Hertz MPX 165.3 Pro or Focal k2 165KRC

[Little Walter]

Guys I am trying to decide between the Hertz MPX 165.3 Pro or The Focal K2 power 165KRC. Have anyone heard both to compare which one sound best? Would greatly appreciate you sharing your experience if you've tried or heard both. Thanks!

[Snoman]

Both manufactures are excellent choices however, what most people miss when shopping speakers such as these online is, the human ear will perceive sound differently for each person. I cannot stress the importance enough of listening to the systems below before purchasing to compare for yourself.

I'm hoping I Googled your model #'s incorrectly as what came up were Coaxials. You need to be shopping for separates, there is never a reason to lower your sound quality as to use Coaxials for our vehicles.

1. Hertz HSK 165, 4ohm, 125wrms/250wp, 50-22khz, 92db
2. Focal K2 Power 165KRC, 4ohm, 80wrms/160wp, 60-20khz, 93db
3. Hertz HSK 165XL, 4ohm, 150wrms/300wp, 40-22k, 93.5db

• The HSK 165 is $320 through Amazon
• The Focal K2 Power 165KRC has been discontinued (recent design change), Crutchfield is liquidating their inventory at almost half price (wtf?!), this is an amazeballs speaker set for $430 through a authorized retailer (vs. $800+). While I hear the new design is amazing, picking up a set of the outgoing model for almost half price is a great opportunity. Note however, these are not the infamous 165KXX2.
• The Hertz HSK 165XL is pricey at $850, but will handle slightly more power. You need to be extremely careful paying less than $800 for these as this model is a target to knock off and sell fakes online.

Don't get caught up in the wattage ratings. Any high quality 75-100 wpc amp will be more than enough to drive any of these speakers.

[beak81champ]

Are these Focal the 2 ohm? Might be a factor to consider if they are.

[Snoman]

Originally Posted by beak81champ

Are these Focal the 2 ohm? Might be a factor to consider if they are.

Unclear what you refer to as "The 2 ohm". The component sets from these manufactures with the passive crossovers create a 4 ohm load to the amplifier. These are not designed to be ran active as there are far better quality solutions for a fraction of the cost if one chooses active amplification with raw drivers.

[beak81champ]

The Focal KR2 are 2 ohm, and I didn't know if these were as well. If they were, It may have been something to consider.

[Snoman]

Originally Posted by beak81champ

The Focal KR2 are 2 ohm, and I didn't know if these were as well. If they were, It may have been something to consider.

What exactly is a "KR2" ?

Are you referring to raw drivers? The 6.5" out of the Hertz and Focal sets listed above are both 2 ohm. Connected to the passive crossover network and combined tweeter set, the amp will never see 2 ohms.

These are 4 ohm speaker sets.

[rdsesq]

It comes down to ear.
I listened to hertz and Focal k2 at the shop doing work on my SS. I haves used k2 before and loved them. And I still do. Compared them to the hertz and I prefer the focal. And for my ear I like the K2 over the utopias. But that is my ear and my music .

I prefer the focal. But that is just my opinion.

[Snoman]

Originally Posted by rdsesq

...And for my ear I like the K2 over the utopias...

You're not alone, most people prefer K2 over the utopias, especially since the line was revamped this year.

[Little Walter]

Guys these are both the coaxial version and they are both 4 ohms. I am not planning to get rid of my stand alone tweeters, I am planning to add tweeters in addition to the coaxial. Give me your opinions I have talked with the techs at JL and Cruthfield and they both highly recommended using coaxial in addition to the stand alone tweeters in the Gen 5 Camaro. They are claiming that it greatly increase imaging and soundstage. You guys are the pro's give me your thoughts on their recommendation. Thanks!

[Snoman]

Adding Coaxials (doubling tweeters) will make your car unbalanced with "voice" speakers being twice as loud as any other supporting sound frequencies. While it will pull the sound stage lower and move the true center off the dash, JL and Crutchfield are attempting to confuse you with technobabble in order to sound like they know what they are talking about in order to push sales. Comparing a $2 paper tweeter to Hertz and Focal (Much less having them operate at the same time) is almost sacrilege.

Ultimately, it's your choice but at this price level there is no way I'm buying coaxials. I've heard of it being done, but no one in my Sound Quality circles are doing it.

edit: The proper methodology of this sound design is to purchase separates, then add a set of tweeters matching your first set. ex. Focal K2 165KRC (Components) + Focal K2 TN52 Tweeters

[Little Walter]

Thanks for the advise, I will go with the components definitely, since I am not using a subwoofer. I was leaning towards the hertz just because of the spec showing a freqy response of 45 hz on the low end vs 60 hz on the focals. Your thoughts? I already have a Alpine PDX F-6 Amp.

[beak81champ]

I think you will be fine with your choice. Proper install and sound deadening will make those comps boogie in your ride!

[Snoman]

I agree with beakchamp and your choice based on tonal response. Be sure to use secondskin or dynomat during the install though, it will make a huge difference.