Focal Splits
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From: West Haverstraw
Actually, I ordered a pair of A/D/S 334 im's as I know them to be great sounding speakers and the power handling matches the PPI; the amp puts out about 125 watts rms at 4 ohms, while the speakers are fine up to about 100 watts rms at 4 ohms. Should be fine.
Also, I checked this out with a bunch of friends who also own studios and they agreed that the best choice for rear speakers would those which sound good but significantly different as this more closely simulates real room accoustics. And from my experience with both my Miata and now the S2k, this hold true.
BTW, as a sort of subjective measure of how good the system is already, I've played a bunch of stuff I've recorded in my studio over the years and to my dismay, there is a bit more bass extension in my s2k than on my main nearfields in the studio. Translation: played in the car, some of the mixes had too much low bass, while they sounded fine on the nearfields in the studio. Time to add a sub to the studio nearfields!
I should also have my new terrasonde RTA (real time analyzer) in the next day or two, so I'll do a more accurate check then.
Steven
Also, I checked this out with a bunch of friends who also own studios and they agreed that the best choice for rear speakers would those which sound good but significantly different as this more closely simulates real room accoustics. And from my experience with both my Miata and now the S2k, this hold true.
BTW, as a sort of subjective measure of how good the system is already, I've played a bunch of stuff I've recorded in my studio over the years and to my dismay, there is a bit more bass extension in my s2k than on my main nearfields in the studio. Translation: played in the car, some of the mixes had too much low bass, while they sounded fine on the nearfields in the studio. Time to add a sub to the studio nearfields!
I should also have my new terrasonde RTA (real time analyzer) in the next day or two, so I'll do a more accurate check then.
Steven
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From: Melbourne
[QUOTE]Originally posted by StevenT
[B]I just installed the 6.5 Utopia's in my 2001; no problem and I''m in love with the sound. Just be sure to invest in a similar quality amp to power them.
[B]I just installed the 6.5 Utopia's in my 2001; no problem and I''m in love with the sound. Just be sure to invest in a similar quality amp to power them.
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From: West Haverstraw
Actually, I am in love with the sound, even without having upgraded the behind the seat speakers to the A/D/S yet. (still waiting for them to arrive.)
BTW, I highly recommend doing both the 165w's and something behind the seats as without the behind the seat speakers, the soundfield, while very clear and punchy, still lacked the sense of space I love to hear. And remember, I'm simply adding those rear speakers at a very reduced level (something like 9 or 10 db lower than the fronts.
As for the power amp, PPI is a great match and I'm sure 90 watts / channel will be fine. I got the 125 watts x 4 amp partially as overkill just in case of future changes and partially because of the physical design; the amp cooling fins are enclosed in a metal cover with fans inside the cover so putting something on top of the amp like luggage is fine as long as I leave a clear open path on each end of the amp.
As for the install, I know the installer cut the baskets and used dynamat behind each speaker. He also had to fiddle with the plastic weatherproof sheet so it wouldn't buzz and or rattle and occasionally it still does on music with an exceptionally low bottom end; still working on this.
Other than this, though, I don't think he had to do anything special.
Good luck with it. I'm sure you'll love it.
Steven
BTW, I highly recommend doing both the 165w's and something behind the seats as without the behind the seat speakers, the soundfield, while very clear and punchy, still lacked the sense of space I love to hear. And remember, I'm simply adding those rear speakers at a very reduced level (something like 9 or 10 db lower than the fronts.
As for the power amp, PPI is a great match and I'm sure 90 watts / channel will be fine. I got the 125 watts x 4 amp partially as overkill just in case of future changes and partially because of the physical design; the amp cooling fins are enclosed in a metal cover with fans inside the cover so putting something on top of the amp like luggage is fine as long as I leave a clear open path on each end of the amp.
As for the install, I know the installer cut the baskets and used dynamat behind each speaker. He also had to fiddle with the plastic weatherproof sheet so it wouldn't buzz and or rattle and occasionally it still does on music with an exceptionally low bottom end; still working on this.
Other than this, though, I don't think he had to do anything special.
Good luck with it. I'm sure you'll love it.
Steven
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From: West Haverstraw
Actually, the Focals list for a bit over $1000, and a good price is a bit less than $600. I paid $589 (buyloud.com).
As for the PPI, it too lists for over $1000, and I paid $679. (buyloud.com)
Steven
As for the PPI, it too lists for over $1000, and I paid $679. (buyloud.com)
Steven
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From: Vancouver
How was the service at buyloud.com?
Did you get quick delivery from them?
The Focal 165ws are listed at $485 at carstereotime.com but I've never heard of them before so I'm a bit hesitant on the kind of service I'd get. Has any bought anything from them?
Did you get quick delivery from them?
The Focal 165ws are listed at $485 at carstereotime.com but I've never heard of them before so I'm a bit hesitant on the kind of service I'd get. Has any bought anything from them?
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From: West Haverstraw
Isn't it always the way, find what you think is a good deal and right after you buy, someone has a better deal <grin>.
Sound like a good price, Rick.
As for service at Buyloud, I bought this stuff after talking to someone on the phone. The guy was knowledgeable and took the time to answer my questions.
OTOH, I later tried to buy a pair of 4" A/D/S' for rears from them and after many e-mails and calls, they finally admitted they weren't actually an A/D/S dealer and couldn't get me what I had ordered. So you might want to pass on Buyloud.
Steven
Sound like a good price, Rick.
As for service at Buyloud, I bought this stuff after talking to someone on the phone. The guy was knowledgeable and took the time to answer my questions.
OTOH, I later tried to buy a pair of 4" A/D/S' for rears from them and after many e-mails and calls, they finally admitted they weren't actually an A/D/S dealer and couldn't get me what I had ordered. So you might want to pass on Buyloud.
Steven
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From: Vancouver
Have you considered the Focal PolyKevlar line of speakers for the rears? I don't know how they would sound but I've heard so many good things about Focals. Do the a/d/s 334s sound that awesome? I have noticed that it's extremely difficult to locate a pair of 334s on the 'net.
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From: West Haverstraw
That's because according to A/D/S, they've discontinued the 334's. They also told me the 234's were the same but with a different crossover.
What I used as a deciding factor was the power handling capacity. I've already got the PPI installed and if I remember right, the Focal 4" didn't handle nearly as much power as the A/D/S 4".
Steven
What I used as a deciding factor was the power handling capacity. I've already got the PPI installed and if I remember right, the Focal 4" didn't handle nearly as much power as the A/D/S 4".
Steven