Focal Polykevlar 130 K

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I have used these for about a year. I not gonna sit here had tell you how much I loved or hated these speakers, but I will say that I went back to my Dynaudio speakers. I bought them because My Dyn''s were too big to fit in my door locations, and these were a great alternative. I do wish the speakers had some of the features of the larger speakers, cast frames, "speaker Dick" better midrange. That isnt the real name, but many speaker designers use that name behind closed doors. My big issue with this speaker is the tweeter. Its a cheap nasty tweeter. I bought the tn51 utopia tweeter, and its a way better tweeter that I think should be included in this level of speaker. Its much smoother sounding. I like metal domes, but find that they are always very expensive when they sound better than cloth alternatives. I feel that all cheap speakers should use cloth because its more forgiving, but metal seems to have better detail. I dont think metal domes have just more percieved detail either, I think they reall have the ability to flesh out more detail. These speakers image really well, and I got to say, they take a licken and keep on ticken. I have beat them pretty good with too much power, and they still sound as good as new. I would also like to clear something up, you are more likely to blow a speaker from too little power than too much. People who say they blew theyre speakers so they must have lousy power handleings, actually have it backwords. They probably didnt have enough, and the amp was clipping all the time, they just didnt realize it.

Strengths:
Great imaging, great midrange, good detail, good power handleing. magnet isnt large, has big rubber boot, that comes off.

Weaknesses:
Could have used better parts from utopia speakers. I would have liked to see the tn51 tweeter, which I bought, 24 db crossovers, etc. Highs can sound brutal and harsh. No bass from these little speakers. I went back to my Dynaudios, But I can say either is way better, I use my focal tweeters with the Dynaudios sometimes.

Similar Products Used:
Dynaudio speakers, Morels, Kicker Resolution, MbQuart Q series, Focal Utopia, Alpine X, ADS, Boston Acoustics, Infinity beta kappa, and Perfects, MTX 8000 - good for the money, probably so many Im for

Price Paid:  $400.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2000

Summary:
I have to say I was very impressed when I opened up the box and saw those yellow polykevlar cones. Very nice looking component set! The crossovers are a little plain though, and they have no tweeter adjusting level. Installation was a little hard because of the depth of the midbasses. Given the right install, they will sound beautiful...given the wrong install they will sound like crap! They are a great sounding speaker for the price! I do have to admit though that I blew the voice coils on both speakers at different times because I gave them a little to much power. Focal was quick though to get me new speakers. Be careful with how much power you give them because they can blow with just the slightest amount of power over the rms. They are a great speaker all around though.

Strengths:
Great sounding component set. Beautiful looking yellow cones. Doesn't need a ton of power to play loud. Easy to use crossovers.

Weaknesses:
Given to much power they will blow easy. Hard to install because of the size of the magnet. Tweeters lack a little in highs. Crossovers are boring.

Similar Products Used:
MB Quart, Diamond Audio

Summary:
My experience is with the previous 5" Polykevlar 130KS with the TN46 inverted kevlar tweeters. The new 130K has the TN45 titanium tweeters but seem to sound identical. Focals are fabulous- crystal clear highs, never fatiguing. Capable of very high levels with no audible strain. They create a decent image in the car with the tweeters mounted high. Truly a professonal product. The 130K are available on the net for around $300-I found the older models for $275. To get discernably better performance than this, you have to spend $500-600. Check Zalytron.com- good people and sound advice.

Strengths:
Incredibly clear sound at normal and high levels. Excellent presentation of difficult vocal and choral music- over road noise.

Weaknesses:
Hard installation (odd size, huge magnet); check the dimesions before buying. Little roughness in upper midrange.

Similar Products Used:
Soundstream Exact 5, Diamond Audio Hex 5-1/4. Diamonds may be a bit smoother overall, but are much more expensive.