|
Review 3 of 6
Price Paid:
$119.00 Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 Strengths:
Great sound quality, rugged construction, low price. I got this at Crutchfield - they were blowing them out because the new EX369s just came out. I also got free Polk computer speakers with the! Weaknesses:
None, so far - perhaps the others I tried could sound better, but not at this price. Summary:
I really like these speakers. When I first replaced my OEM system, I started with a new head unit (Nak CD-45z - because of the good reviews found on this site :)), 2-channel amp, and sub (Kicker CompVRs). I liked the sound, but I wanted a little better SQ. I started by removing the rear 6x9s with some Pioneer TS-6975s, the fronts with some Polk EX602as, and an Orion Cobalt 200.4 4-channel amp. This greatly improved the sound, but I found a few problems. The Pioneers were great, but with the new amp, they tended to distort before the Polk 6.5s in the front. I decided to enhance my system- AGAIN (man, this is an addiction. I might need to get a weekend job at a car audio store just to get my FIX!). I bought a pair of Polk tweeters (read my EX-2500 review) and some 6x9 Polks. I had orignally thought about getting some 6.5 components or coaxials for the rear of my Accord (the round 6.5 speakers will not distort as much as the 6x9 oval-shaped ones) with a conversion template, but then I worried that I may not get enough bass. I considered Focal Polyflex 6x9s, MB Quarts, Infinity REFs and Kappas, as well as the Polk EX692s, EX693s (3 way) and new EX369s (2 ways with a tweeter and super-tweeter). The focals are supposed to be the best, but they are REALLY EXPENSIVE. I didn't want to shell out that kind of money without being able to hear them. I worried that the Infinitys required more power than I could provide, the MBs were a little too bright sounding (for my taste) and kind of pricey also. Apparently, the EX693s and EX369s were just a little too tall to fit well in my existing locations (I'm a little surprised by that, but thats what the crutchfield rep said). I also worried that they might add too much brightness toward the rear. So after listening to most of them (all but the Focals), I went with the EX692s. They sounded the best for the money.
When I opened the box, the first thing I noticed were the templates. Although I didn't need them, it was a thoughtful touch. The next thing I noticed were the magnets. Man! these are HUGE!(I guess size does matter:)) They were twice as large as the Pioneers and 4X as large as the OEMs. I also liked the tough construction of the cones and surrounds.
The Polks were really easy to install. When I turned on my system, the change was notceable.Sitting in the bach seat, I noticed no distortion from the speakers even with heavy bass at a pretty high volume. I also liked the fact thateven passengers in the back seat get enough highs instead of just a healthy dose of bass. from the front seats, the SQ is PHENOMINAL! The Polk rears pick up the bass right where my sub leaves off. I no longer have a missing mid-bass level that I had with my Pioneers. The sounds are definitely concert-level now.
I feel that the Polks are great for audiophiles on a budget. They're not cheap, but they cost less than other alternatives. Basically, they are easy to install and sound beautiful. Unlike the Polk 602as in the front of my car, they sounded great right out of the box. If, like the 602as, they need time to break in, then I'll be really impressed.
Hopefully, this is the LAST component I need for my system. Although, a 30 band equalizer and a 0.5 Farad capacitor might be nice... :) Similar Products Used:
Focal Polyflex 6x9 - just read reviews - too pricey/ no chance to hear them
Infinitys Reference & Kappa Series- might have required more power than I could provide
MB Quarts Discus Series - A little too pricey.
Would you like to Comment?Join CarReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
| 
Link to this page
5 of 5
4 of 5
2 of 5
1 of 5
