my profile | directory login | register | faq | forum home » Termpro Audio Forum » Our Archives » General Audio (2002-2005 Archives) » Components - MB Quart? UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!     Author Topic: Components - MB Quart? Th3Franz New Member Member # 14205 posted                        I'm starting to do some research on aftermarket component speakers for a Subaru Impreza WRX that I plan to buy in a couple months. I'm becoming more of an audiophile daily, and I already have a head unit, 2 amps, and 2 sub-woofers in a box from a previous install. I think I'd really like a 6.5" set with about a 1" tweeter. I listen to techno, rock, and other genres, so I don't want a set with tweeters that aren't harsh enough. The MB Quart PCE216 caught my eye from their Premium line. I found these online for about $260, MSRP of $580. Any suggestions for good component speakers for about $300? I know Diamond Audio and Focal have some good ones, but I have not checked prices yet for some of those. http://www.mbquart.com/2003/en_US/products/prod_detail.asp?isArchive=&cat=auto&series=premium%20series&strt=1&model=PCE+216 Also, anyone know if these would even fit in a WRX? I assume I would need spacers. Thanks. -------------------- - F r a n z New car, 2005 Subaru Legacy GT - 14.1 sec 1/4 mile (integrated stereos suck! Will install stereo stuff eventually...) Posts: 46 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Dec 2003  |  IP: Logged |  comfortable_pants Senior Member Member # 11032 posted                     i wouldn't really suggest mb quarts. i've heard that they can be kinda harsh. but look around in the mids and tweets section here. there's a lot of people there that really know some speakers Posts: 3619 | From: auburn, al | Registered: Nov 2002  |  IP: Logged |  Dimensions Senior Member Member # 13074 posted                     I would take focals over mb quarts anyday. MB quart tweeters are harsh imo. Focals are very detailed and the tweeters are bright but not harsh. Diamonds are pretty good but ive only heard them in a shop. Some people say they are muddy but I havent really listened to them that much. Focals is where I would go if you can find them for a good price. JL makes some nice comps for around that price. Might want to check them out to if you want. -------------------- 2002 Toyota Tacoma Ext Cab 4x4 Current Set Up Pioneer 780 with Ipod Adaptor Orion 3002 Orion 600D (Unknown Sub) (Unknown Speakers) 60SQ Feet of Edead (not installed yet, waiting for warmer weather) Posts: 1154 | From: Southern Utah | Registered: Jul 2003  |  IP: Logged |  dB Outlaw Senior Member Member # 9215 posted                        I ran MBQ's in the past and the tweets didn't bother me (QM 215.03CX) but then again, I had very little basis to compare them to. Honestly, it's your ears, I've read that Focal tweets are harsh too. As stated, it's that person's opinion. General consenus is though, that MBQ tweets are harsh. I went with a DIY component set this time (Eton drivers, Vifa midbass). I could kick myself for not looking at the mounting plate for the tweet, darn thing is almost 3" in diameter; which makes my overall kick panel, HUGE. Something to get used to I suppose. I'll hear how they sound in about a month. I've heard 3 people say Eton drivers are 'good'. We'll see shortly. Back to your topic, listen to them in store and be the judge. Having said that, I didn't do that with these Etons, but I'm a gambler and have faith in the more knowledgable members here and at other boards. -------------------- Posts: 2125 | From: VA | Registered: Apr 2002  |  IP: Logged |  Th3Franz New Member Member # 14205 posted                        Hardly any stores in Wisconsin have high-end speakers. I know a lot of people like Focal too. Guess I'll have to try and track down a dealer somewhere.. -------------------- - F r a n z New car, 2005 Subaru Legacy GT - 14.1 sec 1/4 mile (integrated stereos suck! Will install stereo stuff eventually...) Posts: 46 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Dec 2003  |  IP: Logged |  EastCoast Senior Member Member # 11649 posted                        I like the focals over the quarts, the top end is similar, but the focals have more detailed midrange and better midbass IMO. Keep in mind i've not listened to the lower lines, just the mid's and up. I do like the Q-tweeter over the focal though... Avoid the hex's, they don't do well with power. Lot's of people like the JL's, I'd give those a listen too. Posts: 2276 | From: East | Registered: Jan 2003  |  IP: Logged |  EastCoast Senior Member Member # 11649 posted                        I like the focals over the quarts, the top end is similar, but the focals have more detailed midrange and better midbass IMO. Keep in mind i've not listened to the lower lines, just the mid's and up. I do like the Q-tweeter over the focal though... Avoid the hex's, they don't do well with power. Lot's of people like the JL's, I'd give those a listen too. Posts: 2276 | From: East | Registered: Jan 2003  |  IP: Logged |  Th3Franz New Member Member # 14205 posted                        I listened to the JL XR650-CSi's on Thursday and I was impressed with them. I also listened between Image Dynamics and Eclipse components. I plan to hear some MB Quart speakers this weekend and try to compare them to the JL's. But for the price, I really like the JL's right now. -------------------- - F r a n z New car, 2005 Subaru Legacy GT - 14.1 sec 1/4 mile (integrated stereos suck! Will install stereo stuff eventually...) Posts: 46 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Dec 2003  |  IP: Logged |  EastCoast Senior Member Member # 11649 posted                        You mentioned being more of an audiophile, I run Canton components and the things are sweet, I've yet to hear better in my listening tests. If you do a search you will find stuff I and others have written about them as I don't feel like typing it out again, but quickly... Pros, Tweet is very good, set is extremely clear, midrange is articulate, and the tonality is phenomonal. The speakers also image very well and sound so natural they dissapear (I stole that from audiophyle) you really forget you are just listening to speakers. They are dynamic and will handle power as well as you could expect them to...and for the quality of sound you get, they are extremely cheap. Cons, Next to impossible to listen to without buying them, I had to search for quite a while before I found a place that I could purchase them and they would send them to me. I had never heard them, I bought them based on others recomendations and have never looked back. Also, midbass is not strong, if you are running the components without a sub you may be dissapointed at the bass, I run a dedicated midbass with them and its heavenly. Midbass is there, but its more subtle than say the Focal's. If you do run a sub, you may need to run it 80 down for severe impact on your techno music. I typed alot for not wanting to type huh. I listen to alot of folk music, jazz, and house music, I'm really into the electronic music as you seem to be, and these speakers shine on everything. Sincerely The Canton Whore. Posts: 2276 | From: East | Registered: Jan 2003  |  IP: Logged |  Th3Franz New Member Member # 14205 posted                        Cool. So where did you buy them from then? Is there a place online where I can find more about them? Thanks. -------------------- - F r a n z New car, 2005 Subaru Legacy GT - 14.1 sec 1/4 mile (integrated stereos suck! Will install stereo stuff eventually...) Posts: 46 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Dec 2003  |  IP: Logged |  EastCoast Senior Member Member # 11649 posted                        www.cantonusa.com and do a search on here. I got them from a place in Massachusetts that will drop ship them to your house. SHould you be interested I can find the #. Posts: 2276 | From: East | Registered: Jan 2003  |  IP: Logged |  Th3Franz New Member Member # 14205 posted                        I'm interested in that #. Thanks for your help. -------------------- - F r a n z New car, 2005 Subaru Legacy GT - 14.1 sec 1/4 mile (integrated stereos suck! Will install stereo stuff eventually...) Posts: 46 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Dec 2003  |  IP: Logged |  EastCoast Senior Member Member # 11649 posted                        781-828-3900 ask for James (I think that was his name) Tell him Josh sent you. 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