Preferred mid-priced speaker brand?

I was looking at this video on auto tune with DSP.

https://youtu.be/PLLkfWxhM6s

 

A few thoughts.

the dsp in the head unit is decent. BUT it doesn’t work for crap if using passives. The idea of time alignment is that each speaker is time aligned and this requires an active set up. A tweet high up with a low mounted door speaker isn’t going to work properly. You can’t time align a passive set of speakers separated like they are in a tundra. And then there is level matching which again can’t be done with passives. Each speaker has to be level matched independently of other speakers. and the. There is global eq vs eq for each speaker. The global can only do so much as it’s 13 or so bands but a separate dsp usually has 31 bands or a series of parametric bands for each speaker. Again this can’t be done with passive component speakers.

The ms8 is still regarded as a fantastic dsp with the ability to tune using an actual center channel. It was one of the last ones available like that. It takes some learning and practice to use it just like anything.

You can take those same hertz speakers and use an active set up and ditch the passives and make them sound/perform completely different than using the passive crossovers. I had a cheap set of db drive euphoria es7 components. I paid $59 dealer cost for them. With the passive crossovers they sounded like crap. I used a simple Dayton 4080 dsp and didn’t tell anyone and they thought I had a super highend expensive set of speakers in the front stage. Folks couldn’t believe it when I told them what was in the vehicle. Again each speaker was eq’d and level matched.

not sure what everyone is talking about with expensive gear needed. All you need is a laptop, rew(free program) and a decent mic. I paid $75 for mine few years ago and still have it and use it at times.

I know this will sound harsh but just because a person couldn’t figure out how to use something doesn’t mean others can’t. Don’t bash dsps because of this.

yes there is a lot of opinions and thoughts but these are all simply options you can use. You don’t have to spend a ton to get good sound.

as for auto tune. Rew integrates easily with most name brand dsp out there. You run pink noise and let rew show you what’s going on, click a button and it will eq to any house curve you want. After a bit of playing I could tune my vehicle or change the entire tune in about 30 minutes or less. And I’m not the sharpest knife in the drawer but I just took my time and learned something new.

but james at tech 12volts has a package with the infinity amp that has a dsp in it and he sets it up before he sends it to you. It’s literally plug and play.

it can be a rabbit hole if you let it but it’s not necessary.

key to all of this is to enjoy learning something new and then expand if it doesn’t meet your needs.

but one thing to consider is, get the speakers you ordered and install them. You can always takeniutbthenpassive crossover and run them active. Your not making a huge mistake by buy them.

there are so many videos and resources out there to help you along.

Audio gear is so cheap now compared to the late 80s and 90s.

don’t get analysis paralysis. If you don’t like the gear you buy you can sell it especially if it’s a name brand people know.

but I can tell you that there is a huge difference between a properly tuned and set up system and one that’s not. And once you actually hear a properly set up system you will know what I’m talking about.

the first audio competition I went to in the late 80s ruined me. I never got over the front stage that was across the dash with a strong center stage and it sounded like it was out beyond the windshield. It was just like being at a concert. Now that I’m older and have a bit more money I am able to get that in my own vehicle. But I drive a lot and love listening to music.

enjoy the hobby.

 

I have a 2012 tundra non-jbl system. Later installed kenwood ddx 376bt, focal plug and play components and coaxial with Audison sr 4.300. Six months later gutted it and went with Audison prima 3 way up front, Audison coaxial in back, jl audio powered sub all going to Audison af m12.14 bit. Once you get that bug it’s hard to stop.

 

JBL,Infinity, Memphis

 

I have Memphis M Series all the way around, and I'm very happy.