Final Four Component Choices / Which one ???

suleman36 · Post by **suleman36** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 7:32 pm

I have a 1998 Honda Civic EX with the stock component set upfront. I plan to replace them with one of the following :

Rainbow Germaniums or Power Line CMX

Boston Z6's

Polk SR6500

CDT HD62 current set i own but not sure if i want to use it in this car. Looking for upgrade.

I plan to pick the best choice for my application in this car. I plan to mount the components in the stock locations with the doors deadened with damplifer pro.

The amp will be a PPI A600.2 and the HU is a Pioneer Premier 780

I have a JL 12w6v2 for the sub and plan to go sealed.

Help me pick a winner for my application

audiobass10 · Post by **audiobass10** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 7:48 pm

IMO if you're gunna go with stock locations...there are probably cheaper component sets out there that would work just as good in your application.

Post by **GlassWolf** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 7:51 pm

personally I'd go rainbow. probably valadiums. but that's me. that or SEAS/Excel.
It's really up to your own ears.

basicxj · Post by **basicxj** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 10:38 pm

While I can't say I've heard all the choices you've mentioned, I have the Polk SR 5250 and like them very much. I've spent some time with the SR6500s, too. If I could have fit those in my car without a whole lot of custom work, I would have gone that way.

The Polk SRs could be summed up as smooth sounding- both the tweeters and the midbass. Neither is very aggressive sounding, and there is a good range of adjustment on the passive crossovers. The SR6500 has pretty good low end extension, but it takes a lengthy break-in period before you'll get to hear it. The SR tweeters also have pretty good off-axis response if your intended locations aren't ideal. They are very detailed and accurate sounding, but not cold and clinical sounding as I found JL's upper end components.

You can't really pick a clear winner from that list that'd please everyone because sound quality is a subjective thing. It's a best that you hear the ones that interest you most in person- especially with the higher priced components. If you drop the cash and aren't happy with your decision...you get to drop more cash. I've seen bad things said online about the Polk SRs too, hence the "subjective" comment. I wouldn't trade mine for the world, but I wouldn't suggest you spend the retail price on them without listening to a pair with some music you know well.

Jonathan · Post by **Jonathan** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 5:48 pm

I'd go with either the Z6 comps or the SR6500s. Stock door location both are hard to beat out of the box. Z6s are more analytical, SR6500s are more laid back. Some may consider the Z6s a bit harsh/cold, while others may consider the SR6500s a bit too full or muddied. Take your pick on which you'd want to lean toward.

The Germaniums I wouldn't put in the same category as the Z6 or SR6500 components. Rainbow Profi Vanadiums would be a fairer comparison.

suleman36 · Post by **suleman36** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 6:37 pm

Jonathan, have you heard the A/D/S/ 346cs components ? I just scooped up a pair for a cool $130 on ebay brand new. They retailed for about $500 normally.

OnYrMrk · Post by **OnYrMrk** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 6:55 pm

I agree with Jonathan here. IMO the best of the best in your list are the Polks! Those speakers have been compared to the PolyKevlar series of Focal's and if I could get their tweeter mated to my Focals, It just might be the perfect component set. but only your ears would be the perfect judge. Only set in your list I haven't heard are the Rainbows.

I would list them like this

Polks
Boston Acoustics
CDTs
Rainbow

<only cause i haven't heard the Rainbows yet>

a32nissan · Post by **a32nissan** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 8:26 pm

i vote rainbows

you'll feel like your in the best concert ever