22 replies to this topic

[ste88]

hi
just looking for some advice because i don't know much about ICE!
i blew my last speakers (2 x 5.25" and 2 x 4") in the summer so i got some more 2nd hand. I think the RMS of the speakers that blew were less than the head unit (25w and 27w) , the replacements are a lot more.

here's what i currently have:
mutant mt2108 head unit (4x60w RMS)
2 x Infinity 9603i 6"x9" (100w RMS)


shelf is now painted black but i've got some carbon fibre vinyl (like leatherette, not the sticky stuff) in the post to cover it, and the door cards.

I also have a sub that i had fitted for a while but i took it out in april and never bothered to put it back:
Infinity Kapp 120.3se 12" 4-ohm
Mutant MT800.1x amplifier (300w @ 4-ohms)

I built a box so it sits in the boot on the right side but it takes a lot of room up so i'm not sure whether to put it back or not.



I've got some 4 inch speaker pods on the doors with nothing in them.....should i get some 4 inch speakers for them and re-fit the amp and sub? or look for some of the speakers with seperate small tweeters?

I've read on here that a lot of people say 6x9's are rubbish and not to bother with them but seeing as i have them already i'd like to keep them.

what would people advise i do next......on a somewhat limited budget! would moving the 6x9's be a good idea?

thanks in advance
steve

[A362 TTU]

First things first,

Your head units power rating (60w) will be peak - not RMS. They make about 10w RMS.

If the 6x9's are 100rms actual ratings then they will crave the power of an amp.

You have lots of questions here - I suggest you read about a bit as I'm sure that will help you.

Using a sub in the boot and speakers in the parcel shelf is a no no.

[BenCoul]

I agree with the above, haynes + max power maual on ICE is a good'n.

[freshairmini]

Are those speakers on the parcel shelf in there own enclosures? As the air movement/pressure from the sub will ruin them.

[Ruckus]

Are those speakers on the parcel shelf in there own enclosures? As the air movement/pressure from the sub will ruin them.

THIS

plus too much power very rarely blows speakers, It too little power pushed to hard that kills them.

If you don't have enough power on tap the amp (or headunti amp) and you push it too hard (too much volume knob action), it will create a square wave. This will hold a speakers voice coil in place for a period of time as it moves back and forward... they are not suppose to do this while working... so they heat up QUICKLY and burn out..

Edited by Ruckus, 07 November 2011 - 02:58 PM.

[Ruckus]

Also,

6x9's are not as such rubbish, but they have a few problems.

• They like any coaxial speaker they are a compromise, if you ask any speaker to cover the entire frequency range its going to struggle. Component speakers on the other hand have a driver matched with a cross over to cover a frequency range they are designed to cover and that alone.
• They are mostly cheaply made and cheaply sold... Pay **** get ****..
• They are regularly installed with little care or thought (due to the cheap purchase price) and thus dont even sound as good as they could.
• They are regularly installed Behind the listeners due to there size... Have full range speakers behind you and a basic error... if you don't understand just think about it for a bit!
• As they are offten installed on the back shelf they are easy to steal and so the get nicked at lot. (see 6)
• Chav's love them. (see 5)

But all that said, if they are installed upfront in doors or well designed/built pods they can sound OK... but really do yourself (any anyone reading this) and get some real speakers... I mean have you EVER seen a 6x9 in a home or pro audio speaker cabinet??!

Edited by Ruckus, 07 November 2011 - 03:47 PM.

[ste88]

in regard to the sub in the boot and speakers on the shelf.....there is no sub in the car at the moment. would it be a good idea to put the 6x9's in a speakerboard under the rear seat with small enclosures and use them as a subs? am i right in thinking that would need another amp? as the amp i have is a mono amp i think. the head unit has RCA outputs and a sub RCA output.
then sell the big sub + amp and get some components for up front?

i think it was pushing the power too much that blew the last lot, i was on the motorway and my engine is quite loud so i had it turned up too loud for 2 hours.........might add some more sound deadening/proofing

[Ruckus]

Yes using normal 6x9's as subs does work ok ish. It's never going to drop like a real sub but it's better than nothing.

And yes again, if you sell the mono amp and sub.

Get a nice 4 channel amp to power the front speakers and the 6x9s (running as subs)... Lovely

That's all you really need in a mini.

Edited by Ruckus, 07 November 2011 - 06:50 PM.

[ste88]

i'll start looking for some speakers an an amp then! maybe something for christmas.......
any recommended "budget" brands? i've been told to avoid fli

[freshairmini]

How bout these, focal are quite good.

http://www.caraudiod...ess-130-a1.html

[ste88]

they look nice......a bit out of my price range though. are the vibe slick 5's any good? or the JBL's?

[freshairmini]

God knows, I only really know the focal ones, someone on here will be able to recommend something, what kind I price range where you wanting to be within?

Edited by freshairmini, 07 November 2011 - 09:17 PM.

[Ruckus]

Vibe are the best of the budget brands. And they are British

[ste88]

think i might get some vibes then, seen them on their ebay outlet for £41 http://www.ebay.co.u...=item27bf9cb9c5

or a different model for £40 http://www.ebay.co.u...=item5190ce8e10

this £40-£50 is around the price im looking for, hopefully i can get something half decent for that

[Ash Mitchard]

i have two vibe black air 6x9s on my parcel shelf on little open bottomed pods they are 525w peak each or 175w RMS ( i think ) that's running off my old kenwood 600w amp then i have the two 6.5"s, one in either door running off an amp also, and then my 8" chameleon sub in a bandpass enclosure box in my boot upto a 400w amplifier in the boot , i'm okay with my audio, i do understand a fair bit of it, but my sub must be too powerful for the boot as the lid manages to 'fart' xD haha

but i highly, seriously highly recommend the vibe black air 6x9s on a parcel shelf or under rear seat, with a paired amp you wouldn't need a sub they really do kick well