pantherES

Next week I plan on installing my Kenwood MP919(with MP3 pocket ), and while I'm at it maybe replace the front speakers. What ever I do I WILL NOT be adding a amp to run the speakers.

Since I have a 2002.5 with the tweeters in the sail, I thought I'd get a new set of components. Does anyone have a decent-nice set of 5 1/4 components running off of 22 watts? I'm considering Alpine Type 'R', does anyone run this set?

walight01

how much are you willing to spend on a set of components, ALSO do you want a factory warrentee, or is a website warranty fine?

Dave Cameron

Panther- Nice looking photo of the car! Very sharp look.
The most interesting install of the 919 I have seen had the optional Heads up, voltage/temp sensor system, and compass. Made the car look like a fighter jet!
The new system Kenwood uses to rate amp power is interesting, and the 22 is probably one of the more honest ratings around.
I do have a quick question, are you willing to use adaptor plates, or are you looking for straight fit in and go units? By use of a plate you will increase your product feild, but they are several excellent choices in the stock size though.
The key number will be sensitivity. The number is normally shown are 88Db, which equates to with one watt of power, you will get a result of 88Db on a test tone. So, the higher the number, the louder the speaker will be at lower power. While not a total true statement, it general means more efficency and clearer music at lower volumes. I would look to aviod any speakers that are below 90, at the effect is a touch exponential.
Boston make a couple of component sets that will drop right in the stock front holes, with sensitivity in the 90.5 to 91 Db range, which is very good in car audio.
JL makes a couple of drop in units that will do very well. One is true component in that the tweeters can be mounted seperate. The sensitivity is at leat 90.5, maybe higer, I would have to look at thier site.
As I mentioned, the world is wide open if you opt for 5.25 inch speakers in the holes, but the lower midrange is just not as rich sounding to my ears.
Which would lead me to the last suggestion, do go audition whatever seperates you consider- please! There is marked differences in the sound of different speakers, and it is your ears that will live with the results of what you choose.

Good luck on the install, and let us all know what you decide on for speakers!

onehawaiian

dave mentioned two good lines of spkrs, jl audio and boston accoustics. i agree tho, go and audition ur set as ur the only one who can tell what is good or not.

my personal preferences (ampless):
-infinity reference
-gs designs
-autotek
-alpine type-r
-kicker impulse (crispy highs)

pantherES

Thanks for the replies. I guess I forgot to mention that I already picked up a set of 5 1/4" adaptor plates.

Well, I live in a rather small city that consists of 1 stereo shop and a Circuit City to audition speakers. The stereo shop has everything running off amps and Circuit City doesn't carry what I'm looking for. In the past, I've just blindly bought stuff that later I realized didn't sound good in my application.

As far as money goes, if I could get a set for under $300, I'd be happy. The reason I thought about the Alpines were, they are middle of the road in price and the recommended RMS of 8-40 watts. Since the Kenwood is 22 watts, that is over (barely) half of the recommended wattage. As Dave pointed out, their sensitivity is only 85 dB which is kinda low.

The other set I looked at were the Kenwood eXcelon which have the same recommended RMS but, increase sensitivity to 91 dB. Since I have only used Kenwood decks, I have no prior experience with the Kenwood speakers.

The other sets I have looked at, JL, MB Quart, Infinity (all three lines), want higher watts, between 50-100 RMS. The sensitivity ratings of these range between something like 85-92 (off the top of my head). The other problem I found is some have deep mounting depths. I realize the the mounting plates should give me extra depth but, the last thing I want is to start installing everything and it won't fit. So, the maximum depth I want is 2 1/2. With the plates, I should be golden.

Again, thanks for all the replies.

walight01

i've heard infinity kappa series components and reg speakers off of a HU and they were amazing, you can get those for around 280 from crutchfield, and they would even send you the plates. if you don't have about warranty, goto www.thezeb.com you can get the kappa perfects for around 300 bucks also, www.purecaraudio.com has jlaudio speakers for a really good deal.

hihoslva

Dave gave you the right advice - go for something with a high sensitivity rating.

I'll place my vote for the Infinity line also. I don't think you need a set of Kappa Perfects (pricey speakers to push with only 22 watts). But the regular Kappa line or even the Reference series would do nicely.

You should be able to find them for a good price.

www.ikesound.com has the Kappas for $159: http://www.ikesound.com/Prod_Details.asp?Prod_Id=589

and the Reference for only $95: http://www.ikesound.com/Prod_Details.asp?Prod_Id=448

Both prices INCLUDE shipping - one thing I really like about Ikesound - no extra charges.

In your case, I would say the Reference line is the way to go. They have higher sensitivity (92 dB) than the Kappas (90 dB), are a good deal cheaper, and have a lower power requirement (as little as 2 watts!!). And - if you ever do add an amp - they will sing very nicely. I had the 6.5" reference set in my car, with about 90 watts to each side, and they sounded great. I'm looking to get another set (mine got damaged - not the speaker's fault).

And spending $95 whan you budgeted for $300 ain't too bad!

I will buy from Ikesound anytime - I had a sub from them that blew after a few months (my fault!) and they took it back and gave me a partial refund. If it had been within 30 days, I would've gotten all my money back. They stand behind their stuff, and the prices are great.

IMHO, you'd be very pleased with the Infinity Reference 505cs componenet set, as well as with Ikesound's price and customer service.

~HH

pantherES

Well, I decided on the Infinity Reference series.

walight01

good choice, they are great speakers.

hihoslva

I think you'll be happy with them - they should perform well for your application.

Just remember, DISTORTION kills speakers, and just because those Infinitys can handle 75 watts or more does NOT mean you can't fry them with only 22 watts. If you crank your deck up to the point of distortion, even the best speakers in the world won't last.

Your Kenwood probably goes up to "35" on the volume scale (just like mine). I would keep it under 28. My rear speakers are still hooked up only to deck power, and 28 is about the loudest I can go without distorting them. The distortion comes from the DECK, not the speakers. So keep it cool and you'll do fine. If you feel you need more volume in the future, amps are the only way to go.

Be sure to let us know how you like the Infinitys!

~HH