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Focal speakers

Old Jun 3, 2012 | 08:53 AM
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Default Focal speakers

I just had my stereo installed in my truck, using Focal speakers and JL amp. They sound great, very clear.
So, after talking to my stereo shop, he is suggested a JL amp with Focal 5x7 in the bag lids, and 6.5 in the fairing. I'm looking more for clarity then a loud bass boom. Any suggestions with this setup? I know the stereo threads are endless on here, I just spent an hour reading them. I'm not interested in "my buddy's buddy has this, or I heard that these sound better" replies, basically if you have heard them with your own ear, then I value your opinion.
I had considered the J&M setup, but seems to be a split on happy customers with that, and I'm not sure I want to chance being on the "unhappy" side.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2012 | 08:56 AM
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Nothing wrong with the J & M amp, it's actually just a re-badged ARC amp. The speakers leave a lot to be disired of though. By the way, this IS what I have, it's not "my buddies system", so this is firsthand. Again, it's just my opinion though.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2012 | 09:04 AM
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Thanks Jeff, what would you do different if you could go back and have a re-do?
 
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Old Jun 3, 2012 | 09:27 AM
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I started out with a ARC amp...not bad at all. Then I wanted a 4ch. amp. I now have the Rockford 300x4 amp.... paid around $150.00. Nice amp...clean sound. The speakers were Hertz Titan 6.5 in the fairing and Polk Audio 6x9 in my saddlebags. Now I'm running Focal RC 6.5 in the fairing and Focal 6x9 Access series in the saddlebag lids. I've found this setup to be the best for me so far.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2012 | 09:31 AM
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If you can fit 6X9 speakers in your lids,..........the Pioneer Premier 2 ways have the most bass I've heard for this application.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2012 | 11:02 AM
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When you say you're using Focal 5x7's in the bag lids, whose lids are you using? If they're HD's, better confirm that the hole patterns of the Focal's will match those provided in the lids since HD's 5x7's use a unique mounting hole pattern. If they don't match, it's probably possible to provide additional mounting holes, and make adjustments to provide a good seal between the speakers and lids. Myself and a buddy went through the hole issue and sealing issue--I used Rockford Fosgate 6x8's and my buddy used JL 5x7's.

Also, have you confirmed that the JL amp will fit inside the fairing (assuming that's where you want to locate it)?

Good luck with your project.

Carl
 

Last edited by Harleypingman; Jun 3, 2012 at 05:29 PM.
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Old Jun 3, 2012 | 11:50 AM
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What's the difference between the 165 CVX and the PC 165 for the fairing?
 
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Old Jun 3, 2012 | 12:12 PM
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165 CVX are discontinued. Looks like the PC 165 took their place.

Specs are about the same. Peak handling power is 20 watts more on the PC 165.

So,......just looks like they discontinued the CVX, and replaced it with the PC.

Happens all the time.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2012 | 02:35 PM
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Carl, yes I was planning on using the HD lids. Thanks for the heads up on the sealing issue. Can you tell me how you fixed it? I have looked at some aftermarket lids that use 6x9's also, but kinda wanted to stay the HD route. Thanks for all the info so far
 
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Old Jun 3, 2012 | 05:27 PM
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The gaps that need sealing were pretty small for the RF's I used and the JL's my buddy used. We used JB Stik.

If I could have used a 2 ohm speaker, I'd have used HD's, especially since they have a bridge mounted tweeter which is a relevant consideration IMO to avoid water incursion past the tweeter stalk found in coax speakers. I used the RF 6x8's because they have a bridge mounted tweeter. My buddy used JL component 5x7's and bought the HD speakers just to canabolize them for the tweeter bride which he attached to the JL woofers.

Hybrid Audio Technology is making a drop-in 5x7 w/ bridge mounted tweeter for the HD lids in 2 ohm and 4 ohm versions that will be sold by Biketronics, and available in October. I'm sure I'll be replacing the RF's w/ the HAT/Biketronics 4 ohm speakers when they're available.

I much preferred the HD lids for cosmetic reasons, and the speakers are angled towards the rider/passenger. Now that HD offers the lids color-matched, makes the decision even easier.

Carl
 

Last edited by Harleypingman; Jun 3, 2012 at 05:29 PM.
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