Cadence Neo Components: Really that good?

[chadillac3]

I'm sure Sandt is going to reply, and his reply is welcome. I've read about these a decent amount, and I have done a few searches, but didn't come up with enough.

I just sold my Zapco C2k's and IDMAX. I am currently using a set of a/d/s 335IM's, which have a fantastic sound. My major complaints with the set is the fact that they are a 5.25 so midbass is limited, and my soundstage sucks. I can deal with a right/left bias, but I need a higher soundstage. Kicks are NOT an option. So, basically, the only thing I have left that I'm keeping for sure is the HU, a JVC KD-SH707, which I love. I'm used to pretty high end stuff, and want that type of sound.

However, I don't think the equipment I had was necessary to get the results I want. I'm getting a pair of Lunar amps, a 60x2 and 100x2, and an Elemental Designs e15k-d2 for my car.

Specs on the amps:

Lunar 60x2
60 x 2 at 4 ohms, 240 x 1 at 4 ohms mono

100x2 at 4 ohms, 400x1 at 4 ohms mono

These amps are decently underrated. Safe to say by 25-30%.

So, for S&G let's say real output is 80 x 2 and 125 x 2, and 300 x 1 and 500 x 1.

The Cadence components are attractive to me for a couple reasons. First, they are very shallow. The doors on my 2001 Grand Am SUCK. I need a 6.5" under ~2.4 inches to know they will fit. Second, they look pretty damn nice and people seem to like them. Third, Cadence, like Lunar and ED, is not the most well-known of companies.

So, I think most people are going to say the Cadence are great, but will the 60 x 2 be sufficient for them. I could get ahold of another 60x2, and put 240 per side (but be VERY careful with gains). What do y'all think? It's possible I could use the 100x2 for the comps and 60x2 for the sub, since I don't need a ton of output but will have a 15, but I want to consider different options.

Thanks,
Chad

[sandt38]

If sound quality is your goal, you may want to consider another set. The ADS are a real nice set, I'd put the SQ as nicer than the NEOs IMHO. The NEOs really throw out some output though, I feel better designed for SPL fills than a pure SQ system. Nice midbass, but a bit agressive in the higher frequency range. They also are VERY unhappy with lower power levels, and 60-100WRMS is not enough. If you do want some nice SQ cadence equipment, I suggest the US series. I have mine in a doorpod. They are designed for doorpod locations, and with them, sealed kicks are not good. BlkX has been in my car and was amazed at the hieght of my soundstage. The tweeters are a wide dispersion and really fill up by my windshield. Another nice reasonably priced component set will be Crystals. Courtney (flawlesskid) has a set and I really like these. One of my favorite sets would be the JLXR sets. I really like this set, and I turned Courtney on to them when we auditioned a 13W7. Ask Courtney and BlkX about the US sets for an "unbiased" opinion (apparently my feelings are biased according to some so I'll lead you to someone else). Also, I am working on getting me a set of Audio Development components. The sets range in price from $1900 to about $400 and are supposed to be the ****. If you want some info ask away, I'll link you and tell you what I know. I like to do a ton of research before I invest in something, so you can rest assured I have a fair bit of info and some nice reviews of them as well.

[The_Ancient]

the a/d/s 6.5's are not too much over, a 1/4 spacer will allor for the fir and it should still work uder your door panels


I have a/d/s BTW

also have MB-Q if you know any of them you might like

[chadillac3]

Sandt, that was a great review. I really do appreciate it. My main issue with speakers is the depth...it's not that easy for me to fit 5 1/4's in...

I will look at the Cadence US sets.

Thanks

Michael, IM me.

[sandt38]

Chad,
The ADs are lower profile than the Cadence sets too, so you may want to investigate them as well.