Has anyone tried Infinity Reference Components?

[flyin_by]

I'm wondering if anyone has tried installing Infinity Reference 6810cs components in their protege. I have no stock mounting for tweeters, nor have I dug into the door panel yet to check it out.

I ask because I can purchase the same set at far less a price via Ebay, but does not come with any instruction, like Crutchfield Mastersheets will. That, and I know NOTHING of crossovers or how to use the supplied amplifiers. I'm not a car audio guru, I just like clear, crisp music....and my stocks are blown.

If anyone has installed a component set, could you give me a round-a-bout of what to do? I appreciate it! Thanks!

[chuyler1]

The search feature will help you out the most but I'll give a few tips to start...

eBay has more scammers than legit sellers these days. If it looks like a deal, its probably a) damaged used goods, b) B-stock new products, or c) open box specials (aka missing parts).

Don't buy any set of speakers without listening to them first. Go to your local audio shop and audition a few sets to see what your ears like (and your wallet can handle). If you end up purchasing online, make sure it is from an authorized dealer that offers the full manufacturer's warranty. If you don't...you are essentially buying your speakers as-is. If they blow, break, or become damaged in the first year...you are S.O.L.

Now I'm guessing you still have the stock head unit. So you know, it only puts out 5-10w. This is not enough to get any set of aftermarket speakers to produce "clear, crisp music" at moderately loud volumes. Unfortunately, most aftermarket head units still only give you 10-20w RMS which would still be underpowering any set of components. I usually recommend to newbies two setups:

If you are not looking for bass: a 50-75w x 2 amp and a set of components such as the ones you have already picked out.

If you are looking for bass: a 75-100w x 4 amp, a set of components, and a single 8" or 10" subwoofer. The rear channels of the amp can be bridged to power the subwoofer.

In all cases, rear speakers are not required (again, use the search feature).

Most amplifiers have speaker-level inputs to connect directly to your stock head unit. If the one you choose does not have this, you can purchase a LOC (line out converter) for about $20. You will also need an amplifier wiring kit which can run anywhere from $25-50 depending on what you need.

[flyin_by]

Thanks for the ebay info. I think I'll just stick with Crutchfield, for safetys sake. That, and support is good.

In my haste I failed to mention that I have a Pioneer something or other head unit with one set of pre-outs, and power acoustic 6x9's in the back (they push nicely). I've also got an Audiobahn dual voice coil 12" in a bandpass box powered by a Rockford 300m and Monster cables. IMO, it provides a REAL lot of bass. I think I have the sub/amp combo pushing somewhere around 1/4 of its capability.

Since you've got a good bit of knowlege on the subject, I'll ask a few more questions...

You mentioned, "If you are not looking for bass: a 50-75w x 2 amp and a set of components such as the ones you have already picked out."

Now, I'm not headed for bass, as I've already got a sub. However, the References come with a crossover for each speaker. Whats this good for?

Do I still need an amplifier? Will they not push as nicely without it? Also, would I need another set of pre-outs to run another amp?

I've got some basic knowledge, but this component thing is uncharted territory.

Thanks for all the help!

[chuyler1]

Thanks for the ebay info. I think I'll just stick with Crutchfield, for safetys sake. That, and support is good.

In my haste I failed to mention that I have a Pioneer something or other head unit with one set of pre-outs, and power acoustic 6x9's in the back (they push nicely). I've also got an Audiobahn dual voice coil 12" in a bandpass box powered by a Rockford 300m and Monster cables. IMO, it provides a REAL lot of bass. I think I have the sub/amp combo pushing somewhere around 1/4 of its capability.

Since you've got a good bit of knowlege on the subject, I'll ask a few more questions...

You mentioned, "If you are not looking for bass: a 50-75w x 2 amp and a set of components such as the ones you have already picked out."

Now, I'm not headed for bass, as I've already got a sub.
Since you're not pounding out bass I think anything between 50-100w will do fine.

However, the References come with a crossover for each speaker. Whats this good for?
The crossover splits the signal so the tweeter gets high frequencies (usually 3.5KHz and up) and the woofer gets low frequencies (3.5KHz and down). It protects the tweeter from burning out and provides a smooth transition between the two components.


Do I still need an amplifier? Will they not push as nicely without it?Although the aftermarket deck will put out more power than a stock unit, I still think you need an amplifier to keep up the bass you've already added.

Also, would I need another set of pre-outs to run another amp?You don't necessarily need another set. Some amps have pass-through connections and at the very least, you can get RCA Y-splitters. The only downside is that you can't use the controls on the head unit to fade from front (speakers) to rear (subwoofer). If you purchase a new head unit later on, keep this in mind and select one that has more than one set of pre-outs.

[flyin_by]

Awesome, thank you for all of the information and help!!

I'm purchasing an Alpine head unit in a little while, I'll make sure its got two sets of pre-outs.

Onnnnne last question...Also, when I add another amp to those components, wiring is just the same as I did for the sub, right?

Come to think of it I have a 4 channel in the garage, wiring and all.

Thanks again for all the help!

[chuyler1]

Yes, wiring will be the same. Many people like to run a lower gauge power wire to their hatch/trunk and then split it off to the multiple amps. However, you can just run two wires from your battery without any problems. Make sure both wires are fused at least 18" from the battery.

[flyin_by]

Yes, wiring will be the same. Many people like to run a lower gauge power wire to their hatch/trunk and then split it off to the multiple amps. However, you can just run two wires from your battery without any problems. Make sure both wires are fused at least 18" from the battery.


And yet another question arises....

Are the crossovers still necessary when I add another amplifier? Is there any chance of ruining them when using them in conjuction with an amplifier?

[chuyler1]

The short answer: Yes the crossovers are required. They are designed to work with the woofer and tweeter regardless of whether you are running off a head unit or external amplifier.

The long answer: The crossovers are required unless you bi-amp the components (using a separate amplifier channel for the tweeter and woofer). Very few amps have crossovers that extend up to 3KHz and very few people want to spend the extra money for 4-channels instead of 2-channels for their components so it is not a recommended approach for car audio newbies. I don't want to go into details about bi-amping because only hardcore competitors usually go this route.

One thing you need to keep in mind when amplifying speakers with an external amplifier is the highpass crossover point. The passive crossovers that come with the speakers split the signal sending the highs to the tweeter and the lows to the woofer. However, they do not prevent the woofer from receiving sub-bass frequencies (20Hz-90Hz). If you power your speakers with an external amp you should utilize the on-board high pass crossover and set it to 80-100Hz to protect against blowing the woofers. Sometimes you can get by without using the highpass crossover but if you have a subwoofer already playing these frequencies there is no reason not to use it.

[flyin_by]

Alrighty then, I got my whole new setup going. I bought a Clarion ProAudio model, with 2 sets of pre outs. Upon first installing it, EVERYTHING, and I mean EVERYTHING sounded better. Subs, stock speakers, radio, lol. The works The head unit ROCKS. Quality over quantity : )

Unfortunatly, it blew my stock front speakers in about 2 days. Well, duh. Thats why I bought some Reference Components. I got done installing them about 4 hours ago, and DAMN they're freggin amazing! Having an all aftermarket premium system in the car is nothing short of all out fun. So clear and crisp, I really don't know what to do with myself.

Anyway, my question is...
I haven't hooked up a 4 channel amp yet (though I have one), but I don't think I need it at all. However, will is be easy to blow out these speakers with just the headunit powering it, or will it take a lot of noise to make this happen? I know they're not invincible and that every speaker has its limit, but how likely is it that I'll reach the threashold with just the headunit powering them? Thanks!

[chuyler1]

Distortion, not volume, is what kills speakers. Usually they go hand-in-hand but not always.

If you install the amp you will get the benefit of a crossover and less distortion at higher volumes. When you relieve the speakers of playing the sub 80Hz frequencies, you can turn it up louder and enjoy the rest of the spectrum distortion-free without worrying about blowing the speakers.

With the added power from the external amp you will also get more a more precise response from your speakers in the 80-200Hz range. This includes tom drums and bass guitar on the low end and the snare drum and male vocals on the high end. It is a range that you don't realize you are missing until you here it produced correctly.

I know it might seem like alot of work and you are happy with the sound now...but trust me...you will really enjoy the sound of the external amp. It will be like night and day just like when you hooked up the Clarion deck.

[flyin_by]

Well, it DEFINITEY sounds like its going to be worth my time to hook up my 4 channel. When I installed the deck I added the preouts and another signal wire just because I was back there and didn't want to pull it out again.
I'll have to install the amp in the upcoming week. Thanks for the specifics and ranges that the amp will help produce, it really motivates me to get the job done!

Where do you mount it? I want to keep it near the front of the car because thats where the speakers I'm powering are; but at the same time don't want some one kicking it on accident.

[chuyler1]

There is plenty of space under the front seats for most amps. If you are worried about people kicking it, you can always mount it to a thin piece of fiberboard and add a trim piece to protect the exposed side from people's feet.

[flyin_by]

There is plenty of space under the front seats for most amps. If you are worried about people kicking it, you can always mount it to a thin piece of fiberboard and add a trim piece to protect the exposed side from people's feet.

Thanks, I didn't even think to put it there...Pretty pathetic eh? Anyway, thanks so much for all of the help and advice you've given me. Really helped make my last month or two.