Pioneer Premier TS-D720C vs TS-C720PRS

[customfab]

I'm having a heck of a time making a final decision and was hoping several of you had experience with both of these pioneer 6.75" component sets.

So Car Audio and Electronics has done an extensive review of both these models (links below). Overall they rated the C720PRS at a 80.5 vs 80 for the D720C. The PRS comes with a much better cross-over although it doesn't appear to translate to better sound. When I take in effect the price difference of ~$290 vs ~$130, it would appear an easy decision. I was hoping to get additional input of sound quality of these two. Oh, the TS-D720C is the same speaker as the TS-D1720C.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pi...mag_eprint.pdf

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/St...E720Review.pdf

[89grand]

I've only used the 720PRS, so I can't say for sure, but my gut tells me they are worth the premium over the standard models. The mid driver and crossover appear to be much better built.

[customfab]

Originally Posted by 89grand

I've only used the 720PRS, so I can't say for sure, but my gut tells me they are worth the premium over the standard models. The mid driver and crossover appear to be much better built.

That's my guess, too. Be nice to know if someone has evaluated both. Hard for me to justify over twice the cost for only a slight sound improvement though. Seems pioneer outdid themselves with the 720C for the price point.

[huckorris]

Something tells me the difference is more than slight. I havn't heard the D720C but I have had the PRS for about 6 months and I love them.

[Qicker306]

Do they still make the PRS? We've had them in the demo board at work for a long time and they have recently went discontinued in our system. Sounded fine, nothing spectacular. The magnets are HUGE! I haven't heard the D series components but as far as the coaxials went they were nice speakers for the price. I'm pretty sure pioneer discontinued the Premier line up for 2010.

[mikey7182]

I have owned and listened to both quite extensively. I would choose the PRS, and you should be able to pick them up for less than $290. The PRS mid seemed to dig deeper without any sign of break up; in fact the whole PRS set took more power and got quite a bit louder than the 720C. The 720C was a nice entry set, but the 720PRS is noticeably better.

[jooonnn]

Originally Posted by mikey7182

I have owned and listened to both quite extensively. I would choose the PRS, and you should be able to pick them up for less than $290. The PRS mid seemed to dig deeper without any sign of break up; in fact the whole PRS set took more power and got quite a bit louder than the 720C. The 720C was a nice entry set, but the 720PRS is noticeably better.

No question I've owned the 5 1/4 D series and 6.75 series, the PRS series is worlds ahead with the right install, the midbass that is. The tweeter is still too mellow for me even active. Keep in mind this line is more of a "boom" midbass than a snap like Boston Acoustics SX, Morel Elate, etc.

[morebass]

Originally Posted by Qicker306

Do they still make the PRS? We've had them in the demo board at work for a long time and they have recently went discontinued in our system. Sounded fine, nothing spectacular. The magnets are HUGE! I haven't heard the D series components but as far as the coaxials went they were nice speakers for the price. I'm pretty sure pioneer discontinued the Premier line up for 2010.

visions employee.... i bought the last set of PRS's we had at our store

[DS-21]

Different reviewers, and no measurements for either that could help someone make an informed decision.

The crossovers on both - like any prefab component-set crossover not specifically designed for specific drivers in specific locations in a specific vehicle - are worthless except in that they can be broken apart and the individual caps/coils/resistors used in other projects. The PRS crossover looks like it has higher salvage value.

Reading the reviews of both, I'm impressed. Pioneer is really stepping up their car-fi products' value. For $220 list, woofers with copper Faraday rings is not bad at all. Still, compared to the PRS, which is well-documented here and has a fantastic underhung motor, the cheaper one is an unknown.

[instalher]

npdang reviewed the 720 prs check out his comments...

[WLDock]

Originally Posted by customfab

... When I take in effect the price difference of ~$290 vs ~$130, it would appear an easy decision.

I really think it comes down to cost! Spend $290 or don't!

At the low end of the 720PRS internet pricing the set was a VERY good buy and the shocker of the last seveal years. At $290 the set is still a good buy. But if that is too much for you, there are other nice under $200 dollar sets like the Alpine SPX-17REF. However at $130 the D720C has to be one of the "BEST BUY" net priced components sets available right now in terms of cost vs. performance. The set is worth the $130 just from the review alone!The 720PRS is/was the same thing...it just costs more and is their midline product.

Pioneer put everything they know into their ODR line. ODR, PRS, Premier, etc...its all Pioneer sound ....just choose how much you want to pay.

IMO, I say go with the 720PRS....but then again....one could get the $130 set, then spend $205 shipped for one of the new Clarion 4 ch amps on Amazon with the built in 10x mutiplier crossover and run the set full active for $335....just a thought.

[customfab]

You guys have all been wonderful. Great insight. I really want the PRS set as I know it is a proven performer. Yes, you can still find them but not for much longer I would imagine. Thing is, I don't know if I can convince the wife (3x the cost). To make matters worse, I just found the TS-D720C for $110. Hard to beat that for the money.

You guys said the midbass response for the D720Cs is not as good as the PRS. I'm running a 12" Exile sub in the back and typically listen to fairly chill music such as Matthews Band, John Mayer, J Johnson, Kings of Leon, etc. So maybe that makes up the difference considering what I'm jamming to typically. My 2Pac and mega bassing days are lost since past.

Funny you mention the 17REF. That was my original target. I've always enjoyed the R-type line and am sure the REF series is wonderful.

Budget or non-budget. Here's another input.

I'm not running a crazy high-end amp. I'm running a Massive Audio 950.5 amp which is a proven performer for the money but not Zed like. So considering the level of this amp, maybe I'd be wasting my money on high-end components like the PRS set?

Originally Posted by WLDock

I really think it comes down to cost! Spend $290 or don't!

At the low end of the 720PRS internet pricing the set was a VERY good buy and the shocker of the last seveal years. At $290 the set is still a good buy. But if that is too much for you, there are other nice under $200 dollar sets like the Alpine SPX-17REF. However at $130 the D720C has to be one of the "BEST BUY" net priced components sets available right now in terms of cost vs. performance. The set is worth the $130 just from the review alone!The 720PRS is/was the same thing...it just costs more and is their midline product.

Pioneer put everything they know into their ODR line. ODR, PRS, Premier, etc...its all Pioneer sound ....just choose how much you want to pay.

IMO, I say go with the 720PRS....but then again....one could get the $130 set, then spend $205 shipped for one of the new Clarion 4 ch amps on Amazon with the built in 10x mutiplier crossover and run the set full active for $335....just a thought.

[89grand]

That amp is fine, the differences between amps is no where near as big as some people make it out to be. I'd still get the 720PRS components.