kietlander

for some reason i found that ADS 345cs is really cheap now. when i first saw them around they were like 500. does anyone know if they are any good?

vin 78

I think the CS series is made over seas.
Their not bad, but not like what they used to be.

Aren't you happy with your ID comp's?

kietlander

i never bought them... i spent money on turbo parts instead... lol

are they worth buying for 150??

vin 78

their not bad for the money
After DEI bought them out, the quality (parts/workmanship) seemed to diminish. The SQ is somewhat close to the older ADS owned but IMO they tend to be a little fatiguing while listing to them long.
I would never pay full price for the current ADS, but for only 150, its not too bad at all.

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

I have them in my 2003 4runner. I have the 3-series components up front, and the 2-series components in rear.
It's EXACTLY what vin78 said. I've had a/d/s before, and my home speakers, a pair that I will never ever part with until they rot, are also a/d/s. The new stuff is made in China to Directed specs. This stuff doesn't use the same materials or design as the older stuff, so the really smooth highs are a thing of the past, despite what Directed marketing says about their line. Having said that, they are still reasonably good sounding speakers, and are a decent deal if you don't pay full price. I got a good deal on them and that's why I have them.
If you are really going for good sound, I would not choose a/d/s over many of the other brands. The JL line is equally good, PPI and Orion are probably made in the same factory as the a/d/s, Boston, Alpine, lower line Focal, CDT, Diamond, MBQuart, Polk, and Infinity Kappa are excellent alternate choices.
In fact, of all these, if you can get anywhere close on price, the lower line Polyflex or Polyglass Focals would be my choice. (try ebay - brand new).

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

They are cheap now for 2 reasons:
1) They are built more cheaply than their predecessors
2) People have figured out now that they're not worth the high price anymore, and that there are other good choices.