Hello and Merry Christmas!!

I have spent the better part of this week reading and re-reading almost every post on this site now that I have decided to upgrade my C6 sound system. I have the non-Bose system and plan on upgrading to a new HU, amp and front and rear speakers. At this time I do not want to add a subwoofer mainly due to not wanting to alter the “stock look” and not really needing “gut kick” bass.

I know I have a lot of decisions to make on the individual pieces but want to start with the speakers as it seems that the 2012 HUs have not arrived yet. I also have pretty much decided to go with the “hidden” install of the Arc Audio KS 125.4 amp.

So with this in mind I would like some advice on the speakers. I do want good tight bass and since I will not be using a sub, bass performance is important. Price is not important as I can afford to buy the most expensive, but don’t necessary believe that the most $$$ always buys the best performance. I’m an 80’s rock and roll guy (Van Halen, Journey, Boston) and the GF is into Electronic stuff (Enigma, etc.).

It seems the following are the most popular speaker pairs:
• Polk Audio mm6501 component speakers and DB521 $300
• JL Audio C5-650 and C5-525cw $650
• Boston Acoustics Pro60SE and 50SE $650
• Focal PS165 and PS130 $800

I have tried to find dealers that have all 4 models so I can do a live listen, but have not had any luck here in the SF Bay Area. Best Buy had the Boston Acoustics and another smaller dealer had the Polk but they were in large rooms and I had no way to compare and hear what they would sound like in the car.

So I would rather rely on the experts here to give me some advice and/or feedback on these or any other speakers that would fit my needs.

Thanks again!!

 

At the least I know you'll get a better deal from Dennis at Double D for the Focal speakers (about 1/2 of what you stated, and those are what I have), but any change will be an improvement. I would HIGHLY suggest a modest subwoofer configuration at the least, maybe a single rear well pod with 10" speaker. Good luck and show us what you decide on and install ...

 

I understand how you feel about not "needing" a sub, but VH really sounds soooo much better with a good bump going at the bottom end. At least consider doing front components only (without rear speakers) and adding a sub in one of the rear cubbies instead. I believe you could still use the same Arc amp with ch 3&4 bridged to the sub (please verify before buying it). It would add about $400 to the total cost, but it is very worth the cost to have a sub

 

if you want some really good advice get a pair of JL audio Zr-800 8" free air drivers to put in the doors, a pair of their 3.5" 2 way speakers in the doors and the 5.25 in the rear. run it all off a 5 channel amp.
the bass is amazing for having no subs.
anyting you put in the doors in a standard component setup is a total waste of money, youll get really bright tweeters and mediocre at best bass.
you will get some good midrange though

do a search through my posts and look for the thread i did on my 2008 Z06, lots of good advice in that thread.
already had 2 people do the exact same system and were blown away!