audio set-up for beginners [continued]

[jhnkvn]

As with markygy has stated, it's hard to compare. On an absolute sense, I believe the Focal 165AS3 (Focal Access 3-way) will outperform the 165FX (Focal Flax 2-way). Hell.. even when given a Php20,000 set of 3-ways versus a Php80,000 2-way, I'll still pick the 3-way given it's properly tuned. The main difference? Lower distortion and better dynamics.

Problem is that it will take a lot more effort in doing so. A whole lot more. And it gets expensive.

First is that it takes a heck of a longer time to tune it right. This is possibly the most prohibitive factor in installing 3-way systems. Controlling 4 drivers plus a subwoofer is a pain in the ass in its own right to get correctly. Adding two additional drivers shoots up the difficulty up by a whole lot. This is very apparent in how much big-name shops charge their clients -- some favorable clients get free tuning on a 2-way set, some get charged a minute amount (~5,000php) depending on the level of fine-tuning but when it comes to 3-way setups, nobody tunes fine-tunes it for less than 5-digits.

Second is that installing it is a whole lot more expensive. Unlike 2-way system where you can utilize your stock speaker locations, 3-way systems will require custom fabrication unless you have a car coming with a badass system (found in more expensive cars such as Jaguars). A-pillar fabrication costs are expensive -- 5,000+ in shops like Banawe but shoots to 5-digits on the bigger shops. The difference in work is apparent enough if you're the type to appreciate quality.

Aside from the fabrication work, you will also need more channels for the speaker drivers. If you're running 3-way active, you'll need 7 channels typically (6 drivers up front and 1 subwoofer), if you're running it semi-active, you'll need 5 channels and a passive crossover for the mid-high (if you're using Focal, most people use the Focal 100KRS crossover priced at 5-digits)

Then there's the matter of processing capabilities. You can tune a 2-way system by being content with a Pioneer 80PRS (16,000php), but tuning 3-ways will demand you pony up for more such as a Pioneer P99RS (38,000php). On external processors, the costs are comparable.. with 2-way capable processors costing 16,000php and 3-way processors at 30,000php.

So, when it all comes down to it. Just settle for 2-way muna. Unless you really want what a 3-way system offers you. I suggest you do listen around ;)