I just got my front speakers replaced with Focal K2P's, sounds quite nice although I'm thinking of running off an amp, rather than using deck power.

Here's what I have:

Pioneer 980BT deck
Focal K2P's for fronts
Stock Bose amp running stock 6x9 Bose speakers in the trunk
Nissan 05 Altima with upgraded Bose stereo

My plan is to get an amp that can drive the fronts + sub, sub enclosure is as small as possible. Here's what I'm thinking so far:

Setup A:
Focal Kx33 13" K2 series sub and Focal 4x75W amp -> $1600
custom enclosre -> $200
Labour + cables -> $300

Setup B:
JL 8w7 with high output enclosure -> $699
JL 450/4 4-ch amp -> $750
Labour + cables -> $300

I wonder if I better off using the JL amp to drive the Focal sub? Rather than using Focal all the way. Or should I get a sealed JL W6 or W7 instead of the high output enclosure. I really like to have a smaller box.

I was told the W7 requires a ported box, sealed I better go with W6? True? I don't play loud music at all so I don't even know if I need this much power for the sub.

Appreciate your opinions.

 

i have never heard focal subs so i wont bash it but all i will say is that the w-7 will surprise you for such a small sub they are pretty loud for something small.

 

ok lets see
i run the k2ps with a 27kx
i think i would go with a sub for a ported box !
i also would not run the focal amp for the $

so what would i get ?
out of the 2 amps jl 450 or bigger
with the subs for a ported box

 

another cheaper but just as loud 8 would be the sound splinter rl-i's. which i believe also are cheaper then the jl subs.

 

JL 500/5 +
JL 8w7 in High Output box
keep your existing focals up front and Bose speakers in the rear, just power them with the 500/5

 

How much of a difference with a sealed JL vs high output 8". For example, if I was to go with a 12" sealed W7 vs 8" high output, would the 8" still beat the 12"? According to a local shop, the guy says the 8".

Space is a concern though as I like the box as small as possible. The high output box is somewhat very wide and deep.

Thanks.

 

the 12" W7 would need twice the power of the 8" w7 so if you were to go with the larger sub you would need a large amp just for it and a seperate amp to power the other speakers if you want to.
I would tihnk the 8w7 in the HO box would sound better then anything sealed. Ported boxes give more output. They allow air to move as the speaker is working.

 

Alright, I'll measure the size of the HO box, if it's not too bad, I'll consider it with the 500/5 amp. I really want one amp to do everything for now.

 

after using both of these products extnsively and side by side I would go with the focal setup but with one change don't use the 33KX you dont have enough power to utilize its full potential I would use a 27kx in a 1.8 cubic foot ported enclosure with 2 3 inch ports that are 9 inches long and a vent mach of .03 amazing quality and relatively efficient for great output

 

^^^ Dude, really, start your own thread like you were asked before. Take option C, start own thread.

To the original poster, I was going to recommend a 5 channel amp right out of the gate for you, then a sub that will suit in a small sealed or small ported enclosure. I am not at the shop today but might be around if you want to BS about it. Add me to msn, forbidden@telus.net is one of the best ways to get ahold of me.