MDXtrous said:
If we all got the high-end everything because the MDX is a "high-end" truck, we'd all need to include "very broke" in our signatures
Ah, . . . no. I think you missed the point.
Its called a systemic quality match. Most industries and individuals follow these practices. Yes, I guess you could add a number of bumper stickers to a freshly christened Bently, and you can overlay all the interior panels of a salvaged 1973 Toyota Corona in hand-rubbed Cherry Oak and Italian leathers. Some people do, but most people don't intentially inflict a gross disparity to the quality of the linked units that comprise a system. Whether its a fixture for a new house, shoes to compliment an outfit, or options on a computer, most people will naturally arrange or coordinate the pieces to be at the same level of quality and expectation. When something is out of place, it draws negative attention and usually indicates that the decision maker is either ill-informed, or eccentric.
I still think, if you're going to do anything (especially modifying a late model upscale vehicle), do it right, or don't do it at all. Just don't do a lousy job. Its like waxing only the left half of the car, so you can save some wax, or changing the filter but not the oil, buying used car batteries and tires, etc . . . . Everyone has their own priorities, but some things simply don't make sense.
My intention is not to encourage people to upgrade to the best speakers available. I'm concerned that there seems to be a fixation on a very particular brand and model (and consequently engineering design) which promotes it as being the one and only answer to everyone's search to replace the Bose speakers. This is what I do not understand. There are so many other options at varying price levels, but very few discussions about them arise because people assume and take for granted that the frequency of recommendation in and of itself makes for a well-qualified recommendation. There are at least 12 major componenets to the Bose system, and replacement costs for these is more than $1800. It is reasonable to consider the bigger picture. When someone says they are installing a pair of $59 coaxials into an older, economical but poorly maintained vehicle, I say, "cool." When I find that they are installing it a new luxury vehicle with a decidely expensive optional sound system, I can't help but to silently think to myself, "What the heck are you thinking?!" This is not systemic quality matching, it is a sub-standard replacement, quantitatively and qualitatively (quantitative in comparison to the OEM replacement cost of the speaker removed, and qualitatively to the sound quality standard of most other luxury vehicles in aggregate - as no other luxury vehicle line uses anything less than component speakers). Is this what we refer to as an "incremental upgrade?" To move up from a 4 to a 6, when all other suvs in this price category are a 8 or 9? (Sorry guys, please don't get mad at my frankness, excuse the testiness) I call it substandard, cheap, and low quality. If you want to call it an upgrade, it should equal or exceed the base standard, not cut below it by several factors.
MDXtrous: I understand your point, and spending money on speaker upgrades is not for everyone. I'm not interested in being critical towards anyone, and for people who took this route there is no harm done; you're fine, happier than before. I just want to help make sure future candidates understand their options and some factors to consider. If anyone thinks I am misguided, they can seek for themselves the opinions of those more experienced than myself in any of the car audio usenets available. "I have a new $38K vehicle and I paid roughly half of a $2,600 package for an optional Bose system. I want to replace the factory speakers with Infinity 652 coaxials which I found on the net for $59, shipping free. What do you think?" (and remember, many of these guys are on a tight budget too) Shock therapy is healthy, it will certainly stimulate many responses. Hold on tight.
{Often many newer cars have acceptable coaxial speakers in acceptable mounting locations.} This is Blaupunkt talking, not specifically about luxury vehicles, and no examples. Someone needs to produce the name of a $30K+ sedan or suv with coaxials.
<< In fact, I have coaxial speakers in the doors of my 1997 Toyota RAV4: JL Audio XR 650-CX 6 1/2-inchers ($300 per pair).>> Yep, some coaxials are nearly as good as component sets, and also cost as much, but you still can't change the location of the tweeters which the article says is the most important issue. Renov8r: very polite rebuttal, good points about installation labor costs I never considered that as I did all my own work, thnx!
Okay, I concede. Infinity coaxials have their place. Just look around and think through the options first. Talk to a number of shops.
You know? What's the point? Who was it they burned at the stake for refusing to recant that the earth orbits the sun and not the other way around? Actually, its good to be in a place where we can share ideas freely. But, I think people will appreciate if I just give it a rest. Sorry if I disturbed you, or you think I am disturbed. Thanks for listening. I also apologize for all the sore toes I must have stepped on. I know a lot of you have the Infinitys. Thanks for refraining from toasting me (I mean with a flame thrower, not with champaign).
MDXtrous: your video setup is cool? Any fights yet between using the Navi and the DVD? Does the navi voice still work in DVD mode?
PS No, you don't go high-end on everything. Only the things you actually put on your MDX. Otherwise, save money and don't buy it! I'm not broke from the speakers, its all that other stuff I don't use: painted lower trim/flares/, boards, tranny/strg coolers?
Just call me Bruce.
