3 replies to this topic

[Sassen]

I've been trawling the MEA forums and decided to post this up for my first post.

I've got a 2011 Subary Forester X and have been getting my head around the options to upgrade the sound.

I listen to alot of metal and dance and though this could be a good option.

Alpine CDE-W203E
2-DIN CD Receiver
CD/MP3/WMA/AAC Receiver

Focal BUS25 Underseat Subwoofer
• 10” Active Subwoofer • Freq. Resp. 50-400Hz • Remote Control

Focal 165V30 2-Way Splits
• 6.5” Mid/Woofer • TNB Inverted Dome Tweeter • Freq. Resp. 55-25kHz • 80 Watt RMS

Focal 165CVX 2-Way Coaxial
• 6.5” Mid/Woofer • Aluminium Tweeter • Freq. Resp. 60-20kHz • 70 Watt RMS

Its $1099 for the speaker package (these a deal on ATM) and $499 for the headunit.

Is this a worthwhile upgrade?

And would the 6.5 speakers need a amp?

Once its installed I won't be doing any upgrades in the future.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Edited by Sassen, 20 January 2012 - 02:08 PM.

[iluvmusik]

When I first started I was looking at that package too and it was appealing then.

You will need an amp to really get the most from the Focal 165v30 splits. An amp suggestion would be the Focal Solid 4. The rear is not necessary. A properly setup front component splits and sub powered by a 4 channel amp is all you need and will sound awesome.

The Focal Bus sub that comes with the package is ok if you want it neat and tidy and wouldn't need earth shaking bass but once you've heard a nice 12" sub in a proper enclosure, it'll be hard to be happy with the Bus sub

So if your bend on the package, then I'd suggest the 4 channel amp to power the front splits in bridged mode and run the rears off the head unit. The Bus sub has it's own amplification.

However I'd suggest the below as an alternative:-

forget the head unit if budget is tight - use the factory head unit
buy these separately:-
Focal 165v30 splits
Focal Solid 4 (1st 2 channels for your splits and the other 2 bridged to power your sub)
Focal 30A1 13" sub
..and optionally if you can afford it, get the Focal Solid 1 to power the sub but this can come later.

Assuming you've no experience at all with install, get this professionally installed, which will include installation cost ~ $600 - $700, sealed enclosure for sub ~ $300, sound deadening for front doors ~ $200, plus cost for cabling.

If you get the equipment from the installer, they'll do you a deal for the lot.

That's it. You'll live happily ever after

Oh that's just going with Focal gear. There are a lot of other brands out there that's comparable or even better depending on who you ask. But the above suggestion should sound good.

[Sassen]

thanks, good advice,

I've spoken to some audio shops and this forum has been useful and I'm narrowing down my choices. I think I'll stick with a sub that lives under the seat so it will making camping and throwing bikes in the back easier.

[iluvmusik]

You are welcome

For your intended purpose, the Bus sub under the seat should be ideal.

I heard that active sub in the sales consultant 4wd and it's certainly a world of difference than without sub bass at all.