Focal 100 VRS, SWS-8X, MS-8?

[ever0095]

Looking for a bit of advice on whether I'm going about this the right way.

I have a 2010 135i with the base (stereo) system and need to upgrade. From what I've been reading over the last few days, here's my current plan - this setup looks to run around $1850 plus install:

• Focal 100 VRS components (great sound, right depth, is KRS worth the upgrade?)
• BMW tweeter pods
• 2 Earthquake SWS-8X under seats (great reviews, looks like a good compromise on sub/midbass)
• JL Audio 500/5 or Alpine PDX-5
• JBL MS-8 (Is this overkill? Better off trying to recode HU to HiFi?)
• Leave rears alone, likely fade to front after install.

I'm not an audiophile, listen mostly to electronic music, love bass but don't need anything that shakes windows a block away. I'd like to try to make sure I've got the frequency range adequately covered. Down the line I may add a 10" sub with custom enclosure in the side of the trunk - I've seen a few here that look excellent.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

-Dan

[mineo77]

MusicarNW

[ever0095]

Originally Posted by mineo77

MusicarNW

Already emailed MuisicarNW. I plan on pricing this out with them after I narrow it down. Wish they were close enough to handle the install - heard nothing but great things.

That said, I'd prefer to get some advice at this point before calling a vendor and running the risk of wasting their time. Judging from the questions on this forum, I gather that's common.

-Dan

[mineo77]

Originally Posted by ever0095

Looking for a bit of advice on whether I'm going about this the right way.

I have a 2010 135i with the base (stereo) system and need to upgrade. From what I've been reading over the last few days, here's my current plan - this setup looks to run around $1850 plus install:

• Focal 100 VRS components (great sound, right depth, is KRS worth the upgrade?)
• BMW tweeter pods
• 2 Earthquake SWS-8X under seats (great reviews, looks like a good compromise on sub/midbass)
• JL Audio 500/5 or Alpine PDX-5
• JBL MS-8 (Is this overkill? Better off trying to recode HU to HiFi?)
• Leave rears alone, likely fade to front after install.

I'm not an audiophile, listen mostly to electronic music, love bass but don't need anything that shakes windows a block away. I'd like to try to make sure I've got the frequency range adequately covered. Down the line I may add a 10" sub with custom enclosure in the side of the trunk - I've seen a few here that look excellent.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

-Dan

good point and Ken definitely appreciates folks that do some homework before calling him.

MS-8 is good but may not be necessary if you get a DSP Zapco amp and then you can eliminate the MS-8 all together. Recoding HU in theory is easy but is actually a PIA and with a DSP amp you can avoid having to do this (also with MS-8). Ken will tell you not to waste money of Focals and I do agree, there are better options for our cars. For the underseats if you are putting in a trunk sub I would use the Earthquake's and would consider Morel 9" or Jenherts cause you will get much better midbass and range from those.

Definitely leave rears alone they will be fine and arent necessary for a balanced system (lots of opinions about this but that is mine). The MusicarNW sub enclosure is beautiful and will compliment the system well.

shoot me an email if you want mineo77@gmail.com

[Zeros and ones]

My opinion and only mine:

Did focals on my 5. It takes a bit of time for them to brake in. They do highs very well, a bit too well at times, but I have been around focals a good portion of my time and I wouldn't get anything else.

However, I have heard AVI speakers in a 3 Series and was impressed by the sound but I just like Focals better. If I was not happy with the sound in my 1'er, Focals is the direction I would go again.

[ever0095]

Originally Posted by Zeros and ones

My opinion and only mine:

Did focals on my 5. It takes a bit of time for them to brake in. They do highs very well, a bit too well at times, but I have been around focals a good portion of my time and I wouldn't get anything else.

However, I have heard AVI speakers in a 3 Series and was impressed by the sound but I just like Focals better. If I was not happy with the sound in my 1'er, Focals is the direction I would go again.

The point VP Electricity made to me regarding the Focals is that while they have excellent sound, they aren't suited to the 1 series based on the tweeter location. Something related to Focals being better suited to off-axis positioning, where you need an on-axis setup for the 1. I don't think he was saying Focals wouldn't sound good, but rather that there are better options for the 1.

Based on his recommendation, I'm trying to detach myself from the burning desire to get Focals. It's tough.

Plus when I start trying to consider things like on/off-axis positioning, I realize I'm in this gray area where I don't have a chance of understanding what's being said. I do understand "sucky sounding" and "slightly less sucky."

-Dan

[mineo77]

definitely not implying Focals have poor sound quality, they are top notch. Just better options for our cars based up Ken's input. I am biased on my opinion cause I have Morel's and absolutely love them.