dannyboy10

Anyone here have them in their TL's front stock locations ?

Company claims a very high 94.5 sensitivity rating. Is this set good to use WITHOUT adding a aftermarket amp ? Not looking for high SPL's.

Trunk Monkey

iTrader: (1)

Never heard the HAT Imagine's but I hear they sound very good. Lots of positives about them. I definitely wouldn't run them off our stock amp though

eggyhustles

It's damn sure isn't 94db @ 1 volt

I think hybrid is overrated.

phampau

I'm running the hybrid imagine 6.5 in my s2000 and I love them. I dont think you can get a better speaker for that price range. I would not recommend them without an amp, that would be pointless. Give them 100-125w rms and they will impress you! Paul

Nick337

iTrader: (2)

Yea I haven't heard a set of those speakers either, but man they sure do have the utopia price tag on them!!

6 MT

Definitely want to get an aftermarket amp to run them, especially unless they are 2 ohm speakers like our stock ones rather than the standard 4 ohm.

chardness

iTrader: (2)

how about this from parts express for $89? 120 watt rms, SPL 99db 1W/1m:

eggyhustles

Could work in a 3 way if you have a independent midbass.

this is better
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=294-647

sddale

I would not use any aftermarket speakers with the stock amp. There is not nearly enough clean power in that amp. I would consider replacing the stock amp before the speakers if you're on a budget.

dannyboy10

Do your have first hand experience on how the OEM speakers will sound with a moderately powered aftermarket amp ? I have been started to read the old threads and different people have different opinions. It's been 15 years since I was last into this stuff.....What happened to Car Stereo Review magazine ?

Yes, I am not interested in spending a lot of money this day and age. I would have 15 years ago.

sddale

No, not with this system but I did with my old BMW. The biggest improvement in sound for me has been adding an aftermarket sub/amp, powering the stock speakers with an aftermarket amp then upgrading the component speakers...in that order. I have heard and also been disappointed myself when just changing speakers on a stock system because there typically isn't enough power going to them. If you think it sounds ok at a low level you'll probably be surprised that they sound good with power going to them. What do you think is lacking in the sound?

jda123

In my old lady's TL, the right stock tweet went out. I wired up some Focal TN52s that I had laying around to the stock amp. The sound quality was a lot better - not any louder though. I also replaced the center channel with a Boston 3.5 of some sort and the overall sound is very much improved.

If you are happy with how loud it is, then you might try the some raw component tweets and a new center channel and see if you are happy. I don't know of any tweets to recommend though.

The 6.5s in my TL started to bottom out over 30W and I smoked one at 50 crossed at 100-2000 for the test. They did get louder. I didn't keep them around long enough to tell if they sounded better.

eggyhustles

User fourthmeal uses the stock 2g speakers in his Sq setup and said they sound fantastic amped with the right processing

dannyboy10

Would like to "improve" the SQ, like clarity, reduce mid bass muddyness, etc.

Equipment I had in the early to mid 1990's were MB Quart components, Boston Acoustics components, JL Audio subs, OZ Audio sub, Alpine amps, Soundstream amps and Rockford Fosgate Punch amps. Simple but decent sytems.

dannyboy10

Do you know any good install shops or journeyman installers in the NYC area ?

I am undecided about improving my stock system's sound, but if I do, I do not know any shops that do good work at a fair price in this area.

eggyhustles

Car audio installs are like tattoos

You go to the person who can do the best work regardless of price.

best place in the tri state area is

http://www.exquisitemarketinggroup.com/

dannyboy10

More than 3/4 of my seat time is spent listening to XM radio....another reason why a major upgrade would be a waste for me.

Since everyone is basically saying a component set is a waste without an aftermarket amp....would a small 4-channel amp (2 channels for front stock speakers and 2 bridged channels for stock stock sub) be good for me ?

Thanks for the replies !

eggyhustles

Yes

not stock sub, though

dannyboy10

Would using something like Second Skin in the doors be worthwhile in a low budget upgrade ?

sddale

I'm sure putting deadening in the doors would help but if you're saving money start with the amp powering the front and aftermarket sub. The stock amp can power the rears and center. If you want to improve it more then look to replace the front components and at that time you can deaden the doors since they're going to be open already and save a little on labor.