Standard Speaker Replacement, which one to get?
- Thread starter BranNubian
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Just an fyi, max power ratings should never be considered when factoring in speakers, it's nothing more than a marketing scam for those poorer quality kits, instead look at the RMS ratings.
As for power ratings themselves, don't pick one set over another purely as it can handle more power, it may not necessarily sound better either.
Additionally if you are opting to run a replacement speaker set off the factory amplifier (not ideal but certainly an option), a higher speaker sensitivity (i.e. 85db @ 1w/1m) will generally be louder, again however, not an indication of the sound quality of the driver itself.
As for Focal's kit, at all the price points, they sound fantastic.
Personally, I feel that Bav Auto's kit is a little on the dear side considering a significant portion of the audio setup (the amplifier) is still left unchanged. Generally when changing speakers feeding them their rated (or a little more) power will often allow one to truly benefit from the upgrade.
As for power ratings themselves, don't pick one set over another purely as it can handle more power, it may not necessarily sound better either.
Additionally if you are opting to run a replacement speaker set off the factory amplifier (not ideal but certainly an option), a higher speaker sensitivity (i.e. 85db @ 1w/1m) will generally be louder, again however, not an indication of the sound quality of the driver itself.
As for Focal's kit, at all the price points, they sound fantastic.
Personally, I feel that Bav Auto's kit is a little on the dear side considering a significant portion of the audio setup (the amplifier) is still left unchanged. Generally when changing speakers feeding them their rated (or a little more) power will often allow one to truly benefit from the upgrade.
Neil is quite right in relation to the numbers game. I listened to quite a few other speakers before making a final decision. Your ears are the best gauge not power handling etc. The ones I went for lent themselves to giving a quality depth of sound. Using quality sound recordings shows how good a setup can be...... even if it is in a cars cabin. I would never believe that altering the time delay on the drivers within such a closed environment can make a difference but it does.
There are infinate variables that affect the acoustics but I would advise taking your own recordings of your favourite tracks and listening to them on different speakers.
Regards
Cavey
There are infinate variables that affect the acoustics but I would advise taking your own recordings of your favourite tracks and listening to them on different speakers.
Regards
Cavey
NeilP, Thanks so much Neil.
Sounds like you know your sound...and from what I've been reading about Focal, they are definitely the ones that I am after. And I am no longer looking at any other brand.
I might be wrong, but after reading on how much rewiring it takes to install an amp, I've been avoiding it. I am complete Newb when it comes to speaker replacement and setup.
Having said that, do you know of a good amp you can suggest, and perhaps a guide on how to set it up?
Cavey1638, Thanks for the tips, and specs I had a quick look and that setup must sound fantastic.
Sounds like you know your sound...and from what I've been reading about Focal, they are definitely the ones that I am after. And I am no longer looking at any other brand.
I might be wrong, but after reading on how much rewiring it takes to install an amp, I've been avoiding it. I am complete Newb when it comes to speaker replacement and setup.
Having said that, do you know of a good amp you can suggest, and perhaps a guide on how to set it up?
Cavey1638, Thanks for the tips, and specs I had a quick look and that setup must sound fantastic.
Disca, Funny enough...I am also waiting to get the Parrot MKi9200 fitted. Can't wait to play my Spotify playlists in the car.
Let us know what they say about speaker setup.
Let us know what they say about speaker setup.
No worries!
I'd avoid a parrot kit as it uses it's built in amp to power the speakers (via the necessary SOT lead) results in less than satisfactory quality (at least for me anyway).
Slapping in a new amp isn't as drastic as it seems, though I would recommend you find a competent car audio place to help you with that. (Can't stress that enough, I've seen so many people end up paying twice to have a job done because one shop couldn't do a proper install).
As for amps, many may disagree with me but for their footprint, full range class D amps are incredibly small and can sound fantastic. Depending on how many channels you want (or need) JL Audio's XD range of amps would be my go to suggestion.
Focal have some great sounding amps as to Hertz, Audison, though they many not be all that wallet friendly for some. JBL offer great sounding amps for a more reasonable price. Just stay away from your traditional halfords brands (Vibe, Edge, FLi, Fusion) and you shouldn't have many issues.
Conclusion, if you're even half considering upgrading your speakers, budget in for an amp as well, it will really wake the speakers up and without getting into the technicalities of it, will sound much better than running them off the factory amp.
I'd avoid a parrot kit as it uses it's built in amp to power the speakers (via the necessary SOT lead) results in less than satisfactory quality (at least for me anyway).
Slapping in a new amp isn't as drastic as it seems, though I would recommend you find a competent car audio place to help you with that. (Can't stress that enough, I've seen so many people end up paying twice to have a job done because one shop couldn't do a proper install).
As for amps, many may disagree with me but for their footprint, full range class D amps are incredibly small and can sound fantastic. Depending on how many channels you want (or need) JL Audio's XD range of amps would be my go to suggestion.
Focal have some great sounding amps as to Hertz, Audison, though they many not be all that wallet friendly for some. JBL offer great sounding amps for a more reasonable price. Just stay away from your traditional halfords brands (Vibe, Edge, FLi, Fusion) and you shouldn't have many issues.
Conclusion, if you're even half considering upgrading your speakers, budget in for an amp as well, it will really wake the speakers up and without getting into the technicalities of it, will sound much better than running them off the factory amp.
NeilP, Thanks Neil. I am starting to think, I might be better off going to a reputable specialist directly, before I buy anything.
About the Parrot...that's interesting. How do you go about plugging an iPhone and having the maximum quality output...whilst at the same time having bluetooth capability?
Aux and bluetooth adapter?
Parrot seems ideal as is two in one, with a neat installation. I just made a search, and it does seem the built in amp is VERY subpar. I am sensing a return to Halfords very soon. :wink:
About the Parrot...that's interesting. How do you go about plugging an iPhone and having the maximum quality output...whilst at the same time having bluetooth capability?
Aux and bluetooth adapter?
Parrot seems ideal as is two in one, with a neat installation. I just made a search, and it does seem the built in amp is VERY subpar. I am sensing a return to Halfords very soon. :wink:
Disca said:Going off what people have said I have arranged for the CDC to be removed and replaced with an ipod system at the same time to avoid the parrot amplifier
This would be the best option, OP.
Alternatively the Parrot can be wired to the AUX in on your car, the downside is you lose the muting functionality when you have a phone call as you would need to manually switch source if listening to the radio for example.
NeilP, I've settled on these: http://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product_m-focal-isn100_p-32029.htm and I can always add an amp at a later point. 
Do you guys know if the depth of these is adequate for the Zed doors? I am worried they might be too deep.
Thx
Do you guys know if the depth of these is adequate for the Zed doors? I am worried they might be too deep.
Thx
Excellent choice, though you may get more for your money with a 6.5" two way setup
Due to being a public forum I won't proceed to bash car audio centre, but please please please support your local car audio shops. If they are unable to match CAC's price or even better it I'll be highly surprised.
Fast3000, I do all the audio myself, used to work for a car audio shop as well. When I had just started driving, was incredibly addicted to car audio (super loud, no quality :rofl and it all went 'wrong' from there!
From my own experience and seeing it countless times from others, buy once; even if it takes you an extra 6 months till you can get your equipment.
Due to being a public forum I won't proceed to bash car audio centre, but please please please support your local car audio shops. If they are unable to match CAC's price or even better it I'll be highly surprised.
Fast3000, I do all the audio myself, used to work for a car audio shop as well. When I had just started driving, was incredibly addicted to car audio (super loud, no quality :rofl
and it all went 'wrong' from there!From my own experience and seeing it countless times from others, buy once; even if it takes you an extra 6 months till you can get your equipment.
So on Friday I had the Parrot installed as well as an iPod connection cable.
Need to get hold of an old iPod though as my new one using a lightning port adapter to old cable doesnt support the MFSW controls.
I left it with the audio place to get back to me about what they could do for sound.
They also suggested Focal Neil.
They were going to look into what they could do for the subs. Debate was around an amp and the 6" subs from a bazooka bass system without the tube. Ill update when they come back to me with their full suggestion.
Need to get hold of an old iPod though as my new one using a lightning port adapter to old cable doesnt support the MFSW controls.
I left it with the audio place to get back to me about what they could do for sound.
They also suggested Focal Neil.
They were going to look into what they could do for the subs. Debate was around an amp and the 6" subs from a bazooka bass system without the tube. Ill update when they come back to me with their full suggestion.
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