SQ difference at low levels?

[tsombrero]

In looking at different 6.5" comps, I've noticed the power handling is anywhere from 50-150+ watts RMS. At normal volumes (i.e., not rattling anyone's fillings out) will the higher-powered speakers generally offer better sound quality (within the same brand at least)? It almost seems wasteful to get a 150-watt speakers if you're just looking for great sound at "comfortable" levels.

[PaulD]

SQ is more about short peaks, not really overall loudness.

better sounding speakers are typically of only average efficiency, so you need a nice size amp to drive them on the peaks without clipping

[PlayStation3]

i was going to say jl doesn't have any speakers that have an rms in the hundreds

[tsombrero]

Ya, I was looking at the Diamonds. Their hex line is 150w/ch and the next step down is around 65 I think. I was just trying to figure out if, all things being equal, the "quality" of the watts are generally better in the 150w/ch set, or if you have to crank the 150w speakers to make them sound good. Unfortunately I can't demo them.

The magnets are bigger and the sensitivity is lower, but who knows what that really means. I guess I'll just have to give it a whirl and see what happens.

[nicks84]

Originally Posted by tsombrero

In looking at different 6.5" comps, I've noticed the power handling is anywhere from 50-150+ watts RMS. At normal volumes (i.e., not rattling anyone's fillings out) will the higher-powered speakers generally offer better sound quality (within the same brand at least)? It almost seems wasteful to get a 150-watt speakers if you're just looking for great sound at "comfortable" levels.

For starters, 150 W speakers means you can push them harder, or will comsume more power if you will. Just because they are 150 W, does not mean you have to feed it to them. And it doesn't mean they will be any louder. As Paul said, its simply efficiency dependant. Threfore, I woudln't declare that as a waste if it's not pushed to full potential. If you can give at least 1/2 the RMS wattage, you should be fine.

With respect to your question, IMO anyways, different brands are just different with that. For instance, some sound better when more power is ran to them. I have a set of Q series, IMO, the louder they are, the better they sound. I also have a pair of Diamond HEX. The sound nice at all volumes, period. My ladie has a set of Inf Kappas, they soudn great at low to mediocre volumes, and well, she really doest crank it like I do, but they dont sound as good at higher volumes. Usually, and not that handling means everything, but most of the better comp sets are just higher power, therefore sound better at or near thier rated power handling. Hope that helps a little

[nicks84]

Originally Posted by tsombrero

Ya, I was looking at the Diamonds. Their hex line is 150w/ch and the next step down is around 65 I think. I was just trying to figure out if, all things being equal, the "quality" of the watts are generally better in the 150w/ch set, or if you have to crank the 150w speakers to make them sound good. Unfortunately I can't demo them.

The magnets are bigger and the sensitivity is lower, but who knows what that really means. I guess I'll just have to give it a whirl and see what happens.

The Hex are a nice set of comps, if you can find the slightly older ones, you will be more satisfies. Either way, you will be happy with the purchase of these

[tsombrero]

Originally Posted by nicks84

The Hex are a nice set of comps, if you can find the slightly older ones, you will be more satisfies. Either way, you will be happy with the purchase of these

Hope so! What amp are you running with your hex's? I've got an Alpine 100w x2 but was considering switching to the MRP-F450 (200w x2) since I'm still in the 30-day-return period for the former one.

[nicks84]

Originally Posted by tsombrero

Hope so! What amp are you running with your hex's? I've got an Alpine 100w x2 but was considering switching to the MRP-F450 (200w x2) since I'm still in the 30-day-return period for the former one.

Memphis 16-st3004 and IMO it is too much power for the Hex's. I also have the p960mp and it has a ridiculous Pre-amp voltage. I have the gain turned, well, not all the way down, but about 10 % up (or less). And I still cant turn the volume all the way up. I may still need to turn it down. But it sounds good none the less, and I woudl have to be crazy to try and turn it up higher than I already listen to it. But the times I've went on the cranking rampage, the Q's handle the stress much better. Bassically, I end up stopping because the HEX can't hadle it.
But dont get wrong, its a good set , thats why I got em. The Q's just handle more power. But with the HEX, I've heard alot of rabble about some of thier newer products. And not to deter you, Its been stated by many that thier quality is compromised as compared to thier older series. But even in doing so, you will be impressed. They sound really clean , crisp, and accurate. They are a lil on the weak side of midbass, but the 6.5's should take care of you. If I were you, I would get the silk tweeter over the aluminum. I belive its the S600A