Component speaker decision

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Dec 10, 2019 | 12:44 AM

donkeykong

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 5,704

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From: Peoria IL

Component speaker decision

I could use some advice on car speakers. I'm trying to choose between two, possibly 3, different sets of 6 1/2" component speakers. Unfortunately, here in Peoria we don't have high end speakers to just test out, we have whatever is sold at Best Buy or take a 3 hour trip to Chicago.

Here's what I've narrowed my search down to...

Focal PS 165FX
Morel Hybrid 602 (I could get the Morel Virtus for $50 less, but if I'm already spending the money what's an extra $50)
OR
JL Audio C5-650 (If there's a consensus that there wouldn't be a difference worth paying $170 more for either of the other two)

I have an Alpine PDX F4 to power them or access to an JL Audio slash 300/4 my buddy has that he'd hand over for $50.

Any thoughts on either the Focal or Morel speakers? All the reviews say how awesome each of them are, has anybody had experience with either?

Dec 10, 2019 | 06:01 AM

Boostedsvt

Racer

Joined: Sep 2018

Posts: 377

Likes: 68

From: Tennessee

I have the Morel and LOVE them!! Very crisp and clear. I don’t doubt that the Focals may be better but I am very happy with my purchase. I ordered mine from either eBay or amazon, honestly I don’t remember. Make sure to sound deaden your doors and get the baffles/foam enclosures for them. They can also be found on amazon. I also used the speed rings. Good luck!!!

Dec 10, 2019 | 09:02 AM

NYC6

Team Owner

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 21,136

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From: Long Island New York

I’d say the JL’s. I had the C5-650’s in my C6 for eight years but I put too much power to them( JL amp at 150w per side) and one called it quits after the years of abuse, my fault totally. They are a beautiful sounding speaker and would recommend them, giving them reasonable power of course which your amp will do.

Dec 10, 2019 | 11:40 AM

donkeykong

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 5,704

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From: Peoria IL

Well...1 and 1 for the JL Audio and Morels

Last edited by donkeykong; Dec 10, 2019 at 11:40 AM.

Dec 12, 2019 | 09:41 AM

Carvone

Racer

Joined: Oct 2018

Posts: 381

Likes: 102

From: Jacksonville, Florida

The PO of my '12GS had all JL audio installed and I think it sounds fantastic.
C5-653's in the doors - https://www.jlaudio.com/c5-653-car-a...-systems-99125
C3-525's in the rear - https://www.jlaudio.com/c3-525-car-a...-systems-99020
Stealthbox 10W1V3 Sub in the rear - https://www.jlaudio.com/product/5421...te_%2705-%2713
Powered by a HD900/5 - https://www.jlaudio.com/hd900-5-car-...plifiers-98223

I haven't heard the Focal or Morel's but I'm sure they are a solid choice also

Last edited by Carvone; Dec 12, 2019 at 09:42 AM.

Dec 12, 2019 | 01:37 PM

privethip68

Intermediate

Joined: Mar 2019

Posts: 39

Likes: 13

From: Kingwood, Texas

C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019

I had Focal Separates in another car and they were absolutely the best sounding speakers ive ever heard. They were a bit pricier than the others but will worth it. I ran them off an Alpine PDX5 with a single JL 10. Car was LOUD but very clear.

Dec 12, 2019 | 01:38 PM

Curt D

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2015

Posts: 1,039

Likes: 181

From: Lockport IL

Morels are nice.
if you need a shop for install or parts...there is none better around than Toby @ Mobile Audio Plus in Bloomington. I dropped mine off there for a week for upgrades and a SQ tune...and I’m near Joliet.
Im building new wood/fiberglass enclosures for 2 10” subs. I may have a JL10w3v3 and drivers side cubby box for sale later if interested.

Last edited by Curt D; Dec 12, 2019 at 01:38 PM.

Dec 15, 2019 | 12:55 PM

Pb82 Ronin

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 9,366

Likes: 969

From: Out back

I've heard all of them, and the tuning is the key. Tey can all replicate sound about the same. However, if you're going to run them passive, I vote for the Focal's. They have the best crossover game in the business. I've NEVER heard Focal's sound bad...even their entry level line.