I've just installed the Focal 165 A1s in my WRX, coupled with a JVC KD-HDR1 headunit.

Very happy with the sound, volume levels are fine for my purposes even without an external amp. Kept the factory sub for now.

That said, installing the speakers was a real PITA.

Installed the same JVC in my wife's Accord, and now she wants better speakers too :)

Can anyone recommend components comparable in s/q to the Focals (paid $160 for the Focals) but easier to install ?

Well, as you may know, it is not reccomended to run a component set from HU power, but as long as you are weary of the volume knob/button, you can survive. An outboard amp WOULD make the components happier in the long run though...

For yor wife, many have given high regards to the Polk MOMO MM65'z, i personaly have the MM6500, the older model (well HAD) and very shortly i will be upgradeing to the MM65. You can Ebay them NIB, BIN for about the same as the Focals. As far as being compairable in SQ to the Focals, i cannot say, never owned a set...

Can anyone recommend components comparable in s/q to the Focals (paid $160 for the Focals) but easier to install ?

What is it about the speakers that made them so hard to install? Typically it's the car that causes the headache, speakers all pretty much install the same way.

what day is easter this year?

what day is easter this year?

yesterday

Well, as you may know, it is not reccomended to run a component set from HU power, but as long as you are weary of the volume knob/button, you can survive. An outboard amp WOULD make the components happier in the long run though...

For yor wife, many have given high regards to the Polk MOMO MM65'z, i personaly have the MM6500, the older model (well HAD) and very shortly i will be upgradeing to the MM65. You can Ebay them NIB, BIN for about the same as the Focals. As far as being compairable in SQ to the Focals, i cannot say, never owned a set...

Thanks, I'll look into those.

Would an amp make any noticable difference in quality? Volume level is fine for me, and I'm not hearing any clipping etc.

What is it about the speakers that made them so hard to install? Typically it's the car that causes the headache, speakers all pretty much install the same way.

Obviously thats what I meant :rolleyes: ... messing around with spacers (2.7in mounting depth), filling the gap between spacers/door (I built it up with raammat and sealed it), stashing the crossover, etc. Plus I made the mistake of using some "better than silicone" stuff to seal around the spacers, which turned my car into a chemical fume box for about 2 weeks...

In short, direct drop in is very attractive for the Accord....

Obviously thats what I meant :rolleyes: ... messing around with spacers (2.7in mounting depth), filling the gap between spacers/door (I built it up with raammat and sealed it), stashing the crossover, etc. Plus I made the mistake of using some "better than silicone" stuff to seal around the spacers, which turned my car into a chemical fume box for about 2 weeks...

In short, direct drop in is very attractive for the Accord....

Since an Accord is not an Impreza, maybe they won't have any trouble fitting? Having never worked on a Honda, I couldn't tell you for sure. Without knowing the space and depth limitations of an Accord, I don't see how anyone can recommend you something "easier" to install than the Focals. And a Subaru board might not be the best place to ask about a Honda, but I''m sure you know that already. ;)

And for sealing the speakers, just use some rope caulk, non-hardening model clay, or foam weatherstripping. Much less messy than silicone type products and no smells to worry about.

Sure - I need to go dig on the Honda forums. Quick searches didn't reveal any resources as comprehensive as NASIOC though :)

That said, the focals are pretty deep, I think its a reasonable assumption they won't be a drop in replacement.

Thanks.

Most on the hun-duh forums are a-holes...well that is what i gather as I've never been to one, but hear horror stories.... With that said, give it a shot, you never know...

Thanks, I'll look into those.

Would an amp make any noticeable difference in quality? Volume level is fine for me, and I'm not hearing any clipping etc.


It very well could, as there "could" be clipping that is not audible... In my personal experience, it's always best to run components from and amp, even if it a VERY small amp, as the output IC in a HU, is ZERO comparison to the multiple output devices in even a cheap amp...