8 replies to this topic

[empire]

Okay. I'm really pleased with my ice in my car but the speaker pods are fitted with phoenix gold coaxes that play the music to my knees and not my ears. I dont think i can afford to swap them for a similar quality component set so was wondering would the set up work well with a crossover then adding tweeters thus in efffect making them component like?

The front speakers are powered by the pioneer hu built in mosfet amp.

[mini_basser]

The thing is, how did you propose to introduce a crossover? Plus you'd have to buy tweets too...

IMO, it would easier to sell the current coaxs and buy some comps!

[empire]

Buying decent crossovers and tweeters to add to the current install still works out cheaper than buying decent components.

I'd put the crossovers in line between the hu and speakers?

I'm not saying its the way i will go. I'm just seeing if its an option?

[nmt_oli]

It is an option, but im not sure if you will gain much by it.

firstly, components give much better midbass response due to the full main cone, theres no hole in the middle with a post for the crossover, this means there is more area, and the cone is sealed (if you install it correctly). So if you used you co-ax speakers as the mid driver of components, you would loose out compared to a proper driver.

Also, components REALY benifit from an amp, even if its only a small one, as the crossovers can soak up some of those precious watts (and you only get 20W RMS, per channel, from a head unit!) unless they themselves have a seperate power feed, which most don't.

You will be driving more load, with less power in effect, so you will be more likely to get distortion.

i would reccomend getting a proper set of components, and an amp if you can. If you cant afford it- just wait, but IMO don't bother trying to make comps out of coaxes.

just a thought- you could possibly remove the tweet from the coax and extend its wire and mount it on the dash, it would be a bit of work, hard to get looking tidy, and you might damage your speakers, but it would work! and you woulnt need to worry about the power issues so much.

[mini_basser]

Which bits of kit did you have in mind? I could well be wrong, as I don't know which models you are looking at

[empire]

ok. i think i'll wait a while and upgrade to components. Dont think i'll power them with an amp tho as my mini is crammed at present and the hu amp is better than the average hu (its a pionner deh-p77mp with burr brown MOSFET 50 amplifier)

[nmt_oli]

Is that the lovely alu brushed front, with two knobs and a few buttons? if so they are lovely, and indeed do have a better amp than most- but still not very powerful!

Ive got one in the van, and plan on putting one in my mini as they are awesome.

Components will sound good off that head unit, but when i test fitted 5" comps in the front of my car just of the HU, it just didnt quite have it still. At best you will be getting 25W RMS per channel, but VERY good quality. If you get a small 2 channel amp, and run it off those lovely 6v preouts, you will be amazed i assure you.

However, as you are on a budget, then by the speakers first, and amp later. And a small 2 chan amp can be put anywhere in a mini- rear bins, boot, under rear seat, under passenger seat (seat/subframe dependant), so don't worry abou that too much.

[empire]

yes it is that hu. it looks the part and does have a nice sound. I will probably buy the componants and install the amp later.

[nmt_oli]

Good choice sir!

that HU definately suits the mini- its going to look mint in mine sitting in the switch panel in the lower dash rail, people will look twice!