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

[cavemanmoron]

what about jensen coaxial,or triaxials,'
how bout pioneer/??
or am i too much a caveman? have htese all been "kicked to the curb'"??

i have No radio in my camaro, it has Flowmaster exhaust with a big block chevy,and sounds Really bassy!!!
how bout walmarts,and Radio shack?

 

[GT578]

JBL GTO series......I would recommend those......as I have GTO 6x9 (forgot the model number...but its kinda old ...1997 era). I've been thinking about replacing them since they're like 5 years old.........but I'm wondering how much of an improvement I'll get with newer speakers.......since I have my pioneer head unit powering all four speakers inside....45watt per channel....22RMS I think.

 

[Ornery]

I don't know cavemanmoron. I can get the more familiar named units locally at CC or BB and return them if they suck. I figured the Kenwoods were in the same league, but the best prices are online. I figured if everybody said, "Hell yeah, Kenwoods are great!" I'd just skip buying local and go for the low priced, sure bet right off the bat. Not getting any general consensus so far, though. The specs on the Audiobahns looked the best on paper and they're priced right. Too bad they have the bad rep on some of their stuff.

GT578, how does your system sound just using the loan head unit? Nice bass at moderate volume? Do you set the sound to come mostly from the front? Anybody else get "good" sound from a system with no sub?

 

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: GT578
JBL GTO series......I would recommend those......as I have GTO 6x9 (forgot the model number...but its kinda old ...1997 era). I've been thinking about replacing them since they're like 5 years old.........but I'm wondering how much of an improvement I'll get with newer speakers.......since I have my pioneer head unit powering all four speakers inside....45watt per channel....22RMS I think.

Yes, yes, yes! Another JBL GTO fan! I have some similarly aged GTO 603 6 1/2 inch speakers. I compared them to some Polk EX speakers recently and the Polks promptly went back to the store.

I completely, fully, 100% disagree that you can or should skimp on a speakers just because you won't have an amp.

You will want a fairly sensitive speaker for your non-ampped head-unit, and the JBL GTO series will fit the bill. I think you can find some great prices on ebay.

The GTOs will have a crisp, clear sound that some might call "harsh," but I think of them as "pure." They give me a great sound stage.

The Polks I tried had similar highs and lows, but they seriously had no middle. You could barely even hear strings or horns. They had a completely "wrong" sound, like a completely whack, triple strength loudness-button sound. My good old JBLs sounded so pure and nice in direct comparison in the same installation with the same music. I can't recommend the Polk EX series based on my experience with the EX365 6 1/2 inch model.

Infinity reference series speakers are another quality speaker sensitive enough to be run directly off a head unit. They won't sound as bright and clear as the GTO series, but they will sound nice to many ears. I tell you though, if you've worked a job around loud machinery or you used to really crank it or went to a lot of concerts as a younger gent, you will appreciate the clear highs and nice, full range of the JBL GTO series.

Try 'em. They're great bang for the buck, particularly because they sound good at the lower power levels of the HU's built in amp.

EDIT: I'm no "golden-ears," more like a "silver-ears." For example, I can't hear any difference between monster cable and plain old stranded copper wire of sufficient guage, but I certainly can tell if a speaker sounds like crap. I think mine sound great even without a sub or amp. I honestly have not heard their equal in a non-component, non-amplified, non-subwoofered setup. I've driven many new cars, luxury and otherwise, with many a "premium" factory system, and I still prefer my good old JBLs to a great majority of them.

 

[DougK62]

I'll tell you exactly what you want Go to carmedia1.com and order the Pioneer 4-way 6x9s for $79.00. I did this a month ago and couldn't be happier. Carmedia1 is an excellent vendor that I've dealt with many times. The Pioneer speakers are the best 6x9s for the money, IMO. The 4-way speakers give excellent sound quality - far better than the 2-ways you're eyeing. Check it out - you won't be sorry

 

[Ornery]

Well now, it just so happens that the Buick Century with the sound I liked was using a JBL "Concert Sound" system. Coincidence? Fair priced JBL 6" x 9"

Lots of Pioneers!

I have worked in noisy environments that have robbed me of some hearing. My boys complain that I have the treble too high frequently, but I do want a crisp, natural sound. I've always shied away from 3 and 4 way speakers, because those extra drivers seem unnecessary. Just one more part to break too! I'd think a proper crossover for all those drivers would double the price, but it doesn't, so they must be cutting corners... well, that's what I think anyway

 

[Imported]

Infinity Reference 6953i. $84 for a pair before shipping on eBay. Got them myself along with the 652i up front. Sounds great, best thing though was that just one speaker sounded better than the whole stock set of speakers.

Edit: They retail on Crutchfield for $149.99 Infinity Reference 6953i

 

[gogeeta13]

I will put in my vote if you want to make the jump to the GTO's or References. I have a couple friends with infinity references, and they are very, very good sounding off his pioneer headunit, and the other friends clarion. As for the GTO's I have heard nothing but good news about them from the local audio enthusiasts at the import shows. For the money, they are a great speaker.

Let me clarify something. While I do like the sound of the 3 and 4 way kenwoods, being 3 and 4 way is by no means a guage of SQ. And if a speaker only has one tweeter, it doesnt auto matically make it worse then a 3 or 4 way...

Another thing to consider is filling in the low notes. All that would be required is a small qlogic box, a $40 10" sub(one of those cheap RF ones, or lighting audio or pioneer) and a lighting audio B150.2(on sale for $80 i think). It would not be boomy, or shake your seats, or anything, it would just give you the low tones in the background and complete the sound of the car. Between the wiring, the box, the sub and the amp you would probably end up at another $150, so maybe save that for a gift or something...

 

[Ornery]

"...it would just give you the low tones in the background and complete the sound of the car."

I keep wondering if those factory sound systems I've been listening to have some kind of sub in them. Perhaps down the road, I'll look into it. Like I said, there is a cutout in the rear deck for a factory sub, so it's not that strange to think these newer cars have them in there.

Coincidentally, I was going to comment on the fact that Infinity puts the ±3dB value in their frequency response rating. I appreciate that. Their prices aren't too far out of line and everyone seems to think they sound good... I might be homing in on something!

 

[Thegonagle]

Those are awesome prices you've found at etronics.

If you like the trebble up a bit, you'll probably like the JBLs. I usually have the trebble flat, or set to +1 or 2 (out of 10) at the most with my JBLs. There's just no need to crank the trebble on these things, beyond what the loudness button does (I always use the loudness button).

EDIT: I'm torn between recommending the 2-ways or 3-ways of either. I'd want to listen to all 4 pairs, but I know that's not a really viable option.

Anyone got any opinion about 2-ways vs. 3-ways. I know most high buck component speakers are 2-way, so 2-way might be the winning recipe. Am I right or am I way off?

 

[GT578]

Ornery,


For me the power is plenty. I have some pioneer 6.5" two ways...forgot the model number....A1655 or something like that.....anyways...I couldn't be happier with the sound. I listen to rock music ..... so the range of sound is pretty important to me. I always thought the bass was plenty but my friend gave me two 10" in a box for my car ....and I have those to fill in the deep bass. I have the gain set real low so that the bass doesn't thump like it would with rap music.....I wanted it to be nicely integrated. I like the JBL GTOs because to me ..the sound isn't too sharp that it hurts my ears....I'm no expert by far....but to me the sound seemed the most balanced ......thats another reason why I chose the pioneers for the front compared to similarly priced clarions and Rockford Fosgates........ hope that helps. I have those in a '96 camry by the way.

 

[Farbio]

i would put in a vote for infiniti as well...have kappa 693i's 6x9's in my back deck right now and kappa 4" comps up front.....sounds great. nothing wrong w/ their reference series, but ornery, if you like your trelbe up high, those 3way kappas can sound so crisp it almost hurts. i have ordered from smile photo and video before and they usually have those kappas at about 149/pair - like the others said though, just call and make sure they're instock so u don't wait for 2 months on backorder like i did stupidly once

 

[Angrymarshmello]

Originally posted by: Ornery
"...it would just give you the low tones in the background and complete the sound of the car."

I keep wondering if those factory sound systems I've been listening to have some kind of sub in them. Perhaps down the road, I'll look into it. Like I said, there is a cutout in the rear deck for a factory sub, so it's not that strange to think these newer cars have them in there.

Coincidentally, I was going to comment on the fact that Infinity puts the ±3dB value in their frequency response rating. I appreciate that. Their prices aren't too far out of line and everyone seems to think they sound good... I might be homing in on something!

A lot of the newer "premium" sound system packages do, like the RF systems in some of the Nissans and the Mach460 & Mach1000 in the Mustangs. (460's come with 4 subs iirc)

 

[gogeeta13]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH

Originally posted by: Ornery
"...it would just give you the low tones in the background and complete the sound of the car."

I keep wondering if those factory sound systems I've been listening to have some kind of sub in them. Perhaps down the road, I'll look into it. Like I said, there is a cutout in the rear deck for a factory sub, so it's not that strange to think these newer cars have them in there.

Coincidentally, I was going to comment on the fact that Infinity puts the ±3dB value in their frequency response rating. I appreciate that. Their prices aren't too far out of line and everyone seems to think they sound good... I might be homing in on something!

A lot of the newer "premium" sound system packages do, like the RF systems in some of the Nissans and the Mach460 & Mach1000 in the Mustangs. (460's come with 4 subs iirc)

IIRC, one of the mach's had 8" mid base subs...

I know the Ford Escape has an otional 10", as does a few other vehicles. I think they offer infinity subs in some mitsubishi and dodge vehicles...


As for 2 way vs 3 way. Unless you are talking very high end, there usully isnt a separate crossover for each of the multiple tweets. And if there was, it's not like 2 crappy tweeters are as good as one, high quality infinity or JBL tweeter. In my own expirience, it hasnt been a factor in what sounds good. If anything, the multiple tweeters are all for show..

 

[Ornery]

Man, I don't want you to think I crank the treble up all the time! In my home theater setup, I don't touch the tone controls. There's an button that bypasses those controls and I use it. It's just that in the car or van I have to tweak it up a hair for it to sound crisp and the boys notice that. Bah, what do they know anyway?

You mentioned the "Kappas" for the Infinity units. I notice all the manufacturers have higher end units for about 30% more. Since I'm hoping to get the job done for $150.00 out the door, I'll have to stick to the base models.

That freakin' etronics charges a good buck for shipping, and adding more to the order just keeps adding up more shipping cost. No break at all for a larger order. Millionbuy.com has exact same prices when the orders are totaled. I wrote to Crutchfield and asked if they would match prices. They said that they offer more value, since they're an "authorized dealer", so no price match. A $140.00 order from etronics was $180.00 from Crutchfield for the exact same units.

Oh well, no hurry. I really, really appreciate sharing your first hand experience with these things. The last pair of auto speakers I bought was in 1983!

 

[Thegonagle]

The Infinity Kappas are better suited to a setup with some powerful amplification. Ditto for the JBL "power" series. Best to stick with the Reference or GTO series for your application.

 

[gregshin]

here is my rec

CDT audio BABY!!

 

[Ornery]

Well, that's the second mention of CDT and the price isn't too bad. What would I pair those up with in the front? Would I need an adapter plate to fill the 6"x8" opening or what?

 

[Ornery]

Anybody got a coupon for Etronics.com? I know I said I had lots of time, but I've grown weary of this search. Here's what I have in a cart at Etronics:

• $59.99 Infinity REF5752CF 5" x 7" /6" x 8" 2-Way Speaker (PAIR)
  $69.99 Infinity REF6952I 6" x 9" 2-Way Loudspeaker (PAIR)
  $21.00 UPS Ground (outrageous, eh?)
  ______
  $150.98 Out The Door (a tad over budget )

Should I pull the trigger? Switch to CDT? Still need some fronts to go with those cool Cambrias. JBL GTOs? Pioneers? Kickers? Directed? Audiobahn? Damn, I'd sure LOVE to hear these in a side by side comparison!

 

[Z24]

You will be fine with those speakers.

Keep in mind though, some of factory systems have seperate amplfiers in them. You can get quite a lot of sound out of a 6x9, but not powered by a headunit. In a lot of cases, you would need a small amplifier to match the sound you hear in some high-end factory systems.

You could save money by getting a 2 channel amplifier and wire the left speakers in parallel and the right speakers in parallel. This is perfectly acceptable to do, but you lose front-to-back fade.

JBL (same company as infinity) has a small amp that would serve this purpose: JBL P80.2

 

[bmacd]

I have a set of Infinity Reference 5752cf speakers that sound excellent running off of the head unit, but are even more sharp sounding amped.

Reviews

**i didn't read the reviews myself, but bought them upon hearing them displayed @ circuit city, i was sold. Besides, there aren't too many B&M stores (besides custom car audio shops that i was scared of) that sold 5x7/6x8s. My only complaint would be that i should have gotten component speakers (tweets and speakers) b/c they don't handle the high-highs as well as i hoped. I actually use several songs to test speakers before purchasing them, as should you...Try Whitney Houston "i will always love you" for highs. Get some guitar for mids/highs, and i'm sure the store has some rap song to test the lows out in the event you don't own any.

-=bmacd=-

 

[Ornery]

I'm going to change the topic title. I cringed when I saw it back at the top, because I thought sombody may have found a better deal. Whew...

Yep, I made the purchase. If the silly thing is hurting for power, I'll puke! I don't intend to put any more into it, unless an Amp/Sub falls in my lap for next to nothing. I believe an 8" unit will fit the factory opening, but I REALLY doubt I'll go that route.

Thanks Anyway!

Edit: Thanks bmacd. For car stereo listening, I'll use the same thing I did back in 1983... Dark Side Of The Moon! For home theater, I've heard the best source for determining sound accuracy is acoustic piano. Either way, these will have to do. We'll just use the tone controls to tweak it I guess. Fingers crossed...

Thanks Again!

 

[Z24]

Hi

Hurting for power is a relative term. What you have will sound good. Power those speakers off a small amp, and it will sound much better. That simple. Even todays high-powered head units (some claim 50W x 4) are only really putting out around 20W continuous per channel. This is a lot better than it used to be, but still can't compare to a seperate amplifier.

If you took those speakers and ran them off the JBL I mentioned (wired in parallel), each speaker would be getting 40W continuous. That's pretty good for the price of that amplifier. The most substantial gain will be in the bass department. A headunit just doesn't have enough power to give the low-end "oomph" most people want.

But look at it this way... what you purchased is a nice upgrade. If you want to upgrade further, just add a seperate amplifier. Do it in steps.

 

[Thegonagle]

I've used Tori Amos as test music along with Ben Folds Five. Tori and Ben make that piano rock!

I'm sure you will be happy with the Infinity Reference series. A modern CD deck has plenty of power these days, and as I've mentioned, those are fairly sensitive speakers.

BTW, are these things going in that Grand Marquis that you originally bought for your son? Why is he not driving it?

 

[Ornery]

He's the only one that drives it generally, but he just got his full license last week. He let me borrow it to drive to Cleveland a couple weeks ago. I paid him the thirty-four cents per mile that I'm compensated, so I don't think he minded

It was on that run that I noticed how poor the speakers are. I figured I'd just slap some in for $75.00 or so. I quickly realized that it would cost a bit more, so here I am.