[Badmat]

I am considering going all in with this 6.2 kit

Volkswagen models – Focal Inside

Discover all compatible Volkswagen vehicle models and equip your car with premium speaker kits, subwoofers, and amplifiers for a powerful and immersive sound system.

www.focal-inside.com

It uses the same Impulse amp which is 4 channels so I am unsure about how this is all connected compared to driving only the Is and IC speakers….

Does it require a different harness to send the head unit’s power to the rear speakers and use the Impulse only on the fronts and subs?
I am quite handy but never installed a car stereo… Any info about this is welcome!

 

[pro]

@pro or @dg4prez, can either of you estimate how much depth is available at the stock tweeter location? I'm looking at replacement options and want to make sure they'll fit.

Not really but I have had the space o put the tweeters with the grille so there is plenty of space.

 

[DrSteveBrule]

Does it require a different harness to send the head unit’s power to the rear speakers and use the Impulse only on the fronts and subs?
I am quite handy but never installed a car stereo… Any info about this is welcome!

Here's what the Impulse 4.320 manual says:

If you want to use the IMPULSE 4.320 with a 3-channel configuration, select mode 1+2. Channels 3/4 will then receive the mono signal from channels 1 and 2 to drive your subwoofer.
...
X-OVER MODE: the crossover mode switch enables you to choose to activate the high-pass filter mode (HPF), the low-pass filter mode (LPF) or the full range mode (FULL) for channels 3/4 or rear channels

So seems like you would use channels 3/4 to drive the subwoofers and low pass the 1/2 signal to 3/4.

To answer your harness question, I think you would just cut the wiring out of the T-harness and splice it back into the stock wiring for the rear speakers, bypassing the Focal amp.

 

[Badmat]

Here's what the Impulse 4.320 manual says:


So seems like you would use channels 3/4 to drive the subwoofers and low pass the 1/2 signal to 3/4.

To answer your harness question, I think you would just cut the wiring out of the T-harness and splice it back into the stock wiring for the rear speakers, bypassing the Focal amp.

Makes sense! Thanks!

 

[ID Fan]

No. The a pillar is fine. Just get yourself some two stage clips from the dealership. I can take a photo of one if you like. The top ones aren't reusable.

I would like to see a photo of the clips. What do I ask for at the dealership? Is it a standard VW part, not particular to the ID4? Thanks!

 

[pro]

@pro did the focal harness utilize the high-level out of the stock stereo or is it an unamplified signal? I'm a little fuzzy on that. I'm still inclined to get the amplifier and if nothing else I can adjust the gain on the rears. I really like the plug and play aspect and don't want to dick about with wiring and such.

Yes, the harness hijack the high-level output of the car audio and inject the output of the amplifier to the speakers.

 

[dg4prez]

I imagine using channels 1/2 will sound better, due to the DSP fuckery with the rears.

@pro do you have a photo of the stock speakers in the rear or part numbers? I am very skeptical of the claims that this person from focal america made that we have different hardware and i suspect it's just due to a lack of knowledge on his part. Are you using the 1/2 signal for all four speakers, with a sub? I know you're running upgraded speakers but I suspect you'd still have "hot" treble with any speakers using the 3/4 even if you had silk tweeters unless you're doing some DSP.

Where are people putting the isubs? i suppose the mini trunk shelf would do, but i feel like under the seats would be even better so you still have that space.

 

[dg4prez]

I would like to see a photo of the clips. What do I ask for at the dealership? Is it a standard VW part, not particular to the ID4? Thanks!

Volkswagen GTI Trim. Clip. Quarter. Retainer. Pillar. (Rear - 8Z0867276 | Franklin Wisconsin

Trim. Clip. Quarter. Retainer. Pillar. (Rear, Upper, Lower). Volkswagen GTI. Genuine Volkswagen Part - 8Z0867276 (4F0881279, 8Z0-867-276). Ships from Franklin Wisconsin

www.myvwpart.com

What you're going to do is pop the a-pillar out an inch or so and then it'll stop. the top two metal clips get slid downward (i think it's downward anyway, maybe up but I'm pretty sure) out of the plastic trim they're held to. Once both are slid down, you can pull the trim piece out more and pull the bottom one out completely. Careful of the airbag and try not to disturb all the various bits and bobs cause they're made to be packed a certain way for when they explode in your face. To reinstall, you want to remove the middle metal clip from the car's frame - the hole is shaped such that you can easily do so without damaging the thing - and slide that back into the trim piece. You need to remove the top clip as well, which involves a pair of needlenose pliers and a bit of creative cursing. That one gets tossed in the trash. Slide your new one into the top slot on the trim. Then you're going to want to align the whole thing back into place carefully. Don't just start smacking it - the clips will bend and get jacked up if you don't have them aligned properly, but you will be able to get them in if you restrain the urge to hit things. I had to figure this all out organically so this was pretty key for me because by then I was in a hitting mood. Once they're in, you can just pop it back into place fully with all three clips fully seated and you're done.

 

[Badmat]

…

Where are people putting the isubs? i suppose the mini trunk shelf would do, but i feel like under the seats would be even better so you still have that space.

Yes, Focal recommends putting the I-Sub twins under the front seats. Otherwise you could have a single flat sub in the trunk.

 

[dg4prez]

OK, real answers, finally!

Here's the issue. I spoke with a guy over at Focal America, and explained all of it. We took a look at the stock speakers and realized they're not 2-way speakers. VW is just cranking up the EQ to compensate. So of course a 2-way speaker in that spot is going to be hot as hell. I'm going to try swapping the fronts and rears to confirm it when I have a chance. He also tells me I can literally just cut the tweeter wire without affecting the operation of the other loudspeaker, which is good to know. I could always toss an l-pad in there later if i wanted a bit of treble without too much.

So for upgrading this car using focal, I would advise against using the IC VW 165s for the rear unless you are also using the 4.320 amp and adding a sub, in which case all four speakers would use the 1/2 (front) channels alone, and the sub would use the 3/4 (rear) channels. The front channel should be a lot less hot, since the stock fronts have tweeters. Be aware that you do lose fader capability with that setup, though. The other option of course is to use an amplifier with DSP functionality that can tame that stock signal, which the 4.320 does not have - it has a level adjustment but not DSP.

For me I'll either swap em or cut the tweeter wire and tape it off. I'm passing this all on to Focal America so they can update their page. Before I do - @pro can you tell me if your rears are the same 1-way speaker we have, or were they coaxial? It might be that we have different speakers and as a result the advice from focal for the UK market is valid but isn't for the US. @ID.Furkan can you tell me if your car has 2-way in the rear? you should be able to see it through the door if you shine a light in there, and if i recall correctly you have a pro max, so if any car will it's that one.

 

[pro]

I imagine using channels 1/2 will sound better, due to the DSP fuckery with the rears.

@pro do you have a photo of the stock speakers in the rear or part numbers? I am very skeptical of the claims that this person from focal america made that we have different hardware and i suspect it's just due to a lack of knowledge on his part. Are you using the 1/2 signal for all four speakers, with a sub? I know you're running upgraded speakers but I suspect you'd still have "hot" treble with any speakers using the 3/4 even if you had silk tweeters unless you're doing some DSP.

Where are people putting the isubs? i suppose the mini trunk shelf would do, but i feel like under the seats would be even better so you still have that space.

I use the 1/2 and 3/4 channels, fader a bit to rear, with my Flax speakers I don't notice a bad treble. I don't use a sub, the Flax produce some bass, not a club but enough for me

I really doubt that Europe and US get different speakers, I will take some picture tomorrow for you. Even the front unit is common with the US, I have a sticker "Sirius" on it even if it is not known and not usable here, it is probable activated by software for the US and deactivated here.

 

[pro]

OK, real answers, finally!

Here's the issue. I spoke with a guy over at Focal America, and explained all of it. We took a look at the stock speakers and realized they're not 2-way speakers. VW is just cranking up the EQ to compensate. So of course a 2-way speaker in that spot is going to be hot as hell. I'm going to try swapping the fronts and rears to confirm it when I have a chance. He also tells me I can literally just cut the tweeter wire without affecting the operation of the other loudspeaker, which is good to know. I could always toss an l-pad in there later if i wanted a bit of treble without too much.

So for upgrading this car using focal, I would advise against using the IC VW 165s for the rear unless you are also using the 4.320 amp and adding a sub, in which case all four speakers would use the 1/2 (front) channels alone, and the sub would use the 3/4 (rear) channels. The front channel should be a lot less hot, since the stock fronts have tweeters. Be aware that you do lose fader capability with that setup, though. The other option of course is to use an amplifier with DSP functionality that can tame that stock signal, which the 4.320 does not have - it has a level adjustment but not DSP.

For me I'll either swap em or cut the tweeter wire and tape it off. I'm passing this all on to Focal America so they can update their page. Before I do - @pro can you tell me if your rears are the same 1-way speaker we have, or were they coaxial? It might be that we have different speakers and as a result the advice from focal for the UK market is valid but isn't for the US. @ID.Furkan can you tell me if your car has 2-way in the rear? you should be able to see it through the door if you shine a light in there, and if i recall correctly you have a pro max, so if any car will it's that one.

Right, the rear stock speakers were one way ( non coaxial ), mine is a first non max.

Picture before mod of rear speaker:

 

[TPG]

OK, real answers, finally!

Here's the issue. I spoke with a guy over at Focal America, and explained all of it. We took a look at the stock speakers and realized they're not 2-way speakers. VW is just cranking up the EQ to compensate. So of course a 2-way speaker in that spot is going to be hot as hell. I'm going to try swapping the fronts and rears to confirm it when I have a chance. He also tells me I can literally just cut the tweeter wire without affecting the operation of the other loudspeaker, which is good to know. I could always toss an l-pad in there later if i wanted a bit of treble without too much.

So for upgrading this car using focal, I would advise against using the IC VW 165s for the rear unless you are also using the 4.320 amp and adding a sub, in which case all four speakers would use the 1/2 (front) channels alone, and the sub would use the 3/4 (rear) channels. The front channel should be a lot less hot, since the stock fronts have tweeters. Be aware that you do lose fader capability with that setup, though. The other option of course is to use an amplifier with DSP functionality that can tame that stock signal, which the 4.320 does not have - it has a level adjustment but not DSP.

For me I'll either swap em or cut the tweeter wire and tape it off. I'm passing this all on to Focal America so they can update their page. Before I do - @pro can you tell me if your rears are the same 1-way speaker we have, or were they coaxial? It might be that we have different speakers and as a result the advice from focal for the UK market is valid but isn't for the US. @ID.Furkan can you tell me if your car has 2-way in the rear? you should be able to see it through the door if you shine a light in there, and if i recall correctly you have a pro max, so if any car will it's that one.

The OEM speakers are
VW Hanosonic 17A-035-453 woofers (F) and VW Hanosonic 17A-035-710 (R). The R ones (17A-035-710) are advertised as having both woofer and tweeter, and you can see that there is a small raised tweeter, or at least it looks different from the Fs. That said, I suspect that its "tweeter" is a passive whizzer cone and not really a driven tweeter. EIther way, I agree that they likely have especially crappy HF response and VW boosts the treble in the head unit to compensate. So I cut the treble using the audio control to compensate for my more full-range Focal IC VW 165s.

I wonder if the Focal woofers (IS VW 165s) would work well in the rear doors. I'm looking into adding a coil in series to my IC VW 165 coaxes - that gives the degree of freedom to set the rolloff frequency. Please keep us posted re. what you come up with.

 

[dg4prez]

I bet your speakers are better at smoothing out that harshness too @pro since you're using the flax.

 

[dg4prez]

The OEM speakers are
VW Hanosonic 17A-035-453 woofers (F) and VW Hanosonic 17A-035-710 (R). The R ones (17A-035-710) are advertised as having both woofer and tweeter, and you can see that there is a small raised tweeter, or at least it looks different from the Fs. That said, I suspect that its "tweeter" is a passive whizzer cone and not really a driven tweeter. EIther way, I agree that they likely have especially crappy HF response and VW boosts the treble in the head unit to compensate. So I cut the treble using the audio control to compensate for my more full-range Focal IC VW 165s.

I wonder if the Focal woofers (IS VW 165s) would work well in the rear doors. I'm looking into adding a coil in series to my IC VW 165 coaxes - that gives the degree of freedom to set the rolloff frequency. Please keep us posted re. what you come up with.

Those are at best passive. I doubt they're even that. Can't compare though, I tossed my oem fronts. what's this coil you speak of?

 

[TPG]

Those are at best passive. I doubt they're even that. Can't compare though, I tossed my oem fronts. what's this coil you speak of?

No coil, just a smaller/less massive cone in the middle to vibrate with more amplitude at higher frequencies.
Yes, I agree they are not "real" tweeters.

 

[dg4prez]

I meant this statement:

I'm looking into adding a coil in series to my IC VW 165 coaxes - that gives the degree of freedom to set the rolloff frequency.

 

[DrSteveBrule]

@dg4prez, I think @TPG is talking about voice coils, not crossover coils.

 

[pro]

To answer your harness question, I think you would just cut the wiring out of the T-harness and splice it back into the stock wiring for the rear speakers, bypassing the Focal amp.

Looking at the harness topic, Focal has a special cable for that "IW-IMP2.1". This cable would replace the IW-FIT-IMP-EXT150 in my installation if you want to add a sub. To amplify the 4 speakers and 1 or 2 sub you will need 2 amplifiers and some play with adapters or ISO Y adapters for the speaker output of the car audio system ( front unit )

Good picture of the cable can be found on the Australia Focal website. And there is another cable to connect 2 subs..

I didn't found a source in the US for it but for example: it is available here: Focal harness

Product description: "
Cable Plug And Play Impulse 4.320 FOCAL IW-IMP2.1
The new Impulse 2.1 cable allows easy connection to an original car radio on any brand of car, adding an ISO focal harness.
The Plug and play cable for Impulse 4.320, allows to have 2 channels of 2x55w wrms to amplify the front tracks, and 2 bridged channels of 1x160 wrms to amplify a subwoofer like the PSB200 for example.
Simple and quick to install, with ISO connections, to connect to the car's wiring.
Find a wide choice of possibilities with the new Focal Inside cables. "

 

[Badmat]

Looking at the harness topic, Focal has a special cable for that "IW-IMP2.1". This cable would replace the IW-FIT-IMP-EXT150 in my installation if you want to add a sub. To amplify the 4 speakers and 1 or 2 sub you will need 2 amplifiers and some play with adapters or ISO Y adapters for the speaker output of the car audio system ( front unit )

Good picture of the cable can be found on the Australia Focal website. And there is another cable to connect 2 subs..

I didn't found a source in the US for it but for example: it is available here: Focal harness

Product description: "
Cable Plug And Play Impulse 4.320 FOCAL IW-IMP2.1
The new Impulse 2.1 cable allows easy connection to an original car radio on any brand of car, adding an ISO focal harness.
The Plug and play cable for Impulse 4.320, allows to have 2 channels of 2x55w wrms to amplify the front tracks, and 2 bridged channels of 1x160 wrms to amplify a subwoofer like the PSB200 for example.
Simple and quick to install, with ISO connections, to connect to the car's wiring.
Find a wide choice of possibilities with the new Focal Inside cables. "

Merci @pro , exactement ce que je cherchais!

“thanks pro, exactly what I was looking for!”