Got my component speakers...

[peppernick]

...I like R&B and vocals, so after much hype of Focal speakers over on Fanatics, I decided to try out a pair, 6.5" Focal 165 V Slims.

My god, what a world of difference compared to my JBLs. This is quality sound I've never heard anywhere before. Crisp, clear and you hear so much more depth in the music.

If you're into heavy bass, hip-hop and rock, this is probably not the speaker for you. Tried them tonight with Andy and Afif, hip-hop generally sounded pretty flat through the Focals. Stick in Savage Garden, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Eternal and Sting, you'll literally hear them singing right in front of you.

I have disconnected my rear speakers as I don't want them to interfere with the front components.

And this is still using my JBL amps, I could only imagine how they would sound with better amps.

[adood84]

your just on the roll nick aren't you ? well done

[BigFas]

very cool. I looked into the focal's, but on Andy's recommendation, went for the JL XR's as I listen to more hip hop and R&B than anything else. They're an awesome choice for your musical taste, though we all know you're into Earth Wind and Fire, Michael Bolton and Wham ;)

[peppernick]

Michael Bolton
Dude, I bought this CD yesterday ;) A special edition designed to be played in 'super CD player' it says on the box. £20 :eek: But it sounds amazing :cool:

[BigFas]

Ohhhhhh dear :(

Just when we thought you were turning black with your Usher, G-Unit, Eminem and of course Trick Daddy, you pull out the mullet

[sonny.j.h]

good stuff, theres nothing like some good driving music!

[peppernick]

LOL......I can still be black when I want to :D

[Raj]

Nice one Nick. I have to say you deffo made the right choice with upgrading your fronts. You just can't beat shelling out for some decent components (and as you have said, there is a world of difference).
Not sure about the Michael Bolton CD :eek: , but the rest are deffo in my CD cabinet :D

[Chaos]

LMFAO Fas, lol [crackmeup

They sound (sic) like the doggy's danglies Nick, can't wait to have a listen to them. Maybe the total solution for all-rounders is to have Focals in the front for those Michael moments and some heavy wedgers in the rear for some Nas noise..?

You've come a long way in a few months bro, wasn't that long ago you were reading magazines left right and centre trying to work it all out. :D

[Afif]

yup mariah never sounded so good :cool:. Definately a good choice on the rears :p.

[Shuriken]

Can only imagine how that sounds, congratulations mate.

Shuriken.

[RDG 40]

ive always upgraded my front speakers i dont know how this car has escaped so far definate a mod for futre, i like me bass so choice will go on that.

[benny boy]

i have always upgraded front and rear speakers :) dont know what to do this time pop out first like fas alpine

[peppernick]

i have always upgraded front and rear speakers :) dont know what to do this time pop out first like fas alpine
Yep, i would say get a decent headunit and you'll hear the difference in the stock speakers.

[alpina527]

I have the Hardon Kardon setup in my M3. I don't want a mega trick installation, but can I upgrade the amps and speakers without going too far. I want to keep the head unit, and if I need a better amp, I don't want speaker level. Does the stock HK use RCA's?
And NO!!!! I don't listen to Michael Bolton. I prefer Big Fas's type of thing.

[peppernick]

Stock headunits have no RCAs. So you will have to go via high level input if you want to add an aftermarket amp.

[alpina527]

What are you running with Nick?

[peppernick]

I ripped out my stock nav and went the entire aftermarket route.

[alpina527]

Blimey, you don't mess about do you! Is the Pioneer Nav a better system? Dare I ask. How much for that little lot.

Have you sold your old Nav equipment?

[peppernick]

The Pioneer navi is 5X faster the the OEM MK4 DVD nav. So much more info too. TMC function as I found out today is top notch with voice warning of slow traffic and suggestion of alternative routes. You'll never want to go back to factory equipment after tasting these electronic wizardry.

The AVIC X1R is a Navi, DVD player, CD player, on board monitor, G-Force meter, Yellow Pages etc all in one and all functions available in touch screen.

I sold my navi bits to Mits. Fitting is done by Andy of IceCold Audio, front dash is custm made, boot install and sub box, all for £550-ish.

See my boot install here (http://sankeys.demon.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=2643)

[alpina527]

It looks like it might wobble about a bit when driving. Does it remain stable?

[peppernick]

Very stable. It locks once the screen is in position.

Best bit is 3D navi option ;)

[alpina527]

Looks very tasty. Can I install it on it's own, then upgrade the rest later on? I'm not too sure of what the HK system consists of. Does it have one 6 chanel amp with a puny output? Will I need to go speaker level into the HK amp?

[peppernick]

I suspect you can with an adapter but don't expect improve sound quality. The HK is almost impossible to enhance. Adding aftermarket bits will only make it worse. Best clarify with Andy.

The HK boot amp powers the front and rear speakers. You have a small one under the rear parcel shelf sandwiched between the 6X9s that is dedicated to power them.

[alpina527]

Thanks for the info Nick. I used to be into car hi fi a few years ago, then I lost the urge.

To be honest, I prefer listening to the M3 howl. Seeing your installation has given me the urge again.

[peppernick]

I prefer listening to the M3 howl
Me too, but I like to switch between the two ;)