Looking for Guidance. Looking to start a new build

[Razz2o4 0]

I am getting ready to do a full install on my trailblazer SS. Its currently just stock Bloes system with factor 6disc in dash. I am planning on running an Eclipse 726E for the HU and from there is where i'm not sure. I auditioned a car yesterday with Mclass Memphis MCC6. It had some great puch to it when every you would hear the drummer hit the bass pedal. It was not coming from the sub as much as it was coming from the woofers in the doors and the rear deck lid. He has his running off of a JBL MS-8. I am sold on the MS-8, that really blew me away. Well, I had wanted to run Focal 165 KR2's, but got to listen to a set of Kr2P's today that didnt do much for me, but the way he had them setup was part of the issue. We listend to Dave Mathews band Live at Bedrock "watch Tower" and every time the drummer would hit the crash symbols they were muffled. I didnt get that fromt he Memphis, but like I said they were setup different. Memphis was running off factory crossover's and the Focal's were running straght into Bi amp W/out cross overs. He was letting the MS-8 handle all crossovers. Both vehicles were running MS-8 BTW. Anyone think I would be happy with the Focals after I did my own tweaking, or should I not spend the money and just run the Memphis. Almost half the cost for MA. My original plan was running the Focal's in the Q form kick pannel, and putting just the Memphis 6.5 Woofer in the door for added mid bass. And possibley running 1 Memphis Shallow mount 12 in the back as I don't want to give up any cargo space. Let me know what you guys think. Pick away. All in all I am looking for good SQ, but want some kick to the mids!

[Impious 1,476]

Word of caution: It's impossible to "compare" two speaker sets in two different vehicle, with two different installations, etc. The setup of the Focals might have just been really bad. The MS-8 is a good unit, but it's not magic or a miracle worker. The sound of the install is still subject to the quality of the installation and setup, and really there are various ways to "manipulate" the tuning of the MS-8.....so just because they both ran an MS-8 doesn't mean that the tuning quality was equal. It sounds like you already understood this for the most part given your comments, but it still needed said just for clarification.

We can't tell you which you'll like better. But,

What is your budget?

What are you using for amplification?

Do you have the knowledge/ability to go active?

[bassahaulic 155]

We can't tell you which you'll like better. But,

What is your budget?

What are you using for amplification?

Do you have the knowledge/ability to go active?

Couldn't have asked it any better myself.

[Razz2o4 0]

Not sure on Amplification yet. My budget I would like to stay under 3K for everything with exception of HU. As far as Active, I have never done it. If I could find some matl on it and read up, i'm sure I could tackle it. To give you an idea, i had MB Quart QSD 216's in my S-10 and LOVED them. They could get a little hars with heavy guitars. Wish they were a little more toned down on the tweets, but the clarity I loved. That is one of the reason I was looking at the Focals. I have heard they are a brighter tweet, but also get some decent mid bass from the woofers. I brought up the Memphis simply because I liked what I had heard. I listen to Anything and everything from hip hop, to clasic rock, to heavy rock, sometimes country is tossed in there, and even a little classical from time to time. All depends on my mood. BUT what I am trying to get at, I want to hear the kick on the bass drum with rock, that is something I heard with the Mclass's but did NOT with the Focals, BUT he likes things more natural, was more muddy to me, but everyone has there own preference. I am completely open to amplification. Anyone have a link where I can read up on Active crossovers. I did a little searching but I assuming thats something you do when bi amped?

[Razz2o4 0]

Any other feedback?