Nitewing911

I'm planning on upgrading my stereo in my '03 P5 in the next two weeks and have finally decided on a setup. For the headunit, I'm getting the Pioneer DEH-P8400MP because I can get a crazy discount through a friend, and for speakers I'm planning on getting Infinity Reference speakers all around, as they are great sounding, a great value, and will run off HU power well enough (for now). Here are my questions:

Does anyone have any opinions or thoughts on the new Infinity Reference 5x7/6x8 components, model 6500cs? At first I was just going to get the 6.5" comps, but they just released these and they'll fit right in, AND have a wider frequency range. So what do you guys think?

I ask this because I've heard a bunch of stuff regarding oval vs round speakers, most of which is pretty unconclusive. The two main things I hear are 1) there's really no difference, at least audibly, and 2) oval speakers suck. Why? No clear reason. Sometimes people say that it's because the round shape is more optimal for sound waves or something, and that oval speakers will distort sooner than round, etc, etc.

I'm not going into any competitions or anything, however, I do want great sound for a great value, hence the Infinity References. So what's up? The 5x7 components are the same price as the 6.5" set. Thanks in advance for any info.

DaleK

Oval speaker cones are by nature not as rigid as round ones, so all things being equal, the oval cones should distort sooner and more. However, the other word of wisdom heard around here is listen to the speakers and buy what you like the sound of. As long as you don't run a setup that creates distortion by underpowering the speakers (usually where distortion problems and shortened speaker life creep in), and you like the sound, that is what you should get.

I am not super familiar with the Infinity reference line, but when I further upgrade my setup (I have stock deck and speakers with an amplifier, and a powered sub), I would look into 5x7 speakers just for ease of install.

Dale.

SEA_P5

Why don't you invest into the Kappa's?

Nitewing911

You know, I listened to both side by side and this is maybe just me, but the tweeters on the Kappas are just too bright for me. On the other hand, the woofer was nice. But I'm really surprised at the Reference line. They sound great, not too bright, and they're super cheap...that's what I like.

walight01

the reference are designed for stock HU power. if you run the kappa at 75 watts, the highs aren't over powering

hihoslva

Not quite though. The reference 605cs set I have runs on up to 90 watts RMS.

They are very efficient, and are certainly a good choice for head-unit power. But, I don't know of ANY deck that'll put out 90 watts per channel

The Reference line, IMHO, is a great all-around performer, either with amps or run from the deck. (But trust me - put 90 watts to them, and they sing like pretty little silvery-white birds ).

If you heard both side-by-side, and like the Reference, then that's your buy right there. Get what YOU like!

And Nitewing911, do you have any more info on the oval components? I have never seen ANY ovals that are separates - only coaxials. I'd love to take a look at them - any online links?

~HH

walight01

there is no HU that puts out 75 watts rms, and i'm not saying that they can't handle it b/c i know they can, its just kappas need the power to sound properly and the reference don;t.

Nitewing911

hihoslva, here are a couple links you can check out:

From Infinity's website:
http://www.infinitysystems.com/carau...ct.asp?ProdId='REF6800CS'&Ser=REF&Cat=COS

And from Crutchfield:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-bpvEitp...sp?i=1086800CS

These are new for 2003, so that's probably why there's not a whole lot of feedback on them. As far as oval components, I know JL and Boston Acoustics both make a 5x7/6x8 component set. I haven't heard either of them, but I have heard their standard 6.5 comps at several different shops and to be honest, with all I've heard about JL and Boston, I was pretty underwhelmed. JL tweeters really don't do it for me, and Boston's vocals always seem a little hollow. But again, that's just me, not trying to step on any one's toes...if you like them, more power to you.

But anyways, I think I'll be picking a set of the Infinity Reference 5x7/6x8 comps really soon. I found a site that has them for $109 less shipping, www.ezorderusa.com , and I'm pretty sure they'll sound good, as the 6.5s are very nice and the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, you know?

Nitewing911

After checking the post, that first link for Infinity's site, you might have to copy and paste the whole thing. Something's up with how the post set it up.

hihoslva

Cool links man - those Infinity's look sweet!

If you are not choosing an amplifier right now, the Reference line is an excellent choice. They will perform quite well under deck power.

One thing you should be aware of: One of the reasons the Infinitys are a good choice for low-power applications is their high sensitivity rating - meaning they will get louder than many other speakers given the same power. However, as a general rule, higher sensitivity speakers don't put out a lot of bass - and the Infinity's are no exception. There is a somewhat scientific reason for this, but I can't remember the specifics right now - you'll have to trust me until I can find the info again.....

Anyway - the References are great - very detailed, excellent sound quality, and hell of a bargain when you can find them cheap like you have, IMHO. But even with an amp - the lower frequencies are kinda lacking. Remember - hearing speakers in an audio shop display is very different from in the car.

I would expect that the ovals will have a little better bass/midbass than the 6.5" rounds - if nothing else, only due to the increased cone area; bigger cones = bigger bass, if everything else is the same.

I'm just telling you this so that you don't hook them up and crank up the bass settings wondering where the bass is hiding. I'm certainly not trying to talk you out of the Infinity's - they are great, and furthermore you CAN build a system around them piece by piece if you want.

~HH

walight01

car audio did a review with all the infinity kappa speakers once, and the only way to get very good bass responce from thim is to have the woofer sealed into a .5 cu box