Any body using Focal in there TL? If so how is the fit and was there much modification. I am thinking of purchasing the slim series.

 

What's the "slim" series?

 

i belive that he is talking about the polyglass 165 v2 slims

 

hrrm.. I have focal polykevlar 130s in mine. They're QUITE nice and clean. I think I'm suffering from the small midbass size tho. Not exactly enough low end up in front

maybe I'll try the diamonds that I originally intended to get..

 

I have the Polykevlar 165K2 up front and the 136K in the rear...love them. They're crystal clear at all volumes. Didn't have any fitment issues either.

 

meaning you didn't have to butcher the door? I am also thinking of putting some focal comps in my car. I was thinking of maybe the 165K2 or the Slim series. I have a set of Perfect 6.1 that won't fit without major cutting. The magnet is huge on those things. Input on the Focal's please! I can't stand that Bose paper crap.

 

I have the polykevlar 165s in the fronts AND rear. No fitting issues. No need to 'butcher' the door either. All I had to do (for depth) was use a ring of 3/4 MDF.

Use a handheld Jigsaw to make a ring for the door. The 'ring' I created is about 1/4 inch bigger than the speaker itself. I routed the edges (using a drill and a router bit) and that's it. Fits like a glove. The only thing to get creative on (as with ALL separates) is tweeter placement.

Focals are, by FAR, the BEST speaker on the market. Period. The tweeter on the Polykevlar series is a little too bright for me though. Consider buying the Utopia (T51?) tweeters, OR wrapping a bit of cloth over the poly tweets.

But they ROCK.

I use a Precision Power PCX-4125 (125 CLEAN watts per door).

I'd never use anything else now.

You certainly get what you pay for.

Michael

 

Do you have the 165K or K2's? I heard the 165K's distort when you turn the volume up? Is this true. Anybody have any input on the 165KP and 165K2P? And for the price of the 165K2P's wouldn't it be better just to get the Utopia's? Good choice on the amp, PPI makes good amps. Where do you have your tweeter mounted? I was thinking of making a braket and mounting it near the midrange, kinda like a coaxial.

 

I have the K2's. I agree with you about upgrading to the Utopias. It was an impulse buy from a stereo shop. Had to have Focals and had to have them right then and there (was travelling on the road).

But, after looking on Ebay, the Utopias are at a decent price.

If you're willing to spend the extra coin, DEFINITELY go that route.

My tweeters are placed just like you said. On a bracket that brings it up to the center of the mid. Like a coaxial.

Only problem (BIG ) problem with it is that when the volume is up and the mids hit, the cone extends farther than you'd think and it sometimes hits the tweet.

Don't go that route, either cut some of the plastic mesh above it (you'll see what I'm talking about when you look at the inside of the door panel, at the speaker opening) and place it there or cut the panel and surface/flush mount it. Personally, I like things hidden.

And yea, PPI rocks. The cleanest amp I've ever heard, and 125w per door aint bad! Great match for the capacity of the Focals. They like power... and they have ZERO distortion.

 

Will the utopias 6.5 component fit or do we have to go with the 5 1/4? Also, i've been searching but haven't found an exact answer, is there any way to run a sysyem with the stock HU? Can we pick up a singal(Rca) from the stock amp, Then run it to an aftermarket amp? Any input will help. Thanks

 

The 165's ARE 6.5...

HTH

 

Does anyone have any input for using the stock HU and running a system?

 

You can in fact run off of the factory head unit, with a line driver (of sorts). But understand, that will be your VERY weak link. That is what is sending the signal to you expensive components and will make them perform at about 30% of their intended capacity.

It can and has been done. But, don't throw good money at GREAT components if your head unit will make them perform like 30 dollar pieces from Best Buy.

Sorry that this isn't what you want to hear, but it's honest and good advice.

I too like the factory look. Maybe you should consider stealth installs instead. Hide the head unit somewhere that you can access it, but doesn't appear obvious.

 

you should be fine with stock headunit. just get a good Line out convertor. you can find one at www.davidnavone.com