Mercedes High Performance Focal Speaker Upgrade – Focal K2 Power Speakers – XFIRE Amplifier – XFIRE Subwoofer | B&B Audioconcepts Cardiff
Mercedes High Performance Focal Speaker Upgrade
At B&B Audioconcepts, Cardiff’s trusted audio and security specialists, we believe in pushing the boundaries of in-car sound quality. Recently, a Mercedes CLA owner came to us looking for a high-end audio upgrade that would provide both impressive sound performance and lasting durability. Following a thorough consultation, we crafted a custom solution built around the premium Focal K2 Power ES165 K2E and EC 165KE speakers, paired with the XFIRE EFX1204D amplifier and an XFIRE 8-inch subwoofer. Using top-tier cabling and sound dampening materials, we optimized this Mercedes for an exceptional listening experience. Here’s a deep dive into our installation process and the high-end components we selected.
Section 1: The Heart of the System: Focal K2 Power ES165 K2E and EC 165KE Speakers
The Focal K2 Power series is legendary in the car audio world, offering remarkable clarity, power, and reliability. For this Mercedes CLA, we installed the Focal K2 Power ES165 K2E 2-way component kit in the front and the Focal K2 Power EC 165KE in the rear, creating a balanced and immersive soundstage throughout the vehicle. These speakers are designed with Focal’s signature Kevlar cones, a durable yet lightweight material that produces exceptionally clean and accurate audio with minimal distortion.
The ES165 K2E and EC 165KE models both feature Focal’s advanced TKM tweeters with an inverted dome design, which enhances sound dispersion and reduces phase distortion. This ensures that even at higher volumes, every note comes through clearly and naturally. By installing the ES165 K2E in the front and the EC 165KE in the rear, we achieved a fully integrated, high-fidelity sound experience that fills the cabin from front to back. Focal’s robust crossovers further enhance the system, ensuring that low, mid, and high frequencies flow smoothly, preserving audio clarity and depth across all listening levels.
Key features of the Focal ES 165K2E:
- Kevlar Cone Technology: The K2 Power speakers feature Focal’s proprietary aramid fiber (Kevlar) cone. This material is both lightweight and rigid, which provides excellent sound quality with minimal distortion.
- Composite Sandwich Cone: The cone is a composite design that combines materials to optimize frequency response and ensure stability, allowing for accurate bass response and clear Mids.
- TKM Inverted Dome Tweeter: These speakers use a TKM inverted dome tweeter, which enhances sound dispersion and provides clear, high frequencies. This design reduces phase distortion and creates a more immersive listening experience.
- High Sensitivity: With high sensitivity, the ES 165K2E speakers produce more sound output with less power, making them efficient for various audio setups, especially with a well-matched amplifier.
- Bi-Amplification Capability: This model supports bi-amplification, allowing you to drive the woofers and tweeters separately for better control and sound tuning, particularly in high-end audio systems.
- Improved Crossover: The external crossovers are designed to fine-tune the separation of frequencies between the woofer and tweeter, enabling clear and precise sound across the spectrum.
- High-Power Handling: These speakers are designed to handle significant power, allowing for high volume levels without distortion or damage. The speakers can handle up to 80W RMS and a peak power of 160W.
- Butyl Surround: The cone has a durable butyl rubber surround, which improves longevity, reduces resonance, and enhances bass performance by allowing more cone movement.
- Optimized for Soundstage: The components are tuned for a balanced, wide soundstage, making these speakers ideal for music enthusiasts looking for an immersive experience.
- Elegant Design and Build: Focal’s K2 Power series features a sleek design with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail, appealing to both audiophiles and automotive enthusiasts.
Key Features of the Focal K2 Power EC 165KE:
- K2 Power Kevlar Cone: The EC 165KE speakers feature Focal’s proprietary yellow Kevlar cone, which is highly rigid yet lightweight. This material enhances sound quality by reducing distortion and providing detailed midrange frequencies.
- TN53K Aluminium/Magnesium Inverted Dome Tweeter: The tweeter is made of an aluminium/magnesium alloy and features an inverted dome design. This setup improves dispersion, precision, and clarity, delivering clean and accurate high frequencies.
- Butyl Rubber Surround: The Kevlar cone is paired with a butyl rubber surround, which ensures durability and helps maintain optimal performance over time by resisting wear and environmental factors.
- High Power Handling: The EC 165KE has a power handling capacity of around 70 watts RMS and up to 140 watts peak, providing substantial output without distorting at higher volumes.
- Separate Crossovers: The set includes crossovers designed to distribute frequencies efficiently between the woofer and tweeter, improving the overall sound stage and tonal balance.
- Compact Design: The EC 165KE has a shallow mounting depth, which allows it to fit in a wide range of vehicles without extensive modifications.
- Enhanced Sensitivity: With a sensitivity rating of around 92 dB, these speakers can produce a significant amount of sound even with less power, making them efficient in various setups.
- Wide Frequency Response: The EC 165KE covers a broad frequency range, typically from 60 Hz to 20 kHz, delivering rich lows, clear mids, and crisp highs.
- Stylish Aesthetic: The yellow Kevlar cone and compact design give the EC 165KE a distinctive and modern look, consistent with Focal’s K2 Power line.
Section 2: Enhancing Output with the XFIRE EFX1204D Amplifier and 8-Inch Subwoofer
To bring out the best in these high-end speakers, we installed the XFIRE EFX1204D amplifier. Known for its power and reliability, the EFX1204D amplifier is an excellent match for the Focal K2 Power system. This amplifier is designed for precision and control, supplying clear and consistent power to each component in the setup. With a solid power supply backing the speakers, the sound output remains crisp and distortion-free, even at high volumes.
For that deep, resonant bass that audiophiles crave, we installed the XFIRE 8-inch subwoofer, seamlessly blending powerful low frequencies with the clean mids and highs of the Focal speakers. The subwoofer’s compact design suits the CLA’s interior while delivering a punchy bass response that enhances the overall audio experience without overpowering it. Our team ensured that the subwoofer and amplifier were tuned precisely to balance all audio frequencies, making every note and beat come alive.
Section 3: Optimising Sound Quality with Premium Connections and Sound Dampening
Even the best audio components need the right connections to perform optimally. For this project, we chose Connections sound cables, known for low resistance and high-quality signal transmission. Using premium cabling minimizes power loss and distortion, preserving audio clarity from the amplifier to the speakers. Every detail counts, and we ensured that this setup maximized the performance potential of each component.
To prevent unwanted noise interference, we applied Skinz sound dampening throughout the car’s interior. This soundproofing treatment reduces vibrations and blocks out external sounds, creating a quieter cabin where every nuance of the upgraded audio system can be fully appreciated. Skinz sound dampening is essential for achieving a “studio-like” audio environment in vehicles, and for a luxury model like the Mercedes CLA, it was an obvious choice to match the premium quality of the audio equipment.
Conclusion
This Mercedes CLA left B&B Audioconcepts with a truly transformed audio system that delivers high-end sound performance, power, and durability. With Focal K2 Power ES165 K2E and EC 165KE speakers, the XFIRE EFX1204D amplifier, and an XFIRE 8-inch subwoofer, this setup provides clarity, depth, and a rich soundstage that enhances every drive. By pairing quality cabling with Skinz sound dampening, we created a system that offers studio-quality sound in the comfort of the car cabin. For those looking to elevate their in-car audio experience, B&B Audioconcepts, Cardiff’s specialists in car audio and security, is here to make your vision a reality.
Previously at B&B Audioconcepts
B&B Audioconcepts has an impressive track record of completing top-quality car audio, car security, and car modification projects for their clients. Their team of experienced professionals has worked on a variety of projects, ranging from basic audio upgrades to full car customisations. They have installed state-of-the-art audio systems, advanced security features, and high-performance modifications in all types of vehicles, from sports cars to luxury saloons. B&B Audioconcepts is committed to delivering exceptional results and ensuring customer satisfaction on every project they undertake.
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