Hey guys, new around here and have a question. right now I have a set of Focal Utopia 165w3's passively crossed in my civic. I have them running of a JL 300/2 currently; but to go active that won't work. Currently I am undecided on an amp for them... I would like to stick with JL as the rest of my amps are JL, but it's not absolute.

Thanks for the help guys, Regards.

Like butter is to toast, someone will recommend Audison for your Focals. It's not a requirement though. Do you like your JL amps? If you have no issue with them, then use another one for your Focals. Creates a nice overall look too having the same amps in a system. I haven't heard anything really negative about JL amps so I don't think you'll be missing out in audio nirvana by simply not using something other than a JL.

it's not so much that I was looking for am brad of amp, rather what power rating, and # of ch. I would need. I was hoping that someone had experience with the Focal Utopia 3 way set, and could let me know how much power they were pushing to each speaker, so that I could use that as a refernce.

regards.

If you want it to be active, you will need 3 pairs of channels for your 3-way set. You already have a 300/2, so you need 4 more chanels of power. As for how much power, buy as much as you can afford. Seriously. Having a lot of power on your front end is a good thing. It's an excellent amount of control as well. You don't HAVE to use all the power, but having it there is better than not. Your speakers will thank you for it.

ok cool. so another 4 ch. amp would to the trick then, so maybe the 300.4, coupled with the 300/2?

regards,

just as a side note, I listen to clasic rock, Live performances and metal. No rap whatsoever; could you guys recommend a starting point as far as cross-over points go... I would really appreciate it.

regards.

Just to throw some fuel on the constant Niwranski anti-focal-anti-audison fire..(for that matter the mentality of anything that's too popular must be hype syndrome)... in all FAIRNESS you could use a six channel Audison, cheaper than two JL's and would take up a lot less real estate especially in a bigger install...maybe check out the LRx 6.SR or if you already have processing and don't need all the filters there is the LRx 6.SR Direct for even less $$$

The LRx line is quite affordable actually!
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Having some fun & JK Dukk and SUX... [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Adam wanna join in ?? :D

^^^^Sure!!!!!

I have at one time used a set of Focal Utopia 165W3s that were actively crossed over.

Power:
Tweeters - 130 watts(available but not being used)
Midranges - 130 watts
Midbasses - 250 watts

Cross overs:
Tweeters - High Pass=6khz @ 24db/oct.
Midranges - High Pass = 225hz @ 30db/oct.
Low Pass = 4.5Khz @ 18db/oct.
Midbasses - High Pass = 44hz @ 30db/oct.
Low Pass = 225hz @ 30 db/oct.

You will note the above cross over points have different slopes listed.(Ie. 18,24,30 db/oct.) It's what sounded best in my car. I have tried using all 24db/oct. slopes on all points and it worked very well....I'm just picky...

For amplification, and possibly a processor, I'm going to recommend something I feel very strongly about.

Find a dealer that listens to you, and is willing to help you learn more about your system. The brand of amplifier and/or active cross-over that they sell, will be what they can help you best with.

I'm currently biased towards DLS and TRU products though. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Have fun,

Adam

now we just need defro in the mix hehe.

passive crossovers in car audio = satan
active crossovers in car audio = not satan

of the amps you mentioned and everyone else mentioned, when set up correctly, satan should not appear from the holy depths of hell to assist in destroying your sonic nirvana