I'm completely new to car audio and am getting overloaded digging up information in the forums so I am asking for help. My ancient Clarion head unit doesn't seem to like playing CDs anymore so I decided to look into other options including replacing the speakers. I like rock, hip hop, industrial, folk, CBC talk radio etc. so there's not one type of music that I normally listen to. I don't listen to music all that loud and prefer clarity, although after years of concerts I don't guarantee I can really hear that clarity.
At the local audio store, I looked at an Alpine 9883 and some 6.5" Type R mostly because they were on sale. Another audio store was advertising a sale, so I decided to get a 2nd opinion. This store recommended Hertz speakers over the Type R's. From the Hertz's web site, I think they the ECX 165. I need to drive out there to confirm it since them store didn't write anything down. Digging through the forums, it seems that Hertz is a good brand, although I have never heard of them before. What Hert speaker would be comparable to the Alpine Type R?
The 2nd store also stated that the Type Rs should really be run with an amp. Is this true?
Based on my very general summary of the intended use, am I going down the right path or should I be looking at something completely different?
Also is the head unit a good choice or are there better values?

Thanks for any assistance,

Eric

I've never heard the hertz so I cant say much about them other then I've heard good things about them, The alpine's well I may be biased as I am currently loving alpine gear. Which ever components you choose will sound good on the head unit, but much better running off an amp.

Hands down Hertz(93 db sensitivity) if powered by deck, as the Alpines have low sensitivity, and meant to work off the amp. Hertz get amazing reviews. As for the deck, it seems you are not planning to build a full blown system, and the Alpine deck on special would do nicely. Good combo.

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Rockford Fosgate Riot Cables
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180 amp Iraggi Amputator alt
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FOR SALE: ^^^subs(1.33 ohms) in custom wedged box(1" front MDF) + acoustic wool inside. $450 No offers. Amazing, mint, but too much weight for my lowered car.

Okay, this stuff is beginning to make more sense. I think I'll probably go with a Pioneer DEH-P690UB head unit. I was also recommended the Eclipse CD3100, but I like the built-in USB/iPod connection on the Pioneer.
For speakers, I'm still trying to figure this one out. Most people seem to recommend spending more on a good set of front speakers rather than worrying about rears. The Eclipse SP6500's were recommended, but I couldn't find a local place to listen to them. Any place in the Brantford/Hamilton ON area? I listened to some Hertz speakers in the Energy and Hi-Energy lines and they sounded fairly good. The saleperson suggested if spending the same amount, it would be better to go with Energy Components (ESK 165 I think) for better sound quality over the Hi-Energy Coax (HCX 165). Does this make sense?
I will likely wait for a bit on the rears, but I'd like some opinions. I believe it's best to with speakers from the same company to get a complementary sound. I have a wagon, and the speakers mount facing up, so I'm wondering whether it's better to go with a plain woofer rather than a coax? My logic is that the highs are more direction and with the mounting in a wagon, this could be confusing, but the woofer would fill out the sound a bit. As mentioned before, I'm new to this, so please tell me if I'm completely wrong.
The one thing I began to wonder is how valid are these listening tests? It seems you can make any speaker sound better than another depending on mounting and what's driving it. This is especially difficult for newbies who still aren't sure exactly what we should be listening for.
I'm planning to use some type of dynamat, but am not sure whether to just use the small kit for around the speaker or use the whole door kit. How difficult is it to do a whole door? Is this something that is better to leave to someone who's done it before? I'm trying to keep costs down and I'm sure this is an expensive install at the store.

Thanks for any advice,

Eric

[quote=
For speakers, people seem to recommend spending more on a good set of front speakers and not worrying about rears. The focal/Hertz were recommended, but I couldn't find a local place to listen to them. Any place in the Brantford/Hamilton ON area? do not know

I listened to some Hertz speakers in the Energy and Hi-Energy lines and they sounded fairly good. The saleperson suggested if spending the same amount, it would be better to go with Energy Components (ESK 165 I think) for better sound quality over the Hi-Energy Coax (HCX 165). Does this make sense?yes

I will likely wait for a bit on the rears, but I'd like some opinions. I believe it's best to with speakers from the same company to get a complementary sound. I have a wagon, and the speakers mount facing up, so I'm wondering whether it's better to go with a plain woofer rather than a coax? My logic is that the highs are more direction and with the mounting in a wagon, this could be confusing, but the woofer would fill out the sound a bit. As mentioned before, I'm new to this, so please tell me if I'm completely wrong.(it is on how you install them

The one thing I began to wonder is how valid are these listening tests? It seems you can make any speaker sound better than another depending on mounting and what's driving it. BIG TIME

This is especially difficult for newbies who still aren't sure exactly what we should be listening for. GO TO ALL THE DECKS IN THE STORE AND SET THEM OFF .THEM GO TO THE SET YOU ALL LOOKING AT AND POWER THAT ONE ON

I'm planning to use some type of dynamat, just use the whole door kit. How difficult is it to do a whole door?NOT HARD NEED SOME TIME
Is this something that is better to leave to someone who's done it before? SOMETIMES
I'm trying to keep costs down and I'm sure this is an expensive install at the store.I WOULD DO IT MYSELF

Thanks for any advice,

Eric[/QUOTE]
LET SEE WHAT YOU THINK NOW

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Any other feedback?

Eric, I am from brantford as well i recently just jumped into the mobile audio scene and have learend alot. if you want to hear my setup i could meet up with you somewhere.


i am using macrom m2s.61 in the front they are a 6.75" component setup and i have macrom m2c.693 in the rear (6x9) and i power them with a kenwood kac-6402 and i have a pioneer deh-740mp for my head unit and i am using 16 guage wire all around with a 4 guage wiring for the amp.

if i recall the pioneer deck the 5900 is extra money if your not going to use the bluetooth and the aux input in the front why not just got for the 4900?

i bought my macrom off rob at forbidden audio he gave me a great deal and took the time to explain everytihng to me. any questions post or send me a pm and i'll see what i can do about helping you out.

Thanks to my leper friends.

Does anyone have suggestions for 6.5" speakers < 2.9" deep?

When do the companies switch over to new models?

Most lines change in the early / late spring of next year. What vehicle is this for and what budget do you have on the equipment?

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Rob Atkinson

Eclipse / MB Quart / Soundstream / Power Acoustik / Parrot / Pioneer / Pioneer Premiere / Kenwood Excelon / Morel / Focal / Scosche / EFX / MTX / Bass Slammer / Audio Control / Blaupunkt / ARC / Stinger / Streetwires / Metra / Pac Audio / Bassworx / JBL / Infinity / Compustar Pro / Audiovox / Clifford / Autopage / Fusion / CDT and whatever else you need.

well how did u make out?