MB Quart mistake

[paladin]

I'm in the process of upgrading the sound in my ride and have just learned something..

The MB Quart 218.21 (Made specifically for the Mk3) don't sound as good as the factories.. WTF?

I can perhaps understand the sensitivity issue (MB's being around 86 - dunno what the factories are.. obviously higher, they're louder at same volume).  Even hooking the factoy speaker to the MB crossover you can tell.

Now, I wouldn't care since their rated to go up higher so I have the option for an amp, but the sound quality isn't as good as factory there either.

So my post is this...

1.  Do you think they'll break in? (they might not be Q-series, but they should still be better than stock, no?)

2.  If your looking at MB Quart.. Step up for thier regular (non-specialty) lines (just double check your clearances)

[Blue MK2]

do they need an amp to run?

[S11EPS]

Any new speaker times time to run in, so don't be too concerned.

Not suggesting you've made a mistake, but are they definitely in-phase?

What is the power rating of your new speakers? If its way beyind what your head unit is capable of out-putting, defintely amplify them - you can kill speakers just as easily by underpowering them as you can over-driving them.

[paladin]

I wouldn't think it would need an amp.

They're separates, rated @ 70 watts.  I'm only using the mid driver since they're only in the rear (tweeters would pull the soundstage to the back), powered by the Alpine @ 27 RMS, 60 peak.

My CDT's senitivity are 91 to the MB's 86, so I figured with the radio equaly balanced (or near so), the rear wouldn't detract to much.. (Thinking about it now though if the difference is 86 to 91, is that percieved sound twice as loud? (3dB being double)

[reserves]

I imagine that when MB Quart designed the components they assumed they would be powered from an amp as most components are.

When I was enquiry about replacement speakers I was advised against buying components if I was not running an amp.

If they sound worse than the stock speakers running from an amp then send them back!

[paladin]

I think I'll finish with the install first (gonna take out the kicks to reinforce them.)
Gotta finish the soundproofing too.   By that time the speakers should be broken in (or they'll be broken all right).
At that time I'll think about adding some amps to the eqation.  (..and a new sub ..and image enhancers in the A pillars and..)

[paladin]

A little break in, a little tweeeking (w/ my trusty SPL meter) and...

...sounds pretty damn good...

Sure I suppose amps wouldn't hurt, but it's loud enough inside to sound good on the highway w/ the windows down.  And with the windows up, I'm barely advertising them.

Still getting some plastic vibrations at certain frequencies, but not for long (even if I have to use caulk).

[Dizzie]

you should always try and run decent speakers off the most powerfull amp you can get. then have the gain turned right down and you'll still only be running the amp at low volume. that way you'll get crystal clear sound throughout the volume range and the amp will run cooler and draw less power from the battery. No distortion cos it's not working it's balls off like a headunit would be.

Make sure to use decent power cables. 4 gauge or less. and decent RCA leads to give the best possible sound.

I don't really need to say this, but make sure you run the power leads down 1 side of the car and everything else down the other.