Focal speaker question
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
Man, I'm so tired of looking at all these posts comparing apples to oranges. The Focal PC165 vs Polk Audio MM651 comparison per specs is hands down in favor or the PA.
Focal high-end speakers are great speakers, I'll admit that as I have done previously in other posts, but if you're going to compare then do it on a level playing field.
Focal K2165RXS - $1200
ˇ component speaker system includes two 6-3/4" woofers, 2 tweeters, 2external crossovers, and 2 woofer grilles
ˇ K2 composite woofer cone (Aramid, foam, and glass fiber)
ˇ butyl rubber surround
ˇ 2" woven Aramid fiber inverted-dome tweeter
ˇ 2-way external crossover with 3 tweeter and 2 midrange level settings
ˇ 4-ohm impedance
ˇ power range: 6-60 watts RMS (120 watts peak power)
ˇ frequency response: 75-20,000 Hz
ˇ sensitivity: 94 dB @ 2.83 V
ˇ woofer mounting depth: 2-3/16"
ˇ warranty: 1 year
Polk AudioSR6500 - $800
ˇ component speaker system includes woofers, tweeters, and crossovers
ˇ 6-3/4" aerated polypropylene woofer with UV- andtemperature-resistant butyl rubber surround
ˇ 7/8" ring radiator tweeter with multiple mounting options
ˇ die cast aluminum woofer basket
ˇ 2-way external Zobel crossover network (3100 Hz, 18 dB/octave high-passand 12 dB/octave low-pass) with four tweeter level settings
ˇ 6"x9" adapter rings included
ˇ power range: 50-125 watts RMS (250 watts peak power)
ˇ frequency response: 40-30,000 Hz
ˇ sensitivity: 90 dB
ˇ top-mount depth: 2-9/16"
ˇ warranty: 3 years
These Polk SR6500 speakers in reviews (educated and experienced reviews, not mine) have outperformed the Focals time and time again in all aspects.
Focal high-end speakers are great speakers, I'll admit that as I have done previously in other posts, but if you're going to compare then do it on a level playing field.
Focal K2165RXS - $1200
ˇ component speaker system includes two 6-3/4" woofers, 2 tweeters, 2external crossovers, and 2 woofer grilles
ˇ K2 composite woofer cone (Aramid, foam, and glass fiber)
ˇ butyl rubber surround
ˇ 2" woven Aramid fiber inverted-dome tweeter
ˇ 2-way external crossover with 3 tweeter and 2 midrange level settings
ˇ 4-ohm impedance
ˇ power range: 6-60 watts RMS (120 watts peak power)
ˇ frequency response: 75-20,000 Hz
ˇ sensitivity: 94 dB @ 2.83 V
ˇ woofer mounting depth: 2-3/16"
ˇ warranty: 1 year
Polk AudioSR6500 - $800
ˇ component speaker system includes woofers, tweeters, and crossovers
ˇ 6-3/4" aerated polypropylene woofer with UV- andtemperature-resistant butyl rubber surround
ˇ 7/8" ring radiator tweeter with multiple mounting options
ˇ die cast aluminum woofer basket
ˇ 2-way external Zobel crossover network (3100 Hz, 18 dB/octave high-passand 12 dB/octave low-pass) with four tweeter level settings
ˇ 6"x9" adapter rings included
ˇ power range: 50-125 watts RMS (250 watts peak power)
ˇ frequency response: 40-30,000 Hz
ˇ sensitivity: 90 dB
ˇ top-mount depth: 2-9/16"
ˇ warranty: 3 years
These Polk SR6500 speakers in reviews (educated and experienced reviews, not mine) have outperformed the Focals time and time again in all aspects.
Last edited by UltraNutZ; Jan 18, 2013 at 07:42 AM.
Did you get yours from soundzcustomz in SD?
thanks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 4
From: Boca Raton, FL
And
YES
Pete did my install at Biketoberfest With the 165KRCs, my buddy went with the level just below them with the PC165
Both have the same ARC amp running our systems
They really do sound amazing, both levels, but as I stated, he loves his, until he turns mine up, there is that much difference, but YOU PAY FOR IT
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: West Bend, WI
Wow I was not expecting that. Aside from apples and oranges that have nothing to do with audio it all comes down to the listening ear. Focal quality is by far and above that of Polk. For monetary reasons and for reasons I have posted a million times I would not spend that much money on K2 speakers. Going down the highway at 60 mph a lot gets distorted. Speakers tend to sound similiar at this point. At any rate while Polks are good speakers and Focals are great speakers you get what you pay for is my response. I have heard both side by side sitting still and the sound from the Focals was deeper and clearer in my own opinion. Specs on papaer are just that, on paper. The true test is to the listeners ear. That is why there are so many varied opinions on the subject. I would argue the above post is not (apples vs oranges). Take a look at the Focal site and you will see inexpensive alternatives for both coaxial and component options that on paper are comparable to Polk or any other cheaper alternative. I am not sure where K2 165 RXS comes from but check out K2 165 KRX2 at $1200. Check those specs out and you can see that they are not as listed above. Also when looking at speakers look at what material goes into speaker itself. Material used are a big differnece. Just my two cents and I apologize in advance but I hate when people try to compare a cadillac and a buick and try to say they are on the same playing field.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 734
Likes: 3
From: NE Ohio
Ok I went with arc audio 4 channel and 2 KRC's and 2 focal 6x9's in the bag lids.
I will report back once there in.
Kevin at dragonfly was a pleasure to do business with. Don't hesitate.
I will report back once there in.
Kevin at dragonfly was a pleasure to do business with. Don't hesitate.
Man, I'm so tired of looking at all these posts comparing apples to oranges. The Focal PC165 vs Polk Audio MM651 comparison per specs is hands down in favor or the PA.
Focal high-end speakers are great speakers, I'll admit that as I have done previously in other posts, but if you're going to compare then do it on a level playing field.
Focal K2165RXS - $1200
ˇ component speaker system includes two 6-3/4" woofers, 2 tweeters, 2external crossovers, and 2 woofer grilles
ˇ K2 composite woofer cone (Aramid, foam, and glass fiber)
ˇ butyl rubber surround
ˇ 2" woven Aramid fiber inverted-dome tweeter
ˇ 2-way external crossover with 3 tweeter and 2 midrange level settings
ˇ 4-ohm impedance
ˇ power range: 6-60 watts RMS (120 watts peak power)
ˇ frequency response: 75-20,000 Hz
ˇ sensitivity: 94 dB @ 2.83 V
ˇ woofer mounting depth: 2-3/16"
ˇ warranty: 1 year
Polk AudioSR6500 - $800
ˇ component speaker system includes woofers, tweeters, and crossovers
ˇ 6-3/4" aerated polypropylene woofer with UV- andtemperature-resistant butyl rubber surround
ˇ 7/8" ring radiator tweeter with multiple mounting options
ˇ die cast aluminum woofer basket
ˇ 2-way external Zobel crossover network (3100 Hz, 18 dB/octave high-passand 12 dB/octave low-pass) with four tweeter level settings
ˇ 6"x9" adapter rings included
ˇ power range: 50-125 watts RMS (250 watts peak power)
ˇ frequency response: 40-30,000 Hz
ˇ sensitivity: 90 dB
ˇ top-mount depth: 2-9/16"
ˇ warranty: 3 years
These Polk SR6500 speakers in reviews(educated and experienced reviews, not mine) have outperformed the Focal’s time and time again in all aspects.
Focal high-end speakers are great speakers, I'll admit that as I have done previously in other posts, but if you're going to compare then do it on a level playing field.
Focal K2165RXS - $1200
ˇ component speaker system includes two 6-3/4" woofers, 2 tweeters, 2external crossovers, and 2 woofer grilles
ˇ K2 composite woofer cone (Aramid, foam, and glass fiber)
ˇ butyl rubber surround
ˇ 2" woven Aramid fiber inverted-dome tweeter
ˇ 2-way external crossover with 3 tweeter and 2 midrange level settings
ˇ 4-ohm impedance
ˇ power range: 6-60 watts RMS (120 watts peak power)
ˇ frequency response: 75-20,000 Hz
ˇ sensitivity: 94 dB @ 2.83 V
ˇ woofer mounting depth: 2-3/16"
ˇ warranty: 1 year
Polk AudioSR6500 - $800
ˇ component speaker system includes woofers, tweeters, and crossovers
ˇ 6-3/4" aerated polypropylene woofer with UV- andtemperature-resistant butyl rubber surround
ˇ 7/8" ring radiator tweeter with multiple mounting options
ˇ die cast aluminum woofer basket
ˇ 2-way external Zobel crossover network (3100 Hz, 18 dB/octave high-passand 12 dB/octave low-pass) with four tweeter level settings
ˇ 6"x9" adapter rings included
ˇ power range: 50-125 watts RMS (250 watts peak power)
ˇ frequency response: 40-30,000 Hz
ˇ sensitivity: 90 dB
ˇ top-mount depth: 2-9/16"
ˇ warranty: 3 years
These Polk SR6500 speakers in reviews(educated and experienced reviews, not mine) have outperformed the Focal’s time and time again in all aspects.
I couldn't agree more about the constant comparison. We at Dragonfly have never used the K2165RXS as we use the 165KRX2 when someone is looking to goall out. Most of the time it is the PC, or KRC line. The K2165RXS is a shallow mount and not needed for the fairing application. This being said I asked the engineer at Focal to help with crunching all the numbers that have been posted as they know better than any of us bike guys, (even the ones selling theirstuff) what's, what.
I do not know anyone at Polk Audio, to askfor an accurate assessment of what they think. I do know that Focal makes speakers valued up to and over $250.000 for their home speakers. Please take the time to read a review of someone whom has evaluated home audio for over 40years, and writes a column about it.
http://www.lenwallisaudio.com/blog/new-systems/grand-utopia-em-are-they-value-at-269000-a-pair/
Whether you believe there is a need for something like this or not is irrelevant. the true audio files of the worldmust think so as they pay the $$$$.
I think the main issue is that everyone who does not have Focal keeps trying to compare what they have, to them. If you arehappy with what you have then Rock On. The simple difference is that Focal is adifferent breed than you will ever find in a Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Sonic Electronix, or Amazon at a super reduced rate.
The Polk has better bass extension becausethe resonance frequency is 30 Hz lower.
But if you are not using a subwoofer this is of no benefit.
Below is what I was able to get from an Audio Engineer about the diferences between the two speaker lines in question. Please also not that the Focal has a 4 DB better rating with half the power to boot!
The manufactures use different test conditions for the power handling so you can not directly compare them.
Based on voice coil size and heat sink area the Polk has a 19 percent advantagewhich represents only +1.5 dB louder.
1 dB is the threshold of being able to reliably hear a difference.
However, since the Focal has 4 dB higher sensitivity it does not need as muchpower to get loud.
So, +4 dB sensitivity - 1.5 dB power handling = 2.5 dB loudness advantage overthe Polk.
The Focal has a superior cone.
A Kevlar sandwich is much stiffer than aerated polypropylene.
The Focal benefit is lower distortion for much clearer midrange and more detailand crispness.
You can better understand the words and hear the differences betweeninstruments.
The mounting depth of the Focal is 10mm less than the Polk so it leaves morestorage room inside your saddle bags.
The Focal tweeter has greater surface area than the Polk ring tweeter.
This allows it to play louder and with lower distortion.
The Focal inverted dome also has better off axis frequency response.
Last edited by Dragonfly2000; Jan 21, 2013 at 11:28 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 122
From: Joliet IL.
Hi just thought I would give my two cents. I started with Hog tunes, better than stock I was not pleased. Step 2 went to Arc 125 mini with Polk DB's, and upgraded the tour pak speakers to 5.25 R.F. speakers. Had that set up for about a year it was pretty good. Recently I upgrade my system by adding lowers from Harley and added HATS (Hyrid Audio Technology) in the lowers. Before I added the lowers I changed the fairing speaker to Focals KPS'S component's (list price is about $700). The HATS from Biketronics sound better to me, better bottom end. (one reason could be is the HATS in the lowers are in a sealed pod) but they are impressive! I am installing lids with speaker in them and I will be using the new 6x9 Hats from Biketronics. I also replaced the Arc mini with Sound Stream nano 520 D $130, more power, ( Arc 70 rms @ 4 ohm !20 @ 2 ohm, The S.S. 100 rms @ 4 ohm 130 @ 2 ohm). So in conclussion I like the HATS( Won more sound competition's since 2006 than all other brands combined) and I like the Sound Stream Nano 520 D over the Arc mini 125 x2.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 35
From: Fl
Of all the specifications for speakers the only one which cannot be measured is "sound quality". This is why expensive home speakers have been touted by golden eared "audiophiles" (audiophools) for decades. The truth is sound quality is so subjective that no one can tell which speaker they will like best until they hear it under actual listening conditions, in this case that means on your bike. What we can tell from the actual measurable specs is that the Polk MM651 is more sensitive at 94db, will pull more watts from any decent amp due to the 2.7 ohm impedance, has a broader frequency response (more is better), is marine certified, has much lighter and stronger neodymium magnets (less weight in the fairing), greater power handling, a 1" silk tweeter (less harsh than metal tweeters), a carbon composite frame and a 12db per octave external crossover. This is a lot of speaker for not a lot of money, which is why I bought them. If you like the sound of some other brand better that's cool, but don't try to say some other speaker is better simply because all the hot setups use them, or whatever, that's just foolish. Buy what you like, but pay attention to the measurable specs, because if your argument is based on sound quality alone remember it's a MOTORCYCLE, unless you stay parked most sound quality differences will disappear very quickly!
Last edited by floridapoolboy; Jan 18, 2013 at 11:31 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
At what point did Polk become higher LOW end? Admittedly I've been out of the mobile audio scene for a while, but Polk used to be the best. 'Course so did Rockford but they now have an amp that is not stable below 4ohms? I'm feeling like I'm in some sort of parallel universe.
