I am looking for advice on speaker selection, so I can try them out. Specifically, my budget is approx $300 for the front speakers and $200 for the rear. I have an '03 sedan and will be keeping everything else stock.

I prefer clean smooth warm sounds. Most of my music is vocals, some rock/roll and jazz. I heard the polk 6500, but the store did not have anything else to compare. Any suggestions is greatly appreciated.

 

Do you have Bose?

 

I'd look at the Infiniti Kappas. I have/had the MB Quarts *[cough] which are for sale, btw [cough]*, which are the best speakers I've ever had but they are a little on the 'bright' side. The Kappas are great and a little smoother IMO.

 

I heard the Infinity Perfects were even better and the price are pretty resonable now (they have been out a few years). They did start out at like $400 / pair but I think you can get them for way less.

 

I like the Infinity Kappas, good price, good sound, and 2 ohms.

 

Sorry, I forgot. No bose. Just want to swap out the bad for some good.

 

You may consider placing your entire budget into a better set of front speakers and delete the rear speakers. There are many available. I suggest audtioning the speakers in a vehicle to determine what sounds good to you.

Consider the JL Audio ZR and XR series of speakers. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the info. At Wooferetc.com, the JL Audio XR650CSi - JL Audio 6.5" XR Series Component goes for $260, while the ZR is around $650. I am certain that there is an audible difference, but without the proper and cooresponding quality wiring, amp, cd player and woofer, I don't think I would get the true sound benefit from the ZR series.

In comparison to Focal 165A and the Polk Db or MM series, does the JL Audio XR series better suited for vocals and jazz? When I compared the Polk DB6500 with a Kicker in the same price range (all that was available), the Kicker sounded very bright while the Polk sounded more subdue, very different speakers.

 

+1 for Focals. A friend of mine has the Focal 165 Polyglass components up front and they sound really smooth. Great for classic, jazz, and vocals. He has them running off a Phoenix Gold amp. I think they are in your price range too. I also second the recommendation to forego the rear coaxials if you are going to get yourself a nice set of fronts.

 

Are you suggesting that I leave the stock Pioneer speakers in place, but just fade to the new front speakers all the way or should I balance them with the front speakers?