Looking for better midrange

[Adrian_D 520]

Current setup is Mach 5 MLI and Seas H1396 amplified by an Eclipse EA4000 and all the processing is done by my Alpine 9813.

I'm very satisfied with the midbass output and the top end, it's just that midrange isn't cutting it

After seeing Ryan2's idea with the Fostex FF85k's I thought trying a pair and ditching the tweeters. I don't want to invest in the H701 at this time and try 3-way (would require some sort of controller too and another 2 channel amp, not to mention the extra room )

The problem is placement. I have no room in the dash to mount them.

Pics of the "locations" :

One idea is to use the kicks. Passenger side is ok, driver's side could work but there's very little room between the clutch pedal and the kick and that could ruin the whole deal.

Another option is in place of the small grill below the dash. It's significantly closer to the headrest compared to the kicks.

3rd option would be on some sort of door pods. Similar distances like on the piece below the dash. It would be something more to my liking (kicks and 2nd option could be uncomfortable when getting in / out of the car)

I know it's hard to determine a good position without listening at first. What are your guys thoughts on the placements ? Especially on the door placement !

[///M5 2,833]

You could do a 2" full range as the Mli's do play higher than just midbass.

http://www.madisound.com/catalog/product_i...roducts_id=8478

Then you could probably even hide them in your pillars.

[Adrian_D 520]

You could do a 2" full range as the Mli's do play higher than just midbass.

http://www.madisound.com/catalog/product_i...roducts_id=8478

Then you could probably even hide them in your pillars.

Only thing that would worry me about them is if I can go without a tweeter.

Those would be far more easy to hide in the kicks. And as you said, even in the A-pillars..

EDIT : just checked and my Seas's are 53mm in diam and the Peerles is 55x55mm...hmm, even more tempting

[///M5 2,833]

You surely don't need a tweeter with a 2".

To this day the best sounding system I have heard in a car had no tweeter. I am not particularly fond of shrieking highs anyways, but I severely doubt you'd feel the need for a tweeter along with the peerless.

[Adrian_D 520]

You surely don't need a tweeter with a 2".

To this day the best sounding system I have heard in a car had no tweeter. I am not particularly fond of shrieking highs anyways, but I severely doubt you'd feel the need for a tweeter along with the peerless.

My Seas's on axis were too much for me

Most likely I'll buy a pair of those full-ranges to try them out. Even if I don't like them it's a smaller investment than a pair of FF85K's

In your opinion, how low could the peerles full-ranges be crossed ? Madisond graph shows a drop below 200hz so I guess around 300~400hz ?

[vladd 26]

my recommendation would be to try out a different set of 7s, something that reaches higher up. I've heard the MLI's don't really shine on the upper end like they do on the lower.

[b5i8 0]

My Seas's on axis were too much for me

Most likely I'll buy a pair of those full-ranges to try them out. Even if I don't like them it's a smaller investment than a pair of FF85K's

In your opinion, how low could the peerles full-ranges be crossed ? Madisond graph shows a drop below 200hz so I guess around 300~400hz ?

Which Seas were you running? I'm running the Seas Lotus Reference off-axis and they sound absolutely phenomenal.

[Adrian_D 520]

my recommendation would be to try out a different set of 7s, something that reaches higher up. I've heard the MLI's don't really shine on the upper end like they do on the lower.

That could be an option

A bit more costly than the full-ranges. I even thought about trying to angle the driver's side mid towards me to help a bit...

My Seas's on axis were too much for me

Most likely I'll buy a pair of those full-ranges to try them out. Even if I don't like them it's a smaller investment than a pair of FF85K's

In your opinion, how low could the peerles full-ranges be crossed ? Madisond graph shows a drop below 200hz so I guess around 300~400hz ?

Which Seas were you running? I'm running the Seas Lotus Reference off-axis and they sound absolutely phenomenal.

http://www.madisound.com/catalog/product_i...roducts_id=1466

I can't complain about the tweeters. Better midrange is what I'm looking for

[JimJ 11]

my recommendation would be to try out a different set of 7s, something that reaches higher up. I've heard the MLI's don't really shine on the upper end like they do on the lower.

I was thinking the same thing, you know what the CA paper cones sound like, or maybe the Nextels

[KU40 173]

I have no experience with them, but have you thought about horns under the dash?

I like the 2" full range idea, and I also wouldn't be worried about not having a tweeter as I hate them screeching highs too.

[vladd 26]

I can say the P18s have a more pleasing midrange than the CA's to me though i liked the bottom end on the CA's a bit more (not enough to make up the difference though). But I have found I like the sound of poly cones a bit more in general.

[95Honda 486]

Wierd, I was just talking about this in another thread.... Why not look at a similar driver with better off axis response? This is pretty much the cause of this problem... Sometimes you can get around it with different drivers, or better yet improving mounting locations..

If you want, I can get you a set of the the 6" Dayton references for about $20 a pop, they have phase plugs and better off axis response than the Mach 5. Just a thought...

They look real good until about 3Khz at 30 degrees.... http://www.partsexpress.com/pdf/295-372g.pdf

M5 has a good suggestion also...

[Adrian_D 520]

Thanks for all the comments guys

Seems like I will follow your advices and change the mids at first (I will most likely buy the Peerles full-ranges at the same time, to save on shipping). The question is : P18, CA18 or maybe ER18 ? Even something else but without sacrificing midbass

I really like my CA18's but in the house it's a diffrent story since they are 100% on-axis

[vladd 26]

wish you were in the states, i'd be happy to send you some to try out

[Adrian_D 520]

Matt, that would be really nice but given the circumstances

I have the chance of picking up a pair of Focal K2 Power 165KF's for rather cheap and local. How do those compare to the Seas line-up...if there is someone that tested both