17 replies to this topic

[jorn]

Hi all,

I am after some advice...i cant decide whether i should get some 3 way or 2 way splits.

It will be going into a Nissan Pathfinder and i am slowly taking up 4wding...i initially only wanted to bring my deck over (alpine 502) and changed the speakers to 6x9 at the front, but after a month the sound is really annoying me.

I am after a limited/budgeted and simple SQ install...and most my music is RNB and HIP HOP
Gear that i already have
Amp Apline PDX 4.150
Deck Apline 502 deck

So I have been doing my research as to which splits to go...
I had my heart set on a set of focals KR or the Focal KRX3 ( hadnt decided between 2 way or 3 ways yet), but when i spoke to my local focal dealer he said that the focals will be quite harsh with PDX, as it is a digital amplifer, the DLS distributor said the same as well...so that scrubbed it off my list.

So the search went on and i was pretty sold on the DLS UP6i or UP36i....this is based on what i have read ( tell me if im doing it wrong)


I dont think i will be buying a seperate amp for the sub, so a single amp will have duties of running splits and sub.

Thats the story so far...and now this is my problem.

I know that the 3 way splits will sound much better, however...

1) I will be installing them....i have done all my installs in previous rides, never done 3 ways before, and having a look online doesnt look that hard, but cant discount the fact that i may stuff up....ultimately being cheap, i dont want to fork out another 1 k to get them installed.

2) I use the car to tow my boat a bit and leaving it all day unguarded...so secruity might be an issue

3) i am using a PDX so not an SQ amp

am i wasting money and time on going on a 3 way set...am i better off going 2 way install.

or is the 3 way well worth the extra dosh and risk.


Thanks.

PS if there is any other systems that you guys think would suit me please let me know, i know there are tonnes of thread of what splits to buy so i dont want to start another...

PSS my last 3 cars had all hertz gears HSK to the mille, so im after a change...

[scraverX]

It depends a lot on your ears.

I have 2 way in my car and considering it started with very basic full range speakers (not even coaxials in the front) it's a huge difference. If you've run Hertz in the past I probably don't need to tell you that though.

2 way would certainly be easier as you could use the factory speaker locations.

That's all the opinion I can really give.

[ardenteagle]

Now I have a 3 way system I'll never go back. The main difference for me is the sound stage/imaging, its huge! In saying that though I had problems with the custom install but that's a whole different story.

Unless your really know what your doing get someone who has a lot of experience to do it for you, you'll end up spending more money in the long run having shoddy work fixed otherwise.

Then there is the tuning aspect of it...... You'll spend hours upon hours trying to get it exactly just right, I've been working at mine on and off for a couple of months now

If you absolutely love your music and want it sound its very best then yes.

If you want a lot less trouble, cost and still end up with a nice sounding system then no.

Its hard bloody work and expensive to end up getting that last 25-30% more. But that's what you get with the 3 ways. More of everything imo.


Thats my laymens take on it as I just went through it myself not long ago.

[syd-monster]

in a reatively noisy car, used for 4wd'ing I wouldn't bother with 3-way. Save the money of the equipment to treat & prep the car as much as possible. IE soundeadning, baffles and noise treatments. etc.

[blanketman]

im with Syd on that one

[br85]

I disagree. Unless we're talking about domes (which, in midrange of 2 ways, we're not), ALL drivers are much better sounding on axis (that is, firing at your face and not your ankles). As a blanket statement, anything above 800hz (or so) should not be firing into your ankles or at your legs if you want good sound. NOT GONNA HAPPEN with 2 ways. 3 ways often have smaller midranges (2 to 4.5 inches) and they can often be installed firing at your head, or at the very least, somewhere that's not blocked by obstacles or body parts. By FAR, that is the primary advantage that 3 ways have. If you can install 2 way mids up on the dash safely, I'd be all for it. (Most people can't).

[Pulse-R]

I recommend the KRX2's and sound deadening.

they won't sound too harsh.

[xMplar]

i think all of this will totally depend on the speakers you buy weather three way or two way i know i have done both and also in 4x4s and super loud V*s and had no issues but you must dynamatt the doors and wherever ther is rattling etc

where are you in oz maybe we can piont you in the direction of sum1 who as done this before but if you just want a good set of new speakers i have a set of hertz hsk165s im tryin to get rid of for well offers really not sure they woudl suit mind you i say try to have a look on here but also check out some 4x4 forums at there audio sections to see what they have done i know alot of guys go for 2way fronts with 6x9 rears because its hard to have a 25kg sub bouncing around in back of you

thats my 2 cents anyhoo

Ren

[HEKYEH]

If I was u, I would stick with a really good 2 way setup. Hell of a lot easier to install. Also can be less "obvious" to thieves as well.

You can get the Hybrid Audio Legatia 6" 2way set for $900 (http://www.hybridaud...t-Set/p_24.html)...possibly less for MEA members. That would give u a pretty sweet setup...

Look at the Crescendo range also.

[jorn]

Thanks guys,

Still quite undecided, i've sent an email off the the Crescendo distributor in Perth and see where they are to DEMO.

I am still borderline, i think i can install them and the efforts for doing so will be quite rewarding, at the same time i dont want to wait hahaha.



XMPLR...I am in Perth...thanks for the offer, I've already had the HSK in previous rides, now looking for something different. I have looked at a number of 4x4 forums, and they are all about offroading hahaha...some good sound would make driving 10 hours to fish sound sooo much better...

from what i read Crescendo get alot of good wraps, is there anything wrong with the DLS? I really like the look of the mids and tweeter...

[br85]

If you absolutely MUST go 2 way, get a decent set with the lowest possible crossover point you can find, and get those tweeters up on the dash, in the sail panels, or in the apillars.

[G-rig]

br85, on 10 May 2010 - 01:40 PM, said:

If you absolutely MUST go 2 way, get a decent set with the lowest possible crossover point you can find, and get those tweeters up on the dash, in the sail panels, or in the apillars.

2-way keeps things simple and looks better in the stock locations if they are reasonably placed. A-pillar pods would attract thieves as mentioned, but i don't like the look of extra speaker grills around the place that aren't being used. Depends what he's after mostly. 3-ways are nice but you'd need more amps to give them the same power I assume?

Edited by G-rig, 25 May 2010 - 12:53 PM.

[br85]

G-rig, on 22 May 2010 - 08:30 AM, said:

2-way keeps things simple and looks better in the stock locations.

Yes and no. Keeps installation simple, yes. Makes any kind of "sound quality" almost IMPOSSIBLE to achieve.

Drivers are designed to be pointed at your head. Full stop. (ok dome midranges may be an exception but it's completely irrelevant here). If you don't point them at your head, they're not going to sound their best (and in most cases, they sound their worst in stock locations, 40-70 degrees off axis screwed into a piece of resonant metal)

[G-rig]

Fair point, depends if he needs the best and is going to 'compete' in competitions or just wants something good sounding - he said he wanted a simple (but good) SQ system.

You probably wouldn't hear the differences over road noise & 4WD'ing so bit silly getting too perfect about it whereas you would have a much better listening environment at home where the speakers can easily be pointed at you.

You could always improve on the power/amps first as well as quality install/sound deadening as mentioned above.

I think the Dyn's sound quite good on-axis.

Agree all other things being equal, a 3-way will sound better just depends if it's worth it.

Edited by G-rig, 23 May 2010 - 08:40 AM.

[jorn]

ended up getting crescendo 8.6, just installed it yesterday
the tweeters are just placed in the dash and pointing up at the windscreen.

Going to drive around and see how it fairs...

The speakers are running of a pdx4.150 and using an old sub i had 15" kicker comp vr.

going to decide whehter to mount them on the a pillar or keep them in the dash...

then get a new sub!!!

any recommendations?