Audio; HK out —-> Focal in?

[jbfrancis3]

Is there a clever amp nowadays that can handle what I recall (correct me if I'm wrong) being odd ohms ratings for the factory HK system speakers?

[jbfrancis3]

Ya, it barely fit! I put down 3 globs of epoxy, that gives me a good 3/8" for the screws to bite into. The clay also holds the speaker well and dampens vibrations perfectly.

Looks like good 'ol plumbing putty. If so nothin wrong with that.

[Str8f4c3]

Is there a clever amp nowadays that can handle what I recall (correct me if I'm wrong) being odd ohms ratings for the factory HK system speakers?

There's a thread on M3 Cutters that someone posted up an official response from the Bavsound Guys, saying the only amp that would work for their speakers (Plug and play replacement for the HK) is the JL 300/4V3. They're not cheap and you'd need two of them. Honestly for that price you are much better off going custom.

German audio solutions used to make a crossover system so you could use regular amps with the stock setup, but they've gone out of business.

[Tbonem3]

Looks like good 'ol plumbing putty. If so nothin wrong with that.

Window weather cord. It's a little stiffer I think. So even on hot Socal days, it doesn't lose form or melt or anything.

[Kcalhoun27]

Is there a clever amp nowadays that can handle what I recall (correct me if I'm wrong) being odd ohms ratings for the factory HK system speakers?

I believe what youre referring to are “balanced inputs”. I dont know which amps overall can do this, but i have found that an Arc Audio xdi 450 does, as does the kicker cxa 360.4, ive used both successfully. Older amps were known to have this option if they were higher end(i had an eclipse amp before that finally died). That said, if youre changing the speakers and the amp, i dont think it matters. If you stay with the 3ohm speakers, or whatever paper junk hk used, it will make a difference, if i understand it correctly.

hope that helps a bit

[jbfrancis3]

I believe what youre referring to are “balanced inputs”. I dont know which amps overall can do this, but i have found that an Arc Audio xdi 450 does, as does the kicker cxa 360.4, ive used both successfully. Older amps were known to have this option if they were higher end(i had an eclipse amp before that finally died). That said, if youre changing the speakers and the amp, i dont think it matters. If you stay with the 3ohm speakers, or whatever paper junk hk used, it will make a difference, if i understand it correctly.

hope that helps a bit

Not balanced inputs. Many amps for a now long time have accepted balanced inputs which is great to enable use of the factory headunit. It was typical for those amps to then drive aftermarket speakers, many times at 4 ohms.

Str8f4c3 good find on the JL amp. I see its stable from 1.5 thru 4 ohms. That's why that unit is identified. Or maybe its no longer considered special and other manufacturers have that variability. I haven't started to research yet and was curious if others had.

[Str8f4c3]

Str8f4c3 good find on the JL amp. I see its rated 1.5 thru 4 ohms. That's why that unit is identified. Or maybe its no longer considered special and other manufacturers have that variability. I haven't started to research yet and was curious if others had.

I believe there were a few other reasons why that amp was the only one bavsound thought would work, but I can't quite remember what those were and if the reasons were specific to bavsound speakers or a result of the lack of crossover in the e46. I think one of them was the max wattage being particularly low on each channel, but I could be wrong.

[Kcalhoun27]

Not balanced inputs. Many amps for a now long time have accepted balanced inputs which is great to enable use of the factory headunit. It was typical for those amps to then drive aftermarket speakers, many times at 4 ohms.

Str8f4c3 good find on the JL amp. I see its stable from 1.5 thru 4 ohms. That's why that unit is identified. Or maybe its no longer considered special and other manufacturers have that variability. I haven't started to research yet and was curious if others had.

Maybe it was differential balanced inputs. Either way, from all the reading i did when i was converting mine, it has to do with the weird ohms that the factory speakers run on or maybe what the stock hu outputs. Im no professional installer here, just trying to pass along what has worked for me.
like i said, i have successfully used the amps i spoke of with the favtory hu and the technic pnp wiring harness, for stock speakers and then also for aftermarket speakers.

[maw1124]

My HKs are about shot. It’s been a while since I’ve dabbled in the 12v audio world, but from my days, Focals were the best sound as far as quality goes.

I have zero interest in big time bass and simply just want pure crystal clear quality. A lot of genres in my realm of music.

Is Focal still the way to go? I truly enjoy the stock interior of my imola and would love to keep the OEM business radio but I’m not sure she will push out enough, even with an amp. I will 100% replace the business radio if that’s the only way to achieve the quality I am looking for.

I am reaching out today for any advice on your set ups, dos + donts, etc. Your input is greatly appreciated!

Bavsound speakers worked well for me, plug and play with the factory head unit. But of course limited sound shaping, because factory head unit.

So I coupled them with a Dynavin head unit for a reasonably stock look and feel (not to mention upgraded functionality and tech all around). I ended up with a Hertz 4way amp driving the cabin though and am happy up to a reasonable volume. I’m not trying to rattle the neighborhood and I also listen to a broad range of acoustic music. Plus I’m in a convertible so musical bass (crossed higher at around 100Hz) was necessary for me. The sound shaping of the Dynavin and the Hertz amp helped make that seamless but it took a while to fiddle it through. I could always upgrade speakers, but so far I haven’t felt that need and don’t think I ever will. I’m more likely to upgrade the 4way and mono sub amps into a single 5channel JLAudio DSP amp. I’ve had this set up for years, and it’s been very easy to live with. Knowing I can snatch out 2 amps and upgrade with 1, upgrade sub woofer and/or speakers easily, because the plumbing is all done, adds a lot of peace of mind for me.

You might go straight to the DSP amp and speakers, which adds the sound shaping and cuts down on the fiddling, and call it a day. Those amps are pricey little buggers at the moment ($1300), but if you’re looking at Focal I suspect your time and satisfaction are worth more than a few grand.

GL, hope this helps.

maw

FWIW, my BavSound, Dynavin and Hertz combo came in at around $1500, maybe $1700... mainly because I caught an eBay steal on the BavSound ($600 for cabin speakers, sub and sub amp, the last two they no longer sell). If you get what you want for under $2k I consider you to have done well. Car audio is a notorious rabbit hole.

[bigjae46]

I'd check out Hybrid Audio. I would classify Focal as somewhat harsher. At least a few years ago...the Hybrids had a much better tweeter. Better dispersion, can operate down to 1khz, and are generally softer. They required less tuning as well.

I had a pair of Oz Audio CS180s installed in a 330. Mid in the door and the tweet in the A Pillar. Three 1st place finishes in 3 SQ comps. The sweetest sounding speakers I've heard. The A pillar needs a good tweeter with a lower crossover point (1khz IIRC).

[QuickM3]

I considered installing a custom stereo in mine before settling on Bavsound. The speakers are easy to install and sound good. If you want to put in focal then you need amps, then you should probably replace head unit. The price jumps from $460 to $1500 pretty quick for proper gear + install cost/time. I recommend Going bav sound and head unit first and see if you need anything more.