Focal ice products - any good?

[Shurv]

I'm upgrading the std 6 speaker stereo in my '03 Z4 roadster.I've been lookig at the Focal fps2160 2 channel amp and a set of Focal 165 VR3 3 way component speakers. It's not cheap, but I want a good sound.Any one any experience of Focal's products.I guess I'm looking for some reassurance that I'm not wasting my money.

[DennisCooper]

Hiya

Focal are one of the higher brands out there and synonymous with fantastic sound quality. Definitley amongst the best available and you don't have to look far to see some of the awards etc they've won. You'll not be wasting your money in terms of thinking they're a cheap or budget brand or not well made etc.

Other names of similar level are DLS, Hertz, Rainbow....

Hope they do sound good for you !

Cheers, Dennis!

[phelix]

Had Focal speakers in a previous car - excellent sound but need loads of (clean) power to get the best out of them.

[gizlaroc]

Have you got subs under the floor on the z4??

Those vocals upper mid rage and top end only, nothing below 100hz so no bass.

I would look at the Morel speakers and a vibe litebox amp, it is class GH so warm and full but also really compact.
Will take a signal straight off the head unit too.

[Shurv]

Thanks guys, I'm not going to put any subs in yet ubntil I've heard what the set up sounds like.In a Z4 there's naff all room for subs n stuff and I want to keep the interior from being hacked about.If it sounds lacking,I'll have to get a sub fitted somewhere.Not sure about under the seat, I can't even get my hand under to clean the thing!!!

[gizlaroc]

I am not talking about some big ghetto 12" monster, but a small shallow mount somewhere.

Look at the parts catalogue..........

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BT52...


I would buy a pair of earthquake sws-8 subs and the vibe 4 channel litebox amp, along with a pair of components up front.

Th subs can replace the rear mids, and they will go down to a proper 30hz.

That would be an awessome sounding system that looks completely stock and cost around £550.

[Shurv]

Thanks for that.It's a bit of a minefield as there is so much stuff on the market.Whichever way I go, it's going to sound amazing.

[DennisCooper]

Hiya

Some good advice there!

I'm not so familiar with the Z4 audio setup, it may indeed, like the E60 5 series, have shallow mount OEM subwoofers which can indeed be replaced with the Earthquake SWS8's. This is a very popular modification to the E60 and from all the reviews of those who've done it, it seriously outperforms the OEM ones.

There are other alternatives which involve perhaps going to a proper car hifi installer who'll then quote you after discussing your options - they'll be able to come up with specially made enclosures and maybe some sound deadening in the doors etc etc all to enhance the sound of any good high quality speakers (like Focal's) you choose to upgrade to.

If you wish, you can PM me, as I have some of those very mentioned Vibe Litebox amplifiers and am able to do the Earthquake subs as I'm just starting out on my business venture which is in car audio and electronics

Cheers, Dennis!

[Stu R]

Focal stuff is very very good IMO. I've had it in 3 or 4 cars now, always powered it with Genesis amps and I've always been very impressed. Different league to most other stuff in that price range.