I have a 2010 mini with HK system and aftermarket amp. The sound rocks, and it will practically break the windows, even with the crappy stock speakers. I cannot even go half volume without it hurting my ears.

Thing is, the more I listen, the more I hate the tweeters in the posts. They are not just harsh, crappy speakers, but the location is too in my face, too loud. I just don't like the sound of components vs coaxial. Coaxials seem smoother to me.

I'm thinking of replacing the 6.5 with a higher end speaker, and disconnecting the mids and tweeters. In addition I would add two nice 6x9s and ditch the 6x9 subs I currently have in the rear to restore my staging.

I have more than enough power with my 700/5 amp for these four speakers, and will still have my sub channel if needed later.

Has anyone gone coaxial? If so tell me about your experience.

 

I just put Hertz high energy coaxials in the rear 6x9 slots for some rear fill, and 6.5" 3 way components, also Hertz High energy in the front. I was going to do away with the 6x9s as I don't really like the sound they put out, but figured, rear fill might be nice to set a sound stage.

Coupled with the 10" High Energy sub... My car is extremely loud of I want it to be, but extremely clean sound

 

Derek, which specific speakers did you use, if you don't mind? I have 3 1/2" speaker openings as well as 6 1/2" openings in the door, and tweeters in the pillars.

Last night I got a suggestion to purchase a 2 way component set; to place a 5 1/2" component in the bottom of the door, than a tweeter in place of the 3 1/2" which would soften the blow of the tweeters.

Most 6 1/2" speakers I've found are too deep for the doors of my mini, and your Hertzs seem a bit deep too. Did you not have trouble fitting the 6 1/2" speakers in the door?

 

Components are way better than coaxial speakers. Why would you want your tweeters to be pointed at your knees?
You just need to calibrate your system properly. Don't think you have many options with the stock head unit though.... maybe turn the treble down for starters, if it sounds too sharp. Then fade the speakers out more to the rear if you still have a problem, but your highs should be coming from up front.

 

I used the Hertz HSK165 XL's. They fit just fine. The 6.5" in the bottom, and the tweeter in the 3.5" spot. Just had to build a reducer for the tweeter to fit properly.

As for the rear speakers, I used the HCX690, and for the sub woofer, used a HX250D.

For the amplifier, I used an Audison SRX5.

As far as components, I would never use coaxial where you can use components. I would definitly do a component set up front, even a lower end component set over a higher end coaxial. The only reason I used a coaxial in the back, was i didnt want to drill for a tweeter mount.

If you would like any pictures, or any more information, just let me know!

And just so you know, I am in no way affiliated with Hertz. I just happen to have spent a lot of money at my current shop, and I get Hertz (which I consider a very good brand) at a great deal. So I stick with them. They have done very well for me. I am not for booming bass, but for overall sound quality. (And components get the nod EVERY TIME over coaxials in that department)

Thanks

 

I'm really leaning with the idea of the 2 way components as you suggest. In your original post you mentioned 3 way components. Did you mean 2 way, which is what the HSK165 XLs are?

I have a 5 channel amp. Your amp is also 5 channel. Do you run your front door speakers off of the same channels, and your 6x9s from the other two? Then your sub off of your sub channel?

 

Yes. That is correct. Fat fingers at its finest.

Correct on both parts.

 

Thanks Derek. Your recommendation is in line with a Crutchfield advisor and a local shop as well. I've got a plan, thanks much for your help!

 

No problem.

What are you looking at getting product wise?

 

I really don't know. I browsed last night and will be looking in my spare time today for a set like yours, although I have to keep my costs lower than you did.

I am leaning toward a set of SPR-60C by Alpine. I have been using Crutchfield's "Will it fit my car" thing and happened upon this set. I had originally wanted JLs, but they are said to not fit in my car unless I go with the 5/12, which I don't want.

The Alpines are reportedly not well constructed, but users on virtually every site I can find rave about the sound quality. I absolutely cannot spend much on speakers, so I have to shop very carefully, so as not to buy something inadequate. Alpines have a poor reputation, so I need to watch out. I'm trying to determine if these are as great as the reviewers claim.

After I get the component set installed I will shop for 6X9s.

You know Derek, the 2 way system will probably appeal to me much more than then 3 way setup I have. I am optimistic.

 

If you might be interested in going Hertz.... I could get you a hook up on whatever you like. Hertz a energy line is their 2nd tier, and reasonably priced and the quality of them is incredible compared to most American companies.

My dealer is a Hertz, audison, alpine, and a few other small brands dealer, and he always ends up selling the Hertz over anything else. Even at the same price point.

Alpine is not bad at all. Yes, it has a bad reputation, but when you actually get into the good lines of Alpine... You are getting into great gear. Problem is, when you get into Alpine top tier lines, those other companies tiers blow them away

 

I'm looking at the frequency response of the Alpines vs the Hertz, I should not be surprised at the difference. The Hertz HSK 165 HiEnergy woofers also weigh about 1.5lbs more, which also is not surprising, but I'm comparing apples to oranges.

The temptation to go inexpensive is always fraught with peril. I see the HSK165 going for $399 on Amazon, they look like very very well made speakers.

I wish I knew the frequency response of my stock speakers to have some kind of a baseline to start from.

 

Look at the Energy line, it's one step below the High energy

 

Ok, I will look at them, thanks.