Folks, just how much difference is there between these two? I'm looking at replacing the speakers in my 04 S-Crew and was looking at these (both of them). The reference models are less expensive, but how's the sound? I'm not going for an absolute super-premium setup. I'm trying to keep the cost reasonable but get a nice upgrade from stock that sounds good and will hold up well. My plan is to get a decent 4 channel amp that'll run about 50 watts RMS.

The 5x7 reference models have the same adjustable tweeter and everything that the Kappa models have they're just a lower power speaker.

Anyway, all input and suggestions are appreciated.

 

The references would work nice with 50 watts each. The Kappas IMO have a better sounding tweeter. For what you are going for, get the references. Great speaker for the price and they make a good upgrade from factory.

 

With a HU as the amplification, the difference won't be astounding between the two. If you upgrade later to quality amplification then the superiority of the Kappas would be beneficial. They really start to sing with a nice amp. And, I agree, the Kappa tweeter is better.

 

Thanks for the info gentlemen. I've got a decent (but older) Clarion head unit + changer + DSP/EQ that is going into the new 04 S-Crew as soon as I get all of the components put together. The door speakers are going to be running off of a dedicated amp and not the deck so that I can take advantage of the DSP/EQ unit that I've had in the closet for... well... too damned long. So I should be able to drive them like they're designed to be.

Right now the setup looks like it's going to be something like this -
Front doors - Infinity 6800CS
Rear doors - Infinity 6802CF (reference)
Amp? - Who the hell knows. Whatever I can get a good deal on. Right now I've got my eye on several, from Clarion to Kicker to Audiobahn. Whatever I can get for the best price and still get a decent output level.

The subs will have to wait until I can scrape together more cash for the box, but I already have them. 2 Solobaric 10's & a Punch 200 amp.

 

Should sound good once you get everything in.

 

thenry, my Infinity 6800cs components were delivered today. I'm having them installed this afternoon. I'm still debating on getting the 6802cf's for the back (SCab), or just keeping the OEM rear speakers. (Any opinions appreciated). I've got the Kenwood DDX7015 head unit.

 

Once you get your Infinites installed you will be able to answer your own question. Your OEM speakers will not be able to keep up. Will you run them off the head unit and how much power?

 

The Kenwood Head unit is 50w X 4 Max (according to Kenwood anyway). They'll all be running off the head unit, no amp. Circuit City has the 6802's in stock and on sale for $75.00. May just go ahead and get them today.

 

I'm VERY interested in knowing how the setup comes out, especially with the 6800's in the front. Let me know how it all comes together. I'm going to have all of this stuff installed within the month. It's just a matter of scraping up the cash. The amp is going to be the worst part dollar-wise, and I'm not going to have the install done without it.

 

Both sets of speakers are being installed at this very moment. soon as I pick the truck up and get to try them out, I'll post how they sound.

 

Well, got my truck back with my new speakers installed. Infinity 6800cs Components and 6802cf 2-ways in back. Wow, it gets loud now! Sound is very crisp and clean. I need to play with the settings a little to tweak everything, (the DDX7015 has way too many settings to adjust in a couple of minutes) but it sounds great already. I'm pretty pleased.

 

I run the 6800cs in front and back (2003 Screw) and I really like the way they sound.
The more you use them the better they will sound. I found that after a few days of louder use, they were happier getting near max power and sounded smoother too. I think that like most things, they just need to break in.
Enjoy,
Lonster

 

I just put in the Kappa components in front and the Kappa 5X7's in the rear. Running both off of a Audiobauhn 4ch amp. Right know only using the front speakers I need to finish running wires for rear speakers.

I have not listened to the reference speakers but I am very pleased with the Kappa's so far. Need to do some fine tuning. I am running an Alpine 9827 HU.

 

I'm still tossing around what to get. I'm really on a budget right now, and I'm wondering just how much of a difference there will be between the Kappa's and the Refence models when it's all said and done. A local retailer is doing a "Buy one get next one 1/2 off" on the Reference models right now, which means I'll be able to get the Reference speakers for about $75 a pair, which is pretty decent. Not spectacular but decent. I found a Kicker KX800.4 at real good price but it wont fit under the the front seats and I don't want to put it under the rear since I'm planning on putting a sub box back there. Soooo.... that leaves me looking for a smaller sized amp, at a decent price, with a decent output level. The search goes on.

 

Everything hinges on your needs and your budget, of course, but if a decent amp is in your future, I would definitely recommend the Kappas over the Reference. In the total world of speakers, the Reference is a very average series when you get down to the nitty-gritty. There is a reason for there being the two separate series. One is superior to the other in the correct application.