Help on c6 speaker selection/setup
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 526
Likes: 18
From: Michigan
Originally I went with Focal Auditors which were recommended by the forum audio vender and had positive reviews from other members that had them installed. After not being happy with it, I then replaced the speakers and amp I had purchased to try and improve the sound issues I was unhappy with. First I replace the fronts with higher end Focal KRX2's and then eventually replaced the rears with the Morel Hybrid 5.25" coaxial. My system does sound pretty good now, but I will say that I do believe that the Focal's I have are not the best for the type of music I like to listen to most, which is hard rock. They do sound great with other types of music and I notice that when I do drive my Corvette I tend to listen to hard rock less and more to the music that really excels with my system.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,114
Likes: 1,961
From: Morris County New Jersey
The truth is I was going through much of the same stuff you are going through when trying to determine the best speakers to get. Here is the thread I started to get some help. 02BlownZ06, Racebum, and a few others were a lot of help and much more knowledgable then me, but many of the recommendations are going to be over your price range. I always consider JL audio to be a safe choice when it comes to car audio when you don't have much experience with different brands but that doesn't mean you couldn't do better if you knew exactly what you are looking for.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...need-help.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...need-help.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 9,366
Likes: 969
From: Out back
Like Torch said. It is tough to pick the "best speaker" because everyone's preference (auditory) is different. Personally, I have an older set of Focal K2Ps, and they are the BEST speaker I have heard to date. I listen to metal, hick-hop, and electronica and they perform great with all types of music. Now they are obviously outside of your budget. I also have never heard a set of JL comp/coax's that I liked, including their $700+ set.
So in the end, it comes down to just trying different sets. I would encourage going to a audio shop and listening to as MANY speakers as you can hear. A clear victor (for your ears) will emerge eventually.
So in the end, it comes down to just trying different sets. I would encourage going to a audio shop and listening to as MANY speakers as you can hear. A clear victor (for your ears) will emerge eventually.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 526
Likes: 18
From: Michigan
Like Torch said. It is tough to pick the "best speaker" because everyone's preference (auditory) is different. Personally, I have an older set of Focal K2Ps, and they are the BEST speaker I have heard to date. I listen to metal, hick-hop, and electronica and they perform great with all types of music. Now they are obviously outside of your budget. I also have never heard a set of JL comp/coax's that I liked, including their $700+ set.
So in the end, it comes down to just trying different sets. I would encourage going to a audio shop and listening to as MANY speakers as you can hear. A clear victor (for your ears) will emerge eventually.
So in the end, it comes down to just trying different sets. I would encourage going to a audio shop and listening to as MANY speakers as you can hear. A clear victor (for your ears) will emerge eventually.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 526
Likes: 18
From: Michigan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 9,366
Likes: 969
From: Out back
Sorry, I was saying anything Focal is better than JL or Pioneer IMO. Either of those speakers will sound great.
But between those 2 that you mentioned...both are GREAT. I had a set of the 165v1 in my Tahoe and they sounded great. The 165FX are on the K2P level. Both are awesome with the nod going to the FX if you want max quality and sound precision.
But between those 2 that you mentioned...both are GREAT. I had a set of the 165v1 in my Tahoe and they sounded great. The 165FX are on the K2P level. Both are awesome with the nod going to the FX if you want max quality and sound precision.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 526
Likes: 18
From: Michigan
Sorry, I was saying anything Focal is better than JL or Pioneer IMO. Either of those speakers will sound great.
But between those 2 that you mentioned...both are GREAT. I had a set of the 165v1 in my Tahoe and they sounded great. The 165FX are on the K2P level. Both are awesome with the nod going to the FX if you want max quality and sound precision.
But between those 2 that you mentioned...both are GREAT. I had a set of the 165v1 in my Tahoe and they sounded great. The 165FX are on the K2P level. Both are awesome with the nod going to the FX if you want max quality and sound precision.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 9,366
Likes: 969
From: Out back
Yes. The K2's are part of their top-tier Elite series. The FX is the top of their 3rd tier performance series. I bet it would be extremely tough to discern a noticeable difference between those two speakers on the same amp.
For reference:
https://www.focal.com/en/car-audio/c...kits-solutions
For reference:
https://www.focal.com/en/car-audio/c...kits-solutions
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 526
Likes: 18
From: Michigan
Yes. The K2's are part of their top-tier Elite series. The FX is the top of their 3rd tier performance series. I bet it would be extremely tough to discern a noticeable difference between those two speakers on the same amp.
For reference:
https://www.focal.com/en/car-audio/c...kits-solutions
For reference:
https://www.focal.com/en/car-audio/c...kits-solutions
I think I’ll go with focals then, just have to see what ones I can get the best deal on
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,114
Likes: 1,961
From: Morris County New Jersey
I have heard a lot of good things about the Morel Tempo Ultra 602's also just to throw another speaker out there. I have never heard them in person but I see them get a lot of positive mention in the price range you are looking at. Currently $340 on Amazon.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 526
Likes: 18
From: Michigan
Not sure what the woofer material has to do with sounds but, a paper woofer makes me kind of weary on the morels
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 526
Likes: 18
From: Michigan
Ended up pulling the trigger on a set of focal expert ps165fx. Got a killer deal on them with a two year warranty so hopefully they are what I want. Only other thing I need is speaker wire. Local audio shop has stinger wire for $1 per foot but I’m not sure how much I’ll need to go from the back wall to each door. What gauge speaker wire do you guys use to not have any fitment issues with carpet or panels and does anyone know how many feet I’ll need? My guess was like 12ft per side but I won’t be sure until I strip the interior
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 9,366
Likes: 969
From: Out back
Ended up pulling the trigger on a set of focal expert ps165fx. Got a killer deal on them with a two year warranty so hopefully they are what I want. Only other thing I need is speaker wire. Local audio shop has stinger wire for $1 per foot but I’m not sure how much I’ll need to go from the back wall to each door. What gauge speaker wire do you guys use to not have any fitment issues with carpet or panels and does anyone know how many feet I’ll need? My guess was like 12ft per side but I won’t be sure until I strip the interior
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 526
Likes: 18
From: Michigan
https://www.audioholics.com/loudspea...hragm-material Enjoy!
I have always preferred the largest speaker wire possible. But (scientifically) you shouldn't be able to "hear" a difference until smaller than 18 gauge. However, there are "measurable" changes to resistance in wire sizes below 12 gauge with regards to audio quality. Since wire is often times the cheapest component to an install, it doesn't make sense to use unfit or undersized wire. I say minimum of 14 gauge across the board. 12 gauge if you want a "performance" build. 10 gauge if you are really after unimpeded quality. FWIW, I'm running Stinger Pro 10 gauge in my build. I just bought a 50' roll.
I have always preferred the largest speaker wire possible. But (scientifically) you shouldn't be able to "hear" a difference until smaller than 18 gauge. However, there are "measurable" changes to resistance in wire sizes below 12 gauge with regards to audio quality. Since wire is often times the cheapest component to an install, it doesn't make sense to use unfit or undersized wire. I say minimum of 14 gauge across the board. 12 gauge if you want a "performance" build. 10 gauge if you are really after unimpeded quality. FWIW, I'm running Stinger Pro 10 gauge in my build. I just bought a 50' roll.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 9,366
Likes: 969
From: Out back
No. Depending on where your amp is mounted, you can run the wire in the panel creases and along seams to the crossover. You can also run them with your RCA bundle from the HU and branch them off accordingly.
EDIT: Here's a great article mentioning (and showing) why I use 10 gauge. https://www.audioholics.com/audio-vi...er-cable-gauge
EDIT: Here's a great article mentioning (and showing) why I use 10 gauge. https://www.audioholics.com/audio-vi...er-cable-gauge
Last edited by Pb82 Ronin; Apr 16, 2018 at 01:22 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 526
Likes: 18
From: Michigan
My amp is on the back wall of the hatch next to the battery box. Are certain brand wires better than others or a certain manufacturing method?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 9,366
Likes: 969
From: Out back
Possibly. But when you're talking about 10/12 gauge, the brand name is more often than not, irrelevant. Just make sure it's OFC and you should be fine. I would highly suggest a 50' roll. KnuConcept, Stinger, Sky High...all good brands can be had for less than $50 (per 50' roll) delivered. Plus, where your amp is located, having more than you need will give you that flexibility of running the wires in the cleanest (read: longest most non-intrusive) possible way without affecting sound quality (SQ).
Last edited by Pb82 Ronin; Apr 16, 2018 at 01:40 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 526
Likes: 18
From: Michigan
Possibly. But when you're talking about 10/12 gauge, the brand name is more often than not, irrelevant. Just make sure it's OFC and you should be fine. I would highly suggest a 50' roll. KnuConcept, Stinger, Sky High...all good brands can be had for less than $50 (per 50' roll) delivered. Plus, where your amp is located, having more than you need will give you that flexibility of running the wires in the cleanest (read: longest most non-intrusive) possible way without affecting sound quality (SQ).