Audio Question

[RugbyRef]

I have a question for you folks that are pretty savvy when it comes to the S550 audio system. A little background first - I have the 9-speaker system with SYNC 3. I have replaced all the speakers (except for center channel) with Focal’s. The sound has improved quite a bit, but I’m still not satisfied (tweeters are a little too shrill). I was thinking of bypassing the factory amp altogether and installing a DSP and new amp along with the crossovers that came with the Focal’s. Also, I plan on installing a separate amp and sub in the near future.

Is it a good idea to bypass the factory amp and install the DSP and new amp?

Tim

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[Chef jpd]

I had the drill a hole in your brain issue with my new tweeters.
This fully solved the issue:

https://www.amazon.com/VT-XO-Pair-Focal-Polyglass-Tweeter-Crossovers/dp/B0172KAII4

 

[Cathul]

Is it a good idea to bypass the factory amp and install the DSP and new amp?

Tim

Yes!

 

[driden]

I have a question for you folks that are pretty savvy when it comes to the S550 audio system. A little background first - I have the 9-speaker system with SYNC 3. I have replaced all the speakers (except for center channel) with Focal’s. The sound has improved quite a bit, but I’m still not satisfied (tweeters are a little too shrill). I was thinking of bypassing the factory amp altogether and installing a DSP and new amp along with the crossovers that came with the Focal’s. Also, I plan on installing a separate amp and sub in the near future.

Is it a good idea to bypass the factory amp and install the DSP and new amp?

Tim

Absolutely! I bypassed my amp and ran the low level signal into a dsp, 2 amps, 2 tweets, 2 3's, 2 6.5's, 12" sub. I don't run the center channel speaker nor the rear deck speakers. I use the dsp to do all the crossovers and such, it gives me 100% control over every speaker. Just keep in mind, depending on which dsp you go with, you may not need physical crossovers. :cheers:

 

[RugbyRef]

All excellent advice...thanks folks!

 

[wildcatgoal]

Focal tweeters are typically very bright and they are that way so that you can "tune them down" which can result in better sound quality while still achieving crisp highs. They also appeal to older guys and gals that have lost some of their high frequency hearing.

A DSP is required to make Focals sound perfect. But once you handle that tuning, man can Focal speakers (especially the mid to higher-end ones) sound amazing. I tend to like Hertz/Audison as they seem to be more in-between Focal and Moral in terms of sound signature from tweeters (Focals are often metallic bright, Morals are often softer).

 

[driden]

I agree. I run Hertz Mille Pro tweets, 3's, and 6.5's. I have an Audison Voce AV12 sub.

 

[RugbyRef]

Focal tweeters are typically very bright and they are that way so that you can "tune them down" which can result in better sound quality while still achieving crisp highs. They also appeal to older guys and gals that have lost some of their high frequency hearing.

A DSP is required to make Focals sound perfect. But once you handle that tuning, man can Focal speakers (especially the mid to higher-end ones) sound amazing. I tend to like Hertz/Audison as they seem to be more in-between Focal and Moral in terms of sound signature from tweeters (Focals are often metallic bright, Morals are often softer).

Thanks for the input! Heading over to a local car audio shop to have them give me some quotes on DSP's and amp's.

Tim

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