Ok, aftermarket DVD player (for MP3s) and 2-Channel AMP.

Question 1:

Should I go with a 5.25" component set or a set of 4" 2-way speakers for the front? For the back I am set on a pair of Blaupunkt 3-way 6x9's, but I'm not sure about the front.

Is it more important to have the bigger 5.25" component set mounted in the kickpanel or the 4" mounted in the door panel? I am thinking that if I mount a 4" in the door panel I will be able to hear it better than a 5.25" replacement in the kickpanel. Does this make any sense? Does the location matter that much?

Question 2:

Oh, and one more question! Can I run the front and rear speakers off of a 2-channel amp? Is there any downside to connecting the front and rears together for the left and right channels or will that screw anything up?

Thank you very much!!!

Ideally, your sound stage should be in the front. The 5.25’s have a greater frequency range than 4 inch speakers. Go with the 5.25’s!
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p>
Wiring more than 1 set of speakers on a single channel will alter the ohm load on the amp. It can be done, but check your amps specs.
<o:p> </o:p>
Wiring front and rear or left and right speakers on a single channel eliminates your ability to use your fade control and prevents you from being able to dial in your system properly.
<o:p> </o:p>
Not knowing what components you’re using, it’s difficult to give advice however I offer the following for you to consider.
<o:p> </o:p>
Use the largest (Quality) speaker you can fit in the front and feed them off your 2 channel amp.
<o:p> </o:p>
Feed your Rear Fills (6x9’s) directly off you head unit

Thanks for your quick reply! Let me fill you in with the system that I have!

Head Unit: Blaupunkt DVDME-2 (http://www.blaupunktusa.com/BlaupunktUSA/Products/Video/DVD%20Players/Stand-Alone/DVD-ME3.htm)

AMP: Clarion APA2160 (http://cgi.ebay.com/CLARION-APA2160-CAR-AUDIO-STEREO-SPEAKER-AMP-AMPLIFIER_W0QQitemZ9710961996QQcategoryZ18796QQssP ageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

Here are the speakers that I am considering:

Front Components: Infinity Reference 5010cs (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Owv4XJvXiVj/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?search=5010CS&i=1085010CS)

Rear 6x9s: BLAUPUNKT PCXB693 (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Owv4XJvXiVj/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?search=PCXB693&i=023PCXB693)

The DVD player only has RCA pre-amp outs so I can't run the 6x9s off of those. I am really trying to save money and I can get all my speakers for just over $100 new off of eBay. I would like to avoid purchasing a 4-channel AMP, but if you think that I will be able to hear a difference, then I will definitly do it.

Any suggestions are appreciated! Thanks again!

why would you avoid purchasing a 4 channel amp? :confused

Get yourself an ED Nine.4 - It has more than enough power for your application. 75+ watts per channel, for $185. shipped with Bf c discount.

OR

spend more money on really good front speakers and leave out the rears. if you do this you can get a set of 6.5" comps for the front and cut out the kick panel to fit - easy DIY job.

HI, welcome! Free advice below:

You have a crappy-sounding head unit for CD-audio. Those hundred-dollar DVD players sound awful with WAV files.

Don't ever buy three-way 6x9s.

Spend some time reading on the board what's been done by others, and learn some more, and don't skimp.

HI, welcome! Free advice below:

You have a crappy-sounding head unit for CD-audio. Those hundred-dollar DVD players sound awful with WAV files.

Don't ever buy three-way 6x9s.

Spend some time reading on the board what's been done by others, and learn some more, and don't skimp.


Youre nuts:nono Ive got a set of 9 way 6x9s. They have .0005" tweeters mounted all around the magnet:buttrock

HI, welcome! Free advice below:

You have a crappy-sounding head unit for CD-audio. Those hundred-dollar DVD players sound awful with WAV files.

Don't ever buy three-way 6x9s.

Spend some time reading on the board what's been done by others, and learn some more, and don't skimp.

So I need a $600 DVD player?

I spend a lot of time in my car and I want to be able to watch DVDs and then play MP3s when Im moving. I do NOT want an all-in-one unit. I hate the way they look and I have a very nice custom mounted 6.5" LCD. What head unit would you recommend for me? It seems like there is not much of a selection for stand-alone DVD players.

So I need a $600 DVD player?

I spend a lot of time in my car and I want to be able to watch DVDs and then play MP3s when Im moving. I do NOT want an all-in-one unit. I hate the way they look and I have a very nice custom mounted 6.5" LCD. What head unit would you recommend for me? It seems like there is not much of a selection for stand-alone DVD players.

since you have that 6.5 lcd why not just get a small computer and put it in your trunk to do everything for you dvd gps mp3's etc. And sound out a pc with a decent sound card beats most headunits there isn't a lot out there that would beat a $70 audigy zs, you just hook it straight to the amp. Not to mention computers are rather cheap. You probably saw the thread on this already but here you go...this is my setup
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=520928

since you have that 6.5 lcd why not just get a small computer and put it in your trunk to do everything for you dvd gps mp3's etc. And sound out a pc with a decent sound card beats most headunits there isn't a lot out there that would beat a $70 audigy zs, you just hook it straight to the amp. Not to mention computers are rather cheap. You probably saw the thread on this already but here you go...this is my setup
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=520928

I just really don't feel like doing that. I used to have a computer installed in my trunk, but I much prefer the simplicity of the DVD head unit. I can't believe that a decent DVD head unit doesn't exist for a reasonable price.

I'll admit up front I know nothing about DVD inside of cars. However, as to audio, I think you are passing up a good thing by not getting a decent 4 channel amp. My 4 channel amp puts out only a modest 40W per channel but this is more than enough to play loud and clearly any kind of source I put to it. You can find decent brand-name 4 channel amps on ebay for less than $100.

Also, 5.25" components up front will handle a greater dynammic range than 4" coaxials. Also, components - even if mounted in the kick panels will produce a fantastic soundstage if the rest of your system is adjusted properly. The only reason I didn't install 6x9s in the rear deck is that I wanted to retain the stock speaker grilles.

I'll admit up front I know nothing about DVD inside of cars. However, as to audio, I think you are passing up a good thing by not getting a decent 4 channel amp. My 4 channel amp puts out only a modest 40W per channel but this is more than enough to play loud and clearly any kind of source I put to it. You can find decent brand-name 4 channel amps on ebay for less than $100.

Also, 5.25" components up front will handle a greater dynammic range than 4" coaxials. Also, components - even if mounted in the kick panels will produce a fantastic soundstage if the rest of your system is adjusted properly. The only reason I didn't install 6x9s in the rear deck is that I wanted to retain the stock speaker grilles.

You dont have to loose the stock speaker grills for 6X9's. BSW sells 6X9 adaptors that fit in the stock locations.

Thank you all for your input! After some careful consideration I've purchased a set of Infinity 6010cs 6 1/2" components for the front. For now I am going to keep my stock AMP and head unit, though I do plan on upgrading to a better head unit and 4-channel amp this summer when I get some extra money.

el.duderino, thank you for your input. I realize that my head unit sucks and I want to get rid of it as soon as I can afford to. I am thinking about replacing it with an Alpine DVA-9860 (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-jHMDdgoAKGB/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=168550&I=500DVA9860). Can you give me your opinion on that player? Also, what do you think of the Infinity Reference components that I got for my front speakers?

Thanks again for all your input!

Thank you all for your input! After some careful consideration I've purchased a set of Infinity 6010cs 6 1/2" components for the front. For now I am going to keep my stock AMP and head unit, though I do plan on upgrading to a better head unit and 4-channel amp this summer when I get some extra money.

el.duderino, thank you for your input. I realize that my head unit sucks and I want to get rid of it as soon as I can afford to. I am thinking about replacing it with an Alpine DVA-9860 (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-jHMDdgoAKGB/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=168550&I=500DVA9860). Can you give me your opinion on that player? Also, what do you think of the Infinity Reference components that I got for my front speakers?

Thanks again for all your input!

There is not much love for the infinities around these parts. Most people here like to suggest brands like:
DLS
CDT
Focal
Dynaudio

But if the infinities sound good to you, that is all that matters! Good luck on your install!

There is not much love for the infinities around these parts. Most people here like to suggest brands like:
DLS
CDT
Focal
Dynaudio

But if the infinities sound good to you, that is all that matters! Good luck on your install!

You're all a bunch of elitists :stickoutt Anyway, thanks for the comments. I'll post up some pictures if I have success mounting the 6 1/2" in my sedan.

You're all a bunch of elitists :stickoutt Anyway, thanks for the comments. I'll post up some pictures if I have success mounting the 6 1/2" in my sedan.

It's not that we're a bunch of elitists, but those Infinity speakers you bought are $199/pr @ Crutchfield. Perhaps you got them for less, but for the same amount of money you can get a set of CDT Audio EF-51s or EF-61s, a much better set of speakers.

It just doesn't make sense to me to spend the same or more for an inferior-sounding speaker.

You're all a bunch of elitists

Yeah, but you DO own a BMW.

So I need a $600 DVD player?

I spend a lot of time in my car and I want to be able to watch DVDs and then play MP3s when Im moving. I do NOT want an all-in-one unit. I hate the way they look and I have a very nice custom mounted 6.5" LCD. What head unit would you recommend for me? It seems like there is not much of a selection for stand-alone DVD players.

You want to watch video while you're moving? Sure glad you don't live in my state.

You want to watch video while you're moving? Sure glad you don't live in my state.

I live in Manhattan and I keep my car there with me. This means that for atleast 2 hours twice a week I am sitting in my car waiting for my alternate side parking. Since you're not from the city I don't expect you to know what that is, but trust me - there is no other way to park in Midtown and I actually really enjoy myself for those few hours as long as I have some DVDs to watch in my car.

I got the Infinities for $60 on eBay (refurbished, of course). I would have never spent $200 on them. I am thinking, however, that I have to trust my own judgement on my speaker selection, even though I do appreciate all your input. I'm really NOT picky at all, I just want something sort of decent. I've always trusted Crutchfield in the past to carry decent stereo components and I like all the reviews that they have on their website.

You dont have to loose the stock speaker grills for 6X9's. BSW sells 6X9 adaptors that fit in the stock locations.

I didn't know that! Anyhow, I doubt that the BSW grilles retain the stock look. Anyone looking through your window will spot them. Stock doesn't grab anyone's attention - meaning, less chance of it getting jacked.

I didn't know that! Anyhow, I doubt that the BSW grilles retain the stock look. Anyone looking through your window will spot them. Stock doesn't grab anyone's attention - meaning, less chance of it getting jacked.

Take a look at their website. You literally can not tell that you have 6x9s in the back. Very clean install.

It just doesn't make sense to me to spend the same or more for an inferior-sounding speaker.

Hey tbreihan: speaker output is a very subjective issue. No two ears hear exactly alike. Although I too think the Infinitys are not the best drivers out there, there is a place for them. We need people to buy Inifinitys so we can buy the better stuff. If Infinity went out of business, everyone would be forced to buy the good stuff and your/my system would then only be average.

I didn't know that! Anyhow, I doubt that the BSW grilles retain the stock look. Anyone looking through your window will spot them. Stock doesn't grab anyone's attention - meaning, less chance of it getting jacked.

You cant tell that they are installed, the speaker adaptors mount exactly like the stock speaker boxes. No one would know unless you told them.

So I need a $600 DVD player?

I spend a lot of time in my car and I want to be able to watch DVDs and then play MP3s when Im moving. I do NOT want an all-in-one unit. I hate the way they look and I have a very nice custom mounted 6.5" LCD. What head unit would you recommend for me? It seems like there is not much of a selection for stand-alone DVD players.

There is a JVC DVD headunit on Crutchfield for $250 and same item at eBay for less than $200. Don't know if that is a good head unit but it is pretty cheap and it does have the red buttons that would blend well with BMW dash lighting. It's just a headunit. No slide-out screen so it would be a good unit to match up with your custom mounted LCD screen. Or you can get Sony or Alpine DVD headunits for less than $500. I believe all could play MP3s on DVDs which has 4.7GB capacity.

You cant tell that they are installed, the speaker adaptors mount exactly like the stock speaker boxes. No one would know unless you told them.

I just got a pair. Planning to put in 6x9 CDTs. However, CDt's 6x9 is a component set. So I'll probably have the tweeters in the egg-shapped holder exposed on the rear deck. Any other suggestions for a good 6x9? It's got to have a matching 5.25" component set up front.

Since you're not from the city I don't expect you to know what that is...

No, I'm not from the city, I wouldn't understand.

Listen to music!



I got the Infinities for $60 on eBay (refurbished, of course). I would have never spent $200 on them. I am thinking, however, that I have to trust my own judgement on my speaker selection...

What kind of judgement are you using? Did you hear them? See them? And if you did, why not buy them at the place that let you hear them and see them?

Is it possible, El Guapo, that you were really looking for validation of a decision that you had already made? Free advice doesn't always look the way you want, eh?

I just got a pair. Planning to put in 6x9 CDTs. However, CDt's 6x9 is a component set. So I'll probably have the tweeters in the egg-shapped holder exposed on the rear deck. Any other suggestions for a good 6x9? It's got to have a matching 5.25" component set up front.

these are for the E36 right?

If so you could go with the CDT EF-51NEO's in front and the CDT CL69 in the rear. the CL69's are just woofers and will supply decent midbass punch but not the true low end of a subwoofer.

these are for the E36 right?

If so you could go with the CDT EF-51NEO's in front and the CDT CL69 in the rear. the CL69's are just woofers and will supply decent midbass punch but not the true low end of a subwoofer.

Yes, for the E36. I'm looking at either the CL or EF. Undecided at this moment. What is the difference between the NEOs & non-NEOs anyway? You mentioned the 6x9 woofers but I did see the 6x9 Component which is the 6x9 woofer plus a crossover network and a tweeter set. That is actually what I am looking for in the 6x9s......the midpass punch, but I still want to hear the whole spectrum of frequency from the rears. And I do have a subwoofer to cover the lowest notes of which I will be upgrading to JLs in the future.

Yes, for the E36. I'm looking at either the CL or EF. Undecided at this moment. What is the difference between the NEOs & non-NEOs anyway? You mentioned the 6x9 woofers but I did see the 6x9 Component which is the 6x9 woofer plus a crossover network and a tweeter set. That is actually what I am looking for in the 6x9s......the midpass punch, but I still want to hear the whole spectrum of frequency from the rears. And I do have a subwoofer to cover the lowest notes
of which I will be upgrading to JLs in the future.

If you have a sub then you probably dont need the 6X9's. You might want to think about going with a 5.25 coax in the rear with the BSW adaptors. these will allow the bass from the trunk to enter the cabin. (unless you are going to do the skipass sub)

The difference is the Neo use the Neodymuim (might be spelled incorrectly) magnets and the others use a regular magnet. The Neo magnets are very strong for their size relative to other types of magnets so they can be smaller and still perform well.

You should probably consider getting the 6.5" front speakers for improved midbass performance especially if you go with the 5.25"s in the rear instead of the 6X9's. The kick panel is a pretty straight foreward DIY to cut out for the larger speaker.

No, I'm not from the city, I wouldn't understand.

Listen to music!

I do, but trust me on the video thing, I really need to be able to watch DVDs in my car. I spend a lot of time just hanging out in there. What do you expect me to do? Read a book or study?! :D


What kind of judgement are you using? Did you hear them? See them? And if you did, why not buy them at the place that let you hear them and see them?

Is it possible, El Guapo, that you were really looking for validation of a decision that you had already made? Free advice doesn't always look the way you want, eh?

I'm going by the reviews on Crutchfield. Not much, I know, but I consider myself to be just an average person, much like those giving the reviews.

I know that you are giving me good advice, but I think you're having trouble understanding that I would be happy with something that you would not be happy with! You strike me as much more an audio aficionado than myself. You will see that my original questions were not about the Infinities, and I do realize that perhaps asking your opinion on them, and my other components in question was not the best idea.

With as much knowledge and mechanical experience that I have with my car, it is difficult for me to be such a n00b with car audio. Honestly though, I really don't know anything about it at all and I just want to make sure the different things that I am buying will fit together somewhat correctly.

You should probably consider getting the 6.5" front speakers for improved midbass performance especially if you go with the 5.25"s in the rear instead of the 6X9's. The kick panel is a pretty straight foreward DIY to cut out for the larger speaker.

Would you have any idea what is the maximum depth of speakers allowable for the E36's kick panel? I would prefer a 6-1/2 than a 5-1/4 on the kick panels, although I don't really like cutting into the metal, but it would be something to think about.

Would you have any idea what is the maximum depth of speakers allowable for the E36's kick panel? I would prefer a 6-1/2 than a 5-1/4 on the kick panels, although I don't really like cutting into the metal, but it would be something to think about.

Depth is not an issue, the kick panels are pretty deep and should accomodate just about any 5.25 or 6.5 driver.

Another speaker to consider
I just installed a set of DLS MS-5's with an Elemental Designs Nine.4 in my wifes truck and they are awesome! the amp is powering the DLS in front and an MTX 10" sub.

The Nine.4 is a very powerful amp, and the DLS's are so clean and clear. The MS-5, OR MS-6 use the tweeter from the Ultimate UP series speakers which sound great. I can listen to them at live concert levels and there is not a bit of harshness or listener fatigue, and these are not even broken in yet. :buttrock

Depth is not an issue, the kick panels are pretty deep and should accomodate just about any 5.25 or 6.5 driver.

Another speaker to consider
I just installed a set of DLS MS-5's with an Elemental Designs Nine.4 in my wifes truck and they are awesome! the amp is powering the DLS in front and an MTX 10" sub.

The Nine.4 is a very powerful amp, and the DLS's are so clean and clear. The MS-5, OR MS-6 use the tweeter from the Ultimate UP series speakers which sound great. I can listen to them at live concert levels and there is not a bit of harshness or listener fatigue, and these are not even broken in yet. :buttrock

I read somewhere among this forum that DLS are brighter sounding. Is there any truth to this and how bright is it as compared to CDTs? I want my sound to be clear but more laid back and less fatiguing.

Will check out DLS website and find out what you are talking about and how much they cost.

I read somewhere among this forum that DLS are brighter sounding. Is there any truth to this and how bright is it as compared to CDTs? I want my sound to be clear but more laid back and less fatiguing.

Will check out DLS website and find out what you are talking about and how much they cost.

I would say that the DLS speakers are clear and detailed but not harsh or bright at all. Since I installed the MS-5's I have tried everything from Rap, rock, metal, jazz, classical, country and not one CD has made me reach for the volume control to turn it down, I have only wanted to turn it up. :buttrock

The large silk tweeters are going to give you the most "relaxed" response but in the case of the DLS UP1C tweeters I would say that the sound is balanced where the tweeter doesnt call attention to itself but blends in and makes the sound complete, if that makes since.

PM me, I will give you the name of the dealer where I bought my DLS, he is a good guy and has really good prices.

I would say that the DLS speakers are clear and detailed but not harsh or bright at all. Since I installed the MS-5's I have tried everything from Rap, rock, metal, jazz, classical, country and not one CD has made me reach for the volume control to turn it down, I have only wanted to turn it up. :buttrock

The large silk tweeters are going to give you the most "relaxed" response but in the case of the DLS UP1C tweeters I would say that the sound is balanced where the tweeter doesnt call attention to itself but blends in and makes the sound complete, if that makes since.

PM me, I will give you the name of the dealer where I bought my DLS, he is a good guy and has really good prices.

PM? Sorry I don't understand this. How many watts do you run on your DLS? I may have to stick with amps that are available locally. The owner of the shop is a very close friend of my family and they're doing my install so I still have to get the amps from them, in addition to "preferred" warranty that I get from them, but their choices kinda suck. Audiobahn, MTX, Directed Audio are they claim the best they can offer. I'm leaning more towards Directed or MTX but the Audiobahn frees up a lot of space as they can be installed upside-down under the rear deck as they have built-in cooling fans. I always get second opinions before I do any purchase. What are your views toward these amps? But, hey, at least I can get away with the speakers. Politics, you know.

PM? Sorry I don't understand this. How many watts do you run on your DLS? I may have to stick with amps that are available locally. The owner of the shop is a very close friend of my family and they're doing my install so I still have to get the amps from them, in addition to "preferred" warranty that I get from them, but their choices kinda suck. Audiobahn, MTX, Directed Audio are they claim the best they can offer. I'm leaning more towards Directed or MTX but the Audiobahn frees up a lot of space as they can be installed upside-down under the rear deck as they have built-in cooling fans. I always get second opinions before I do any purchase. What are your views toward these amps? But, hey, at least I can get away with the speakers. Politics, you know.

PM is private message through the BF board.

None of those amps compare very favorably with ED. The audiobahn is probably the worst of the bunch. (no personal experience with them though, just what I have heard and read) I would say go MTX if you have to go with one of those. You should make sure you dont skimp on the speakers, get the best you can afford and them worry about powering them.
Really good speakers + decent amp = Good sound
Ok speakers + decent amp = OK sound

The DLS can be shipped to your door its easier than going shopping for them :)

I am running my MS-5's with the ED Nine.4 at about 80 watts per channel. the amp is rated at 65W at 12.5V input but my charging system puts out 14.3V so the amp puts out more power!

Just a thought - get what you want because you want it, not because you feel obligated to buy something from a friend. If he or she is a true friend they will understand. (Just my $.2 worth) Do your research and let that be your guide.

The DLS can be shipped to your door its easier than going shopping for them :)


Hey Matt! Just making sure... You did see that this guy is in Guam right? Guam as in the Pacific ocean. :)

Hey Matt! Just making sure... You did see that this guy is in Guam right? Guam as in the Pacific ocean. :)

Yes, Guam, the US territory in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Shipping and warranty from the US is not as easy as it seems. So, sometimes, it is more practical to get what is available here, even though a bit more expensive, to get some sort of warranty. If the amp breaks down, it can be replaced free of charge with no finger pointing. So I am inclined to purchase the amps locally even if they're not the best out there.

Infinity References are the worst speakers I have ever owned. Ugh.

I would say that the DLS speakers are clear and detailed but not harsh or bright at all. Since I installed the MS-5's I have tried everything from Rap, rock, metal, jazz, classical, country and not one CD has made me reach for the volume control to turn it down, I have only wanted to turn it up. :buttrock

The large silk tweeters are going to give you the most "relaxed" response but in the case of the DLS UP1C tweeters I would say that the sound is balanced where the tweeter doesnt call attention to itself but blends in and makes the sound complete, if that makes since.

PM me, I will give you the name of the dealer where I bought my DLS, he is a good guy and has really good prices.

Matt, I checked the DLS website. You were talking about the Reference Series. Does the whole Reference Series line use tweeters from the Ultimate Series? How much does the MS5A cost? How does the Classic line perform?
I see only 2 dealers listed and both are located in Arizona. Which of the 2 would you recommend? Or do you know of another trusted dealer? I am looking at a budget of $400 for both front 5.25 component set and rear 6x9 coax. So, if you can comment on the sound of the DLS Classic as compared to the CL or EF line of CDTs, it would be appreciated.

As I don't have the opportunity to listen to these speakers before purchase, I really will have to trust the ears of people in this forum who have listened to them. Thanks.

Also, what do you think of the Infinity Reference components that I got for my front speakers?

Thanks again for all your input!

This is kinda late, but you are right about the infinities not getting much love on this forum. It really comes down to personal taste though. I had infinity kappas in my old car and am putting them in my new car. I really like them and think they sound great for what I am listening too. I do think you can probably get as good or better speakers for cheaper, but I got a good deal on ebay for mine, so I'm happy with my buy and really happy with my sound. The references should work just fine for the taste and level it sounds like you are looking for.

Matt, I checked the DLS website. You were talking about the Reference Series. Does the whole Reference Series line use tweeters from the Ultimate Series? How much does the MS5A cost? How does the Classic line perform?
I see only 2 dealers listed and both are located in Arizona. Which of the 2 would you recommend? Or do you know of another trusted dealer? I am looking at a budget of $400 for both front 5.25 component set and rear 6x9 coax. So, if you can comment on the sound of the DLS Classic as compared to the CL or EF line of CDTs, it would be appreciated.

As I don't have the opportunity to listen to these speakers before purchase, I really will have to trust the ears of people in this forum who have listened to them. Thanks.

No, the MS series are the only reference series speakers to use the UP tweeters. The rest use a smaller reference tweeter. Which may be OK, but I havent heard them.

You will have to contact a dealer for pricing, I know the dealer I bought mine from beat everyone else's price by a bunch. DLS 2006 prices increased 6-10% across the board so if you ca nfind some 05 models you might be able to score a deal - thats what I did! My MS-5's are 05 models, which happen to be identical to the 06 except for the woofer cone.

I have heard that the classic line speakers are good for the price. although I have never owned them. If these are for rear fill it wont matter that much because your front stage should dominate the sound anyway.

The dealer list is LONG on the DLS site you have to scroll down the page for a while (Look for Wisconsin ;) )

$400 is goign to be a stretch but you should be able to get close. last years MS-5's should be around $200-230, 06 models will be higher. I dont know how much the 6x9's are but I would guess around $100-$140

I'm sure the classics are good but the reference series are better, and the UP's are better yet. Honestly I can not compare the CDT's because I only know them through others refernces. I have never owned CDT speakers, but they are highly recommended on this forum and the comments about their performance are similar to the comments made about the DLS.

I didnt realize you were not in the 48 states, this might make it harder to get, but fedex goes world wide! if you are willing to pay the shipping charge, I am sure you can find someone to get it to you! :)

Hey Matt! Just making sure... You did see that this guy is in Guam right? Guam as in the Pacific ocean. :)

No I didnt notice that! :eek:

I didnt realize you were not in the 48 states, this might make it harder to get, but fedex goes world wide! if you are willing to pay the shipping charge, I am sure you can find someone to get it to you! :)

FedEx & UPS are too expensive to Guam. Best bet for us out here is USPS Priority which considers Guam as domestic.

Oh yes, you're right. There's a lot of dealers. My scroll bar was so light I didn't even notice it so I thought there were only two shown on-screen. Will probably have to get them from California. Hope dealers would ship thru USPS, otherwise, they will have to deliver to my freight forwarder thru which I have weekly shipments.

I noticed that some are both CDT & DLS dealers.

The dealer list is LONG on the DLS site you have to scroll down the page for a while (Look for Wisconsin there is only one dealer there. ;) )



Best DLS prices, see above!

THe dealers that sell both CDT and DLS would be a good resource to call and talk to. They would be able to compare the two brands and give you an idea about the sounds. I would call a few though because one may like a particular brand and another may like the other brand. It helps to get as many opinions as you can.

I have a 1994 325is and i am running Blauplunkt 6x9's and i absolutely love them. I would definitely use them. As for the front if it is possible to do both i would definitely do that. I have 4's in the doors and 5 1/4's in the kicks and it is really nice. You just need to make sure that you put crossovers on all of them and the run all of the bass off of the rear of the car. That is the only way so far that i have been able to have a nice balanced system. I am also running Infinity tweeters and they are nice too the point that i run 2/3 of my sound off of the rear so that the subs and the 6x9's will cancel out those a little. They actually hurt my ears if i do not do it that way...As for the amp question i dont relaly know anything about that.

Best DLS prices, see above!

THe dealers that sell both CDT and DLS would be a good resource to call and talk to. They would be able to compare the two brands and give you an idea about the sounds. I would call a few though because one may like a particular brand and another may like the other brand. It helps to get as many opinions as you can.

I called the dealer that sells both CDT and DLS in California. Unfortunately, they don't ship out speakers. They only sell and do installs on customers who bring their cars in.

Now that I've advised my installer that I will not be getting speakers from them and that I am looking into CDTs or DLS, they're pushing to sell me Focals. They still do not have them in stock but since they'll be placing an order soon, I can place an order for those models I want. They've raved on Focals. However, like the CDTs and DLS, I don't have any opportunity to listen to these before buying/ordering as none of these are available in my area so comparing them sonically is impossible.

Any help regarding these speakers, specially those who have listened, owned and compared any of these on their low- to mid-price point models, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Here's my two cents.

If you're gonna get CDTs, I'd spring the extra dough for the HDs.

I called the dealer that sells both CDT and DLS in California. Unfortunately, they don't ship out speakers. They only sell and do installs on customers who bring their cars in.

Now that I've advised my installer that I will not be getting speakers from them and that I am looking into CDTs or DLS, they're pushing to sell me Focals. They still do not have them in stock but since they'll be placing an order soon, I can place an order for those models I want. They've raved on Focals. However, like the CDTs and DLS, I don't have any opportunity to listen to these before buying/ordering as none of these are available in my area so comparing them sonically is impossible.

Any help regarding these speakers, specially those who have listened, owned and compared any of these on their low- to mid-price point models, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Focals = BRIGHT (from what I have heard, never owned them)
CDT & DLS = less bright, neutral, some would say laid back.

Just another thought - try looking around on diymobileaudio.com. The guys on that board are all about putting your own system together from various speaker manufaturers - all of which are available on line. (Vifa, Scan speak, Peerless, Seas - these are the companies that supply MOST high end home speaker manufacturers with the drivers for their speakers)

**DLS dealers are not supposed to sell on the internet, but some do. Keep calling around - I bought mine online from a DLS dealer ;)

DLS dealers are not supposed to sell on the internet, but some do. Keep calling around - I bought mine online from a DLS dealer ;)

Which dealer did you buy DLS online? What is their website? This would save me a lot of time. Thanks.

Which dealer did you buy DLS online? What is their website? This would save me a lot of time. Thanks.
+1

by the way has anyone heard MB Quarts, or Alpine Type-R components??

+1

by the way has anyone heard MB Quarts, or Alpine Type-R components??

MB Quarts are highly regarded in the US. But, guess what? I HEARD that in Germany, they look at MB Quart at how we look at Jensen in the US. Don't know if there is any truth to this but somebody German or who had lived in Germany who is into car audio should be able to confirm this.