2 components vs 4 coaxial

[nb6037]

I've only recently gotten more serious about car audio and I'm curious about the opinions of people more experienced than me.

Due to budget restrictions, I'm trying to decide between two component speakers in the front and leaving the rears empty, or getting four coax speakers all around.

This is in a Ford Focus ZX3, so I feel like two speakers might be plenty. I want to keep the stock 5x7 size though, so my options for components is somewhat limited.

Either way they will be powered by an external amp. I'll have an aftermarket head unit, as well as a single 10" JL w3 sub. Sound quality is my priority.

Thanks in advance for any tips you can give me!

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[Paradigmonds]

I, personally, would go with the components.

For years I used coaxials, in different vehicles and a hundred different brands of coaxials, swearing that there couldn't be that much of a difference.

Well, there is.

If you are going for SQ and really care about staging and imaging, you are going to be able to tweak the sound to a higher degree with components. In addition, you generally just get higher quality speakers with components.

I just installed some CDT Audio components in place of some MB Quarts ( I've used CDT's components in the past ) and they sound incredible. I would avoid the "name" brands -- Sony, Pioneer, RockFord Fosgate, JVC, even Infinity.

Brands like CDT, Morel, Hertz, Focal, Hybrid Audio, DLS and others make components in some of the same price ranges as the name brands, but that are a step above in sound quality.

Another recommendation that I would make is that you don't have to completely ignore your rear stage. There are a lot of folks on the forum who will say that you don't need rear speakers, and that is true. However, I like the way my sound fills out with at least a midrange speaker in the back thats filling in some of the sound between 80Hz and 1.5k - 2k Hz. Go to parts-express and you can surely find a mid-range driver for a really low price that you can put in the back of your vehicle that will give you great sound and fill out your sound. That way you aren't choosing between sacrificing your front stage with pricey drivers in the back or completely eliminating it.

Good luck!

Para

 

[nb6037]

That's exactly the type of educated, unbiased response I was looking for. Thank you!

Para, let me ask you this... What would you decide given the choice between these options

Four high quality speakers, components in the front but with no sub

or

Two decent component speakers with a jl10w3

 

[eg9 10+ year member]

Component systems would be a cleaner choice than co-ax. Much cleaner sound is possible and can make better use of the amplifier(s) power.

Are you planning to run an active setup?

 

[mclerico83 5,000+ posts]

but 2 sets of 5.25 components in the 5x7. I have 2 sets of bravox 5.25 componenets never used ill ship them to you for 100 bucks they are amazing sets, with

Metra 82 5601 5" x 7" to Component Set Speaker Adapter | eBay

Bravox CS50CF

i do not have the original boxes though and one set of crossovers where mounted

Bravox CS50CF Carbon Fiber Series 5-1/4" Component Speaker System

they are amazing speakers //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[nb6037]

Component systems would be a cleaner choice than co-ax. Much cleaner sound is possible and can make better use of the amplifier(s) power.
Are you planning to run an active setup?

I plan on running a passive crossover.

I understand that components are the better choice, but I guess what I'm trying to figure out is where my money is best spent. Where can I get away with cutting corners so that I can spend more where it counts. Should I run two speakers instead of four? Get a cheaper head unit or amp? Skip the sub all together? Etc...

 

[mclerico83 5,000+ posts]

I plan on running a passive crossover.
I understand that components are the better choice, but I guess what I'm trying to figure out is where my money is best spent. Where can I get away with cutting corners so that I can spend more where it counts. Should I run two speakers instead of four? Get a cheaper head unit or amp? Skip the sub all together? Etc...

all depends get a nice 4 channel

like this

Boston Acoustics GT-42 (gt42) 4-Channel High Current Amplifier

I own one would sell you this amp and the 2 sets of components for 230 shipped its 1 ohm stable

you run the components on channels 1 and 2, then sub on 3 and 4 bridged at 2 ohm

will give you 450rms to sub and 100rms to each speaker //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

---------- Post added at 02:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:38 PM ----------

 

for a budget system that is always the way to go. 4 channel and use the front 2 channels for speakers and rear 2 for sub //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[Paradigmonds]

Get a set of good quality Components to put in the front, along with some sound dampening material. That will make a huge difference in the sound quality that you will be able to hear.

A set of decent components, along with your sub should be all that you need for the time being. If you want to add some rear fill or change things up later, then you certainly can.

This post is probably late and you've probably gone ahead and made your choice of purchases already, but even if you didn't do what I would do, no worries.

If you are actually into car audio, your system will probably be a continually evolving thing. You don't have to constantly be feeding money into it like some folks do, but there are always places you can upgrade, tweak, and enjoy the benefits to your sound when you listen.