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Which midrange for 3way upgrade?

5.7K views 21 replies 12 participants last post by  WestonWW  
#1 ·
I have been tinkering for a while my active 2way budget setup, 6x9 in the doors and 1" tweeter in the dash corners firing up to the windshield. My skill tuning it may be holding it back some, but the range that I have the most trouble with is 550-2500hz, which is where I assume the 6x9 is holding me back. I have an extra pair of channels that could run a midrange. What budget midrange would complete the system? My priority sound quality and budget, only has to be loud enough to work on the highway.

I'm considering the CDT CL-4SL because it seems like the easiest to mount firing up next to the tweeters. I'm not going to make an A-pillar, but I could be convinced to make some sealed pods if that would be a big factor.

SB acoustics 3" SB10PGC21-4 catches my eye too. DSP4086 puts out 45w per channel, is this tough enough to handle the power if I don't cross it too low?

Others I've considered: Dayton 3.5" and 4" models, Visaton FRS8-4 3.3"
 
#4 ·
I'm currently installing a pair of these Infinity Perfect 300M's, but can't give an opinion about how they sound, yet.


I used the "make offer" button and got them for $170.
 
#9 ·
Cdt es-02 @ 90 or es-02a reg $250 on sale for $109. Cant go wrong with either
 
#10 ·
I've used Stereo Integrity M3 Carbon and Morel CCWR254. In my car the Morel has a very smooth, natural sound. M3 perhaps a little less so, but a bit more dynamic & play louder without distress. The larger M3's ability to play deeper is what won out, was easier to blend with midbass. But I could live happily with either.
 
#11 ·
Erin H said some nice things about these. I bought a pair but can’t find the time to toy with them. I’m thinking about going the opposite direction and doing simple two way front in my next car. Which is crazy because I have a pretty decent three way currently. Just a super budget thought.

Tectonic Elements TEBM35C10-4 Miniature BMR® Driver Review

 
#19 ·
The number of recommendations pointing to 2-3" drivers is encouraging, because they are going to be a lot simpler to fit on the dash and potentially have room to aim too. I found a deal on some CDT HD-3, hopefully that works out. If not, I might try one of the smaller options and cross around 500hz. If they are only rated for 10w or so, is it safe to throw 45w at them with a crossover, at least double Fs?
 
#20 ·
If you’re going three way, which has potential to be superior, you’re on the right track with a 2”-3” like the cdt. I’ve personally had a craving for a system of utmost simplicity for a few years now, such as a L and R wideband and front subwoofers but it’s a stretch to make so few speakers work perfectly in a car.
 
#21 ·
Just make sure you measure the cutout diameter for those HD-3s and don't rely on what their website says... Pretty much standard fare for CDT it seems.
 
#22 ·
I have the Peerless NE85W-04 in my 3-way setup, after lots of research it met all of my requirements. Sounds great to me and easy to tune and integrate. I wouldn't worry about power handling, if you set your crossovers respectfully it doesn't really matter. I have 125w going to them and they never complain. NE65W and NE95W are good too, slightly different size and Fs.