satans fire
Okay so I normally do not do this, but this might be the first and last time I would do this as it is your first system and I remember 15 years ago what I went through when I was fitting my first system. Well at that time there was not that much knowledge on the internet so it was quite understandable that I did not get as much bang for the buck.
However, recently I wanted to put a new system in my car and only went ahead after doing copious amounts of research coupled with some help from certain Pakwheel brothers . So I kind of understand the position you are in.
Okay so I will try and address some of the concerns that you have mentioned in your post.
You mentioned your friends and their different setups. What you must first understand is that there are different car audio systems that cater to different tastes. Some are Sound quality systems (although I believe that is abit of a misnomer) whereas others are Sound Pressure oriented. You have to decide which one you want and buy accordingly.
Focal is generally associated with sound quality system. They do a great job in producing components for that sole purpose. So the sound in your friends focal car as you say “ sounded like dripping from a surgeons scalpel” is because it is very precise and not supposed to be played too loud. Where as the Alpine sounded the way it did to you for reasons that I will detail below.
In saying focal is associated with sq is abit misleading as it kind of implies that other amplifiers or car audio systems are only associated with spl and therefore not clear. Don’t let that confuse you. It did me at the start. I believe there can be a mix of the two. I will detail my experience with Focal now.
When I was setting up my car audio system recently I tried a few amps with my setup. I tried focal 4.75 le and a 2 channel focal amp for different setups in my car. I was not a happy camper. The sound at moderately high volumes sounded very shrill to me and lacking body. I also felt that there was not a whole sound in my car but the front and back stage was very disjointed. One pakwheeler suggested trying Alpine amps which I did.
Well the entire sound changed……I went with the <st1:stockticker>PDX</st1:stockticker> F4 (400 rms) first and I was happy with that but then thought why not try the <st1:stockticker>PDX</st1:stockticker> F6 (600rms) after reading some reviews and wanting the extra power in case I wanted to upgrade my speakers at a later stage.
Well then the sound REALLY changed, I mean there was a whole sound in the car and not only that I cant put my finger on it but it just sounded very musical and melodic….it was quite a nice blend of clarity without sacrificing too much boom and did not make me sick at moderately high volumes. So facing the wrath of the shopkeeper I upgraded to that.
After speaking to a couple of my college friends in the states they told me a great combo that some of them use is the <st1:stockticker>PDX</st1:stockticker> F6 and the <st1:stockticker>PDX</st1:stockticker> M12 mono amp …and they told me focal is mostly known for its outstanding speakers and their amps are not generally upto the same level as their speaker and my decision was cemented
On another note I wish we could get Audison here but that’s a different story. That goes into thousands of dollars. One college friend I remember had a audison amp powered setup and that was out of this world. But that’s another category.
Some people swear by Focal others prefer other things. It all depends on ones tastes. And of course tuning . And availability of products in your city or country. I tuned both amps with a guy who knew his stuff and the alpine just personally for me gave me a better result. So WHAT I suggest for you is at the shop you should try out both amps and see which one you like …….sensible and logical. Buy it once but buy it according to what you like.
I am going to the shop in a couple of days as they are getting some new stock which might include certain speakers I am interested in. What you can do is meet me there and hear my setup and see if you like it. You may hate it.
See what the shop has and make your decision. I repeat do not rush at all, take it easy even just see his stock that day go home research his products and then decide if you want the stuff….. In addition do the following:
you must do some research on the net before we meet as well and decide which speakers you want, amps you have decided and what head unit you want. You must also decide if you want local or foreign branded wires . Sound dampening needed etc….. And what budget you are planning. Choose according to what you like and then see if your budget can manage it. I hope this has been of some help. With my limited knowledge have tried my best. However, I hope this clears your mind abit and that you go into this with a positive mindset.
p.s. if you are going abroad any time soon, check some amps there as well such as Genessis, Zuki and Arc, Mosconi and Tru technologies but these are really high end.
