Currently running Focal R165S2 component speakers with a decent aftermarket HU without amp and Im looking to upgrade to improve the sound stage as I want more "concert" feeling

In this case,will adding an amp solve this or is it better to just upgrade to better set of component speakers? And also does upgrading the rear stock speakers play a big role in adding that concert effect?

Thanks!

This post has been edited by Momo2014: Jul 20 2018, 01:16 AM

Whats your definition of decent aftermarket HU ?

Im running a Pandora 4 channel DSP which acts as both my equaliser and the amplifier.

Unless your HU is really that good, I doubt you can get any kind of concert feeling by just changing component speakers.

I would suggest adding dsp with built in amp..

It's a Sony XAV-AX100 double din

Any recommendations?

Thanks

Like crossfire, venom, quattro, awave, epsilion and etc.. Where you stay bro? Perhaps you can do audition in some shops..

Before spend on anything & spend after spend.. better ask pro like Hoowei EA Autoworks Esplanad Bukit Jalil..

1. Sound staging improvements mostly is done through good placement of speakers, good, rigid installations, and proper tuning.
2. Adding an amp is to supply adequate power to move and control the speaker cone.
3. hold that thought... I have a feeling that you arent using your current set to even half of it potential yet...
4. Upgrading or leaving the rear speakers often kills the sound stage... I suggest you disconnect it...

Now to answer your question, no matter what gear you are using, a decent DSP is like a shortcut towards your tuning capabilities.

an DSP opens up a lot of option to adjust your system to its best capabilities... to tell you the truth... the more high end an HU/amplifier goes... the less function it has... while the more high end a DSP goes... the more function it provides...

now.. to get a good sound... first you have to check on your installatons and power supplied to speakers... solve this and you have a better path of going towards a better SQ. judging form your post, i assume you are running your focal with the HU power which is way too low for it to perform its acceptable potential...

you see... I dont trust having the best gears in my ride would do wonders the audio reproduction... but rather... its how you install it that makes the difference...

So stop changing gears... instead.. find a good installer that knows what he is doing... preferably with a profile to judge whether he knows what he is doing...

Hey Bryan, Still active in ICEing now?. Remember that many years ago, i bought your PPI amp PC2.75

which buyer? haha...
yea well... I had some stuff still with me... then somehow one way or another it just turns into a full blown complete setup...


This post has been edited by craziechild: Nov 15 2018, 10:40 AM

i see. Used to be to be very active past 10 years in Miri then quitted 7 years ago. im thinking of start again with simple setup maybe

upgrade stock speaker to a better one...

and the speaker dont get those 2way/3way model type...

instead look for specific 1way speaker for each position...

like front door running 6.5", rear door running 4.5", dashboard runs 3", rear shelf panel runs 6x9"

and then add standalone tweeter 4 or 6 unit around the cabin properly placed...

and then spare tyre discreet subwoofer type...


no amps needed with all those above setup

yes, adding an amp will justify & optimize the potential of your focal auditor comp speakers set to a next level & forget about the rear stock speakers, don't waste money on it! However, the effect is still not fully "concert" stage achieved yet as it may just giving to you a front stage coverage due there is still a secret recipe in the everlasting ICE explorations!