I've been conducting a lot of research for the five systems that are remaining on my list. However, a lot of the information I've seen has been very contradictory, to a much larger content than would have been expected by pure differences in preference. At least, that is my belief. I wonder if not quite a few negative remarks have been made in sub-optimal installations? Or run by sub-optimal amps?
I would like as many comments as possible, both first hand, but also second hand views, as long as which is which is disclosed, positive as well as negative. And no, I will not be able to listen to all of them in a foreseeable future, so I might just take a chance, we'll see. If I do choose to listen, the debate is on if it is meaningful to listen in a shop or not, as they usually have only the "wall thing" where the drivers are installed. Would I in that case be better off building my own boxes for each of the drivers in question, and bring those to the shop, if they would be willing to install drivers in my boxes?
First I have a few general issues regarding all kits:
1. Best to play them straight into the door, or closed box?
2. Heat handling info, as they have quite differently constructed motors as I can see? Will all be able to sustain the same abuse?
3. Crossing over issues:
A. Is it wise to cross in the 2000-4000 Hz range?
B. Over 4000 Hz?
C. Is it advisable to cross a tweeter lower than its 2 x fs value?
The driver kits and some comments I've seen about them:
DLS Nobelium 6.2
- Much more in your face than Dynaudio.
- The tweeters are amazing. Easily the best that i've heard. The mids on the hand are a bit lacking in the midbass section.
- The DLS line is a bit warm and laid back for my taste.
- The SEAS drivers make a lot more sense in a 2 way application. The breakup has to be dealt with but realistically you want to cross a 7" driver that low (2200 Hz) when off axis anyway due to issues with beaming.
- They took 2nd place in 7-ch Avanced, Swedish championship in -07.
Dynaudio Esotec System 242
- Dyn claims that the low suspension compliance makes the driver suitable for small enclosures normally used in cars. For subs, the general advice is the opposite, what gives?
- Dyn - polite, laid back, very neutral, good overall dynamics. poor low end output capability and dynamics. no offensive coloration, but a little too recessed/laid back with respect to details. good overall clarity.
- give a great warm sound.
- These high end sets from Morel and Dynaudio tend to be a bit soft when run passive, and with the woofers in door free air (at least for the 6.5"/7" size). Running active, with an enclosure and/or EQ, and you should get these Dynaudios and Morels to pump and sound good while doing it too...
- I do think they could do with a bit more resolution, especially in the upper midrange responce. Even with merciless equipment to it I´m left with the feeling that I´m missing something.
- given what people who have had both have said about the Morel's (lacking midbass) vs the Dyns (best midbass they've ever heard).
Hertz MLK 165
Haven't heard that much. Most seem to be very happy with how they sounds, seen a few vague comments in the way of "I did not like what I heared, or, "I had expected more"
Morel Elate 6"
- I find most Morel offerings to be very easy on the ears but ultimatly a bit lacking in resolution.
- Lacks midbass
- Running active, with an enclosure and/or EQ, and you should get Morels to pump and sound good while doing it too...
Seas Lotus Reference RS165F
- The suspension is optimized for a large enclosure. The Qts is high so that in an IB environment the speaker Q is high enough to make for the overall Q, IB adds none. - The low crossover requirement is inherent for stiff cones that exhibit some breakup up high (4,500hz). It's not that big of a deal if you put them off axis a bit.
- This is one of the best controlled break up in stiff cones. Just cross 2,500hz or below and you should be fine.
- Quite a few seem to find them over priced, among them the famous Zaph with his many tests, if I understood his rating correctly.
- On the other hand, they was judged best car audio overall and 1st place in the Swedish championships in -07 (do not know the class).
So how is one to be able to make an educated guess from all that? I would like to be able to shorten the list to at least three.
Regarding amps, that will be dealt with when the speakers have been choosen. However, I am a firm believer that amps would be rated third in importance after speakers and HU regarding the component that has the most influence on the sound in the car. Until proven wrong, that is. I've been thinking that for example the Hertz EP4X or similar would do to start with, and eventually later on bridge it, and get another one for the tweets. Or perhaps get a 6-ch amp and bridge two pairs for the mids, and leave the last pair for the tweets. I guess I will later on be a bit more serious about the amp choise in a thread of its own when the time is right.
By the way, I will run active via an Audison Bit-1.
I know the importance of installation and damping.
I don't think I will be tempted to consider other drivers than those on my list.
Fill me in please, where I have omitted "must know" info.
Later on, when my front system is done, I will add a sub and sub-amp.
My car is a 2004 VW Passat Variant.
Did anyone get this far???
