I need to replace my Alpine 6x9's because although they sound fine at normal volume levels, low frequencies distort if I try to crank it up. I have an Alpine amp 30w RMS/channel driving them with the gain at 2/3. I have Boston CX7's in the dash, they are plugged in to the amp too.

Though I have not listened to either of the speakers in the subject, I want others opinions on these two and which you would choose. I won't be able to get a sub for probably another 6 months, so I'm looking for good low frequency response and the ability to handle power. Any other 6x9's I should consider? Thanks.

 

If you've got the CX7s in the dash, I'd get the CX9s for the rear. Keeping the same style speaker all around will give a more uniform sound.

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I would definitely go with the Bostons, although I would say to go with the RX97's. That is the Rally Series and they are a step above the bottom of the line for Boston. That is what I am running, as well as the CX7's and I love them. Really, no matter what you do though, you can't go wrong with any of the Boston products. Later

Matt

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88 IROC-Z -- 350 L-98, 700R4, Flowmaster, K&N, MAF Sceens Removed, Airfoil, March Pullies, Comp Cams Magnum 1.6 Roller Rockers, Bosch Platinum Plugs, Accel 8.8 mm Wires, Hypertech Cap & Coil, Hypertech Chip, Hotchkis Strut Tower Brace, One Loud Stereo!

 

Is there something wrong with the speakers, or just lack of power. You say at normal listening, they are fine. But when you get 'em going, the lower frequencies distort. With only 30watts each, I bet your out of power.
May look at getting more power instead.

Just my $.02 worth.
later.

 

cat,

I think the speakers are OK. I installed the amp because I was having the same problem running straight off the head unit. The amp has made a large difference in how loud I can crank it, but still low frequencies distort. I'm thinking the Alpines do not have the ability to handle the amp, though they are rated at 30w continuous. As stated above, the gain is about 2/3 of max power, and if the amp was underpowered I would expect response to improve with additional gain. It doesn't. I'm not expecting the 6x9's to do a sub's job, but I do believe I can find a 6x9 that can do a better job with low frequencies than the Alpines.

On that subject, is a speaker's power rating a generally reliable indicator of how loud it can play? It makes sense that a speaker with 60w of power being driven through it would be louder than one with 30w, but what other factors are involved? Thanks.

 

How high are you running your bass and treble? That can have something to do with it. You might try turning down the gain on the amp to about half or a good rule is to turn the volume up to about 3/4 on the head unit and then adjust the gain until the sound just starts to distort.

I'm glad that you realize that you are not going to get you're 6x9's to do a subs job. I've seen to many people think that because they baought four new speakers, that it is going to slam. From my experiences, an aftermarket stereo usually needs at least a small sub to get low end bass (decent).

I would think that you could also go with something like a 6 1/2" or something similar. That may help you get more low end out of them. I don't really think that they are under powered though. My 6x9's (Boston Rally) are running off my deck just fine. I can push a decent amount of low end through them, although they don't handle tons of bass at loud volumes real well.

Go to a stereo shop (good one) and let them listen to it. They can probably give you some good advice. Later

Matt

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irocet@hotmail.com

drive.to/Stang_Kilr

88 IROC-Z -- 350 L-98, 700R4, Flowmaster, K&N, MAF Sceens Removed, Airfoil, March Pullies, Comp Cams Magnum 1.6 Roller Rockers, Bosch Platinum Plugs, Accel 8.8 mm Wires, Hypertech Cap & Coil, Hypertech Chip, Hotchkis Strut Tower Brace, One Loud Stereo!

[This message has been edited by IROCET (edited April 12, 2001).]