C6 Vert speaker/amp advice
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 309
Likes: 16
From: Thousand Oaks CA
C6 Vert speaker/amp advice
I'm going to have DNX7100 installed in my '08 C6 3LT vert as soon as it arrives. I am debating about having the speakers/amps done as well. The installer currently has the following recommendation:
MB Quart PCE 216 for the doors
Alpine 4.100 amp
Alpine 1.600 (for sub)
The rest I'm trying to get clarified, as I believe he thought it was a coupe (had recommended a JL 10w3 sub and MB Quart DTE 216 for rear speakers.
Questions:
1) I've heard MB Quart are good, but are they really worth the money (in a vert that will almost always have the top down).
2) I was thinking of going with some component speakers in the doors (Focals?) and then JL vert stealth boxes behind the seats with a single amp (4-ch, with 2 bridged for the sub, 100-150 watts/channel). Does this sound like the best setup?
3) In a vert with the top down, should I not even worry about spending the money on speakers/amps because the fidelity will be terrible anyway?
MB Quart PCE 216 for the doors
Alpine 4.100 amp
Alpine 1.600 (for sub)
The rest I'm trying to get clarified, as I believe he thought it was a coupe (had recommended a JL 10w3 sub and MB Quart DTE 216 for rear speakers.
Questions:
1) I've heard MB Quart are good, but are they really worth the money (in a vert that will almost always have the top down).
2) I was thinking of going with some component speakers in the doors (Focals?) and then JL vert stealth boxes behind the seats with a single amp (4-ch, with 2 bridged for the sub, 100-150 watts/channel). Does this sound like the best setup?
3) In a vert with the top down, should I not even worry about spending the money on speakers/amps because the fidelity will be terrible anyway?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,572
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles Ca
1)I'm not a fan of mbquart, they are too crsip for my ears. If i were you id definately go listen to a few speakers before you commit. If mbquarts are to crisp for ou check out some dynaudios
2) yes, it's a great/common setup for the vette cabin
3) i actually enjoy my system more with the top down...
as for your power requirements, i had 75 wrms x2 and 300 wrms x1 and; for me, it wasn't enough power at highway speeds (My car is freakin loud at idle though). if you're all stock then it would be the lowest i'd suggest unless you have very efficient speakers.
I think the elemental designs' amps have something that wouldn't break the bank and would have enough power. In a loud car you shouldn't worry as much about amp choice (as long as it's decent quality) as you should worry about speaker choice. A lot of the benefits of a 'super' amp will most likely be lost with all the road noise, but the benefits of more headroom and more power will be more obvious of an improvement
2) yes, it's a great/common setup for the vette cabin
3) i actually enjoy my system more with the top down...
as for your power requirements, i had 75 wrms x2 and 300 wrms x1 and; for me, it wasn't enough power at highway speeds (My car is freakin loud at idle though). if you're all stock then it would be the lowest i'd suggest unless you have very efficient speakers.
I think the elemental designs' amps have something that wouldn't break the bank and would have enough power. In a loud car you shouldn't worry as much about amp choice (as long as it's decent quality) as you should worry about speaker choice. A lot of the benefits of a 'super' amp will most likely be lost with all the road noise, but the benefits of more headroom and more power will be more obvious of an improvement
Last edited by scott_fx; Jun 26, 2007 at 01:31 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,289
Likes: 16
From: Skippack PA
St Jude Donor '13
You won't find alot of fans of MB Quart around here. They are frequently described as harsh, shrill, etc. I am a big fan of Focal components, and the Elemental Designs 2-ways are very well spoken of around here. There are tons of choices, including custom setups that will almost certainly get a mention, but what it always comes down to is what sounds good to you. Very hard to know exactly how something will sound in your car, but going to a shop and auditioning different speakers at least gives you an idea of the tonal impression of a given speaker and what you like.
I have an '06 Vert with Focals. ABSOLUTELY you can hear the difference, even with the top down. And remember, you won't always have the top down and even when you do, you won't necessarily be screaming along at speed where you won't be able to hear a difference. It actually may be more important in a vert to use quality components because you have to push the system harder in order to hear it, and when you push the factory system hard you just hear what's bad about it even more.
I haven't heard the JL box for the vert, but I haven't seen any other sub solution either. I am going to probably be doing a box along those lines, but a buddy of mine that's good with fiberglass is going to be making a custom box for me... one of these days when we have time.
I have an '06 Vert with Focals. ABSOLUTELY you can hear the difference, even with the top down. And remember, you won't always have the top down and even when you do, you won't necessarily be screaming along at speed where you won't be able to hear a difference. It actually may be more important in a vert to use quality components because you have to push the system harder in order to hear it, and when you push the factory system hard you just hear what's bad about it even more.
I haven't heard the JL box for the vert, but I haven't seen any other sub solution either. I am going to probably be doing a box along those lines, but a buddy of mine that's good with fiberglass is going to be making a custom box for me... one of these days when we have time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,572
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles Ca
You won't find alot of fans of MB Quart around here. They are frequently described as harsh, shrill, etc. I am a big fan of Focal components, and the Elemental Designs 2-ways are very well spoken of around here. There are tons of choices, including custom setups that will almost certainly get a mention, but what it always comes down to is what sounds good to you. Very hard to know exactly how something will sound in your car, but going to a shop and auditioning different speakers at least gives you an idea of the tonal impression of a given speaker and what you like.
I have an '06 Vert with Focals. ABSOLUTELY you can hear the difference, even with the top down. And remember, you won't always have the top down and even when you do, you won't necessarily be screaming along at speed where you won't be able to hear a difference. It actually may be more important in a vert to use quality components because you have to push the system harder in order to hear it, and when you push the factory system hard you just hear what's bad about it even more.
I haven't heard the JL box for the vert, but I haven't seen any other sub solution either. I am going to probably be doing a box along those lines, but a buddy of mine that's good with fiberglass is going to be making a custom box for me... one of these days when we have time.
I have an '06 Vert with Focals. ABSOLUTELY you can hear the difference, even with the top down. And remember, you won't always have the top down and even when you do, you won't necessarily be screaming along at speed where you won't be able to hear a difference. It actually may be more important in a vert to use quality components because you have to push the system harder in order to hear it, and when you push the factory system hard you just hear what's bad about it even more.
I haven't heard the JL box for the vert, but I haven't seen any other sub solution either. I am going to probably be doing a box along those lines, but a buddy of mine that's good with fiberglass is going to be making a custom box for me... one of these days when we have time.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 309
Likes: 16
From: Thousand Oaks CA
Thanks for the advice. I am checking with my install guy on switching to the focals and checking to see what my sub options are (stealthboxes or custom). If I had more time, I would have him install the amps and run the wiring, but I would do the speaker install myself. I designed and built a set of MTM monitors for my home studio that turned out very nice. I'm comfortable with the speaker and enclosure end, but am nervous about the wiring and panel removal/re-installation.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,289
Likes: 16
From: Skippack PA
St Jude Donor '13
Thanks for the advice. I am checking with my install guy on switching to the focals and checking to see what my sub options are (stealthboxes or custom). If I had more time, I would have him install the amps and run the wiring, but I would do the speaker install myself. I designed and built a set of MTM monitors for my home studio that turned out very nice. I'm comfortable with the speaker and enclosure end, but am nervous about the wiring and panel removal/re-installation.
Since you've done speaker building, a custom set of components may be the way for you to go. Scott & fej have alot of experience with the drivers that are out there. Quite a few threads, including one going now, though of course as I type this I can't think what the thread title is....
Ah.. here it is... with a great post summing up some drivers.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1741006
