ADS speaker comparison (archive)

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I too felt that it's time for me to consider improving the sound system and I went forth investigating other component speakers. I currently have a subwoofer box w/ 2x12" Rockford Subs & 40x2 RF amp added to my otherwise stock stereo system. The improvement is well worth it but I keep wanting to do more. SO I recently spent some time comparing component speakers.

equipped with my favorite 24k gold CD, I went to three car stereo retailers and listened to the ADS 335i($600), the MB quart Qseries($600), the Focal Components w/ kevlar-poly cone ($800 set), Boston Acoustics($350), JL audio($400) to compared them to the stock BMW components. To be able to compare apples to apples, I listened without any subwoofer added. I didn't think that the JL audio bettered the BMW unit. THe Boston sounded good but seemed a bit strong on the high end for my taste and seemed to be lacking smoothness in the midrange. The MB Q sounded fantastic and the ADS equally as well. I felt that the MBQ had silghtly better off-axis dispersion and was more efficient (louder) than the ADS with more accent on the highs. THe ADS, IMO, seem ever so slightly smoother than the MBQ with the ADS being not so strong in the highs and very smooth in the midrange. Then I listened to the FOCAL - WOW, I could not believe how clean and smooth the sound was. A very good mix of lows, mids, highs - even the imaging was so much wider than the ADS and MBQ. it just blew me away!!! UNfortunately, the Focal is so deep that it will require modifications to the factory look. Having heard all of these, I am leaning towards the ADS speakers & will go with the ADS amp-most likely P640. it is a good compromise that I feel is matched for my car, and will fit into the E39 without any problems. I also see ADS discounted more so than MBQ.

I was given a quote from Custom Sounds, a stereo retailer in Austin & San Antonio, to upgrade my stereo with the A/D/S 335i and P640 Amp. THe service manager told me that they are discontinuing the ADS line due to distributor issues. THere's nothing wrong with ADS - they carried the ADS line for several years - they currently have a conflict with the new distributor. THey offered me the 335i components at $399/set or $700 for two sets. THe P640 amp [6x40w] is the largest ADS amp they have in stock and they discounted it to $459. THis is the best deal I have [so far] found - even better than those on the internet.

When I was attending UT Austin, a friend of mine took his new Stang 5.0 LX to Custom Sounds and had them custom install the ADS components, two 10" ADS SUBS inside a custom box, and two ADS power plates. I saw their worksmanship as well as gotten deaf in that Stang. Custom Sounds IMO is a fine and reputable place for those of you considering doing the upgrade. When discussing my upgrade requirements, tHe service manager came across knowing exactly what to do and how to best accomodate my budget and timeline, and he came across convincing me that they have done a few E39/E34's. Unfortunately, I reside in another state and will not be able to take advantage of the deal. Also, Custom Sound didn't want to sell me the stuff through interstate. So I am passing this along to those of you living in the CEntral Texas area and considering the upgrade.

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