Clarion SRQ1630R
MSRP: $199.99
Taking it up a notch, Clarion enters the fray with a multi-axial 3-way system. Instead of a single tweeter sitting out front, the SRQ1630R uses a 3/4-inch silk-dome midrange and a 5/16-inch dome tweeter to complement the woofer. While the main driver is said to be a 6.5-incher, its large mounting flange requires it use a slightly smaller cone than others in this group. The cone is derived of TM-MIPP (titanium metallized mica-injected polypropylene), which gives it the look of brushed titanium. Holding everything together is a generic-looking stamped steel basket with multiple mounting holes that Clarion claims to be GM fit. Clarion also provides a pair of adapter plates designed to fit Chrysler vehicles, wire, and a pair of two-piece grilles (these can be mounted with or without the wire mesh) in case you decide to make your own mounting provisions.
The manual? Well, let's just say Clarion was nice enough to supply some information on the outside of the packing box, which includes speaker specs, a mounting template and a non-descript wiring diagram. The only paperwork you'll find inside pertains to the warranty and product registration.
Listening
I kicked off my listening with "Everybody" by Raul Midon and followed it up with Toni Braxton's "Shadowless." Being similar-both use only the vocalist and guitar(s)-it was no surprise that I noted the same compromises with each artist, resulting in their upper frequency range being too airy, and the guitars tended to be a bit bright sounding. However, with Coldplay, the piano had surprising realism, and the guitar and bass really came to life with volume, even if a little thin at times. I also found the bass transients to be good with tracks such as "Boxenkiller," and pretty much anything that had bangin' percussions. In general I wasn't floored by the tonal linearity of the system, but the SRQ1630R proved to have good clarity and substantial bass response. Above all, I didn't find myself fatigued after my listening session, a trait that speaks for itself. At $200, they're pushing the envelope between price and performance, so take a listen to them and others before you commit.
| SUBJECTIVE SCORE CHART |
| Points Possible | Clarion SRQ1630R |
| Sound Quality | 5 | 3 |
| Treble | 5 | 3 |
| Midrange | 5 | 3.5 |
| Bass | 5 | 3.5 |
| Value | 5 | 2.5 |
"Average" is half points possibleAdditional sizes: 5x7, 6x8, 6x9Power Bass L-6502
MSRP: $89.95
PowerBass went the extra mile to make a set of speakers that really stands out. The first thing I noticed was my reflection in the polished black, advanced-injection Zirconium polypropylene cone. Flipping the driver over I caught an eyeful of the stamped steel basket that was brushed to look stainless and clearcoated for protection. It holds the PowerBass insignia in two of its legs, as does the rubber motor boot. Even the thick, high-gloss sticker at the rear of the motor is stylish. Impressive... so far.
The aluminum hard-dome tweeter sits on a static pole in the center of the driver. As a crossover, it uses a subpar electrolytic capacitor for a -6dB highpass while the woofer rolls off naturally. Interestingly, the woofer uses a 3-ohm voice coil, probably for efficiency reasons, so make sure your amplifier can handle the impedance if you're wiring multiples. Also be aware that the frame is of the 165mm variety so it may not drop into the factory speaker holes in some vehicles.