I need help. Should I get Arc KS 300.4 for my new Focal?

[egello]

Hi Everyone

I just recently installed Focal KR165 and I LOVE them. They sound amazing compared to my previous Alpine SPS-610C. I am still running my Alpine MRP-F300 4-Channel 300 Watts Amplifier which I used to run my 610C and 610 in the rear. But I am realizing that my new Focals can handle a lot more power than what these Alpine amps can pump out. I have a separate Sub and Subwoofer amp in the trunk and don't want to change anything with that.

My trusted car audio guy suggested Arc KS 300.4. Is this necessary? I listen to a lot of classical music and sometimes very loud since I have a loud car. And yes, I have soundproofed the doors and the floor.

I was thinking maybe I should just to bridge my current Alpine amp to two way and power the front speakers and power the rear alpine speakers from my receiver. That way more power can be delivered to my Focals.

What do you guys all think? Get the Arc amp or just bridge the Alpine amp to the Focals only? Thank you in advnace.

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[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

i would bridge the alpine first ,see if you like the way it sounds them ,if not then go with the arc amp .the rears should be just for fill anyway ,they should not be heard over the front stage .

 

[gckless 5,000+ posts]

Depends on if you want to spend the money. Arc amps are real nice, and would be worth it if you don't mind spending the money and want a new 4-channel. Otherwise, just bridge the Alpine. You can do that now, try it out, and see how you feel about it, for no cost. I'd do that and then decide.

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

besides your local dealer prolly wants way to much for the arc amp as well

 

[egello]

Depends on if you want to spend the money. Arc amps are real nice, and would be worth it if you don't mind sending the money and want a new 4-channel. Otherwise, just bridge the Alpine. You can do that now, try it out, and see how you feel about it, for no cost. I'd do that and then decide.

Well I am sure my car guy would charge me something since I assume that radio has to be taken out and rewired. Is this something I can do easily? I am pretty handy person just that I never dealt with car audio before. FYI, the quality of the amp really has to do with the amount of power being delivered correct? So theoretically, bridged Alpine and unabridged Arc should allow my Focal to sound the about the same. Is this a right assumption?

 

[egello]

besides your local dealer prolly wants way to much for the arc amp as well

nope, he said he will install the Arc for around 380. So 350 for the amp and 30 for the install

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

nope, he said he will install the Arc for around 380. So 350 for the amp and 30 for the install

actually not a bad price

 

[egello]

actually not a bad price

yeah, and he gave me an awesome deal on the focals too! $529!!! and the install wasy basically combined with the door soundproofing so not much at all

 

[gckless 5,000+ posts]

Well I am sure my car guy would charge me something since I assume that radio has to be taken out and rewired. Is this something I can do easily? I am pretty handy person just that I never dealt with car audio before. FYI, the quality of the amp really has to do with the amount of power being delivered correct? So theoretically, bridged Alpine and unabridged Arc should allow my Focal to sound the about the same. Is this a right assumption?

Not exactly. There are different quality amps just like there are different quality vehicles. It's got to do with specs, ratings, how they sound, how efficient they are, etc. Though if you are pretty new, you probably won't notice a big difference between the two. What head unit do you have now? Stock or aftermarket?

 

[egello]

Not exactly. There are different quality amps just like there are different quality vehicles. It's got to do with specs, ratings, how they sound, how efficient they are, etc. Though if you are pretty new, you probably won't notice a big difference between the two. What head unit do you have now? Stock or aftermarket?

I got Alpine CDE-HD137BT Radio. Yeah, I am a noob, but my ears are so **** sensitive. I get extremely irritated when certain classical instruments don't sound like they should or when different instruments in an orchestra blends with each other. And I have a loud car (Jeep Liberty 2002) so I usually have to crank up the volumne.

So is bridging something I can do on my own? Or is this something where I have to get behind the head unit?

 

[gckless 5,000+ posts]

I got Alpine CDE-HD137BT Radio. Yeah, I am a noob, but my ears are so **** sensitive. I get extremely irritated when certain classical instruments don't sound like they should or when different instruments in an orchestra blends with each other. And I have a loud car (Jeep Liberty 2002) so I usually have to crank up the volumne.

Well buddy, welcome to the SQ world. You're beginning a long, tough, expensive journey lol. The Arc amp is an amp that you would not be disappointed with, and would probably be the best piece of gear you would have at that point. Your amp is not going to make as much of a difference as your source IMO, which is the media being played, your HU, and signal cables.

But for that HU, all you are doing is running RCA's. Actually, all you would do is disconnect the RCA input cables from your old amp and plug them into the new amp. Easy as that. Also search on this site about how to set gains if you are going to do it yourself. But I would still try the Alpine bridged before you buy it.

 

[egello]

Thanks for the welcome. I am looking at the specs and the Alpine amp's frequency response is 20 hz - 20k hz whereas Arc's frequency response is 5 hz - 50 hz. Focal KR's frequency response is 60Hz - 20kHz. Are these numbers at all important?

So is bridging something I can easily do on my own?