Stock speakers sounding better than Focals?

[sjv13 10+ year member]

That's sounds good then, just don't exceed 70watts per channel on those speakers!

Well the Polk amp I am buying is 75x4. But I'm thinking the Focals could take more than their rated for (70w). So that's why I want to bridge it and give each 150w, and then just be smart about setting the gains.

 

[av83 10+ year member]

What speaker wire did you use?

You should also try to install some foam weather stripping around the rim of the focal speaker. It directs sound in that frequency range outward instead of into the door.

And make sure they are in phase (+/-) terminals set correctly.

All of this. And if you can get a nicer four channel for twenty bucks, go for it!

 

[West]

Well the Polk amp I am buying is 75x4. But I'm thinking the Focals could take more than their rated for (70w). So that's why I want to bridge it and give each 150w, and then just be smart about setting the gains.

No, set the gains to 2/3 volume of the deck to 70watts using a 1khz test tone.

Exceeding 70watts on those focals will destroy them. It IS a good thing to have extra power on hand if needed, you usually can get a little cleaner sound and less distortion and strain on the amp itself.

Some recorded music isn't as loud and you still have some room to turn up the volume. Many HU's start clipping at 70%+ volume as well so that is something you want to watch out for.

 

[sjv13 10+ year member]

No, set the gains to 2/3 volume of the deck to 70watts using a 1khz test tone.Exceeding 70watts on those focals will destroy them. It IS a good thing to have extra power on hand if needed, you usually can get a little cleaner sound and less distortion and strain on the amp itself.

Some recorded music isn't as loud and you still have some room to turn up the volume. Many HU's start clipping at 70%+ volume as well so that is something you want to watch out for.

Are you saying that I shouldnt bridge the amp?

 

[matt_bennett05 10+ year member]

DON'T bridge it,

Exceeding 70watts on those focals will destroy them. It IS a good thing to have extra power on hand if needed, you usually can get a little cleaner sound and less distortion and strain on the amp itself.

 

[West]

Are you saying that I shouldnt bridge the amp?

I am saying that you should bridge the amp and set your gains to 70wRMS.

When the amp is bridged, there will be less strain on it. If you gains are set to aggressively you do run the risk of blowing your speakers, but if you set your gains properly there is little to no risk.

Even though you have access to 150wRMS, you dont have to use all of it.

Here is a good video on how to set your gains.

How to Set Your Amplifier Gain to RMS Power Using Ohm's Law - YouTube

When you calculate the voltage, make sure to use the correct resistance on your speakers use (4 ohms)

If you ever hear any cracking or popping or distortion in the sound immediately lower the volume of your music and those focals will last you.

 

[West]

DON'T bridge it,

If the OP isn't willing to set his gains with a DMM then I agree it should not be bridged. If he is willing to buy a DMM and set the gains properly then bridging is the best option IMO.

 

[West]

To touch on the last point here. Those focals are wonderful speakers, but if they are not given clean power they will wear out faster and never sound as good as they are able to sound.

Normally I would recommend getting the best deck and amps you can afford instead of getting the best speakers you can get and trying to drive them on budget amps. If you have an average source and below average amps it will not matter if you have $1,000+ speakers because the signal delivered to them will not yield good SQ...

 

[sjv13 10+ year member]

To touch on the last point here. Those focals are wonderful speakers, but if they are not given clean power they will wear out faster and never sound as good as they are able to sound.
Normally I would recommend getting the best deck and amps you can afford instead of getting the best speakers you can get and trying to drive them on budget amps. If you have an average source and below average amps it will not matter if you have $1,000+ speakers because the signal delivered to them will not yield good SQ...

I do have a nice HU. It is the nicest single DIN Pioneer besides their Stage 4 head unit. The limiting factor here is definitely the amp. But running it bridged I think will make it perform better and ease the load. And I think my dad has a DMM or I can take it to a shop and have them use their DMM.

 

[West]

I do have a nice HU. It is the nicest single DIN Pioneer besides their Stage 4 head unit. The limiting factor here is definitely the amp. But running it bridged I think will make it perform better and ease the load. And I think my dad has a DMM or I can take it to a shop and have them use their DMM.

Yes I am not trying to say that your HU is bad. I am sorry if it came out that way.

Getting the speakers more power will help you.

I would also suggest you get some good RCA's and speaker wire if you don't already have them.

Just trying to help...

 

[sjv13 10+ year member]

Yes I am not trying to say that your HU is bad. I am sorry if it came out that way.Getting the speakers more power will help you.

I would also suggest you get some good RCA's and speaker wire if you don't already have them.

Just trying to help...

No offense was taken. Just informing.

I will look for some good RCAs, but I was told it's really a waste of time and money to replace speaker wire unless you are going for world-class sound, which I am nowhere near at this point (especially with a budget-friendly amp).

 

[West]

No offense was taken. Just informing.
I will look for some good RCAs, but I was told it's really a waste of time and money to replace speaker wire unless you are going for world-class sound, which I am nowhere near at this point (especially with a budget-friendly amp).

These cables should do very well and they are inexpensive.

KnuKonceptz - view products for category Klarity RCA Kables

I would also recommend their krystal line.