We all like our tunes, especially in our rides.
Unfortunately, those factory speakers in most cars, are lacking. It’s basically
planned obsolescence. So whether the days of your factory speakers are over, or
you just want a serious upgrade, it’s time to replace them. There’s lots of
options for you. You could go basic, high quality, or premium. We previously
covered a high quality upgrade system from Harmon Kardan. This is part two of
our upgrade review, and features Sundown Audio. It’s their SA-6.5CSv3 2-way
components for the front, and SA-6.5CXv2 co-axial for the rear. MSRP is $399 and
$199.
Features and specs:
SA-6.5CXv2:
120 watts RMS
Silk dome tweeter
Hybrid fiber cone
Adjustable crossover - midrange and tweeter
Cast aluminum frame
Magnet ID shorting ring (midrange)
Machined aluminum tweeter housing
High-compliance rubber surround
2.75" DEPTH
SA-6.5CSv3:
6.5" Component Speakers System
125 Watts / Side
Silk Dome Tweeter
Machine Aluminum Tweeter Housing
Case Aluminum Frame
Magnet ID Shorting Ring (Midrange)
Rubber Surround
24dB/Octave Crossover
Adjustable Tweeter Level (-3, 0, +3)
Mounting Depth: 2.87"
Cutout: 5.63"
Both the Sundown Audio SA-6.5CXv2 and SA-6.5CSv3 came in a
nice color printed box with specs printed on the box. Opening the box revealed
a well-protected speaker held in place by custom molded foam. Materials used in
the construction was mostly metal with some plastic, rubber, and hybrid fiber
cone. Quality of materials used as well as fit and finish, was excellent.
Included was woofer with built-in tweeter for the coaxial, separate woofer and
tweeter and passive crossovers, for the component system, as well as wiring and
screws for mounting.
As I mentioned before, most factory speakers are less
desirable. They sound just ok and are usually made with thin paper cones and
thin surround that won’t last long term. Hence the planned obsolescence. Most aftermarket
speakers tend to be cheap, using a lot of plastic and stamped baskets. Some
companies spend a lot of time developing a better-quality speaker with better
sound, yet still cut some corners to save costs, such as using stamped baskets.
With premium speakers you get superior build quality as well as superior sound.
I love the design of the Sundown Audio SA series speakers.
Having been in business for almost 20 years, most of it building premium
subwoofers. They used this experience for premium coaxial and component
speakers, such as using an extended pole piece to allow for more excursion. For
cooling there is a vented voice coil collar and vented magnetic gap. Having 6mm
of linear one-way excursion and the extra venting translates into higher power
handling. The employment of the blend of paper and wool fibers assist in
damping any unwanted resonances, as does the rubber surround. Depending on
where you cross over the midrange, they can handle 60-125+ watts RMS.
Earth, Wind & Fire: September – shaker sounded really
crisp, wood block had really nice woodiness to the tone. Trumpet was really
clean with excellent harmonics. Cymbal was equally really crisp and clean.
Vocals had excellent resolution of the texture of the timbre. Drums were really
dynamic with nice low-end extension.
Disturbed: Sound of Silance – Piano sounded really natural
with very nice harmonics. Vocals were extremely crisp with excellent texture of
the timbre. Strings were equally as crisp with nice resolution of the decay of
the strings.
Nat King Cole: L-O-V-E – cymbals and high-hat were really
crisp and clean, piano sounded very natural with good resolution of the
strings. Strings also were silky smooth with very nice resolution of the bass.
Trumpet was not only equally smooth, but also extremely dynamic with excellent
harmonics. Vocals were smooth like honey with equally excellent resolution of
the timbre. Soundstage was also very deep and wide, with imaging on a dime.
Not only does the Sundown Audio SA-6.5CXv2 and SA6.5CSv3
designed to handle a lot of power, they also sound great doing it. And thanks
to the excellent build quality, they should have you rocking for years. If you
want to take the sound in your ride to a whole new level, the Sundown SA6.5CXv2 and SA6.5CSv3 should be on your short list. Based on their design, features,
quality and performance, they have earned our Editor’s Choice Award. For more
info and complete specs, check out their website at www.sundownaudio.com.
