Focal Speaker Question

[maLx]

Hi, All.

Currently, I have a FOCAL ACCESS 165 AS3 3-Way KIT. I want to do two things with it and would love your recommendations.

I want to pair the two woofers that come with the kit with different tweeters. Does anyone have any recommdations on twitters that can go well with this kit but will offer better sound quality.

I was thinking of getting these: Kit TBe - Focal Utopia Be Tweeter with pure Beryllium Inverted Dome bit maybe that's overkill with the woofers.

Also, from what I hear the Bass on these woofers are great, but not the best. In fact, another member here was talking about how great the Focal Utopia woofers are. Can anyone recommend a small sub to pair this with? Maybe I can toss in two of these? 13 WS - Focal Utopia Be 5" 150 Watt Subwoofer

But maybe with those woofers and tweeters we decide that it's just better to change the whole system.

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks,
Joey

 

[globalplayer]

I don`t think a mixture of entry-level and high end will do.
Why not get the complete kit instead?

Focal Utopia Be Kit No.7 Active 6.5" 3-Way Component Speakers System

 

[maLx]

True I know it's so expensive 🙁 haha.

I might as well just sell this kit I have and then purchase another one. What do you think I can get for it? $280?

 

[globalplayer]

No idea.

 

[mediumroast]

Joey you already have a fantastic 3-way set. Provided a good install, limiting factor is the cross-overs. Next step is to go active (DSP + amp channel for each speaker.)
Also the 5" utopia sub is just a bit of reinforcement, not meant for your main subwoofer. A 10 or 12" would make more sense.

 

[maLx]

Joey you already have a fantastic 3-way set. Provided a good install, limiting factor is the cross-overs. Next step is to go active (DSP + amp channel for each speaker.)
Also the 5" utopia sub is just a bit of reinforcement, not meant for your main subwoofer. A 10 or 12" would make more sense.

@mediumroast so you're saying just keep this? Upgrade the crossovers and get a quality amp and sub and call it a day? I like this advice 😀

What crossovers would you recommend? I'd like to get the most out of these.

Also what subs do you recommend? This is going in a Mini Countryman that has two Harmon Kardon subs underneath the front seats. When I install the subs or sub I want it either under the rear seat facing the back of the front seats, or, use those stock locations.

I'm trying to get the absolute most out of this.

 

[globalplayer]

I'm trying to get the absolute most out of this.

Then you will need...

to go active (DSP + amp channel for each speaker.)

 

[maLx]

Thanks @globalplayer. So you mean something like this? FSP 8 - Focal | Focal | Listen Beyond

I'm a bit of a noob so I am trying to learn still.

Thanks!!

 

[globalplayer]

It is for a car install but specs look good, yes.

 

[maLx]

So would I need a 6channel amp? What amp would you recommend? And the DSP solves the crossover issue correct? So I can use the crossovers that come with the kit?

 

[globalplayer]

6-channel amp or 3 different 2-channel or, or ...
2 channels for highs, 2 channels for mids, 2 channels for lows.
(and 2 for subs.)
NO external passive crossover(s)!
The DSP will do active filtering. That is the point.

 

[maLx]

Ah ok makes sense! Thanks again for all of your help.

 

[mediumroast]

Price/performance-wise DSP is so much cheaper than a custom install to pair with your analog x-over. Upgrading x-over is the easy part, just replace the caps and resistors with better parts or even just build your own x-over like we do for building home speakers. Getting the proper 'Install' is difficult because there is no time alignment, EQ or delays.

I don't know your budget but that FSP-8 looks fantastic! For someone just getting into DSPs and wanting a product that can adapt to their needs, I would normally recommend the DIY freindly $300 MiniDSP C-DSP 6x8 miniDSP C-DSP6x8 Car Audio Processor

The Focal FSP-8 you mentioned is a whole class above this that I would not recommend until you some exposure to it and other DSP products to have your own comparison.

Check around the car audio forums (diymobileaudio is my fav) and try to attend some events to audition many cars where the owners would be more than happy to explain/show off their custom audio install so you can experience many different brands.

12 Volt Events & Team DIYMA - Car Audio | DiyMobileAudio.com | Car Stereo Forum


I find it really hard to recommend an amp or any other components without knowing your preferences and experiences. Even then it's a highly personal experience.

Have fun with this journey!