Which system is better?

[Burton64]

Hey there. I am new to this forum and looking for advice. Long story short - I needed to get my boyfriend a gift for xmas. I went and bought Focal Access front and rear speakers with an Alpine 4 channel amplifier. I figured this was an upgrade from the normal stock system. After I purchased everything - he sent me a link to a JL Audio system he liked - JL Audio C3-570. It looks like this system comes with a subwoofer and speakers. I spent way more money on the Focal speakers and Alpine amplifier and I am wondering which is better? I obviously have no clue what I am doing buying any of this. Thanks a ton!!!

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[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

I went and bought Focal Access front and rear speakers with an Alpine 4 channel amplifier. JL Audio system he liked - JL Audio C3-570. It looks like this system comes with a subwoofer and speakers.

C3-570 is just one speaker set and it does not include a subwoofer. This would probably be a "front" speaker upgrade only.

I spent way more money on the Focal speakers and Alpine amplifier and I am wondering which is better? I obviously have no clue what I am doing buying any of this. Thanks a ton!!!

Focal and JL are both good brands. We don't know which size speakers you bought, so if you can post the model numbers that would be helpful. The amplifier will work with any brand of speakers, so that's fine.

 

[Burton64]

165A1SG 6.5" Component

165CA1SG 6.5" Coaxial

Hope this helps!

 

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

First of all, JL and Focal are both respected brands. They'll be of good build quality, sound good, and perform as advertised. I'm not in love with the Alpine amps, but they are also reliable and perform as advertised. All should hold fair resale value if he decides to upgrade or mix things up down the road. So whether you go with your original plan or switch to the JL you/he should be happy.

That said, might I suggest that buying JUST the front speakers, the 4 channel amp, and a small subwoofer (just about anything in a small sealed box) would sound dramatically better than just replacing the stock speakers. That's assuming he has a little trunk space to sacrifice.

It is the conventional wisdom that you don't really want vocals and other high frequencies coming from the rear of a vehicle. It sounds more natural (like being at a concert) to have the band (the sound) in the front. Of course most people who have never heard different don't know better, but if you lurk around these forums most will agree that is the best method for good sound.

 

[BSchrowang]

The focal speakers are an excellent choice. I would be certain the focals are a better choice.

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

Neither have a tweeter worth a ****.