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Hey, this week or next week I'll be purchasing my amplifer which will be:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_3586.html

Kicker KX550.3 - It will be refurbished but I've heard great things about refurbished kicker products.

RMS Power Ratings:
14.4V:
70 watts x 2 chan. @ 4 ohms
85 watts x 2 chan. @ 2 ohms
Sub Power:
210 watts x 1 chan. @ 4 ohms
420 watts x 1 chan. @ 2 ohms
12.5V:
40 watts x 2 chan. @ 4 ohms
70 watts x 2 chan. @ 2 ohms
Sub Power:
180 watts x 1 chan. @ 4 ohms
360 watts x 1 chan. @ 2 ohms

I'm looking at some subs: So far I've got the following in my mind:

RE SE 12" - $185
MB Quart RWE-304 - $110
http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fus ... ct_ID=3170
Diamond Audio D312D4 - $100
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_5527.html#

Performance wise I'm sure the RE SE blows it all out. But it is an extra $85. What do you guys think about the other cheaper ones? Stick with the RE or any other things?

Also need some 6.5 Component speakers for my front stage. Got a few things in my mind, so far:

CDT CL-61A - $140
http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fus ... ct_ID=1090
Focal 165H - $185
http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fus ... ct_ID=1161
JL VR650CSi - $210
http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fus ... ct_ID=1186

I know all three are nice. I've heard good things about all brands. But should I stick with the cheaper CDTs or would you guys recommend paying extra money for a boost? Would this boost be noticably different?

Money IS a factor. As you can see, I'm around the low end part of Car Audio, I do not have the money to get all the high end things.

I'm about to finalize my system soon and buying it, please feel free to suggest other brands/items.

Thanks a lot in advance.

Look at the Image Dynamics IDQ and the Peerless XXLS auto lineup in addition to the SE. All excellent performers in that price range.

As far as the components, I'd definately stick between the CDTs and JLs. Polyflex's suck monkey nads. Personally I'd take the VRs. I'd recommend you save up a little longer, though, for just $60 more you could get JL XRs, Alpine Type X components, comps like that, and they're much better for just a little bit extra.

I see. How much of hte difference will there be between $150 CDTs and like $225 JL XRs (I found them on ebay for $225!)

Is the difference incredible? Like if I heard some CDT CL-61a and then heard some JL XRs right after that, would I hear a good noticable difference?

Got a lot of questions in my head haha

Is the difference incredible? Like if I heard some CDT CL-61a and then heard some JL XRs right after that, would I hear a good noticable difference?

I would say it depends on the listener. Some may like the CDT's better, then some JL. I say go to your local shop and listen to there high end comps. And find out which ones you like, then check to see if you can get a deal on ebay. But really it's pretty much just what you like. John might like the JL's but someone else say they sound like tard......but I'm pretty sure you would like either. As for me, I just use my sub to play all frequency's :)

I agree with Jonathan about the Focal's. Their lowest line don't do the company justice. That tweeter is very shrill and extremely difficult to work with. IMO, until you get to the PolyKevlar series, you are seriously missing out in Focal's excellence.

i own the xr components and I can say they get loud as for they stay clean, as far as I can tell, im givin em 150 rms no problem but my doors rattle and all my plastic interior panels so I cant really talk about clarity, but i like em.

an easy fix for that would be some hushmat...check it out.

Mithrandir wrote:i own the xr components and I can say they get loud as for they stay clean, as far as I can tell, im givin em 150 rms no problem but my doors rattle and all my plastic interior panels so I cant really talk about clarity, but i like em.

Just the type of review I'd like to be hearing. I found these on Ebay for $225 so they are relatively cheap. Did a search in the product reviews and saw that someone bought some CDT CL-61a, it got a good review but at the end, that person said, as long as you don't listen to your music very loud, you'll love these.

So as of now I'm leaning towards the JL XRs. I'll only really be feeding them around 60-70 RMS.

Any other suggestions/comments?

the XRs are far better than the CDT 61a.
the 61a is a shallow mount low end set. They're not that impressive. The non-"a" 61 series are better, but I'd still go with the XRs.

i also own the JL XR's installed in some q-form kick panels with around 60w rms going to em (their running off 2 channels of a kicker kx350.4). i personally love them. even with not much power, they get loud, clear, and i love the imaging that comes with a kick panel install. i got mine off of woofersetc.com for about 280 shipped. i know their not an authorized dealer so your taking a slight risk, but ive yet to have a problem and ive had them for roughly 5 months now.