Anything Better for $400? (Components)

[celebration 10+ year member]

I currently have 2 x Hertz ECX 6.5 and Hertz 6x9 speakers. They are the nicest speakers I've had so far (not saying much since I've only previously dabbled with Sony and Alpine) and for $150ish / pair, a great value. I do find them slightly bright at higher volumes and a little lacking in midbass, but then again, for $150 I can't really complain.

I've decided to do away with rear speakers (I'm also hoping having empty 6x9 speaker slots will increase my bass output from my IDMAX since there will be 2 new passageways for bass to reach the inside of my car from the trunk with), so I really want to just invest in a nice front coaxial/component system. I'll be getting an Image Dynamics i2300 amp which does 125x2 @ 2ohms to run the speakers, and I plan on going passive. I'm looking for an extremely smooth and warm sounding component system that will sound sweet even at higher volumes, so I'd like to stick with silk-dome tweeters. I drive a lot so I'm looking for speakers that won't sound fatiguing during long sessions of play. Excellent off axis sound preferred as well.

$400 is my maximum budget for the pair. I've narrowed my search down to the Image Dynamics CXS62, and I've come here for any last words before I finalize my system. My decision was largely influenced because I love my IDMAX12, and Image Dynamics stating, "The XS28 tweeter provides stunning clarity, dynamics,and detail without harshness or listening fatigue."

Am I making the best choice or is there something better for $400 I should be looking at?

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[SpeedEuphoria 10+ year member]

are your doors deadened and sealed? You can put the best speakers in the doors and the midbass will sound like cheaper speakers if the install isnt done properly

 

[Wingsfreak9 10+ year member]

the id comps are amazing from what ive heard. focal comps are incredible but the price is outrageous u may be able to find a used set for about that price

 

[genxx 10+ year member]

Hertz HSK165.4 and Hertz HSK165XL.4. Fit what you what you have decribed very well.

 

[celebration 10+ year member]

Doors are not sound deadened yet, I plan on doing so in the next couple weeks before I upgrade speakers.

I've heard some claims by people that the Focals can sound a tad bright, they don't use silk-dome tweeters do they?

I would be interested in trying the Hertz HSK... are they known for sounding smoother than the Hertz ECX series?

 

[genxx 10+ year member]

Yes they are smoother and all around on another level. I have installed the ECX, HSK and MLK. The MLK are on another level above the HSK, just like the HSK over the ECX.

I have been running the HSK in my daily driver for 2 years, which I compete with in SQ from time to time and I have been really impressed with them and so has every judge that has sat in the car.

 

[genxx 10+ year member]

If I were you I would go and try to A/B the HSK and ID and see what you prefer. I think you would be happy with either.IMO

 

[cdimic25 10+ year member]

I'd take a look at DD's high end components. There regular sets that are about 160 compete with focals $1300 set and has been proven in a sq competition to score higher with only a speaker swap

Now there high end components which are in the price range your asking are made with the best materials available, rainbow focal and all those brands cannot make a better speaker since they all use the same materials. The DD WILL compete with sets in the $2000 range.

The only way they could increase the quality of their midbass is if they used diamond flake glue instead of ceramic, which would make the price 10x higher lol and not even be noticeable.

Pm me if you have any questions.

 

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

Doors are not sound deadened yet, I plan on doing so in the next couple weeks before I upgrade speakers.
I've heard some claims by people that the Focals can sound a tad bright, they don't use silk-dome tweeters do they?

I would be interested in trying the Hertz HSK... are they known for sounding smoother than the Hertz ECX series?

Drop 100$ and half a day deadening and you might be surprised at what your current components can do. Install is the weak link in fronts 90% of the time.

 

[genxx 10+ year member]

DD $160 components are OK. About the same level as everything else in that catagory. I have heard them in three installs and helped install them once, in the $150-$250 price range they compete well.

The highend DD comps. are good for their price and do well at their price point. The highend comps. are not on the same level as say the Hertz MLK165 set even.IMO

I am not saying the DDs are not good I am saying they are not the best in any of their persepective price points but they compete very well with them. I would give them a top 5-7 rating at their perpective price points.

Everyone prefers a certain sound. Again to find the sound you prefer going and listening to the many different ones is truly the only way to see what you prefer.

Install is one of the most important things you can do. However the perfect install will not make a driver something it is not either. It takes both install and driver selection to achieve great sound.

 

[celebration 10+ year member]

Soo... I was choosing between the ID CXS 64's and the Hertz HSK 165s for the longest time (almost 4 months now lol), really liked the HSKs, but couldn't audition the ID's so I was really torn because I wanted to run all Image Dynamics. Then I didn't know what amp to get... my local ID dealer was trying to find out what the deal was with the i-series, and then I was interested in Hybrid Audio and Morel, but couldn't find a dealer in town, and then while I was sorting everything out I heard the news of Eric leaving Image Dynamics, and I wasn't sure how I felt about committing to ID anymore, because him and Matt always took care of me and gave me the best customer service I have ever received anywhere, and without them I feel a little uncertain about things there for now.

But anyways, what I am getting to, is that as of today, I am happy to say that I am a proud owner of a new set of Hertz MLK 165s //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif I picked them up new for an unbeatable price from a great guy locally and I am super stoked. Before this, I've only had some Alpine Type-E 6.5 coaxials which I replaced with some Hertz Energy 6.5 coaxials, so I am looking forward to experience what the MLK is all about. Now to decide on an amp... speaking of which, I think I'll head on over to the amp section //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif