doublexl

FP DM is a 2 channel amp, he wants to run a 2 way set active so he'd need 4 channels....or 2 dual monitors.

GREAT amp tho. i would have used this if its processing wasnt totally redundant to my setup lol...

methodman0666

there have been many good points talked about in this thread...... but it seems to me that you have already made up your mind, and have this impression that jl amplifiers are equal to hand made competition equipment, when your saying that using a lower quality amp you should not hear a difference......... im sorry but you really should rethink the strategy on purchasing focal be.

97'scort

^ Wow, racking up the posts, eh? I still maintain that the Be's are designed for a tighter quality amp than a JL. JL is good but it's mass marketed stuff rather than higher end, hand assembled stuff. If you're going to fork out for those speakers I think you can go for the better quality construction on your amp.

The JL amps sound good to you and that's all that matters though, right? Everyone enjoys a different kind of sound or is wanting to work with an item they already own, so whatever works well for you!

If he wanted to run active, then sure, DM might not be your best option. But I think just by virtue of the programming abilities of the DM, plus the excellent crossovers in the Be line, I'd be tempted to go passive.

Edit: errr...method beat me to it.

fozzz

iTrader: (1)

One of the worst SQ comp cars I've ever heard used the Focal Be 3 way set. The car sounded flat. I know the product is good, but don't expect anything from a product or brand name alone. Anyone who spends serious dough on products better seriously consider a well thought out install. When I see big dollar cars I expect big dollar results.

methodman0666

i totally 100% agree to fozz speakers and amps arent the only part of the equasion

Junkinthetrunk

iTrader: (2)

I heard an S-class Alpine demo car from Asia with F1 everywhere. Terrible sounding car.

doublexl

maybe the eq was set for FLAT response. which does sound terrible.
the eq is totally flat in my setup and it sounds phenominal.

going from amps i have heard in car's i'd say jl is one of the best. i havent heard any audison or focal in a vehicle. i havent heard brax. before i dive further into the money pit i wanted to stay on familiar ground. the jl amps suit my needs with the crossovers and everything, altho i am only using one crossover on one of the amps and the rest are off. i wanted to have one brand of amps and jl had the goods to provide. there is no lacking of dynamics, response, clarity, definition or power in any channel. if i ever have the chance to try some different amps i will. but as for now my setup is how its gonna stay until long after the speakers are broken in and i get to hear how they really perform.

if u want hand made competition equipment look no further then brax graphic edition amps. but hey not everyone wants to blow over 3k per amp. and im not saying there wouldnt be a difference. but until u can compare side by side, note for note, the difference is unknown. but hey if u have 2 audison amps that i could audition on my front stage let me know and maybe u can pursuade me to upgrade. but for now... i dont see a point. everything else is top notch, and i dont see a problem with the amps

veeman

iTrader: (3)

Uber dollar equipment for SQ has been disproved in real world competitions many times. Eldridge used MTX equipment to win World championships...mass produced MTX black gold subs, and model 2300 amplifiers. His current 4 runner has Kicker amps and subs...modified for liquid cooling, and fancy heatsinks, but still kicker internals (board, electronics, power supply etc...)...mass produced. I still think most people are hosing themselves with the high fidelity BS. Get mid priced, good brands and work on the install and tuning if you want SQ! Think about it, if a multiple winning world champion is using "regular" equipment....

doublexl

in europe the uber dollar stuff is cleaning house. but you dont always need the highest end to win no. and i think one of my points in "jl amps are more then adequate" is that all my speakers are active. so theres nothing in the path from amp to speaker to color the sound. the amps have more control over the speakers right from the get-go.

Mechanizm

I know I'm stepping into the middle of a somewhat stale post, but I'd like to add that I have extensive experience with many of the amplifier brands being discussed here, particularly the JL, Audison and Focal. For that reason, my post will address my personal findings with each of those amplifier makes.

JL Audio (slash series): A good quality, reliable, essentially bulletproof amplifer (when properly installed). If you need an amplifier to work, and work well this is it. SQ wise, the tightly regulated RIP power supply robs the music of dynamics, leaving you with a "lifeless-yet-loud" sound. I've heard JL Slash amps on everything from the most inexpensive (factory) speakers to Focal BE's. Good amp, not my personal choice for SQ. Not a great value in Canada due to Gemsen's markup. Comparable to Audison LRx in sound quality.

Audison VRx: No comparison to the JL in terms of openness, dynamics, stereo separation...literally every technical specification. These are top-dollar amps that sound great (when properly installed). The optional chrome shadow finish, wood trim panels, end caps, links etc may be of interest to serious SQ/install people. I've had numerous issues with the LRx line drivers, the 2.5mm power connectors coming out of the amps etc, and the proprietary 3 conductor balanced RCA cables they use...but that's being picky. Setting up these amps can be tricky as the multi-lingual manual and setup templates tend to be cryptic and relevant controls scattered across the top of the amplifier, particularly when extension and crossover modules are installed. I frequently compare these hand-built Italian amps to a Ferarri...always in the shop but great fun when it's working right! lol

Focal: Decent amplification at a reasonable price. These are no-frills amplifiers that offer great musicality, openness and dynamics. The internal crossovers are simply great sounding! Some people may find them cosmetically boring, and the mounting option (proprietary 3mm hex key screw through the top of the chassis) can be limiting especially in custom applications. However, these amps really remind me of the way things used to be 10-15 years ago! Comparable in sound to Zapco.