Hi, i've just fot an Alpine KTP-445 4 x 45w RMS power pack for my headunit (http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-ktp445.html).

I'd like to ditch the standard Ford 5x7's, but what would be the best match in speaker power (RMS) for the Alpine to drive?

I think the headunit on its own was pushing around 18/20W RMS with the standard Focus speakers.

So, would i be best getting some new speakers rated less that the power pack/amp rating of 45w rms (i.e speakers at 35w rms) so the amp is not working too hard to get the maximum from the speakers, or would some speakers at a higher rating of say 60/75/90/100w rms be better as they would go louder? (but i presume the power pack/amp would be working to its maximum though?)

 

If you go for high watt speakers the head unit will not have the power to drive the magnets

Watts does not mean loudness

Sensitivity and speakers size effect this

The wattage controls the power / force which moves the cone of the speaker, the higher the wattage of the amp the more power / faster the cone can be controlled

If you only going to use the headunit get 50 to 80w RMS speakers to get the most out of the system

I use low wattage component MB Quarts attached to my Nakamichi headunit and it sounds excellent, just as clear as most systems I've heard with big amps and is plenty loud enough for my requirements

 

Ok cool, thats what i was thinking - i've seen some Alpine's which are pretty cheap, about £35, but they're only 35w rms, and i think they're just a cheap replacement for the originals.
I'll have a look for some 50 to 80w rms speakers.

What would the difference be if i replaced the 5x7's with an adaptor and some 16.5cm components, and where is a good place to mount the tweeter in the focus?

 

Its all about personal preference

If it were me I'd get speakers that fit in the standard postions so you cant tell theve been changed

 

Yes, me too, i don't fancy butchering my doors - i'd prefer to keep it all as original as possible...5x7's it is then - need 2 pairs though

 

Anyone know the maximum speaker depth for the front and rear Focus MK1 doors?

 

Found it, looks to be 3". But, the speakers that will fit are 5x7 or 6x8.
Will the 6x8's better as they are bigger, or am I missing something here??