Just bought new Focal's. Will this amp work?

[fast_jason]

Hey everyone,

I just purchased a new Pioneer AVH-3400BH and two sets of Focal Access 165CA1 6-3/4" Coaxial Speakers. Everything should be here Friday. I am still in need of an amp to power the Focal's. I have access to a Kicker ZX350.4 but wasn't sure if it is a good fit or not. I would appreciate any input. I can also go with another amp if there is something better I should use. I would like to stay under $200-225 for the amp.

Focal Specs:
4ohm
60 watts RMS
120 watts Peak

Kicker ZX350.4 Specs:
Power (watts/channel) 2 Ohm Stereo 90 x 4
Power (watts/channel) 4 Ohm Bridged Mono 175 x 2

 

[felixgun]

Those focal speakers are sick. That amp should be good although the speakers can handle much more.

 

[Midgetclown]

Like Felix said it will work and why not if you can get a good deal on it. I bought some Focal access 163 A3 components for my front doors and some access 210 ca1's for my rear doors. Ive had them sitting in my room for about 3 months because im not done fiberglassing the sections in my door panels. Let us know what you end up doing.

Heres a Hifincs GLX100.4 for $200
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_43131_Hifonics-GLX100.4.html
RMS Power Rating:
4 ohms: 100 watts x 4 chan.
2 ohms: 200 watts x 4 chan.
Bridged, 4 ohms: 400 watts x 2 chan.

 

[fast_jason]

I don't want to get the Kicker amp just because it's a good deal if it's not going to be sufficient. What is everyone running?

 

[Robert.K]

I'm running rf 400.4, and rf 400.2 on my focals. I have the Vb's and can afford to upgrade the amps to the 600's if I wire them a 2 ohms. I would suggest a good 2 channel wired at 2 ohms putting out between 150-250 watts.

 

[fast_jason]

Well, I think I am going to go with the JL Audio xd700/5 or Boston Acoustics gta-1105. I was originally going to run two amps, but I've decided to go with just one now. I'm going to add a JL sub too. Probably a 12" w1 or w3. I'm not looking for serious bass, just something to supplement the rest of the system with good SQ. I like the JL amp because it's small enough to fit under my drivers rear captain chair. The BA amp is considerably longer, but much cheaper. Any suggestions on either amp and where you might mount the BA due to its size?

 

[yukonese]

My Focal setup

Here is my audio setup:

Front: Focal Polyglass 165 V30
Rear: Focal Polyglass 165 CVX
Sub: PolkAudio MM840
Power Amp: Alpine V-POWER MRP-F320, 40Wx4 + 120Wx1





The amp has been installed under the driver side rear seat long time ago, fits perfectly. I think this model has been discontinued.

The SQ of this combination is pretty decent and enjoyable. You may find Focal reviews somewhere else, I'd like to say why I picked MM840. If you don't want to upgrade the enclosure, 8" sub is the only choice. I used to have a JL 8W0-4,



it sounds harsh and not much "shaking". Don't get me wrong, JL is a good speaker. The problem is, my 01 Yukon OE sealed enclosure is not a good match with JL. JL is much better in a ported enclosure. I found this out by this free subwoofer enclosure design software: WinISD.

I researched some subs with WinISD, and WinISD showed MM840 would perform good in a sealed enclosure, whose size should be larger than the OE's. So I put in some Acousta-Stuf Polyfill, which absorbs sound waves, makes the enclosure "acoustically larger". However, I found if too much polyfill used, the bass will be weakened.

Another reason for MM840 is the sensitivity, MM840 92db matches Focal 93db very well.

During the sub installation, a problem is encountered. MM840 is 1/8" lager in diameter than the opening of the OE enclosure. I had to invest a $100 rotary tool to fix it. This deserves another thread.

I thought about Focal 8" sub, but it's expensive, and I didn't find a good deal at that time. So, I took MM840, and have been satisfied.

 

[fast_jason]

Thanks for the info Yukonese! I've been so busy I haven't had time to install any of the stuff I bought in February. I am now leaning towards the new Alpine MRX-V70 5 channel amp that has come out for 2012. It is 60x4 and 350x1 at 4ohms. I think I will also do the same thing you did with the stock sub box. I had considered putting the Kicker CVT or JL W1 in there, but I will check out the Polk now. Thanks again for all the info. I will post up pics and details when I get everything done.

 

[yukonese]

Hi, Jason, I think I was off focus. You were asking the amp. These Focal speakers have very high sensitivity (93db), that means you can get big volume with small power. Mine is only 40W/CH, when I had Focal in the front, OE in the rear, I could hardly hear anything from the OE, even I seated in the rear. I think any brand name amp will drive your Focal easily, just pick one with the right size. Remember to pick a sub with close sensitivity.

 

[1LoudHoe]

if you can get a boston acoustic GT series amp. they have amazing sq and to match it up with a pair of focals that will be a great sounding combo.
i use a GT2200 and GT2300