the cheapest.

 

[Ornery]

Directed model 1692 for $109.00 shipped Man, you guys keep throwing names at me I've never heard before! Thanks for all the info, though. I'm depending on you to tell me if certain brands suck, cause I just don't have any other sources to check this stuff out.