Great news: good-quality coaxial speakers still exist

Their preference is for a "separate set", or component speakers.

This is mainly because component speakers are easier in terms of design, set-up and installation for in-car audio than coaxial ones. Buyers can also select and match the speakers with their budgets. Coaxial speakers seem to be a mass product for the cheap-end market at the moment.

Most manufacturers these days turn their production towards component rather than coaxial speakers.

In fact, there are not many good coaxial-speaker makers in the market. I think one of the major reasons is that cheap and low-quality speaker drivers from China have swamped the market.

That's why most US manufacturers don't want to participate in the 6-x-9-inch coaxial-speaker market, out of concern that their reputations could be jeopardised if they do.

Fortunately, though, the Infinity Kappa 693.7i 3-way 6-x-9-inch from US-based Infinity Systems is one of the remaining great coaxial speakers around today.

The Kappa 693.7i three-way 6-x-9-inch features a superstiff woofer cone to minimise the flexing that can cause distortion.

Infinity uses an Emit tweeter with frequency response up to 25,000Hz.

A tweeter complements the mid-range with stellar projection of the highs. As such, a jazz band and live music will suit the speakers just fine.

The cone's Plus One design offers a larger surface area than other 6-x-9-inch speakers, for improved bass output and efficiency and maximum peak power of 330 watts.

 Also, thanks to Infinity's innovative low-impedance design, they're built for high efficiency (95-decibel sensitivity ratio).

The woofer's powerful, compact neodymium magnets weigh much less than traditional magnets - an important feature when you're trying to save weight in your high-performance vehicle. The unit also employs audiophile-grade components to separate highs and lows, so that the woofer and tweeters work together perfectly.

Due to the use of an Emit tweeter and MMD mid-range that come with low 2-ohm impedance, the amplifier and head unit should have a circuit that can control this low impedance level.

 Otherwise, coloration or distortion will result.

The Kappa 693.7i three-way 6-x-9-inch gives superb and lifelike music.

I once rented a Ford for a trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

The car was installed with these speakers, with Panasonic as the head unit. I have great memories of that journey, the sound being the best I've ever experienced.

The Kappa 693.7i speakers are certainly on a par with good component (separated set) ones.

Try them out, and you'll find component speakers might not always offer superior sound to 6-x-9-inch coaxials.

By Wijit Boonchoo

Ultimate in Luxury

The Luxury LS 460 is a wonderfully comfaortable car fitted with all mod cons, althoough not necessarily the most fun vehicle to drive.