audio set-up for beginners [continued]

**riccomina** · October 6th, 2014 05:39 PM

I'm in the process of planning my setup for an upcoming Mazda CX5 2.0. My 2 previous rides have DLS B6As and I'm very happy with the SQ.

One ride with a JVC 1DIN HU had a JBL GTO5355 5ch amp and a 12" sealed Rockford Audio sub. The other just powered by a Civic HU and a Blaupunkt 8" powered sub.

For the CX5, I'm thinking of DLS again but 3way. I plan to put the midrange driver in the speaker ports on the dashboard and the tweeters at the A pillars.

Two questions - which is better the DLS Performance C- Series 06-C36 or DLS X-Program C Series XSC63?

What if I try the Focal Performance- Access DFS Series 165 AS3? What would be the tonal change compared to the DLS?

I'm also thinking of changing the HU to a Pioneer AVH-X2650BT or the higher models. Adding a JBL 4ch amp is also a possibility.

Appreciate the inputs of my fellow car audio hobbyists...

**sientobente** · October 7th, 2014 06:05 AM

DLS in general sounds warm and laid back. While Focal Access will be a bit bright, lively and forward. Most seps can be tuned to your liking. It will be up to your choice of installer on how they can achieve the sound you are looking for. Please join us at www.kotseaudioclub.com to get further information about car audio.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tsikot Car Forums mobile app

**jhnkvn** · October 7th, 2014 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by riccomina

I'm in the process of planning my setup for an upcoming Mazda CX5 2.0. My 2 previous rides have DLS B6As and I'm very happy with the SQ.

One ride with a JVC 1DIN HU had a JBL GTO5355 5ch amp and a 12" sealed Rockford Audio sub. The other just powered by a Civic HU and a Blaupunkt 8" powered sub.

For the CX5, I'm thinking of DLS again but 3way. I plan to put the midrange driver in the speaker ports on the dashboard and the tweeters at the A pillars.

Two questions - which is better the DLS Performance C- Series 06-C36 or DLS X-Program C Series XSC63?

What if I try the Focal Performance- Access DFS Series 165 AS3? What would be the tonal change compared to the DLS?

I'm also thinking of changing the HU to a Pioneer AVH-X2650BT or the higher models. Adding a JBL 4ch amp is also a possibility.

Appreciate the inputs of my fellow car audio hobbyists...

First, ask yourself if you'll be stopping there and reassess your budget. While I would say that 3-way speakers will sound better than your typical 2-way installations, it is not always better.

So what you are proposing is:
Head Unit: Pioneer X2650BT or higher
Speakers: DLS or Focal 3-way speakers
Amplifier: 4 channel amplifier
Subwoofer: ??

Truthfully, the potential of a 3-way system is only realized once you tune it right. Problem is, that takes time AND money. While the time aspect is not a deal-breaker for most people, the money is. Most tuned 3-way installations go for 70k~ in total costs. You might want to hear a tuned 3-way system muna before wondering whether it's worth it to you or not.

For the installation, I cannot comment on it. But if you'll be throwing the tweeters in the A-pillars, I would suggest you throw your midrange speaker alongside it to reduce the amount of problems. It's best to have those two drivers as close as possible to each other to reduce phase problems, more specifically.

What is better between the DLS? The Performance lineup is higher than the X-Program. The X-Program is DLS' entry-level speaker lineup so, even without researching about it, the Performance should be better.

If you plan on trying out the Focal, go for it. I wouldn't worry about the tonal change since you roughly tune the sound using EQ. If I were to sum it up, the Focals will be clearer while the DLS will be smoother. What's better? Nobody except your tastes will know.

**riccomina** · October 7th, 2014 10:53 PM

In my experience DLS sounds good to me although I have not listened to a Focal. Definitely, the DLS sounds similar to my Polk Audio TSI floorstanding speakers compared to the overly warm Wharefdale 9.1 bookshelf speakers I had before. :-)

Thanks sientobeinte and jhnkvn for your comments. I forgot to mention that I plan to put in a sealed 10" sub.

Another route is Musiko's setup options that he'll be sending me.

**jhnkvn** · October 10th, 2014 04:42 AM

Originally Posted by riccomina

In my experience DLS sounds good to me although I have not listened to a Focal. Definitely, the DLS sounds similar to my Polk Audio TSI floorstanding speakers compared to the overly warm Wharefdale 9.1 bookshelf speakers I had before. :-)

Thanks sientobeinte and jhnkvn for your comments. I forgot to mention that I plan to put in a sealed 10" sub.

Another route is Musiko's setup options that he'll be sending me.

Since you're also experienced in home audio, I think it's time for you to take a listen muna. You see, you'll eventually want a certain "sound" that a brand will provide distinctly. This is what they call as a "sound signature". For example, while I rock Focal-JMLab speakers in my car, I'm a Dynaudio fan through and through.

Konting unfair yun comparison. This is because a floorstanding speaker has more midbass drivers to produce the lows which often makes the sound more "warm" compared to a bookshelf speaker.

On a fairly budget range, the DLS will lean more on the Polk than the Wharfdale. The Focal will lean more on the Wharfdale than the Polks. Although if you want a more fair comparison, the Focal is nearer to the Infinity Primus than those Wharfs.

But the better choice will be to to go to Shangri-La Plaza's Audio-Video Driver (AVDI) where Focal's home audio distributor is. Request that you listen to a pair of Focals and voila.. that's your distinct Focal sound signature.

**sientobente** · October 10th, 2014 06:01 AM

Originally Posted by riccomina

In my experience DLS sounds good to me although I have not listened to a Focal. Definitely, the DLS sounds similar to my Polk Audio TSI floorstanding speakers compared to the overly warm Wharefdale 9.1 bookshelf speakers I had before. :-)

Thanks sientobeinte and jhnkvn for your comments. I forgot to mention that I plan to put in a sealed 10" sub.

Another route is Musiko's setup options that he'll be sending me.

I have a question sir riccomina, my friend from pdvd also has a cx-5 and wants to upgrade his car audio. will it void the entire yojin3 thing?

**riccomina** · October 10th, 2014 11:28 PM

Originally Posted by jhnkvn

Since you're also experienced in home audio, I think it's time for you to take a listen muna. You see, you'll eventually want a certain "sound" that a brand will provide distinctly. This is what they call as a "sound signature". For example, while I rock Focal-JMLab speakers in my car, I'm a Dynaudio fan through and through.

Konting unfair yun comparison. This is because a floorstanding speaker has more midbass drivers to produce the lows which often makes the sound more "warm" compared to a bookshelf speaker.

On a fairly budget range, the DLS will lean more on the Polk than the Wharfdale. The Focal will lean more on the Wharfdale than the Polks. Although if you want a more fair comparison, the Focal is nearer to the Infinity Primus than those Wharfs.

But the better choice will be to to go to Shangri-La Plaza's Audio-Video Driver (AVDI) where Focal's home audio distributor is. Request that you listen to a pair of Focals and voila.. that's your distinct Focal sound signature.

Hi Jhnkvn,
I get what you mean by the Infinity Primus sound signature. And yes, I'm aware of Focal's stature in the home audio world but have not listened to them yet. The November HiFi show will be held in Dusit in a few weeks. I will definitely drop by.

In addition, hopefully, I'll find someone with a Focal car setup before Dec when I have to make a decision. :-)

**riccomina** · October 10th, 2014 11:32 PM

Originally Posted by sientobente

I have a question sir riccomina, my friend from pdvd also has a cx-5 and wants to upgrade his car audio. will it void the entire yojin3 thing?

I have not asked the Mazda SA specifically about that but I think only the items that were removed (ex. HU, speakers) will have their warranty void. Ask him/her to check with the car dealer.

**jhnkvn** · October 11th, 2014 01:10 AM

Originally Posted by riccomina

Hi Jhnkvn,
I get what you mean by the Infinity Primus sound signature. And yes, I'm aware of Focal's stature in the home audio world but have not listened to them yet. The November HiFi show will be held in Dusit in a few weeks. I will definitely drop by.

In addition, hopefully, I'll find someone with a Focal car setup before Dec when I have to make a decision. :-)

Well you're just lucky because..

Audition nights seemed to have been revived lately after successful home audio demos ;) Would I drop by? Tentative. I'd say a 70% chance it is.