Which 6.5 Comp Speakers? $300 budget.

[Vipervenom18 10+ year member]

It's been years since my last system build, and I'm starting from the ground up! I'm currently trying to decide on which front components (6.5in only) to go with. I'll probably have 125-150watts rms going to each speaker. $300 budget for the pair. Here is my interests/background:

I've heard many comps, but have only owned three long term in my personal vehicles.

1) 1st comps were Infinity Perfects 6.5 with 100 watts rms. I was 18 or so. Most harshest tweeters I have ever heard. No midbass. Gave myself a headache. I will say the tweeter was one of the most detailed tweeters I've ever heard, but it was one of the most ridiculous sounding tweeters ever. DO NOT WANT/LIKE this sound.

2) 2nd set were a pair of ID 6.5 Chameleons V1. LOVED THESE. Tweeter was a good match and did not fatigue my ears. Midrange driver was legit for my tastes. Sounded better the louder they played, especially with low tuned, high distorted guitars, as in hard rock and metal music. Speakers could have used more tonality and color, overall sound seemed a bit "dull" and un-lively, but overall I really liked these. Had the NX30 tweeter I believe.

3) 3rd and current comps are 6.5 Morels. Power hungry and have almost 300 watts rms to each speaker, sounds good though, close to the ID's IMO.

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I like my midbass and lower midrange. I listen to a lot of rock and metal (but listen to EVERYTHING.) So woofers that can play distorted guitars loudly with some balls is great. The ID's did this the best for me. Most other comps I listened to would play the music perfectly and they would sound good, but the distorted guitars in the music would sound weak, albeit detailed. The Chameleons sounded good and also played guitars with some oomph, especially at loud volumes. I want this. I like detailed tweeters as well but hate harshness. I don't like the tweeter to be too "airy" either. I listen to both metal/rock and electronica (ie Deadmau5) a lot. Which is hard because those are two different tonalities in music. I don't care on the SQ with rap music as I won't listen to it often.

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My substage will be 2 12in Sundown SA's in a ported enclosure. 1500 watts rms.

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So considering this, what are out there now with my requirements? It's been a long time since I've been in this market. To sum it up, 300 bucks for the pair, 6.5 size, 150wrms handling, and my listening style listed above, what's your recommendations?

Thanks all, I'm getting excited!

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[Florida Rep 10+ year member]

Focal VB 165 might fit the bill...

What type of vehicle, speaker/tweeter placement?

 

[Rich B 5,000+ posts]

How about some Rainbow SLC 256.25 comps?

Rainbow SLC 265.25 NG 6.5" component speakers | eBay

 

[Vipervenom18 10+ year member]

Thanks for the reply and sorry I left that out!

It's a 2001 Ford Explorer. Plenty of room for things. Midrange drivers will be in stock speaker location. Full sound deadening of all doors. Currently unsure of tweeter placement.

Here is an example of what the front interior of my car looks like:

 

[Bumpin' Goalie 10+ year member]

The Massive CK6 line has made some good waves for having authority with mid range/mid bass. For the price point, I do enjoy the mids.

Best wishes.

 

[Florida Rep 10+ year member]

Choose only these brands:

Focal

Rainbow

Dynaudio

Morel

Arc Audio

Go listen to all of them, preferably in a car.

Then make your choice! I've heard ALOT of speakers in the last 14 years in the industry. You need to use YOUR ears with YOUR music. It's the ONLY way!!

 

[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

Add HAT and DD to that list as well.

 

[Vipervenom18 10+ year member]

The Massive CK6 line has made some good waves for having authority with mid range/mid bass. For the price point' date=' I do enjoy the mids.
Best wishes.[/quote']

Thanks for the rec. How's the tweeter characteristics?

Choose only these brands:Focal

Rainbow

Dynaudio

Morel

Arc Audio

Go listen to all of them, preferably in a car.

Then make your choice! I've heard ALOT of speakers in the last 14 years in the industry. You need to use YOUR ears with YOUR music. It's the ONLY way!!

I understand that the only way to go is by listening yourself. I still ask on forums incase 1) there are online-only speakers that are great that cannot be bought in stores and 2) to make a list so I know what speakers to listen to when I get there.

And also, thanks for the recommendations. Most of those companies I've heard from. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[Vipervenom18 10+ year member]

Add HAT and DD to that list as well.

HAT???

How do DD comps sound? Have yet to hear one so far.

 

[Vipervenom18 10+ year member]

For another reference, and considering I loved the v1 Chameleons, how are these comps now that they have a different tweeter?

WoofersEtc.com - CXS64 V2 - Image Dynamics 6.5" 4 Ohm Component System

 

[Florida Rep 10+ year member]

I did forget to mention HAT (Hybrid Audio)

Add these to that list & stick to it....

Choose only these brands:

Focal

Rainbow

Dynaudio

Morel

Arc Audio

HAT (Hybrid Audio)

You can find these in local stores & typically will match your online prices. Just talk with them & go listen when you get a chance! What I like, you might hate, etc.. Personally the Focal, HAT are the top choices... Go listen!

 

[Vipervenom18 10+ year member]

I did forget to mention HAT (Hybrid Audio)
Add these to that list & stick to it....

Choose only these brands:

Focal

Rainbow

Dynaudio

Morel

Arc Audio

HAT (Hybrid Audio)

You can find these in local stores & typically will match your online prices. Just talk with them & go listen when you get a chance! What I like, you might hate, etc.. Personally the Focal, HAT are the top choices... Go listen!

Ok thanks. What do you (or anybody else) think of the v2 ID's I linked a few posts up? I only ask because I did like my old ID comps and was wondering how the newer version compared to it.

 

[Florida Rep 10+ year member]

ID has always made great components. Recently Eric (engineer) left ID & I'm not sure of the future of the company. I would say pass as you could have warranty issues in the future. go out & listen to those mentioned above & you will find the perfect set!!

 

[Vipervenom18 10+ year member]

ID has always made great components. Recently Eric (engineer) left ID & I'm not sure of the future of the company. I would say pass as you could have warranty issues in the future. go out & listen to those mentioned above & you will find the perfect set!!

Thanks for the responses. It just blows as SO many car audio shops have closed in my area, and I live in the heart of a large city.

 

[Vipervenom18 10+ year member]

UPDATE: I listened to some components from the only credible store in my area. They had Focal's and Hertz speakers and I listened to them all. I wasn't too pleased with either of them honestly. Focals midrange was decent but the tweeter was too colorful in the wrong ways, imo. Vocals on the Hertz's sounded artificial and somewhat lifeless. It's kind of hard because they were all on soundboards, but compared to my current morels and previous Image Dynamics comps they were not even close.

Are there any comps out there that have similar characteristics to the Chameleon components? I'd go ahead and just get the same ID's I used to have, but since ID is pretty much no longer I don't want to risk any potential warranty issues...