After doing some research I've decided to upgrade the speakers in my GS. I was originally just going to go with one of the Double D upgrades, but decided to take it a step further and do an amp and replace the door speakers with components, then decide on what to do about a sub a little later. I've looked at a few component setups from focal, jl, etc and noticed that some have inline crossovers and others have a normal designed crossover. What is the difference, if any, in sound? The reviews indicate the inlines are a simpler install. That will be a plus, since I'll likely tackle this myself. Any advice is appreciated!

Michael

 

I have done both and component speakers provide better quality of sound for a discerning listener. Both are nice

 

I'm confused by what you mean when you say "inline" crossover vs. "normal" crossover. To me, a normal crossover is inline with the speakers... but perhaps it's just the terms you're using?

Most aftermarket component sets that have two drivers (midbass and teeter) will have some type of crossover to direct a band of frequencies to each driver. (Low pass and high pass.)

A cheap set might use nothing on the midbass driver, relying on it's natural rolloff to cut the highs. Others might use an inductor on the midbass, for a 6dB rolloff at a given frequency. Either way, the tweeter will most likely use a capacitor for a 6dB high frequency pass filter. You'll normally see the capacitor soldered to the tweeter, or somewhere inline before the signal reaches the tweeter.

On a slightly more expensive set, where sharper filter slopes are desired, you'll likely see a crossover with 12dB slopes. This requires both inductors and capacitors for both drivers... and normally takes up a bit more room. Because of this, you'll often see a small box with terminals where you can connect the wiring from the amp, and to the respective drivers.

As the rate of slope increases (6dB, 12dB, 18dB, 24dB) then the number of electronic components inside the crossover increases... necessitating a larger footprint. Also, higher quality capacitors and inductors can take up more space, requiring a bigger crossover box.

Some unscrupulous manufacturers know this, so they will sometimes make everything look bigger just for that reason... to give you a perception of quality.

If you are looking at Focal or JL Audio, then you're already looking at quality stuff. Dennis at DD won't steer you wrong, either. There are places in the dash to hide the crossovers, so don't let that concern you. (Unless they are the size of bricks... then you might have issues.) Take a look at the C6 FAQ and Thrash's thread at the top of the audio page. There's quite a bit of info there about installing in your car, where to put stuff, etc...

There are a lot of good quality speakers out there... your ears are the best judge on what is best for YOU. If you can, hit your local shops to have a listen and see what you like. Take your favorite music and audition them. What your ears tell you will be more important than the shape/size/design of the crossover.

 

Thanks for taking the time to make such an informative post! I understand the confusion, I guess all crossovers are technically in line, I think what the web is calling inline crossovers are a simpler, non adjustable crossover? Just wondered if it made a big difference in sound quality.

 

we can put a complete amp speaker and sub combo package together for you as well. We have way more options than just the speaker upgrades
Just call me direct and I will help you put something together for your needs