Hyundai Elantra N Audio Upgrade Review — Focal 165FX Install
Service Price
$approx. $1,150–1,500
Estimated price · Actual price may vary by shop
Before
After
Process photos
Hyundai Elantra N audio upgrade with Focal 165FX speakers. Cost starts from ₩1,000,000. Results in clearer highs and richer mids.
Is the Stock Hyundai Elantra N Audio System Truly Satisfying?
Upon receiving a new vehicle, one of the first areas that might leave you wanting more is the sound system. Even in premium trims like the Hyundai Elantra N, the stock Bose audio system often falls short of expectations. Many owners report muddy mid-bass and a lack of clarity in the higher frequencies, leading them to explore car audio tuning. This review details a customer's experience transferring their previously owned Focal 165FX speakers to their new Elantra N, offering insights into making the right car audio upgrade choices.
Key takeaways from this article:
• Common issues with the stock Elantra N audio system.
• The process of transferring Focal 165FX speakers.
• Sound improvements post-installation.
• Estimated cost and time for car audio tuning.
• Frequently asked questions about audio upgrades.
Why Choose Focal 165FX for Your Elantra N?
The Focal 165FX speakers, brought in by the customer, are a 2-way component system from the renowned French audio manufacturer, Focal. Focal is widely respected in Europe for its commitment to audio quality.
Key features of the Focal 165FX:
• Flex Cone Woofer: Utilizing a sandwich structure of fiberglass and linen, this woofer offers excellent rigidity and damping, producing natural and warm mid-bass frequencies that significantly outperform the stock paper cones found in the Bose system.
• Aluminum/Magnesium Inverted Dome Tweeter: These tweeters provide superior high-frequency resolution and clear sound imaging, making music sound more detailed and three-dimensional.
• High Sensitivity (92dB): With a high sensitivity rating, these speakers can achieve ample volume even when powered by the stock amplifier, making an additional power amplifier optional for satisfactory results.
Hyundai Elantra N Car Audio Upgrade: The Transfer Process
Installation Process:
- Vehicle Protection and Door Trim Removal: Before starting, seat covers are applied to protect the vehicle's interior. The door trims are then carefully removed to reveal the stock audio components and assess the factory sound deadening, which is often minimal and contributes to poor sound quality due to panel vibrations.
- Stock Speaker Replacement: The factory 6.5-inch mid-woofer, typically made of inexpensive materials with a light plastic frame, is removed. A custom-made birch wood adapter is installed to ensure a precise fit for the new speaker, crucial for proper sound pressure transfer.
- Focal 165FX Mid-woofer Installation: The Focal 165FX mid-woofer, with its premium Flex Cone, is mounted onto the custom adapter. Fastening material is applied to seal the gap between the door trim and the speaker, enhancing sound pressure and reducing door panel resonance.
- Focal 165FX Tweeter Installation: The stock, low-quality tweeter located in the upper door trim is removed. The Focal aluminum/magnesium inverted dome tweeter is then installed in the factory location, ensuring a seamless, 1:1 fit without any visual or acoustic mismatch.
- Reassembly: After all components are securely installed and tested, the door trims are carefully reassembled to complete the upgrade.
The result is a significantly improved audio experience, with the Focal 165FX speakers delivering the clarity, depth, and accuracy that the stock system lacked. This upgrade transforms the listening experience within the Hyundai Elantra N, making every drive more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does a car audio upgrade cost for a Hyundai Elantra N?
This specific upgrade, transferring Focal 165FX speakers, started from approximately ₩1,000,000 in Korea. Typical professional car audio installations in the US can range from $500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the components and complexity.
Q. What car audio components give the best value for a Hyundai Elantra N?
Component speaker systems like the Focal 165FX offer excellent value by providing improved clarity and soundstage. Regular cleaning of speaker cones and ensuring proper door sealing can help maintain their performance and longevity.
Q. Is a car audio upgrade worth it for a Hyundai Elantra N?
A car audio upgrade is highly recommended for Elantra N owners dissatisfied with the stock system's sound quality, especially those who appreciate detailed music reproduction. The value lies in transforming the daily driving experience with superior audio fidelity.
Q. How is a car audio system installed in a Hyundai Elantra N?
Installation involves protecting the vehicle interior, carefully removing door panels, replacing stock speakers with aftermarket components using custom adapters, and installing tweeters in factory locations. Finally, door panels are reassembled, ensuring a clean and integrated look.
Q. What is the difference between a stock and aftermarket audio system for a Hyundai Elantra N?
Stock systems typically use lower-quality materials for cost savings, resulting in less clarity and power, whereas aftermarket systems like the Focal 165FX use premium materials for superior sound reproduction, offering richer bass and crisper highs.
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