Today I listen to a setup I'd like to install in my 350.....

HU is a Jensen DVD touchscreen ($799) with Focal components ($269)......

I also checked out JL ($399) and Polk ($299) components but believe the Focals suited my hearing better. I have some hearing range loss due to 22 years in the military.

Here's the big question.....in the room listening to the Focals and JLs the store had a Bazooka 10" ($32, yes 32.00) sub connected.....sucked big time.

In the other room, they had the Polks hooked up with a Focal 11.5" Sub. Mids and highs were way, way too tinny and harsh....BUT the lows from that Focal were Out-Standing....smooth as BUTTER............the Killer is, the Focal Sub is $800.

Now, Mr Salesman says "we'll install a JL W-1 ($150) and that'll be sweet too, not Focal sweet but very nice".

Is this true ???

I'll be using a 400w Alpine amp ($299) in 2-1 config and cutting out the rear speakers.

Any input on this set-up would be appreciated.

I'm scheduled for install next Thursday.

 

100% a lie. The Focal high-end subs are some of the most linear subs in the world ... the only JL sub that can closely compete with it would be the new W6v2 ... a very nice sub. If you can swing that sub's price (W6) .. go for that.

$300 for an Alpine 400W amp sounds expensive.

 

you should consider MB Quart speakers as well, they do have greater high ranges to make up for your hearing loss from not using double hearing protection and i love the subs they make, i have MB's and JL subs, i think the MB's are better but they are in different style boxes

 

well acutally, i havent heard a focal sub that i thought was impressive in terms of OUTPUT...like many typical european high end stuff, they sound awesome, linear, smooth, but dont get that loud

unless there are some brand new focal subs i hvent heard hehe

b

 

looks like the w6 is in the 600. range...is that correct???

The Focal was not loud...that was the Polk componets....the Focal Sub was like two folks here have said....smooth, oh so smooth in it's delivery.

Thought it was so what strange they didn't have the Focal in the room with the JL and Focal components....not with the Polk stuff.

If I go $600 for the JL sub I think I'd add $200 more and go with the Focal Sub and components.

The Apline amp is shown as a MRPF-450 and priced at $299.

 

IMO you should upgrade to the JL W3 subs they are awsome for the price,also handle better power and have dual voice coils, for components Infinity kappas sound very good also the MB Quart's.

 

i also have endured hearing loss in both my ears....what sounded good to me didnt sound so good to others..so before i bought my system i went to different shops around my area brought some music cd's that i listen to on a reg basis and tested and listen to the diff speakers they had displayed..sounds kinda funny but i would close my eyes and have the sales person switch through the diff speakers till i found the one that sounded the best to me..and then matched it with my amp's and sub's..i prob spent total without install around 2k ..amps are polk momo 500.1 polk momo 300.2 ,subs aluma pro 10's and diamond audio 6.5" comp's..and dissconnected the rears..

but no offensive i would junk the jensen touch screen and opt towards a better head unit with more sound control and cleaner outputs..4-5volt pre- outs...like alpine or eclipse..your amp choice "alpine" isnt a bad one,but the cost on it seems pretty high for what your not getting..if your willing to "invest"into something that sound's good esp if your looking at the focal utopia series sub then why not have a good amp to go with it,zapco-audison just to name a few..but also talk to a installer in the shop not just a sales person..tell him your ideas and what type of sound your looking for as he would be of much better help than someone just try to sell you something..hope this helps you..

 

Good advice everyone!

I too close my eyes when listening................

I'll look at those other head units............not really stuck on the Jensen.

I'll also check out the JL 3W as suggested here and will check for better pricing on a amp to handle the power.

Three steps forward and two steps back......I'm not in a rush and have to budget at $2500 or less.......and DVD is not really a must.

Thanks again guys !

 

If you are going to go with someone in the price-range of the W3, go with an Elemental Designs Kv.2. Cheaper, better SQ, awesome design. You'll be hard pressed to beat the Kv.2 in terms of value for your money.

The W3v2's are nice and all but IMO most JL products have counterparts that are better for the same price/cheaper.

 

Another vote for Elemental Designs stuff. I have their Amps, components, and sub.

Their amps are Tanks and output great sound (certainly as good or better as an alpine amp)

I have their 13ov.2, and It hits hard, is incredibly linear and reproduces frequencies and sounds perfectly.

And their EDi 6500 components are amazing. Basically rebranded and tweeked CDT's. Midbass and highs are simply AWESOME. I haven't heard focals though, but heard they are the cream of the crop.

Check out edesignaudio.com
Only downside is they aren't carried an any stores, so you need to find someone local to listen to their stuff before you buy. I took the risk and just bought based on reviews and cannot be happier.

 

Yeah, I have a 13Ov.2 as well, it is the best sounding sub I've heard to date. I've heard W7's, W6v2's, and an IDmax.