Focal speaker upgrade question

Is it worth it to upgrade to Focal IS 165 component speakers in the front doors if I don't plan on adding an amp or changing the factory head unit? I can spend about $300 for speakers right now. Just don't want to spend the money if there isn't going to be a noticeable difference in sound quality / overall volume w/o adding or upgrading other components.

 

General rule is run external amp with components.

 

There should be an improvement,,, but a $300 improvement, not so sure. Personally I'd consider it if the components were a very efficient set.

 

^^This!

If all you are doing is swapping speakers, you'll most likely get worse sound. The stock deck is tuned to make sure the stock speakers live a long life. If you remove the stock speakers, you'll see the small magnets(around 1" diameter). The stock deck is tuned to decrease bass as the volume goes up, so you don't blow the speakers. And with the small amount of power the stock deck puts out, the Focal speakers won't have the power to run properly.

Not worth it, not $300 worth it for sure. Think about upgrading the deck, and getting an amp if you really want them.

 

Do you think I can get away with just adding an amp without a new deck? If so what specs should I be looking for? Does anyone ever just throw a set of 3-way speakers in and just disconnect the tweeter in the stock location as a cheap upgrade? Thanks everyone....

 

Woah woah woah......let's firm up a few facts here.

First of all....it's not REQUIRED to run an aftermarket amp for components/aftermarket speakers.

Yes, the stock headunit has limited power. So instead of throwing more power at a situation why not just run a more efficient speaker to get the MOST out of the available power?

So quick lesson....let's say we had two pairs of speakers. One was 89db efficient and the other was 92db efficient (a 3db difference). The 92db efficient speakers if given 15 watts will be as loud as the other 89db efficient speakers when getting 30watts (twice as much!!!!)


That being said, most Focal component sets are quite efficient. The ones you're looking at are VERY efficient at 92.6db efficiency. The stock stuff I'd guess is fairly efficient but hard to say how much. Probably around 90db but that's about it.

I say buy them and you'll be happier with the sound. That much I know.

 

^ what ItalynStylion said.

 

Good speakers, I'd still get an amp to run them if you want their full potential. I have these

Focal Polyglass 165 V30 6.5" 2-Way Component Speaker System

http://www.amazon.com/Focal-Polyglass-165-Component-Speaker/dp/B002VPHLCM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1342128946&sr=8-2&keywords=focal+30th

and the guy I got them off had them hooked up to the stock stereo and he said it didn't sound much better than stock. I have them hooked up to an amp and they are amazing speakers.

 

I would buy a new hu before upgrading speakers.

 

x2

A new HU on stock speakers can make a world of difference.

 

a amp with stock head unit and stock speakers would make a world of a difference too.

 

im running the focals with amp, audio control and stock hu...sounds greeeeeat.would definitely sound better once the new hu is added.

 

An amp on the stock speakers is worthless. They can't handle any power. A new HU will push the stock speakers more than enough.

 

yeah...no point in powering stock speakers...they're setup already for best sound...waste of money imo.

 

I guess you guys are right lol. I did everything backwards. I havent upgraded my head unit but im running Focal polyglass component 165V30 Annivesary and Focal access 6.5 in the rear with alpine 5 channel amp and a Jl 10. I bet getting a head unit soon would change everything. Been eyeing out the Pioneer Avh-p8400bh but havent pulled the trigger

 

I'm setup the same way...stock hu but i added the audio control which makes tuning a little better. A new hu would make it drastically better.

 

Yeah the stock HU is garbage. Get a nice aftermarket and you will never use a stock HU again.

 

What do you consider a nice head unit? Im also in the market for an aftermarket hu and need some suggestions for a single din.

 

i wanna get the kenwood 6990 but these hu's nowadays are so damn expensive!ill just wait till the new models come out and take advantage of a discount on this one.

 

Expensive now a days? Man you must not been in the audio game long When I was in HS a single din Pioneer top of the line HU was over $500.. Now you can get a DVD player that is amazing for $300. you can get decent single din's for $120.. Car audio is soooooooooo cheap these days.

Depending on what you want I would look into Pioneer and Alpine. Those are the only two brands I will ever use when it comes to touch screen DVD HU's. I also avoid flip outs as the motors can wear out and once they go, the deck is worthless. Each person has the brand that they like and don't like.