Upgrading from JL amp to Audison or Zapco?
10-31-2007, 08:43 PM
#51
Nice post, thank you.
do you work in the area?
do you work in the area?
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.
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.
11-02-2007, 02:01 PM
#53
0 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 14
Mechanizm, thanks for your comments in regards to diferent brands.
How would you rate between Focal Dual-Monitor vs. Audison VRx line? The advantge from Focal would be the onboard DSP. I'm also thinking of getting an outboard processor such as a DEQS from AudioControl, good idea for EQ'ing the car?
I know the VRx has some adjustments but I'm not sure if it'll be fine enough to fine tune the car!
Appreciate your input.
How would you rate between Focal Dual-Monitor vs. Audison VRx line? The advantge from Focal would be the onboard DSP. I'm also thinking of getting an outboard processor such as a DEQS from AudioControl, good idea for EQ'ing the car?
I know the VRx has some adjustments but I'm not sure if it'll be fine enough to fine tune the car!
Appreciate your input.
11-02-2007, 04:34 PM
#54
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 228
Mechanizm, thanks for your comments in regards to diferent brands.
How would you rate between Focal Dual-Monitor vs. Audison VRx line? The advantge from Focal would be the onboard DSP. I'm also thinking of getting an outboard processor such as a DEQS from AudioControl, good idea for EQ'ing the car?
I know the VRx has some adjustments but I'm not sure if it'll be fine enough to fine tune the car!
Appreciate your input.
How would you rate between Focal Dual-Monitor vs. Audison VRx line? The advantge from Focal would be the onboard DSP. I'm also thinking of getting an outboard processor such as a DEQS from AudioControl, good idea for EQ'ing the car?
I know the VRx has some adjustments but I'm not sure if it'll be fine enough to fine tune the car!
Appreciate your input.
audiocontrol dqxs allows active tuning of a 2 way front setup as well as all the equalization of the dqs.
11-02-2007, 11:26 PM
#55
0 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 25
As far as amplification quality is concerned, the Dual-Monitor and VRx amps are very similar...
Focal integrates the DSP into their amp, while Audison keeps it relatively simple. The VRx line is based on a number of add-in expansion modules for various functions. So this that may be a deciding factor as to which is better for you.
I also have experience with the Audiocontrol and while it does offer a tremendous amount of flexibility, the sound quality is open to personal opinion...
In terms of fine tuning a car, the unfortunately thef unctionality in the Audison amps can't compare to the capabilities of a DSP.
Focal integrates the DSP into their amp, while Audison keeps it relatively simple. The VRx line is based on a number of add-in expansion modules for various functions. So this that may be a deciding factor as to which is better for you.
I also have experience with the Audiocontrol and while it does offer a tremendous amount of flexibility, the sound quality is open to personal opinion...
In terms of fine tuning a car, the unfortunately thef unctionality in the Audison amps can't compare to the capabilities of a DSP.
Mechanizm, thanks for your comments in regards to diferent brands.
How would you rate between Focal Dual-Monitor vs. Audison VRx line? The advantge from Focal would be the onboard DSP. I'm also thinking of getting an outboard processor such as a DEQS from AudioControl, good idea for EQ'ing the car?
I know the VRx has some adjustments but I'm not sure if it'll be fine enough to fine tune the car!
Appreciate your input.
How would you rate between Focal Dual-Monitor vs. Audison VRx line? The advantge from Focal would be the onboard DSP. I'm also thinking of getting an outboard processor such as a DEQS from AudioControl, good idea for EQ'ing the car?
I know the VRx has some adjustments but I'm not sure if it'll be fine enough to fine tune the car!
Appreciate your input.
08-04-2008, 12:46 AM
#56
BTW. I think regulated power supplies, and lack of dynamics is a myth. I'd even say a 150wrms/side regulated amp will slaughter 200wrms/side unregulated amp in dynamics, but then again just like SQ is individual, dynamic presentation may be just as well.
08-04-2008, 09:43 PM
#59
0 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 14
Sasha,
Noticed you have Focal plain-chants, use them behind speakers? I'm having another install done in 2 weeks to have plain-chants behind the outer skin behind the mid bass speakers. Will get them done on all 4 doors, hope this may kill sound road noise too. I was going to use Focal Blackhole tiles, but they're out of stock so plain-chants instead.
Can't wait.
Noticed you have Focal plain-chants, use them behind speakers? I'm having another install done in 2 weeks to have plain-chants behind the outer skin behind the mid bass speakers. Will get them done on all 4 doors, hope this may kill sound road noise too. I was going to use Focal Blackhole tiles, but they're out of stock so plain-chants instead.
Can't wait.
