Don't Buy on Looks AloneBuying component speakers can be a difficult, if not daunting task. As consumers, we too often put the looks of products above the functionality and quality of our purchases. Just like any other industry, car audio caters to those consumers blinded by style; yet all of the chrome, carbon fiber, satin finishes or chic, exotic materials won't guarantee superior performance. With speaker systems, there has to be a balance of technology, application and design to yield purity in sound. And when you think about it, most component speakers go behind door panels or beneath grilles, so the last glance you're likely to have of your component speakers is while you're swiping your credit card. So get past the gorgeous packaging and slick cosmetics and place emphasis on what really counts - sound!
The following are some tips to help you choose the right component speakers for your needs:
1. Select a price range that is suitable for your budget.Have your retailer show you all of the component system options the store carries in that price category.
2. Be sure to discuss with the retailer the locations and manner in which the product is to be installed in the vehicle.Keep these in mind as they could play a big part in the way the speakers sound.
3. Pay close attention to the adjustments that can be made to the crossover.For example, a tweeter mounted high in the dash may be excessively loud and in need of attenuation. Selecting a component set with a crossover that has a selectable tweeter level may be required.
4. Decide whether you will be pairing the components with a subwoofer.If you are not planning on using a sub or adding one later, you may want to choose a system that has better bass response.
5. Listen, listen, listen ... and then listen some more.Bring a variety of your own listening material to audition through a sound board or demo vehicle. Be aware that a sound room is much larger than the interior of your vehicle and will have some effect on the response of the speakers, so do your best to simulate your vehicle. Choose a listening position that is relative to the pathlength of the speaker locations in your car. Be sure to position yourself off-axis since you probably won't be sitting in the center of your vehicle.
Once listening, keep in mind that the bass will likely be more pronounced due to the transfer function of the small environment of a car. Speakers are also typically mounted 30 to 90 degrees off-axis; so don't be afraid to try different listening positions.
Alphasonik PCT 6801$260Featuring Zobel impedance compensation, this component set includes a 6" mid and 1.1" tweeter. RMS power handling measures out at 100 watts, frequency response ranges from 42Hz to 22kHz, and sensitivity comes in at 92dB.
Atomic QT6.5.C3$390Made in the U.S., Atomic's Quantum component systems include a 6 1/2" midbass and 1 1/4" tweeter. They were engineered with imaging and coherency in mind. RMS power handling tops off at 60 watts.
Critical Mass C652$567Numbers for this 6 1/2" component system with 1" tweeter and crossover include 200-watt RMS power handling, 40Hz to 24kHz frequency response and 92.5dB sensitivity.
Boss BLX6$119This system includes a 6 1/2" midrange, 1" silk-dome tweeter and a crossover. Peak power handling comes out to 450 watts, frequency response ranges from 65Hz to 22kHz, and sensitivity measures in at 94dB.
Digital Designs DDC6.5TBA [text only]The 6 1/2" midrange and 1" tweeter of this component set can be combined to use the set as coaxials. RMS power handling measures at 100 watts, sensitivity is 89dB and frequency response ranges between 40Hz and 20kHz.
Elevation Audio Concert 650$349 [text only]A 6 1/2" woofer, 3/4" tweeter and balanced passive crossovers that are bi-ampable make up this set. The numbers read: 250 watts RMS power handling, 92dB sensitivity and 33Hz to 20kHz frequency response.
Focal 165 V1$339 [text only]A polyglass 6" woofer cone and aluminum/magnesium dome tweeter get back up from an adjustable crossover in the 165 V1 set. Frequency response ranges from 60Hz to 28kHz, sensitivity measures at 93dB and impedance is 4 ohms.