Car Audio Speakers

They don't rival in home speakers, but Dynaudio makes the best.

True... newer cars have better and better audio systems in them and are more than enough for most people... but for those seeking more.... Dynaudio, Focal, Morel and Diamond Audio make very, very good sounding car audio drivers and crossovers.

I am using the Dynaudio 3-way Esotec system with 7" midbass unit (actually 6.5" I think, but they call it a 7"). I did all the install and had custom thick MDF baffles CNC cut for the mid/tweeter pod in the kick panel area. I installed the midbass in the stock door location (with cutting and more custom MDF rings). Also used almost 100 sq. ft. of Dynamat Extreme (necessary to cut down on road noise).

I am running three Diamond Audio monoblock amps... one to each component set at about 240 watts per side and another monoblock running about 400 watts to a JL Audio 10w7 (sealed). I love the JL subs (either w6 or w7 series), I have owned a few... the 8w7 is totally badass... had it in a slot port box to spec. I am using an Alpine head unit, always have. The system sounds amazing. I have sensitive ears to high frequency and have owned some serious component speakers (Boston Z6 and Diamond Audio Hex Series) and to me, these are the best sounding car audio speakers for the money. The big dome midrange is awesome!!! Also, I used Audioquest cabling throughout. Setup (crossover points and EQ) are vital to get the right sound. These decks now have a lot of flexibility and settings to cutomize the sound. I think I paid around $1,100 OTD for the Dynaudio components from a dealer.

Took maybe 60 hours to do the entire install. And this is setup for SQ (Sound Quality), not SPL. When I play Gotye "State of the Art" or any Gordon Goodwin people freak out at the sound.

I'm not saying you can't get better sound in a new car with after market gear. It's just that the gap in sound quality is smaller. Depends how fanatical you want to get and how much you want to spend.

My last car had a very good setup and sounded great. My head unit was a Pioneer P9 with the outboard digital eq/crossover box. Into a 4 channel Tube Driver Blue amp for the fronts. For tweeters I used the totl Morel soft dome. Midbass drivers were 8" Dynaudio. I used the Pioneer P9 for the crossover. The P9 also had a 31 band eq. I used a RTA to adjust. For subs I had 2 12" Eclipse driven by a Rockford Fosgate digital amp. Being able to adjust eq for the car environment is very helpfull.

In my new car I did not want to cut up my door panels to accomodate the 8" mids and big tweeters. So I just used some older Diamond Audio Hex series I had behind the existing grills. My Pioneer P9 finally died so I just got the new Pioneer PRS80 which is much less expensive but has most of the same features of the P9. Unfortunately it does not sound as good. I miss the other speakers so I may find a way to install them in this car.

Don't overlook Audiofreak32's mention of Dynamat. Lowering the noise in the passenger compartment is an essential first step. In my last car I lined the doors and inner door frame pillars with Dynamat and had substantially quieter environment in which to listen. BTW, I've got Focals and find them very satisfying.

Thank you for all your informative advice.

I found a local installer who is a dealer for Focal, Dynaudio and German Maestro (founded by members of MB Quart). The latter appears to be even pricier.

"Tube Driver Blue amp"...I didn't realize there are tube amps for car audio!

I ask the installer about Dynamat.