Opinions on the Audiophile pkg - Focaljet

**J-Rod** · 08-29-2001, 10:59 AM

Okay, so I'm looking for some input from everyone. I'd like to know if anyone knows more info on the audio package then what is already known (like pricing, and specifics as to how many speakers etc.). I'm trying to decide if I want to spend the money on the stock system, or just put my own in. I'm not the type that likes the car shaking bass but I do like it to sound decent... so with that, what are your opinions?

------------------
J-Rod
'02 Sonic Blue SVT
Ordered of course...

**doublex** · 08-29-2001, 11:08 AM

J-Rod, According to the Order Guide, the Audiophile package consists of an in-dash 6CD Changer, 6 Speakers, and a subwoofer.

This setup mimics the one in my 2001 Escape (to be replaced by an SVT Focus). The basic setup is a mid-bass driver in the door, a tweeter at the A-Pillar, and a full range in the back seat. Then, way in the back is an 8" woofer.

The sound is good for a factory setup. I would prefer more (don't we all?), but it is plenty for someone who only wants decent sound (not awsome). It is about on par with my Bose setup in my '99 Miata, but it has better seperation (from more speakers). It is far better than the setup in my Wife's ZTS.

I have no idea what the cost of the option is.

Just my .02

doublex
'99 Miata 10th Anniversary
'01 Focus ZTS
'01 Escape -> '02 Focus SVT on the way (w/all options in Sonic Blue)

**racerx** · 08-29-2001, 05:16 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by doublex:
a tweeter at the A-Pillar<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Like the Mach 460 in the Mustang? I haven't seen any A pillar tweeters in the SVTs I've seen. I know the blue one in Chicago had the sub in the hatch, so I was assuming it had the Audiophile.

**OTTOMATIC** · 08-29-2001, 06:11 PM

The tweeters will be "built-in" to the door speakers.

**J-Rod** · 08-29-2001, 07:39 PM

My real main concern is a problem with the Infinity system thats in my Dakota. The speakers were self amplified and when I went to buy a new deck, I had to replace the speakers also. I like having the stock radio look, but I'm afraid if I go to change the speakers I'll have to do the deck to.

Knowing that the tweeter is built into the front speaker I don't think I'll go with the system. I bet it's a good chuck of change too, so you could probably put a better one in for a few bucks cheaper.

**Slayer420** · 08-29-2001, 11:28 PM

I called SVT a few weeks ago to ask for a ballpark figure on the price of the audio package. I was told it would be between $500 - 700. That is just a ballpark number from the guy I talked to, but it was enough to tell me to delete it from my order. I already have an almost brand new Kenwood HU and 2 10" subs and 2 month old 850w amp to build a system, so for me, that $500 would be better spent on installing aftermarket stuff I already have. If I had to buy all that from scratch, I would stick with the package..

**ZX3 Canuck** · 08-30-2001, 11:41 AM

Well if the "audiophile" speakers in the Focus are anything like the pieces of crap found in the Contour SVT, save your money. I bought new speakers for my dad and his '99 Contour SVT and the so called "premium" stock speakers were the biggest piles of crap I've ever seen.

**dru2002** · 08-30-2001, 03:23 PM

it all depends what ur used to for me this setup would be insufficient as i have two focal 10's and a set of focal comp. With alpine coaxials in the back and an alpine hu. To go from that back to any factory setup would suck. IF ur used to a factory setup this setup will be more than enough. So for the average joe that just wants a very moderate well rounded system this setup is great. If ur more of an audiophile this system isnt going to cut it.

**OTTOMATIC** · 08-30-2001, 03:31 PM

I agree. Sounds like you already have a great stereo waiting to be put in an SVT. No point in you spending $500-$700 for a factory setup. I would be curious what it would cost for a "similar" aftermarket setup.
In-dash 6 disc changer, 6-speaker setup, 8" woofer. Anyone know the answer to this? I'm not curious enough to go find out for myself.

**OTTOMATIC** · 08-31-2001, 12:02 AM

I personally think the speakers in the Contour SVT are really good for factory. Add an 8" sub and it would be just right for me.

**hoop-d** · 04-17-2002, 05:38 PM

So, now that many of you have taken delivery of your vehicles, what are your thoughts on the audiophile pkg. (ie) if you had to do it again would you?

**Shmoges** · 04-17-2002, 07:47 PM

after market is the way to go. Check out audio king

**BlackSVT** · 04-17-2002, 08:24 PM

Shmoges, you have an SVT?

**South.O.C.** · 04-17-2002, 09:04 PM

the audio controler is in the stering column, the vocals sound a little shallow the base is a a little soft. Yes after market is the way to go for some serious tunes, this audio package is one step over stock and will not blow your doors off..
But it is nice tunes [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

**Peloton25** · 04-17-2002, 10:20 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by South.O.C.:
the audio controler is in the stering column... <hr></blockquote>

Just to clarify, all SVT Focii have audio controls on the left side of the steering column, not just the ones with the Audiophile Pkg.

>8^)
ER

**SVTBlur** · 04-17-2002, 10:47 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Well if the "audiophile" speakers in the Focus are anything like the pieces of crap found in the Contour SVT, save your money. I
bought new speakers for my dad and his '99 Contour SVT and the so called "premium" stock speakers were the biggest piles of
crap I've ever seen. <hr></blockquote>

I just traded my '96 Contour SE with the "premium sound" system for an SVT Focus w/Audiophile. I can assure you there is noooooo comparison between the two.

**garyrich** · 04-18-2002, 11:30 AM

I think it's pretty good for the $$. The articulation (sound detail) is very good. It doesn't distort at any volume I've tried yet. The DSP function that biases the sound to favor the driver/all/rear is actually useful.

For the $$ I think they could have produced a tighter sounding sub, but they would have to sacrifice some of the thud-thud grunt and most customers are only interested in that. In an 8" you have to compomise though.

It has some surround sound modes that I haven't played with yet, and the radio has station Id and some sort of traffic info finder that I have not figured out.

**J.R. Albright** · 04-18-2002, 11:47 AM

I've seen a dramatic improvement of Ford's audio packages in the last 2 years. I would be quick to dismiss the lack of quality in the older Contour SVT sound package to the new Audiophile.
I have a friend with a 98.5 Contour SVT and he removed the factory setup and went with aftermarket. He commented recently that if Ford had offered on the '98 SVT a similiar package as the '02 Mach sound package in the Mustangs, he would have been less likely to remove it.

**SVT ZX3** · 04-19-2002, 07:15 AM

J-Rod..... Youll here the audiophile system tonight !!!
See ya soon

**SlickShoes** · 04-28-2002, 11:10 PM

Finally got to hear the audiophile setup tonight. Much better than I ever expected! In fact, now I REALLY wish I had ordered it.

How's the stock radio sound? Can you hear it at 75 on the freeway with the windows down? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

**Slayer420** · 04-29-2002, 08:01 AM

I have to say that the audiophile package is the best sound factory stereo I have ever heard. I have put in an aftermarket stereo on every car I have ever owned, but I don't think I will have to on the SVT. On day I might replace the amp and put in a little bigger sub, but overall, it is a very nice setup. I give it a big [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

**SlickShoes** · 04-29-2002, 09:00 PM

Any opinions on the non-audiophile set up?

**miked_wz** · 04-30-2002, 09:18 AM

I think the audiophile is lacking in high-end detail. Also, the sub is much more boomy than it is musical. Anyone have any ideas on how to tighten it up? Overall, I think it sounds very good, but it's not worth the $700 price tag (you could do much better with aftermarket). On the other hand, it is worth the $700 to have a nice radio and still be able to keep the car stock.

08-29-2001, 10:59 AM	#1
J-Rod Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Warren, MI Posts: 3,803	Opinions on the Audiophile pkg Okay, so I'm looking for some input from everyone. I'd like to know if anyone knows more info on the audio package then what is already known (like pricing, and specifics as to how many speakers etc.). I'm trying to decide if I want to spend the money on the stock system, or just put my own in. I'm not the type that likes the car shaking bass but I do like it to sound decent... so with that, what are your opinions? ------------------ J-Rod '02 Sonic Blue SVT Ordered of course...

08-29-2001, 11:08 AM	#2
doublex TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: South Lyon, MI, USA Posts: 105	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg J-Rod, According to the Order Guide, the Audiophile package consists of an in-dash 6CD Changer, 6 Speakers, and a subwoofer. This setup mimics the one in my 2001 Escape (to be replaced by an SVT Focus). The basic setup is a mid-bass driver in the door, a tweeter at the A-Pillar, and a full range in the back seat. Then, way in the back is an 8" woofer. The sound is good for a factory setup. I would prefer more (don't we all?), but it is plenty for someone who only wants decent sound (not awsome). It is about on par with my Bose setup in my '99 Miata, but it has better seperation (from more speakers). It is far better than the setup in my Wife's ZTS. I have no idea what the cost of the option is. Just my .02 doublex '99 Miata 10th Anniversary '01 Focus ZTS '01 Escape -> '02 Focus SVT on the way (w/all options in Sonic Blue)

08-29-2001, 05:16 PM	#3
racerx [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 8,600	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by doublex: a tweeter at the A-Pillar<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Like the Mach 460 in the Mustang? I haven't seen any A pillar tweeters in the SVTs I've seen. I know the blue one in Chicago had the sub in the hatch, so I was assuming it had the Audiophile.

08-29-2001, 06:11 PM	#4
OTTOMATIC Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Portland, OR 97035 Posts: 1,931	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg The tweeters will be "built-in" to the door speakers.

08-29-2001, 07:39 PM	#5
J-Rod Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Warren, MI Posts: 3,803	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg My real main concern is a problem with the Infinity system thats in my Dakota. The speakers were self amplified and when I went to buy a new deck, I had to replace the speakers also. I like having the stock radio look, but I'm afraid if I go to change the speakers I'll have to do the deck to. Knowing that the tweeter is built into the front speaker I don't think I'll go with the system. I bet it's a good chuck of change too, so you could probably put a better one in for a few bucks cheaper.

08-29-2001, 11:28 PM	#6
Slayer420 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN, USA Posts: 1,588	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg I called SVT a few weeks ago to ask for a ballpark figure on the price of the audio package. I was told it would be between $500 - 700. That is just a ballpark number from the guy I talked to, but it was enough to tell me to delete it from my order. I already have an almost brand new Kenwood HU and 2 10" subs and 2 month old 850w amp to build a system, so for me, that $500 would be better spent on installing aftermarket stuff I already have. If I had to buy all that from scratch, I would stick with the package..

08-30-2001, 11:41 AM	#7
ZX3 Canuck Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 3,178	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg Well if the "audiophile" speakers in the Focus are anything like the pieces of crap found in the Contour SVT, save your money. I bought new speakers for my dad and his '99 Contour SVT and the so called "premium" stock speakers were the biggest piles of crap I've ever seen.

08-30-2001, 03:23 PM	#8
dru2002 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,089	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg it all depends what ur used to for me this setup would be insufficient as i have two focal 10's and a set of focal comp. With alpine coaxials in the back and an alpine hu. To go from that back to any factory setup would suck. IF ur used to a factory setup this setup will be more than enough. So for the average joe that just wants a very moderate well rounded system this setup is great. If ur more of an audiophile this system isnt going to cut it.

08-30-2001, 03:31 PM	#9
OTTOMATIC Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Portland, OR 97035 Posts: 1,931	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg I agree. Sounds like you already have a great stereo waiting to be put in an SVT. No point in you spending $500-$700 for a factory setup. I would be curious what it would cost for a "similar" aftermarket setup. In-dash 6 disc changer, 6-speaker setup, 8" woofer. Anyone know the answer to this? I'm not curious enough to go find out for myself.

08-31-2001, 12:02 AM	#10
OTTOMATIC Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Portland, OR 97035 Posts: 1,931	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg I personally think the speakers in the Contour SVT are really good for factory. Add an 8" sub and it would be just right for me.

04-17-2002, 05:38 PM	#11
hoop-d TEAM Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Any-Town USA Posts: 543	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg So, now that many of you have taken delivery of your vehicles, what are your thoughts on the audiophile pkg. (ie) if you had to do it again would you?

04-17-2002, 07:47 PM	#12
Shmoges TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Posts: 875	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg after market is the way to go. Check out audio king

04-17-2002, 08:24 PM	#13
BlackSVT TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: NW \'Burbs of Chicago Posts: 414	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg Shmoges, you have an SVT?

04-17-2002, 09:04 PM	#14
South.O.C. Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Lookin for Photography work :) Posts: 1,426	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg the audio controler is in the stering column, the vocals sound a little shallow the base is a a little soft. Yes after market is the way to go for some serious tunes, this audio package is one step over stock and will not blow your doors off.. But it is nice tunes [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

04-17-2002, 10:20 PM	#15
Peloton25 Mr Know-It-All Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Moorpark, CA USA Posts: 21,779	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by South.O.C.: the audio controler is in the stering column... <hr></blockquote> Just to clarify, all SVT Focii have audio controls on the left side of the steering column, not just the ones with the Audiophile Pkg. >8^) ER

04-17-2002, 10:47 PM	#16
SVTBlur TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Ballwin, MO Posts: 231	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Well if the "audiophile" speakers in the Focus are anything like the pieces of crap found in the Contour SVT, save your money. I bought new speakers for my dad and his '99 Contour SVT and the so called "premium" stock speakers were the biggest piles of crap I've ever seen. <hr></blockquote> I just traded my '96 Contour SE with the "premium sound" system for an SVT Focus w/Audiophile. I can assure you there is noooooo comparison between the two.

04-18-2002, 11:30 AM	#17
garyrich Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Santa Clarita California Posts: 1,574	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg I think it's pretty good for the $$. The articulation (sound detail) is very good. It doesn't distort at any volume I've tried yet. The DSP function that biases the sound to favor the driver/all/rear is actually useful. For the $$ I think they could have produced a tighter sounding sub, but they would have to sacrifice some of the thud-thud grunt and most customers are only interested in that. In an 8" you have to compomise though. It has some surround sound modes that I haven't played with yet, and the radio has station Id and some sort of traffic info finder that I have not figured out.

04-18-2002, 11:47 AM	#18
J.R. Albright Rookie Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 39	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg I've seen a dramatic improvement of Ford's audio packages in the last 2 years. I would be quick to dismiss the lack of quality in the older Contour SVT sound package to the new Audiophile. I have a friend with a 98.5 Contour SVT and he removed the factory setup and went with aftermarket. He commented recently that if Ford had offered on the '98 SVT a similiar package as the '02 Mach sound package in the Mustangs, he would have been less likely to remove it.

04-19-2002, 07:15 AM	#19
SVT ZX3 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Berkley, MI. Posts: 72	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg J-Rod..... Youll here the audiophile system tonight !!! See ya soon

04-28-2002, 11:10 PM	#20
SlickShoes Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Little Lebowski Urban Achiever Posts: 7,682	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg Finally got to hear the audiophile setup tonight. Much better than I ever expected! In fact, now I REALLY wish I had ordered it. How's the stock radio sound? Can you hear it at 75 on the freeway with the windows down? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

04-29-2002, 08:01 AM	#21
Slayer420 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN, USA Posts: 1,588	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg I have to say that the audiophile package is the best sound factory stereo I have ever heard. I have put in an aftermarket stereo on every car I have ever owned, but I don't think I will have to on the SVT. On day I might replace the amp and put in a little bigger sub, but overall, it is a very nice setup. I give it a big [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

04-29-2002, 09:00 PM	#22
SlickShoes Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Little Lebowski Urban Achiever Posts: 7,682	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg Any opinions on the non-audiophile set up?

04-30-2002, 09:18 AM	#23
miked_wz TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Chapel Hill, NC Posts: 222	Re: Opinions on the Audiophile pkg I think the audiophile is lacking in high-end detail. Also, the sub is much more boomy than it is musical. Anyone have any ideas on how to tighten it up? Overall, I think it sounds very good, but it's not worth the $700 price tag (you could do much better with aftermarket). On the other hand, it is worth the $700 to have a nice radio and still be able to keep the car stock.

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