Components Vs Coaxials without an amp

[Luke.H 33]

Hi I recently installed a pioneer deh4200ub head unit in my car. It is a nissan altima without the bose system. I currently have 2 pioneer 6x9s in the rear deck and 2 5.25 speakers in the front door and 2 tweeters on the front door as well. Their at the same level as the side mirrors if you know what I mean. Anyway the speakers in my front door seem to rattle and I am just not happy with the SQ. I would like to upgrade to something alittle nicer. I am fine with the pioneer 6x9s in the back though. I am more concerned with the front because from what Ive read here that is the most importan part as far as SQ goes. I was thinking of buying Diamond Audio D3's. They make them in component and coaxial. I dont know much about Diamond Audio I have just heard good things about them from a few sources but havent read too many reviews so I am curious in your opinion in them as well. But would I be better off with the components or coaxials? I do not have an amp in my car and dont really want to buy one. Ive heard you can install comps without an amp tho. Would I notice a big difference between the DA coaxs and comps? From what Ive read the biggest differences are that you can place your tweeters wherever you like and the crossover that comes with components. I would probably just put my tweeters where the factory tweeter were. Any opinions on this would be greatly appreciated

Edited September 4, 2010 by theluker69

[helotaxi 46]

Unless you add an amp, most every component system would be a waste. Most higher end coax's would as well. Some of the less expensive coax speakers have a high enough efficiency that they can perform adequately on HU power. That said EVERY aftermarket speaker would benefit greatly from even a small outboard amp.

[Luke.H 33]

Unless you add an amp, most every component system would be a waste. Most higher end coax's would as well. Some of the less expensive coax speakers have a high enough efficiency that they can perform adequately on HU power. That said EVERY aftermarket speaker would benefit greatly from even a small outboard amp.

That makes sense because when I was looking at those components they raan at a higher wattage than most coaxs. So in your opinion would I be better off with a pair of diamond audio d1 or d3 coaxs than say some pioneer or alpine coaxs? The D3 coaxs are around 60 on onlinecarstereo.

[helotaxi 46]

Unless you add an amp, most every component system would be a waste. Most higher end coax's would as well. Some of the less expensive coax speakers have a high enough efficiency that they can perform adequately on HU power. That said EVERY aftermarket speaker would benefit greatly from even a small outboard amp.

That makes sense because when I was looking at those components they raan at a higher wattage than most coaxs. So in your opinion would I be better off with a pair of diamond audio d1 or d3 coaxs than say some pioneer or alpine coaxs? The D3 coaxs are around 60 on onlinecarstereo.

I doubt that any Diamond speakers would work well off the paltry power from your headunit. If you are dead set on not getting even a small amp, you'd probably get the best results from an inexpensive set of 2-way Alpine, Pioneer or Kenwood coaxials. I'm very much of the opinion that you should add a small amp.

And power handling has nothing to do usually with the power that they need to sound good. Look at the sensitivity number. That will give you better indication about how much power they're going to need. Higher the number the less power they need to give adequate output. This applies to mid and high frequency speakers, not subs.

[Luke.H 33]

Unless you add an amp, most every component system would be a waste. Most higher end coax's would as well. Some of the less expensive coax speakers have a high enough efficiency that they can perform adequately on HU power. That said EVERY aftermarket speaker would benefit greatly from even a small outboard amp.

That makes sense because when I was looking at those components they raan at a higher wattage than most coaxs. So in your opinion would I be better off with a pair of diamond audio d1 or d3 coaxs than say some pioneer or alpine coaxs? The D3 coaxs are around 60 on onlinecarstereo.

I doubt that any Diamond speakers would work well off the paltry power from your headunit. If you are dead set on not getting even a small amp, you'd probably get the best results from an inexpensive set of 2-way Alpine, Pioneer or Kenwood coaxials. I'm very much of the opinion that you should add a small amp.

And power handling has nothing to do usually with the power that they need to sound good. Look at the sensitivity number. That will give you better indication about how much power they're going to need. Higher the number the less power they need to give adequate output. This applies to mid and high frequency speakers, not subs.

What type of amp would you reccomend? Like how much power and a good brand. I dont know anyone who has an amp for their speakers so I am not at all familiar with this stuff. I would like to have a good sounding set up though but I dont want to go super crazy with it. I would like a good balance between sound quality and midbass. I appreciate your input tho thank you. I will look into some amps and lower end coaxs as well just to see whats out there.

Edited September 6, 2010 by theluker69

[Luke.H 33]

So I was checking the sensitivity of some speakers and if I understand what you were saying correctly the higher the better if I dont run an amp. I looked at some alpine type s's and they are rated at 87db/w the D3's at 89.5db and pioneer d series are rated at 88db. So numbers wise the diamonds are the best. But their all around upper 80s. Is that too low for my head unit. Should I look at cheaper sets? If I went with coaxials I would like to get the best possible set without running an amp. I know it is recommended but at this point I would rather avoid that.