I'm kind of a newbie to the audio scene, but I always thought that Rockford Fosgate was the best brand out after Alpine. But from what I've been reading, it seems as though I'm wrong. Is Rockford a bad brand?? What are the best brands out there?


Also, what's better in terms of speaker replacements - Rainbow Audio or Rockford? I'm looking to only replace my non-HK speaker system in my e46 coupe. I have no plans for amplifiers or head units or subs since I don't blast my music, but like to listen to it loud and prefer clarity and crispness over volume.

So, bottom line, suggestions on the best brands? How does the Bavsound Stage 1 package compare?

Car stereo is like many other things - there is what you know about because everyone has heard of it, and then there are brands that you probably haven't heard of, but which sound better.

Rockford went public a few years ago and made many questionable choices afterwards, as companies often do when they go public. They might be on the way back - but we don't know.

Rainbow is a better speaker company than Rockford.

Your characterization of subs being for people who blast their music is inaccurate. We do most of our systems with a single 8" or 10" sub and we do most of them for grownups who do not "blast" their music.

For me to comment on the Stage 1 system would be bad form.

I will point out that if you want clarity, an aftermarket amp would provide better results than the BMW amp.

If I were doing a subless system in that car here at my store (and I have :), I would do a Euro 165mm midwoofer with a stamped frame, trim it to fit the E46 door, and use an amp. I'd leave the rears off or stock, depending.

Last time we did that we did a set of Dynaudio System 240GT components and a Zapco DC200 amplifier. That was $1600 installed. But you could also do it with a set of DLS UP6 components and a Zapco Reference 200 amp for $1100 installed, or a set of DLS RS6A components and a CA22 for $800 installed.

If you lack a sub and you go with 5.25 speakers in place of the 6.whatever speakers in the door, you lose some bottom end that you don't really have to spare.

I'm on the bandwagon of Focal lovers, but I definitely know there is better for less money.

I agree with el.duderino, if you want high volume with crisp and clear sound then aftermarket amp is the best way to go. For speakers, I suggest Infinity Perfect components. I have also heard polk momo, focal, alpine type R. All of these are good choices.

I agree with el.duderino, if you want high volume with crisp and clear sound then aftermarket amp is the best way to go. For speakers, I suggest Infinity Perfect components. I have also heard polk momo, focal, alpine type R. All of these are good choices.

Yes he does speak the truth MechEngr, but then you go and request mainstream speakers, which you pay more for the name then the actual performance.

First off NYCdude5000, we should know how much you are willing to spend on this upgrade, and then we can give you many combinations of speakers and amps that would be appropriate considering your budget.

FWIW, just yesterday el duderino did a very clean job of installing DLS speakers, amp, sub and bluetooth phone kit in my e36 (I'll post full details and review later).

I followed his reccomendations and am VERY PLEASED I did. He and his staff
are very knowledgable and professional.

I reccomend without reservations!

Thanks for the props!

greghaz is a very nice guy and has a sweet E36 M3, too :)

MechEngr, since you like to drop the tech terms, you might want to consider speakers with a lower mechnical resonant frequency on the tweeter and a more robust LF capability, and a lower xover point.

Since any piston has worse and worse off axis response the higher it plays (due to the physics laws governing off axis response based on the piston diameter and the wavelength involved), midwoofer/tweeter component speaker systems with lower crossover points yield better in-car response in the crucial midrange area than speakers with higher crossover points. I have found that differences in the 1/2 octave to 1 octave range yield significant results.

Speakers sold into mass market stores - like the ones you mention - are usually NOT designed for off-axis response. The display boards at chain stores position speakers on-axis, and often place the "better" speakers at ear level.

If a speaker is designed for good in-car response, it often sounds like ass in such a demo room, and then it doesn't sell, PO's are cancelled, the Chinese OEM gets stuck with lots of parts they can't use, etc., It's a commercial disaster.

This is one reason I end up using Euro speakers so often - they don't have big chain stores over there pushing the speaker makers towards demo-room performance.

BTW, this is not a paranoid fantasy - this is really how things work on the commercial side.

dangit, I get to the threads too late.

I did :rofl regarding "polk momo, focal and alpine type R" and that infinity perfect comment must have been a joke.

I wish Klipsch made car speakers.

I agree with el.duderino. "The Best" ...well ...I can name several names that you have probably never heard of that would be better than most 'mainstream' gear. Rainbow is clearly superior to RF. RF is pretty much a 'joke' ...Alpine is not known for great speakers. Alpine makes better amps and HU's than their speakers ....but Alpine is still 'mid-fi'. Mainstream gear ...I am a fan of FOCAL, Dynaudio and Morel speakers ...Nakamichi and McIntosh HU's ...McIntosh and Butler amps. Image Dymanic subs are a GREAT value.

When you say "BEST" ....realize that easily mean more than you gave for your car.

>^..^<

dangit, I get to the threads too late.

I did :rofl regarding "polk momo, focal and alpine type R" and that infinity perfect comment must have been a joke.
I didn't realize this was a pissing contest

they frequently are.

And this question is tired, and old.

the question of budget needs always come in to play, because a lot of us waste a lot of time professing things that the OP never intended to afford.


SO, op, what's your brand budget?

kraco and roadmaster. have this one sewed up. by far the "best"

I would be willing to spend about 700 for 10 speakers and an amp if I need one? I want to keep my stock head unit. What kind of speakers can I get for those?

I need four 6.25" midbass, four 2.5" midrange, two 1" tweeters. (I think that is what my car needs - e46 coupe)

Focals are the way ! Bit expensive tho

I want something that will fit my car perfectly without having to modify anything major. Can you guys please link me to specific speakers on the manufacturers websites? Thanks.

I want something that will fit my car perfectly without having to modify anything major. Can you guys please link me to specific speakers on the manufacturers websites? Thanks.

I weep for the future.

Are you installing it or having it done? This also affects your budget.

I personally would get fronts only - spend more on better ones - and ace the rears because rear speakers are a Communist plot against our North American way of life.

I would research why only ONE company makes 2.5 midranges that drop in, and those are OEM replacements that are not recommended for use with an aftermarket amp.

No sub, eh?

Again ...I agree with Mr. duderino ...forget the rear speakers ...you wouldn't go to a concert and sit with your back to the stage ...would you? $700 should get you a pretty nice (but not "the best) set of front speakers.

>^..^<