I need something small that I can hide easily and of course it has to push the Focal 165W components with ample power.

I'm upgrading the rear speakers too, do I need an amp for that too?

Sorry for the newbish questions.

Thanks,
Victor

 

I put in a JL 300/4. It provides plenty of power for 4 channels under normal conditions (including top down). You can always get more power, but amp size becomes a bigger issue. Let me know how you end up liking the Focals. I decided on the CDT Euros. The amp is in the glovebox behind the passenger seat with a shelf on top so there is still a bit of storage left.

 

You spent good money on a good set of speakers, dont cheap out on the amp. im powering my 165W3's with a Zapco amp.

 

Agreed, Go with a good amp with those. I think my JL is great. Zapco is nice and Xtant. I think JL makes a pretty small 300/2. 150w per channel would be nice for those, I don't know if you want to go bellow 100w if you like to turn it up.

I have learned alot during my install. One huge thing is quality components matter big with the SQ, specially when you have a high quality speaker like those. Everything from speaker wire to the connectors for the X-overs.

 

Xtant 1.1

you won't be disapointed! get 1 per side. it's about the size of a 20 disc cd wale, the single stack ones. i've got 3 of them. left, right and center.

 

Focals need tons of power. I have a JL 300/2 on my Utopias and they rock. The 300/2 is the same size as the 300/4. Focals are worth every cent!

 

thanks for the help guys.

the xtant looks attractive cause i can easily hide them under the seats.

the jl audio amps look like they can provide by power at a good price.

hmnnn...

decisions..

victor

 

wowzers, those xtant's are $$$$$$$

 

Another company you might check is www.memphiscaraudio.com I have their amps in 2 of my vehicles and love them. I have the mc3004 giving 75x4 in my supra, powering a set of eclipse 6.5" components up front and 6.5 point source in the rear. I have the mc150 giving 75x2 in my truck to a pair of mb quart 6.5" components. Plenty of power and crystal clear sound quality. Not to mention, the amps look pretty sharp with gunmetal cases and are pretty small. They are priced very well too.

When I do the system in the 350 I will be using the memphis amps all the way.

 

I ended up purchasing a JL Audio 300/2.

It was under $300 NEW, the Xtant's were about $300.00 but I would need 2 of them.

Victor

 

good choice i had JL amps before i switched out to Zapcos, I was very happy with them.

 

I heard from heard that Focal 165 k2p sounds better, it was redesign, and now it sound better. Is this true?

And where did you find jl 300/2 under $300 new?

 

eBay!

http://www.eBay.com

Victor

 

That is because they put a more mellow tweeter (TN52..?) in that set, which helps reduce harshness.

The 2005 Utopias will also have an improved tweeter that will improve their sound quality.