posted
Having a little trouble in deciding on the way to improve the front stage. I understand kick panels are the way to go.
My current component set are the Boston Pro 5.4. They are way too bright so there is no point in building the kick panels for them. The speaker set i've heard in the sound room are the Focal's 136KX. They are amazing but my installer has also suggested the KEF Kar Q160's because they are excellent in a kick pannel. The speakers are less expensive and the kick panel will be less to build. The installer doesn't have the KEF's set up in the board so i won't be able to demo them first. I have heard the Uni-Q driver before in my home (own a KEF Ref 100c) and are great. My concern has always been that the best systems use a component set instead of a coaxial.
posted
I agree, the Focal set is pretty awesome. My personal fav is the a/d/s/ line though. It's going to be very difficult, if not impossible to find anything that will out SQ an a/d/s/ set, properly mounted and aimed in the Kicks.
------------------ If it dont fit, force it... if it breaks, it needed to be replaced anyway... members.tripod.com/Audiophyle
Posts: 3120 | From: nowhere | Registered: May 1999
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posted
well I don't know I think Dynaudio sets will out SQ a/d/s anyday
------------------ spydermann
Don't get caught in the WEB Gimmie some bass baby keep you RF and others, MTX for me Is that me in the top 10 now?? Do you smell what the BASS is cooking...
Posts: 6799 | From: cincinnati, oh, USA | Registered: Jun 1999
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posted
Any component set in the "a" series. The A5is set is comparable to the old 320IS set that I run. The 3 series from a/d/s/ is also awesome, but, for budgeted systems, the cantons that Dukk recommends will do better than the a/d/s/ 3 series.
------------------ If it dont fit, force it... if it breaks, it needed to be replaced anyway... members.tripod.com/Audiophyle
Posts: 3120 | From: nowhere | Registered: May 1999
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posted
My installer doesn't carry a/d/s or KEF so he has subtlely tried to push the JL coaxial with the outboard crossover (model ??). He did say that the KEF's were good also and offered to get them for this install if i don't like the JL's.
The rule has always been to listen to what you are going to buy, but I've noticed that it's pretty hard to get a good idea of the product until it's actually installed, tuned and lived with for a bit. My existing boston's just became unbearable after awhile.
what's everyone's opinion about loyality to a n installer? My currentl store is the best installer locally so it wouldn't be wise to jump shops just because he doesn't have the a/d/s.
posted
See if you can get the a/d/s/ from a different shop, and have your favorite installer put them in. If your comfortable with your installer, dont switch. If he charges you a bit more to install the a/d/s/ set, and it's done properly, and sounds great, then I would think it's worth the extra couple of bucks.
------------------ If it dont fit, force it... if it breaks, it needed to be replaced anyway... members.tripod.com/Audiophyle
Posts: 3120 | From: nowhere | Registered: May 1999
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posted
wow this is the first time that I have heard anyone talk bad about ba's It's been a long time since I've heard a set (3 years) but from what I can remember they sounded sweet!!! people keep talking about these a/d/s speakers, when I get back to the states I may take a listen to a set and if I like em maybe I will use my underdrive pully money to get a set
------------------ Mc Gusto sendz
Posts: 59 | From: Fort Huachuca, AZ | Registered: May 1999
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posted
I originally owned the Pro 5.2 in '93. They were amazing. Even though I knew nothing about imaging in a car, I just loved the way they sounded.
Any how they were destoyed on a bad install a year ago. So without really thinking I bought the newest model the 5.4's and I've been disappointed ever since. There is definitely more detail but just way too bright. To the point where it can be painful.
A friend of mine recently bought the 5.4's due to the praise I had given with the 5.2's and he noticed the same problem.
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Finally found a local shop that carried that KEF's, had a listen and I'm impressed. So the KEF's it'll be. Thanks for the recommendation on the a/d/s (audiophile) but I couldn't find a local shop that carried them and they seemed as pricey as the Focal's.
Since the KEF will be in the kick panel, would it be wise to keep the Boston 5.4LF still in the door? or is it better to K.I.S. and just run the KEF's only?
posted
damn, just when I decide on the set up I get another differing opinion. I was at another store that I just discovered in the city last night and they've just added another twist to this.
The shop suggested I forget about the KEF and kick panel (did say it's not a mistake if I did do it) and buy the Focal set that I really want, leave the kick panel installation until I have enough money again or cheap out and do a Q-form. You can forget about the q-form, but delaying the proper installation for 4-6 months may not be that bad.
I know everyone's dream is to drop a wad of money and get a brand new car done perfectly from day one, but realities dictate otherwise.
All this "blind" buying I guess is the fun of building a system, but I need to get back to work to pay for all this. Opinions apreciated.
posted
I'm not much of a DIY type guy. But if I were to start, where are some resourses? I recalled one of the car mags having an article about building your own kick panel.
posted
I went by my installer's shop yesterday and it was their open house. What an opportunity to learn and listen to about 10 different car set ups (the 1997 IASCA world chapion Contour was there too). Equipment brands ranged from Image dynamics, Focal, JL, kaption and McIntosh. All the cars had different front stage set ups. I heard horns, kick panels, pods on the dash (VW bug) and even in the doors. All had a decent sound stage, destroying my belief that kick panels are the only way. I even was able to experience a full DTS/AC3 set up ($$$ save your pennies).
The Image Dynamics rep was definitely trying to convince me that their component set was the best. i must admit that their set was extremely detailed and agressive. Similar to the BA sound but much better.
In comparison to the Focal set, I noticed a more layed back sound. I guess I'm getting old because it was more relaxing and confirmed my first impression that this was the set I should get.
Lucky for me the Focal rep was formerly the sales person that originally helped me at this shop, so he talked it over with the owner and offered me an amazing deal. Saved about $250 for the Mistral 136KX set.
Needless to say, i'm thrilled. I get them installed next week and because I've saved half the kick panel price, i'm going for it NOW.
posted
you are definitely right about the price. The friend who's buying my used BA, couldn't believe I spent that amount of money. My car system is now over 3 times my home system. My home system cannot compare except for perfect sound staging and the ability to play LP's (wrong forum to discuss this point)
now that the front stage is all settled, the next step is to improve the look and installation.
posted
The set is in and I'm extremely impressed. It has ALL and more detail than the boston set. Things I noted:
1) way more detail - I'm hearing so much more information 2) all the tracks that used to be too bright play clear but are not shrill or sharp. 3) The kick panels are not shaped as expected. They are suspended pods so my feet can slid under them. It helps but I'm still getting used to not have a true dead pedal to rest my feet after changing gears. 4) The soundstage is very good. It has very distinct left and right soundstage. There is depth but I was hoping for even more. I ran a few audiophile test CD's and I confirmed what I heard was not a very focused center soundstage. The tests where there is movement from left to right was a bit muddled when approaching the middle. I assume this will take a little bit more work. i am hoping NOT to have to use a DSP (seat locator) 5) The installer still needs to tweak the bass. It was over powering on some tracks. i noticed that he increased the gain on the amp. There is an odd resonance on some songs - hope this doesn't mean dynamatting ($$$) 6) a few tracks on the Focal audition disk were mesmerizing. There is a honky tonk song (aweful song but good for testing) but there are two distinct singers in front of you. You can clearly pinpoint one on the left and the other on the right. Also on some of the female tracks you get that amazing "tingle" sensation because of the range and depth of the vocals/instruments 7) because the speakers are so good, I am now hearing the only weakness in the chain. I don't know if it's the deck or the changer (Clarion ARX7370 + 12 changer). I doubt it's my Xtant amp (3150c). The characteristic I'm noting is that the music is "electronic sounding". If you play with home audio, you'll notice that poorly made CD players are no match for a decent turntable. There is a certain warmth and staging from a LP that is quite difficult to duplicate in the digital world. I'm trying real hard to not have to spend money on a new deck and changer (McIntosh is perfect but another huge outlay). I am trying to find a decent Clarion DRX 9255. I cannot find one shop that has it for listening but on paper, it looks to be the same as the McIntosh 406 but half the price.
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