Dear all, I am in the midst of upgrading my curren Focal 2-way component speakers to 3-way Focal component speakers. I would like to ask whether I will need another amp as currently I am using the Helix 4-channel amp to drive the 2-way component speakers (running active). Can I use back the same 4-channel amp for 3-way system?

Thanks for all advice.

if not mistaken last time howie told me at least need add 1 more 2 channel amp or change 6 channel amp. last time i also hav ask him tis question

you need another 2ch amp for active setup. r u upgrading to Utopia be?

choose one criteria that best suit your situation below,

1. you have a 4-way active xover with at least 2 sets able to do bandpass settings available. you are adding 2 channels to your current 4 channels, so you need extra 2 channels of amplification as well. xover points are controlled through your 4-way active xover.

2. you only have 3-way active xover available, you are adding 2 channels to your current 4 channels, keep the setup, add in a passive xover either with your current mid-bass, or your current tweeters. xover points are controlled by changing the components on the passive boards.

Note, active xover are not restricted to only HU built-in, processors. It may come in both HU built-in or on the amplifier itself. depending on what options you have at hand. Consult your installer or list your gears here for further discussions.



This post has been edited by craziechild: Oct 15 2012, 09:43 PM

Thank you all for your help. :-)

Mind me asking which 3-way of Focal are you intending to upgrade to?

Focal has only a few models on its 3-Way list and if memory serves me right, they are:

1- Focal 165 A3 - Beginner
2- Focal 165 VR3 - Mid Range
3- Focal 165 KRX3 - Intermediate
4- Focal Utopia Be No. 7 Active - Advanced (Also my favorite )

Now, judging by all of the above, the ones that is worth to be considered as an upgrade would be the KRX3 and Utopia Be. The KRX3 comes as an passive unit and if you are indeed taking this then the 4-Channel Helix should be alright (not sure which model of the Helix you have) but if you are getting the Utopia Be, then you would need 6-Channel amplification which would require another 2-Channel amplifier on top of the 4-Channel that you already have.

This post has been edited by Xai-V-iaX: Oct 15 2012, 11:06 PM

I think my budget allow for VR3 set.

My player, P99RS has setup as active unit and therefore should be going on active still. In that case, need to put in an extra amp then maybe need to install a capacitor first before pushing so many amps in my car.

Thanks for the advice.

P99RS + Focal VR3 -->

P99RS + Focal KRX3 -->

P99RS + Utopia Be -->

hahahaha... Utopia is just too freaking expensive. I use the 1st gen utopia 165W before and it is so good

See how the budget.

KRX3 ain't that bad either you know...

Also not cheap bro... good things all not cheap...

Anyways what model is your Helix?

Helix Darkblue 4-channel

Might consider on Dynaudio or Morel 3 way .....

Dynaudio also quite pricey... Morel not really like the sound...

Why not think of Helix Speaker also? Think the Competition Series have a 3 way setup.....

what kind of songs u listen to?

This post has been edited by vickyz: Oct 17 2012, 05:12 PM

Interested in Dynaudio MD130 + MD140/2 + MW160

The best combination on earth after morel supremo that i love so much !!!

Strong words there mate....