DS18 PRO vs Kicker tweeters.

Is there a major difference other than price on these two brands of tweeters? Anyone want to shed light on this topic? BS answers will be ignored.

 

Maybe try the Audio/Video forum:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/audio-video.12/

 

Yes. I've heard them both in the same truck pre, during, and after full install. DS-18 all the way.

 

Well that’s unfortunate, because I just chose the Subaru/kickers and they just shipped. I felt the reviews for the Subaru were better which is why I chose them. Of course!

 

It's not like they suck. You'll be happy with them. They were the first and everybody jumped on the bandwagon. The DS18 came later. My buddy switched from Subaru to DS18 due to the new hype. I got to hear Subarus, one of each, then the DS18s. When my truck arrives I'm putting in the DS18s.

 

I’ll probably experiment out of boredom anyways. Reviews were overall very good for both. As usual, both also had some bad reviews. I felt the negative ones for the DS18 were worse than the Subaru negatives, but maybe not. Either way, good to hear another opinion besides the OP of that other thread.

 

I've heard both sets for a grand total of like 30 minutes so don't let my opinion carry any weight. Who knows what the longevity will be.

 

Either one is much better than the stockers. Even with my shyte hearing, I could tell a big difference. I chose the DS18's, they are much crisper than the muddy stockers.

 

The Subaru/Kicker upgrade elevated my system from dreadful to OK, a nice improvement for 1/2 an hour and less than $100.

 

Audio reviews can be pretty subjective as well, so take that for what’s it’s worth. It’s kind of like people arguing over a shade of a color. Sure, people can usually agree that it is red, but one might say apple red, while someone else says fire engine. Then there is always the color blind guy who insists it’s green. The best thing to do (if you can) is go listen to both. Listen to some music you know well, and then it usually becomes easier. Kind of hard in this case though, I get that.

 

The funny part is, I’ve gotten used to my stock audio anyways (run by a Kenwood head unit though), so any improvement will feel good upon a system that I didn’t find to be too terrible. So we’ll see.

 

I’ve had both , both with aftermarket head units …. They are the same … kickers with a pioneer AVIC8600 and DS18 with a Sony AX6000…. You will like the Suburu kickers just fine

 

Don't sweat it. I think the game changer is a new head unit. I have the Subaru and upgraded all the speakers I wired the front to the rear with a harness as the rear have no power from the HU. Sounds ok to me as I did not want to change the HU.

 

^^^This. And DS18s were cheaper at my time of purchase.

 

Exactly, it's all just timing, in 1 year there will be something better than DS18 & people will be upgrading to that newer & better thing. Members have upgraded from Kickers to DS18 & NOT the other way around.

I have the DS18, recently purchased, & they are a great upgrade.

 

I've been happy with my Subaru tweeters for over 6 years now. That and my underseat 8" Powered Sub.

How much better can DS18 be? If it came down to price, I wouldn't hesitate to buy the cheaper of the 2.

 

DS-18's made a big difference for me and at $70 how could you go wrong. Front speakers will be next.

 

Thank you all for the input, I will order the DS-18's if I ever get a stable internet connection...

 

I just put the Subaru tweeters in. The system has a low powered HU…not the premium. It elevated it from ‘less than OK’ to ‘better than OK’. I would agree about audio opinions being very subjective. In relative terms, the Subaru tweeters are very, very good and completely plug and play.

 

Ive had the kickers on both of my Tacomas and been happy with them. Never heard the ds18 though..