15 replies to this topic

[surfect_01]

gday
i am thinkin of getting rid of my MB quart 6.5 comps and 6x9s (discus series)
and replace them with a higher quality set of 3 way comps up front

i am planning on running these 3 ways off my 4ch bridged to a 2ch
it is an eclipse EA3422
4 x 50wRMS @ 4ohm (13.8v / 0.004% THD)
2 x 140wRMS @ 4ohm bridged (13.8v / 0.008% THD)

So any recommendations on 3 ways want to limit budget to under $1000
I was considering some focal 3 ways ($850) cant remember but i think they were 165K3Le's

any help would be appreciated

[Mr_Bob]

for $100 you'd be better off with 2 ways.
how much do you intend to spend on installation?
the materials alone to install my 3 ways came to $900, and there was 8-10 weeks work.

[joey_kev]

he said $1000..not $100

There are some people selling 3 way system (focal and Dyn) on the FS section..under $1K..I think...check it out yourself

Are you aware of the time and effort taken to install 3 way system?..huge work there

[ultim8DTM5]

What car are they going in? Do you have the necessary footwell real estate to sacrifice (as well as funds) for a quality kickpanel install?

Otherwise go with two-ways in a no-compromise install for sanity's sake alone. Of course, if you'd like a nice set of three-ways and can afford the extra couple hundred bucks for kick panel fabrication, go nuts.

[Mr_Bob]

i meant $1000, still don't think it's worth it, unless you're buying "top of the line" speakers.
they'd want to retail for $1000+, 3 way utopia RRP was $1400 from memory, and i wouldn't bother doing 3 ways with anything less.
unless you've got monstrous kickpanels and lots of spare time....
my focals will be up for sale soon too

[surfect_01]

what would be so hard about the install
in my hilux ive got stock 4" speaker holes, or do they need to be put in a kick
panel at your feet plus ive already got the 6.5" custom speaker hole
am i missing something guys?
also for the money i'm paying will three ways sound alot better than a set of two way comps?
cheers

[E320Titanium]

3 ways are a lot of work and do i know about it.
I thought the 9" driver in the doors was going to be tough but its the 5.25" and tweeter in the kicks that are the real challenge.
Kicks have been changed 3 or 4 times now. I've lost count.
I think my car is just to wide with a monstrous dash and centre console causing all sorts of problems.
Centre channel speaker may be the only solution for my car.

As Mr Bob said the materials in his 3 way install cost him $900

But once you have had a 3 way set up you do noticed the lack of mid range clarity in a 2 way.

[ultim8DTM5]

surfect_01 said:

what would be so hard about the install
in my hilux ive got stock 4" speaker holes, or do they need to be put in a kick
panel at your feet plus ive already got the 6.5" custom speaker hole
am i missing something guys?
also for the money i'm paying will three ways sound alot better than a set of two way comps?
cheers

Putting the speakers merely where they can fit isn't always optimal, its fairly difficult and can only be solved with testing. Its easier to move around two speakers than three. (Coming from someone with 3ways)

[Mr_Bob]

if you're oly going to chuck them in where they fit, don't even think about it.
sure, the sounds may have more clarity than the equivalent 2 way set, but the imaging will probably be horrific.
getting the correct angling on the 4/5" driver is CRITICAL to the value in a 3 way set.
if you're not going to angle them correctly, forget it. i cannot stress this enough.

in your situation i recommend getting better quality 2 way splits.
FYI: 2 way utopia's are $900-1000 Vs 3way for $1400

[Mobi]

I agree with mr.bob, $1000 will get you some really nice 2way splits on the market including dyns, rainbows, dls, phass etc. but for 3 ways of that caliber you will be looking at up wards of $1500.

[Bassaholic]

I agree with the others, the advantages of a 3 way set will usually be lost unless a significant amount of time is spent doing a custom installation.

[surfect_01]

thanx for the replys
i'm still thinking three ways over two ways because i know they will sound better than two ways

im not really phased by doing custom kicks, and getting it right if thats what it takes to get it sounding ace.

i'm still relatively new to car stereo but i really like tinkering and trying new things coz all my mates have 2 ways and i wanted to try something different

thanx again

[Marlin]

I suggest you get a good set off 2 ways to start with if you really want three ways at a latter date all is not lost as you can simply get a set of 8inch drivers at a latter date and run them actively this is what I will probally do next year at some stage.

[dasherhalo]

Lucas.
Come show me your damn speakers.

Back on topic..... here's a maxim to work with, plaguarised (sp?) from many people who have done this..... a properly set up two way system will sound better than a badly set up 3 way system.

If you don't know your installers girlfriend's name, you'd want to be DAMN certain YOU know what you're talking about. There are too many people that know how to use fibreglass to give pretty installs without having the faintest idea about making the speakers sound good.

Let me say it again: A GREAT SET OF 3 WAY SPLITS DOESN'T MEAN JACK IF IT ISN'T INSTALLED PROPERLY. Go and ask your installer (who should be related by marriage, if not blood), if he's going to trial the mids and tweets in various locations (where feasible) first, to test them. I bet you find most installers are looking at "where's easiest", not "where's best".

That's not their fault, because unless you've got the $$$, it's not worth their while, is it? If you've got $1k for speakers, double it for a class 3 way install. If you've got that sort of cash, find the time to locate an installer that has the class and experience. If you don't, get a set of idiot-proof 2-ways that are going to sound 95% as good at 1/4 of the install cost.]

/rant.

[Cyberpunky]

I think all of the above is great advice. Having a speaker in your 4 inch factory spot means it will be firing at your feet, which is less than Ideal.

I think Marlins advice of getting a great 2 way and adding a 3rd speaker later is the go. A lot better than going a ordinary 3 way, as a great 2 way will sound better anyway and can be made a 3 way down the track.

One of the reasons I like the dyns apart from there sound is the mid-dome mid range is a sealed unit, and so a lot easier to mount than most 3 way set ups. One of the reasons 3 ways are so hard is because getting a decent enclosure in the kicks is V hard work. The dyn avoids this. The dyns and most high end set ups, you can but the extra 3rd speaker later, and create 3 ways out of 2 ways.

Anyway I cant emphasise enough that with speakers, taking your time is the way to go. Get a lot of listens before you commit, as you will end up buyiong once and have great sound sooner, if you are better educated about whats good, and the added bonus is if you take a few months or longer you can keep saving and so may be able to afford even better speakers.
peace
Cyberpunky