For those who are familiar with Focal Which line are you most happy with?

Polyglass?
PolyKevlar?
Utopia?

 

I was planning on getting the 165k2 (PolyKevlar).

 

The 165k2 would be my choice as well.

 

Does anyone like the Utopia line or any of the 3-way Component systems (165k3-le or 165w3)?

 

The Utopia line is awesome but overpriced for our application. The difference in sound between the two is minimal to my ears while the price is about double. You could scrimp but they need a ton of power to get them sounding like they should. This makes your entire system a 2 or 3 amp install. In a Denali that's not a problem, in my car it is.

 

i like my 165ks. one problem with the 165k2 is that their mounting depth is about 10mm more then the 165k, so you need to compensate for the extra depth.

i think the utopia are too expensive. the polyglass actually sound pretty good. I haven't listened to the new access line yet.

i think an issue with the 3 ways sets is where do you mount the 3rd speaker? I've seen an install with custom kickpanels but any other ideas? you also have the amp issue that ubetit pointed out.

I do have one gripe with the Focals, the tweeters are *really* high, almost freakishly high. if you prefer silk tweeters listen to the focals first because they sound different!

 

I have the Focal Utopia 165Ws (2 way split). I am very happy with them as a speaker but tend to think they may be a little overkill in a relatively noisy convertible...

In regards to the power issue I am providing them with 100w RMS which is adequate.

 

It is a toss up for me, and everyone I know, who appreciates high-end car audio speakers. I have the K2s in my car. I blindly listened to the k2s and the utopia together and I thought the k2s sounded better. This was also the opinion of my buddy and the salesperson too. Good thing for me since I saved about $500...

 

I've found that if you install them right and give them enough power the tweeters don't sound that bright. It also helps to keep them closer to the mids. When I first installed the 165K2s in my S2k I did not do a good job installing and they sounded like crap. Then I re-installed them using dynomat (the door kit) and made sure the woofers are sealed properly. I also put some dynomat behind the tweeter. Now, even with no amp they sound great! :-) With the amp, they just sound amazing. The problem, I think, is that the tweeter is much more efficient than the woofer and If you don't give em enough power the tweeter sounds much louder than the woofer.

You can also try to modify the crossover or put in an L-Pad before the tweetes if you're still not happy.


[QUOTE]Originally posted by mgiang7
[B]I do have one gripe with the Focals, the tweeters are *really* high, almost freakishly high.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mas
[B]I've found that if you install them right and give them enough power the tweeters don't sound that bright. It also helps to keep them closer to the mids. When I first installed the 165K2s in my S2k I did not do a good job installing and they sounded like crap. Then I re-installed them using dynomat (the door kit) and made sure the woofers are sealed properly. I also put some dynomat behind the tweeter. Now, even with no amp they sound great! :-) With the amp, they just sound amazing. The problem, I think, is that the tweeter is much more efficient than the woofer and If you don't give em enough power the tweeter sounds much louder than the woofer.