Evolution Sounds Good!
Written: May 25 '04
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Pros: Relatively low-cost, brilliant imaging and base.
Cons: Needs a good amp and competent install.
The Bottom Line: Low cost speakers (with clean power) offer astounding sound reproduction.
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| dkmura's Full Review: MB Quart DISCUS DSE 216 Car Component System |
In a previous review of this German speaker companies product line (http://www.epinions.com/content_111890697860), I found the MB Quart DSC-216 to be a brilliant sonic performer. In considering a stereo upgrade to my truck (a '96 Chevrolet C3500 crewcab dually) I wanted to try something similar to what I did in my Nissan Z car. After a lot of looking, I elected to stay with MB Quart's discus (ie. entry level) line and replace the front 6 1/2" separates. Even better, I found a set of DSE-216s that were actually cheaper than my DSCs!
Now the DSE (actually it's two generations from the original "C" model) offers similar specs to it's predassessor, but I was pleased to see some useful improvements when I opened the box. The DSE-216s offer a vastly improved crossover, more in line with their advanced premium or 'Q' line speakers. The tweeter is more compact, with a smaller plastic housing around that neodymium magnet. This could make installation easier. The main woofer units of the DSEs look very similar to the DSCs, but we would have to witness how they sound. In line with my 'less is more' philosophy, I again used a relatively low-cost, 100 watts per side USX-2100 amplifier to power the 6 1/2" separates.
The result is nothing short of stunning! Perhaps it is the cavernous interior or the professional install, but the stock head unit produces sounds that the factory speakers could only imagine. In particular, the imaging of each instrument is brilliant and the base response excellent. I did provide the installers with some limited dynamat and high-quality cables, connectors and fuses, so perhaps these "details" may have added to the outcome. The downside is that my truck now sounds better than my Z sportscar!
In conclusion, I can now say that for the budget-minded audiophiles out there (is there such an animal?), it is well worth looking for the current DSE Discus line speaker when you're out shopping. While I don't plan on taking my older DSC-216s out of my Z (they seem quite durable), they've clearly been surpassed by MB Quart's evolution!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 105.99
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Epinions.com ID:
dkmura
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Member: David Muramoto
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 33 members
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