[anadkarni]

In my quest to find a suitable pair of rear and front speakers which I wish to install in my Alto LXi, I visited a few dealers and also checked some of the manufacturer's websites.

Well, finding a suitable pair of speakers for the front isn't really bothering me much. It's the rear pair that I'm seeking some info on.

Blaupunkt seems to be offering 2 models of 3-way Triaxial 6" X 9" speakers, which would typically be installed in the rear.

a.TX 369.1 (has been around for a while http://www.blaupunkt.co.in/7606139004_main.asp) - The TX 369.1 loud speaker with triaxial 3-way system. 6" by 9" diameter, 150 watts max power, 50 watts RMS power, 92 dB and a frequency range of 30 to 25 000 Hz. The membrane is high quality PP-titanium. Installation depth: 76 mm. (Functions - 3-way Triaxial system,
Diameter 6"x 9",High power handling capacity of 150 watts,High sound pressure level of 92 dB (2.83 V/m),High-quality Blaupunkt PP injection membrane with titanium coating) MRP Rs. 3900/-

b. GTx 693 (apparently a new model http://www.blaupunkt.co.in/7606427001_main.asp) - High performance three-way, 6" x 9", triaxial loudspeaker with 150W Max Power and 50W RMS. Open grill design with a dark blue, injected polypropylene cone. MRP Rs. 3250/-

The Blaupunkt website for some other countries (eg.Australia) don't even enlist the TX 369.1. I guess that could be due to the reason that they aren't sold anymore. But then, why would an older model of speakers cost more?

Can someone please provide some insight on what the key points of difference in each of these models is? I hope that provides some pointers on the price difference too.

[navin]

The TX369.1 is not readily available. If you want something better than the Gtx try the ODx 693 or THx 693.

[Vivekphadnis]

The GTx 693 seems to be cheaper since it does not have the titanium or whatever. I would say listen to it once, listen to the JBL/Alpine etc etc and decide.

Navin, how much do the ODx 693 and THx 693 cost?

[5u3zEr0]

The best way to compare would be listening to them both and other brands. There are so many 6 x 9 from different brands avaialble in the market if you are not Balupunkt specific.

[anadkarni]

Thanks for a quick reply folks. Then again, all I can figure from your replies is that the TX 369.1 costs more due to whatever quantity of Titanium goes into it.

Never mind that, my main concern is getting a decent pair of 6"X9" speakers for the rear. Blaupunkt was a preferred option so far because most of the people in my family have had Blaupunkt speakers installed in their cars, and were all very satisfied with the quality. I am open to looking at JBL as an option as well. I have so far come across only two 6"X9" Three-way models of JBL speakers listed on the JBL website, viz. the GTO936 and P953. I read some of the threads posted earlier and it seems like these are higher end ones that one would perhaps use with an amp.

In fact the dealer I visited also suggested a model of JBL that was Three-way (and 210W) for which he was quoting Rs. 3500/-(I don't know if they were 6"X9"). Since I don't know jack about JBL, I could only figure that it would have a performance inferior to Blaupunkts TX 369.1 (priced at Rs. 3900/-). But I am certainly going to take my JVC HU (if that is what it is called) to the dealer and hear the output on both the brands.

Can someone try and figure what model of JBL Three-way would cost Rs. 3500/-. I don't see any of the models saying anything about 210W.

Finally, as I mentioned earlier, I already have a JVC KD-G413 HU. What I am looking for now is
a. A good pair of 2-way front speakers (max 4" because thats what the Alto dash will accomodate at the most);
b. A good pair of Three-way speakers (preferably 6"X9") for the rear. I haven't decided on how to mount the rear speakers yet, though some people including the dealer were suggesting boxes (there goes whatever storage space the Alto's boot ever had).

This is going to be a one time investment for me, so I might as well get the best value for whatever money I am putting in. The budget for the speaker and installation deal currently seems to be a max of Rs. 6k/-.

P.S. - If anyone wants to help me increase that budget, could someone help get me a customer for my bike. Purchase enquiries welcome on 09886205250 :-)

Thanks in advance.

[navin]

JBL has a cheper series than their GTO series it is called CS.

Both JBL and Blaupunkt have 2 series JBL has CS and GTO, Blaupunkt has GTx and ODx. I am not sure if their other speakers are availabe in India (P series for JBL and THx for Blaupunkt).

Both JBL and Blaupunkt have 4" and 6x9 in each of these series. Since you are on a budgt listen to both the JBL CS and Blaupunkt GTx series 4" and 6x9" and then decide.

[Vivekphadnis]

I use the JBL 936 (6x9) for the rear and 426 (4 inch coax) in the front in my Alto. I can tell you that I am thrilled with the sound. I have a pioneer 6100 amp and a pioneer 5750 HU.

But the speakers I have cost Rs 4750 and 2500 but they are worth the money.

[anadkarni]

Vivek, a quick question for you. What happens if the frequency response range of the speakers does not cover the entire frequency response range of the HU?

eg. The frequency response range of the my HU is 40 Hz to 20K Hz (at no more than 0.8% total harmonic distortion). The frequency response range of the Blaupunkt TX 369.1 is 30 Hz to 25K Hz, whereas that of the JBL 936 is 50 Hz to 21K Hz. Does that mean that some of the frequencies produced by the HU won't be audible at all? It's a similar story with the front speakers as well. The 426 has a frequency response range of 90 Hz to 21K Hz.

Can someone please throw some light on what one stands to lose from the frequency reponse range mismatch? Does an amp help overcome this?

Thanks in advance.

[Vivekphadnis]

The human ear can hear frequencies upto 20KHz, says the theory. But less in practice.

Now, having a wider bandwidth means that the audible range will be covered better.

The tiny 4 inch speakers cannot possibly produce a 20Hz sound at 90dB. There is a limitation each speaker has. 4 inchers are not meant to produce 20Hz tones.

An amp can only amplify a signal. It will not help you cover up for 'mismatches'.

For example, you would buy 4 inchers for the front and say 6 inch (or 6x9) coaxials for the rear. So the mid and upper frequencies are covered. If you want the low frequency thump you add a subwoofer. The important thing is to blend the speakers in well so that the system sounds good.

Hope this clears things up a little.

[anadkarni]

Can someone suggest a good dealer who stocks Blaupunkt/JBL speakers in the Jayanagar area of Bangalore?

I read about a dealer called TMC Electronics on one of the previous threads. They seem to be located very close to my office(the IBM building on Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore).

Has anyone visited this dealer before? They seem to have a very informative website, but I wonder how reasonable the price they charge for the merchandise they sell and services they offer is(apart from the prices already listed on the website).

Would like to go and check the output of my HU on both Blaupunkt and JBL speakers before I can decide on purchase and installation. The other dealer I visited was Sachin's Autoshop in Koramangala(close to the Forum). It's funny I haven't heard of any good dealers in Indiranagar.

Suggestions if any, will be appreciated.

[jkdas]

Originally Posted by Vivekphadnis

The human ear can hear frequencies upto 20KHz, says the theory. But less in practice.

Now, having a wider bandwidth means that the audible range will be covered better.

The tiny 4 inch speakers cannot possibly produce a 20Hz sound at 90dB. There is a limitation each speaker has. 4 inchers are not meant to produce 20Hz tones.

An amp can only amplify a signal. It will not help you cover up for 'mismatches'.

For example, you would buy 4 inchers for the front and say 6 inch (or 6x9) coaxials for the rear. So the mid and upper frequencies are covered. If you want the low frequency thump you add a subwoofer. The important thing is to blend the speakers in well so that the system sounds good.

Hope this clears things up a little.

stop reminding me :((

and I thought 6x9 would cover the lower freq

[navin]

JK. Et Tu?

6x9 are designed to work in trunks of cars. this means a high Cms. This also leads to a highish Fs. Although a 6x9 has the Sd of a 8" most cannot produce as good bass as a competent 8" woofer leave alone 10, 12 or 15" woofers. The best 6x9 bass i have heard are the Boston Fx something.

[gunbir]

Anadkarni

Out of the Blaupunkt range, here is how I rate the 6x9s
- TX 369.1 is an old model, but has very nice bass and soft sound.
- GTx 693 is crap. from the current range, looks, sounds terrible
- ODx something. Best of the Blau' lot. Nice mature sound. Discontinued but grab them if you can find em.




contact Venu at TMC, he will help you out.

[Vivekphadnis]

Originally Posted by navin

JK. Et Tu?

6x9 are designed to work in trunks of cars. this means a high Cms. This also leads to a highish Fs. Although a 6x9 has the Sd of a 8" most cannot produce as good bass as a competent 8" woofer leave alone 10, 12 or 15" woofers. The best 6x9 bass i have heard are the Boston Fx something.

Navin, thank you.

Come on JK. some of the newer guys need to be educated about this.

[navin]

gunbir have you compared the ODx to the THx 693? BTW I too did not care much for the GTX range but many prefer it so I have leant that my opinion really does not hold good for others. In fact I find most speakers too forward and have to tinker with the XO to get them to sound the way i like.

A friend of mine prefered JBL's CS range to Blaupunkts GTx. I just let him hear both and decide.

Everyone has different ears and tastes so listen for yourself.