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      09-06-2009, 10:05 PM   #1
mangotangoe
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Upgrade from PDX-5 and SWS8

I installed an audiocontrol matrix, pdx-5 and a set of 4ohm sws8 subwoofers last month. While I feel that this was a marked improvement from stock, the upgrade bug has taken hold and I want more.
Been thinking of getting an audiocontrol DQXS (vs. the DQL8 as I want the 8 channels of output), set of Focal 100 KRS for the front and a Arc Audio KS125.4 mini.
I would use the Arc for the front/rear speakers. Bridge the 1-2, 3-4 on the PDX for the underseat woofers, and the remaining sub out would run a trunk mounted sub.
A reasonable set up? Or should I sell the PDX and get a 6 channel amp like the Arc KS900.6 and a dedicated mono amp for the trunk sub? Are the logic 7 front speakers much better that my HIFI set up? Any comments appreciated...
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      09-12-2009, 05:46 PM   #2
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Have an AC DQXS on order. Now trying to decide whether a set of Morel Dotech Ovation 4" components would be a "better" option that the Focals. No local dealers sell either, so I can't listen to them. From what I've read the Focals are definitely brighter than the Morels.
Any comments appreciated...
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      09-12-2009, 06:45 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mangotangoe View Post
Have an AC DQXS on order. Now trying to decide whether a set of Morel Dotech Ovation 4" components would be a "better" option that the Focals. No local dealers sell either, so I can't listen to them. From what I've read the Focals are definitely brighter than the Morels.
Any comments appreciated...
I have the Morel 4" Hybrid Ovation in my M3, and they sound great for their size. I don't know how they compare with the Focal 100KP, however in the 1- and 3-Series in particular the 4" mid should have some mid bass, at least go down to 80-100Hz IMO, to complement the underseat woofers.

The Focals lower frequency response is only 120Hz, the Morel is 60Hz and that's a big difference especially if you are getting a processor to tune your system. That lower response will allow you to tune the mid bass response more aggressively with the Morels depending of the soundstage that you are looking for.
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      09-12-2009, 07:03 PM   #4
mangotangoe
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OK. focals are out. Definitely need more midbass from the 4". A pretty big price difference between the Hybrid and Dotech lines. Tweeters and crossovers are much different. Do they reproduce a much better soudstage? Probably a silly question, but is the Hybrid that much better. Thanks...

Last edited by mangotangoe; 09-12-2009 at 07:19 PM..
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      09-12-2009, 07:28 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mangotangoe View Post
A pretty big price difference between the Hybrid and Dotech lines. Tweeters and crossovers are much different. Probably a silly question, but is the Hybrid that much better. Based on your input the Focals are out.
Yes, almost a 75% difference in price... I got my set used but almost in new condition, so it was just luck that I have them. I can't pay that much for just a 4" component set, no matter how great they are supposed to sound.

I don't have any experience with the Dotech line, but the main difference is its crossover point at 3200Hz vs the Hybrid 1800Hz, so it will be a matter of where you want that mid/hi transition in your car for a 75% increase in price. That's the bottom line...

Check the Rainbow SLC 210.25 NG as well, good specs for less than $300 a set.
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      09-12-2009, 07:51 PM   #6
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Not sure I can part with $700 for a 4" set. Been looking for a used amp and speakers for a while now but yet to find anything. I will take a look at the Rainbow's. I know that I much prefer their price...
Thanks for your help.
PS. I see you in all the places I have been looking...
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      09-15-2009, 10:20 PM   #7
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Have narrowed it down to two component sets. Either Rainbow SLC210.25 or Morel Dotech Ovation. Both have very similar specs and mounting depth.
How much room is available for the passive crossovers, within the doors? From pictures, the Rainbow crossovers seem a little smaller? Any input?
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      09-21-2009, 07:20 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mangotangoe View Post
OK. focals are out. Definitely need more midbass from the 4"....
But you have SWS under the seats that you are planning to use as midbass I presume given that you also plan to have a sub in the trunk? So your 4" should not need to run low, but only for mid range?
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      09-23-2009, 11:36 PM   #9
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i am going with MB Quart ref up front powered with precision power amp to power those. Undecided with trunk sub vs. the 8" shallows underseat...they seam kinda weak but i have never heard them. Was also trying to figure out to keep HU stock with a LC6i or similar or going for a new HU??
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      09-23-2009, 11:44 PM   #10
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Have my DQXS installed. Will be putting my one month old Audiocontrol Matrix up for sale. Exactly what you need if you keep your stock HU.
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      09-27-2009, 12:56 PM   #11
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are you changing out your stock HU? I keep debating this...not sure what i will eventually end up doing. Having hesitation that the shallow 8" subs will sound all that good...any advice
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      09-27-2009, 02:13 PM   #12
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I have iDrive so I never even considered changing the HU. I have installed the dqxs, the sws-8, a PDX5 and just recently a PDX4-100 (from another one of my cars). I am pretty happy with the current setup. I will be changing the front speakers as soon as I can find a deal somewhere. Maybe a sub in the trunk down the road...
Been fooling around with the DQXS recently with the help of TrueRTA. The DQXS allows some "tuning" ability. Assuming you know what you are doing. I am still learning...
Like others have recommended, I would first add an amp and the SWS8 and then see how you like it. If you need hard hitting low bass, the SWS will not be enough...
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      09-28-2009, 09:02 PM   #13
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Have been fooling around with a software RTA for the past day or so...
Here are a few screenshots of my before and after, for my setup.
I currently have my fronts/sws-8 crossed over at 180hz, the rear speakers are set to almost no output.
It sounds pretty good, although the staging seams a bit shallow.... Dont think I notice a difference with the sws8 running in stereo. Being that the sws-8 are 4 Ohm they give a little less oopth now. Well here they are... Any comments appreciated....

final output

std. output no equalization

std. front speakers

std. sws-8
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      11-17-2009, 06:44 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mangotangoe View Post
Have been fooling around with a software RTA for the past day or so...
Here are a few screenshots of my before and after, for my setup.
I currently have my fronts/sws-8 crossed over at 180hz, the rear speakers are set to almost no output.
It sounds pretty good, although the staging seams a bit shallow.... Dont think I notice a difference with the sws8 running in stereo. Being that the sws-8 are 4 Ohm they give a little less oopth now. Well here they are... Any comments appreciated....

final output

std. output no equalization

std. front speakers

std. sws-8

Did you make a speaker choice? Installed? Opinions?

Thks
Ken
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      11-19-2009, 07:21 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mangotangoe View Post
Have narrowed it down to two component sets. Either Rainbow SLC210.25 or Morel Dotech Ovation. Both have very similar specs and mounting depth.
How much room is available for the passive crossovers, within the doors? From pictures, the Rainbow crossovers seem a little smaller? Any input?
which speakers did u choose?

Thks!
Ken
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