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Hey guys,


I am new to these forums, and have been looking through the "Brand Ratings" thread. I need a new set of 5.25" and a set of rear 6x9s for my 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix GT. My old(first) set included some old Audiobahn speakers, and 2 10" subs, which I plan on keeping.

I have about $600 to spend. Obviously the front 5.25" components are the most important, so I wouldn't mind spending most of the money on the amp and speakers, and buying the 6x9s later.

I do not want to buy another set of speakers for the life of this car(~5 years?).
I listen to mostly Rock and Ska(the fast-horns music :P), so sound quality is important to me, but I also really like high volume.


I have been looking at:


Boston Acoustics Z5 5.25" Components.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Boston-Acoustics-Z5 ... dZViewItem



PhoenixGold X200.4 XENON Series 4-Channel 800W AMPLIFIER
http://cgi.ebay.com/PHOENIX-GOLD-XENON- ... dZViewItem



What do you guys think of these? Will they work well together?

How do the Z5 components sound?



Let me know!

Pianoman

The Z5s are a nice set, but they tend to be pretty relaxed in the mid bass area. They are not a speaker that really stands out to you, so some people don't like them.

Your best bet is to go listen to some comp sets, and let your ears pick them out for you.

As for the 6/9s. I wouldn't run them at all. Yor on a budget, and want better sound, so removing them completly would help with both.

http://www.caraudiocentral.net/forums/s ... php?t=1969

http://www.caraudiocentral.net/forums/s ... d.php?t=46

http://www.betteraudio.com/geolemon/Phasing/Phasing.htm

I agree with Jeremy, but i still think that Boston Acoustics has some more to offer there... If you can try to get some of their older product lines, you probably wont get a warantee with them but i remember their old reference line used to really kick some serious ass. Like say 2 years ago tops. As for another option you might be interested in, check around ebay or the Net and see if any CDT's are for sale. I have always found that they generally sound pretty damn good.

Also I will always stand by my Pioneer Products, The REV series really sounds great and have pretty good midbass through them, the only thing that i noticed is that with their 6 1/2" 2 way it sounds a bit tinny, but i think if you were to get a component set that would change it a bit.

JeremyC wrote:The Z5s are a nice set, but they tend to be pretty relaxed in the mid bass area. They are not a speaker that really stands out to you, so some people don't like them.
Your best bet is to go listen to some comp sets, and let your ears pick them out for you.
As for the 6/9s. I wouldn't run them at all. Yor on a budget, and want better sound, so removing them completly would help with both.
http://www.caraudiocentral.net/forums/s ... php?t=1969

I knew that it was an option to completely remove the rear 6x9s but I tend to have people in my back seat a lot, and would like some rear fill. The front speakers are definitely top priority.

When I do get the 6x9s later, should I power those straight off of the head unit, or amp them? My head unit is kind of weak. It is a circuit-city bought JVC, which I love, but I know it isn't anywhere close to top-of-the-line.



Thank you for your help! I am going to a local car-stereo dealer tonight to take a listen. I will have more news on my new choices tonight! :)




Pianoman

I would advise that you power those off an amplifier... And depending on the Power ratings 125w is a good starting place...

Pianoman178 wrote:I knew that it was an option to completely remove the rear 6x9s but I tend to have people in my back seat a lot, and would like some rear fill.

If you must have rear fill... might I suggest that you buy or make an adapter and through 6.5" or 5.25".... round speakers will always give you better sound.

Well, I just returned from the local car audio place. They have a deal on some Morel 5.25". They are normally $400, I am getting them for $270. I am probably going to settle for a mediocre Orion 75wattx2 amp. I am going to hold off on the rears for now, just to see how these sound.


Anyone have an opinion on the Morels?