Infinity Primus vs. Reference
If you love sound and traveling, you definitely understand the need to install premium-quality sound equipment in your vehicle. No longer do factory-installed audio devices do the trick anymore.
Purchasing dedicated component speakers separately offers you fuller control over your sound experience as you drive around in your car. This article review aims to provide adequate insight on the best Infinity Primus and Reference speakers available in the market.
The car audio industry has evolved tremendously over the past few years. For instance, I cannot compare my Buick's stereo system, which was my first car, with the one that my Mercedes Benz now has.
However, I prefer to upgrade the sound system in my cars for a better audio experience that suits my unique sound quality needs. There are numerous aftermarket speaker solutions available in the market.
However, you need adequate knowledge of the fundamentals of car audio equipment to make the right decisions and achieve your end goal. Most modern cars have complex infotainment systems that are not easy to remove.
Since 1968, Infinity speakers have been in the market for years, proving their audio quality and high-quality performance. These American manufacturers of audio devices have a well-known reputation of producing audio packages for a wide selection of audio applications, including in-wall home speakers, marine applications, and multichannel surround-sound home theatre packages, among many others.
Many Infinity products are installed in Hyundai, Kia, Chrysler, and Mitsubishi vehicles. Let us quickly delve into this Infinity Primus vs. Reference review without further ado and determine the better product line.
Major Differences Between Infinity Primus and Infinity Reference Speakers
| Infinity Primus PR6510cs | Infinity Reference REF-6530cx | |
| Tweeter design and composition | Textile dome edge-driven tweeters | Edge-driven textile dome tweeters with an adjustable tweeter control (0,+3 dB) |
| Impedance | 2.7oms | 3ohms |
| Frequency sensitivity (@2.83V) | 88dB | 93dB |
| Frequency response | 53Hz –20k Hz | 53Hz – 21k Hz |
| Power handling | 80-240 RMS | 90-270 RMS |
Tweeter Design and Composition
Infinity Primus and Reference car speakers have two 6.5″ Patented Plus One polypropylene woofer cones with hi-roll butyl rubber surround and two tweeters. Infinity Primus speakers have textile dome edge-driven tweeters that deliver a smoother high-frequency response and wider dispersion, ideal for enhanced power handling during mid-range and high frequencies.
Infinity Reference speakers come with ¾” edge-driven textile tweeters for precise and smooth highs, void of audio distortion. These speakers also come with an adjustable tweeter output level control that optimizes high frequencies wherever you install your car speakers.
It allows easy adjustment of the tweeter output from zero to three decibels, optimizing the system's linearity to suit the listener's preference or installation location.
Impedance
As you might have noticed, every set of headphones or speakers you purchase has an impedance measurement in ohms (Ω). However, not many people understand the meaning of the term impedance.
Generally, impedance refers to the opposition exhibited by a particular audio device to the A.C. current. Think of impedance like water flowing through a pipe. The bigger a pipe is, the more the amount of water that will easily flow through it.
Similarly, a speaker with low impedance is like a big pipe that allows more electric current flow through it. The lower the impedance measurement, the more the current flows through the audio equipment. It is also essential to note that a speaker's impedance varies as you change the pitch in sound.
In cars, 4-ohm speakers are the most compatible with car audio systems, running on 12volts D.C. With 4-ohm speakers, car audio systems can comfortably pull sufficient power from a lower-voltage car audio amp.
Infinity Primus car speakers contain true ohm architecture with minimal impedance voice coils, which are virtually compatible with all aftermarket or factory car stereos. These speakers have 2.7 ohm which gives the amplifier room to produce peak power. As such, these speakers deliver a smooth and clear sound with better detail and depth.
On the other hand, Infinity Reference car speakers also consist of true 4-ohm architecture technology suitable for both factory and aftermarket stereo audio systems. These speakers have a 3-ohm impedance, which efficiently combines with the speaker's wire impedance for a 4-ohm load.
Frequency Sensitivity
A speaker's sensitivity informs you of the volume a speaker produces with a given amount of power. It measures how efficiently speakers convert power (watts) into volume (decibels).
Sensitivity ratings are essential when purchasing Bluetooth speakers, subwoofers, and soundbars. The higher the sensitivity rating of an audio device, the louder it plays with a specific amount of amplified wattage.
Often, we measure sensitivity by driving a speaker with one watt and measuring its loudness in decibels at one meter. On the other hand, sensitivity may also be measured by driving a speaker with 2.83 volts for one meter. Lower-powered vehicle sound systems (generating 15 watts RMS per channel or less) should have speakers with a high sensitivity rating of 90dB and above.
Alternatively, high-powered car audio systems (those with 16 watts RMS and above) should have speakers with low sensitivity ratings to deliver better audio quality.
Infinity Primus car speakers have a frequency sensitivity of 88dB at 2.83 volts, while its Reference series speakers have a sensitivity rating of 93dB at 2.83 volts. As a result, the Infinity Reference series delivers better sound quality than Primus speakers.
Frequency Response
The frequency response of a speaker refers to the highest and lowest frequencies from which it emits sound. For instance, when a speaker has a frequency response of 20Hz – 22,000 Hz, 20 Hz is the speaker's lowest bass output, and 22,000 Hz is its highest treble or highest frequency.The lower the frequency response number, the deeper the speaker's bass output.
The optimal frequency range for human hearing is 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz. Like many other modern audio equipment, Infinity speakers have premium quality tweeters that can reproduce higher frequencies well above the 20,000 Hz limit.
The human ear cannot detect these ultra-high frequencies, but such high frequencies contain harmonics that can affect how listeners perceive sound and its nuances. For instance, the Infinity Primus series has a frequency range of 53 Hz – 20,000 Hz, while its Reference series contains a frequency response of 53 Hz- 21,000 Hz, which is well higher than the optimal human hearing limit.
Power Handling
All vehicle speakers require a power source, an amp or a receiver to operate. The power handling ability of a speaker is measured by RMS power and Peak Power or MAX. The RMS power rating refers to the quantity of power a speaker can take continuously, while the Peak Power rating shows the amount of power the speaker can tolerate in short bursts.
You have to consider your vehicle's system when considering your car speakers' power-handling ability. For instance, cars with low-powered systems, like those with 2-5 watts RMS, do not require speakers that tolerate a high amount of power.
On the other hand, high-0powered car systems with powerful amplifiers or receivers require car speakers with a high RMS rating, preferably those with a rating close to the amps' output rating.
Infinity Primus car speakers can handle up to 80 watts RMS and 240 watts Peak Power, while Infinity Reference speakers can tolerate up to 90 watts RMS and 270 watts Peak Power.
As such, Infinity Reference speakers are most compatible with high-powered car systems, while its Primus series are more suitable with low-powered vehicle systems.
Infinity Primus vs Reference Review
Infinity Primus PR6510cs
Features
If you are looking for an affordable way to bring back the excitement to your somewhat-old audio system, the Infinity Primus PR6510cs car speakers are your best option. They come with two 6.5-inch Patented Plus One polypropylene woofers with a wider cone area for enhanced output quality.
The speakers also contain edge-driven textile tweeters for wider thigh frequency dispersion and minimal sound distortion at high volumes. The package also has external crossovers and true 4-ohm architecture that uses a low-impedance voice coil that safely draws out extra power from your power source.
Pros
- Component speaker system with two edge-driven textile dome tweeters, two Patented Plus One polypropylene woofers with hi-toll butyl rubber surround, and two external crossovers
- 2.7-ohm impedance for extra power handling
- Power handling of up to 80 watts RMS and 240 watts Peak Power
- An excellent overall frequency range of 53 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- A sensitivity range of 88dB at 2.83 volts
- Reasonable price and easy to install as it has grilles and a comprehensive installation manual in its package
Cons
- Crossover components contain lower-end quality materials
Infinity Reference REF-6530cx
Features
Because of their superb sound and competitive pricing, Infinity Reference Ref-6530cx is one of the most popular Infinity speakers available. These speakers feature ¾” textile dome edge-driven tweeters with an adjustable tweeter output level control for full high-frequency optimization, depending on the listener's preference.
They also contain two Infinity Plus One polypropylene woofers with more cone surface area, ideal for enhanced bass output and increased midrange performance. The woofers consist of hi-roll butyl rubber surrounds to ensure you enjoy powerful audio waves as you tackle every mile.
More so, you can power these speakers with up to 90 watts RMS and 270 watts Peak Power, meaning they can work well with aftermarket of factory stereos or an external amplifier. These 3-ohm speakers combine with your car's speaker wire to deliver an actual 4-ohm impedance, allowing you to get a little more volume from your audio system.
Pros
- High power handling of 90 watts RMS and 270 watts Peak Power per speaker
- They have an adjustable tweeter level control to direct sound depending on the installation location and the listener’s preference
- Great crossover circuitry that ensures the exceptionally powerful and excellent sound quality
- Excellent bass output quality
- Affordable price
Cons
- Its 2-way design is not upgradeable to a 3-way design
Conclusion
There are multiple high-quality speakers available in the market. Having a set of component speakers instead of coaxial speakers in your vehicle enhances your audio experience as you drive around in your car.
Infinity Primus and Reference car speakers are excellent aftermarket speaker options that improve the sound quality of your vehicle. The ultimate decision is in your hands, as both car speakers come with unique specifications and benefits.
