Component setup

I am wanting to upgrade my Memphis components and really like the CDT’s with upstage system. Would probably go with the 07 braxials but the things are just plain ugly! What I am thinking is using the CDT crossovers with upstage and tweeters with Braxial type tweeter brackets and using a different midrange driver like Morel, Focal, or something like that. I have about 1.5 liters of resonated baffles behind my drivers now. That is as big as I can fit. Looking at the Morels it seems like they need about twice that. I am wanting speakers that pound and transition well with metal music and gangsta rap, but image GREAT with vocals or R&B. Any suggestions or input?

I've had very good experiences with Focal and Nakamichi. These companies pretty much make everything great.

I also like the new Inifinity Kappa series speakers I just got, but there are so many other brands that are capable of "great" sound that it would be pointless to sit here and list them all.

The best suggestion I could give is for you to listen to some different brands and choose which one you like the most.

Bad idea switching out a driver because of its looks.  A component set is engineered to perform as a whole.

I suggest you use the components as built, and I also think it would be a good idea if you tried the components out without the upstage to see how your front soundstage sounds after tweaking.  If you are using rears, a slight amount of output from those will bring your front soundstage up.  I use rear coaxials in my car for that purpose, and have considered trying the upstage add-on but I don't feel that the soundstage could be much improved.  The mounting plane and angle of the component tweeters will play a major role in how well the soundstage appears, even when they are low on the doors near the door speaker locations.  I have mine just a few inches from the mid driver, on the same plane or very close to it, and pointing just slightly toward the front and upward.

After a thorough setup and evaluation, if you feel you need the sound coming from a bit of a higher level and more in front of you, buy the upstage add-on.

I agree with your point about waiting until I get my imaging optomized before messing with upstage. Good idea.

Sorry you don't agree with components based on looks. I use an Eclipse HU even though it aint pretty but the sound IMHO cant be beat for the money. I just couldnt stand the nasty orange speaks in my truck though. Gotta draw the line somewhere. If the 07's were the best hands down then well... your right, I wouldnt judge by looks.

"Bad idea switching out a driver because of its looks.  A component set is engineered to perform as a whole."

But about component sets being ment to work together as a whole.. not sure I totally agree.  Take CDT for example. You can get the same crossover for several different systems from HD to EU to the 07's and then choose silk, aluminm, or ti tweets. Is that REALLY different than using components from another company? In fact, one of the beter setups I have tried was Infinity Kappas with Memphis aluminm tweets.

Anyway, here in Kansas I am very limited on being able to listen before I buy. I have to just read what your opinions are, buy for myself and sell em if I don't agree. Top of the line here is Diamond, Memphis, Infinity and Eclipse so I have not heard much HIgher -Hi end.

Thanks a ton for your input