Hey guys I need some advice.

I'm running some Infinity Kappa Perfect 6.1 components in the front, and I uninstalled my rear speakers because I read that we really don't need them in a car like the Z's. So I took em out.

I've got them hooked up to a Rockford Fosgate Punch 400.4 amp and an Infinity Reference 1060w woofer (which I love! so much bump for this cheap little guy!). I have a Kenwood DNX 7100 HU.

Now my dilemma is this. While my speakers sound really good, I honestly don't share the same opinion with a lot of people who say the Z doesn't need rear speakers as long as you have quality components in the front (which the Kappas are). I'm finding that the mid-range can use a little help, and when I'm driving on the freeway with my windows rolled down (I normally roll them down half way, not all the way), the speakers are virtually nullified if I'm not bumping them really hard. I just feel like, even though the speakers are located behind the seats and most people say the sound just crashes into the back of the seats and is cut off, having rear speakers definitely makes a big difference. It'll totally help out with my mids and provide more sound from all directions.

My question is, since I have components in the front, should I invest in 3 way speakers or 2 way? I'm not so savvy when it comes to knowing about car audio, but I can take a guess and say the 3 ways have mids highs and lows while the 2 ways only have mids and highs. If I have a subwoofer, should I even be bothering getting 3 ways? I'm looking at Infinity Kappa 639i's 3 ways and 629i 2 ways. The 2 ways are $20 cheaper.

Any suggestions? Thanks everyone.

 

not exactly. you are certainly right about how the 2 ways function, but the 3 ways work a bit differently. they play lower mids, higher mids, and highs; there are no lows involved. as a general rule, 3 way speakers provide improved mid-bass response. i've never heard either speaker, is there any way you could make it to best buy and take a listen? there are lots of other options, if you aren't stuck on infinity.

 

The 3 ways add a second "super tweeter", they are not going to give any improved mid-bass or mid-range response. Look at the specs the only difference is the high end 30K vs 25K Hz. In fact I'd venture to guess that the second tweeter in the 3 ways would actually block some of mid-range frequencies. So stick with the 2-ways.

 

Thanks for the replies guys! JMII that's the kind of information I'm looking for. If anyone can elaborate on what he said I'd highly appreciate it!! If getting 3 ways is pointless I need to know!

 

I won’t argue with your preference with some rear fill (installing the Z’s rear speakers). The important thing to remember with the rear speakers is you are looking for midrange sound and not the directions sound from tweeters, so coaxial speakers are fine here (in the rear speaker slots).

For the front speakers, use components so you can separate the midrange and the tweeter. You only need a two-way component since a three-way component won’t improve sound in such a small space as is the Z’s interior.

If you set the tweeters correctly using a front staged speaker setup, you will be surprised how difficult it is to determine exactly where the highs are originating. The Z’s interior is really fun for setting up a great CES that has minimal components.

Please let us know how you do the final setup. I’m very interested in your project.

--Spike

 

I am very interested in your project as well. I did not do my research very well at the very beginning and had ordered 4 Infinity Reference 6032si for front and back. But I found out later that front components are the way to go. I am eying the Kappas as well

 

So coaxials are 2 ways, correct?? Co = 2 lol. My setup is as stealth as I can possibly make it, aside from my Zenclosure box. I've got my amp behind my drivers seat in the compartment. I can't wait to mount my tweeters into my A-Pillars (learned all this from you Spike), right now they're in the stock location and wow are the highs overwhelming (I dialed them way down). Haven't gotten around to doing that yet.... won't be able to for a few more months.

 

2-ways are co-axials, because the two speakers share a common axis.

Components up front is the way to go. Components are generally better quality speakers with a separate, optimized crossover network and directional tweeters.

Coaxials in the rear with the fader adjusted to ensure most of the sounds seems like its coming from in FRONT of you is the ideal setup. The rear speakers just provide some fill or surround sound-like presence. This is why I recommend people not bother with wasting amplifier power on the rear speakers, just use the built in power from the radio (5-20 watts).

The problem is most people have gotten used to rear-heavy sound systems thus when they first hear a forward basis system it sounds odd to them. However just look at home theater systems - the surround (rear) speakers are always smaller. The reason is sound stage: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-DFztO0b...oundstage.html

 

Hi Mike, Thanks for the kind mention.

Tweeters mounted in the A-Pillar do provide great sound. I was just listening to a guitar instrumental on my way home this afternoon, and WOW does it sound sensational on the Focal tweeters mounted in the A-Pillar and bounced back from the windshield. Right and Left channels were distinct and directional, and the sound is wonderful.

--Spike

 

How far up should I mount them on the A-Pillars? How many inches from the bottom of each pillar? I haven't gotten around to figuring that out yet.

JMII, that is precisely what I was thinking.... I'll move the majority of the sound towards my components up front. My amp has more than enough juice to power all of my gear though.... I'll see what I decide to do. But you are the man! You gave me the information I was looking for. I'll go with the 2 ways and save me a couple bucks. I don't need lows or highs..... just mids. Haha. I love Infinity stuff, great sounding speakers. but if you know anything within the same price range (60-100 on Amazon) that you believe is better than the Kappas, I'd be more than willing to check them out/take them into consideration.

Thanks guys!

 

This is a Pic of my tweeter installation. I think that might provide better information than a measurement.



This is a diagram showing how I setup the tweeter “bounce” off of the windshield. This setup provides great sound.



--Spike

 

I ran Polk's MM line in my last car... really liked them. Got Infinity References in my truck but like the Polk's better. From what I remember the Kappas were too bright for my taste, but if you are installing them like Spike100 shows then maybe they would perfect. How tweeters sound is a really personally thing.

I don't want to modify my Z very much so I'm going to use the stock location even if its not ideal. Still debating door pods, experience tells me the stock location is recipe for rattles galore.

 

I've got Focal's coax speakers in the rear with Focal seperates in the doors, and pretty satisfied with this setup. Good luck on your choice.

 

^^ Focals are exceptional speakers. I’ve mounted a lot of speakers in my day, and I rate Focal as the best. The components are extraordinary, and Focal coaxials are really good.

--Spike

 

Any specific model of Focal I should look at?

JMII - The Kappas are very strong. Tweeters will, I repeat, will hurt your ears if you dont dial them down when installing them in the stock location. But if you install them right, they're amazing. I personally can't wait until I mount my components differently than I have them right now (stock locations). I believe the speaker sits just a tad bit below the actual hole in the door panel, causing sound to diminish the second its produced. Also, the stock speaker covers most definitely block sound as well. Even like this the Kappas sound very good though. Which is why I can't wait to custom install them with door pods or something. Tweeters definitely need to be moved! I've got my doors dynamatted, no rattles here.

 

really depends on your budget for the focals... i have the focal 165 kr2 in the front and i love them... i have the same dilemma as you do for the rears.. dunno if i should put them or not...

 

Your best card on the table is to hook up your back speakers and just power them all from your head unit. If your deck is up there in brand and has power, it will handle your back components. I feel the difference in mine.
Like nike, just do it.