Focal P 25 FSE Subwoofer Driver
270,00 €
Focal P 25 FSE is a shallow-mount 25 cm subwoofer driver for an in-car bass system. Its slim construction helps when planning an installation where mounting depth is limited. A nominal rating of 280 W RMS and 4 Ω impedance provide clear reference points for amplifier selection. The Flax sandwich cone is complemented by a rubber surround. This is one separate driver, so a suitable enclosure and amplifier are required.
Focal P 25 FSE is a shallow-mount 25 cm car subwoofer driver designed for a separately installed bass system. This product is a single driver, not a complete subwoofer supplied with an enclosure and amplifier.
Its slim profile helps reduce the mounting depth required in confined areas of a vehicle. A suitable enclosure, amplifier and installation components are still needed to complete the system.
Slim profile and installation
The shallow-mount design is useful when there is not enough installation depth for a conventional subwoofer. It makes it possible to consider a shallower enclosure or a position where space inside the vehicle is limited.
A slim profile does not automatically guarantee that the driver will fit in the chosen location. Before cutting the mounting opening, measure the basket, the total depth and the space remaining behind the driver. The cone and surround must also have enough clearance to move freely.
This model is supplied without an integrated enclosure. The enclosure must be designed for the specific driver, so its nominal diameter alone is not sufficient for selecting or building one. An unsuitable enclosure volume or construction can alter low-frequency reproduction and the mechanical load placed on the driver.
Cone and surround
The Flax sandwich cone is the main sound-radiating surface and moves while the driver is operating. Its multilayer construction is a functional part of the loudspeaker rather than a decorative finish.
The rubber surround connects the edge of the cone to the driver structure and allows the cone to move. During installation, make sure that trim panels or protective grilles do not press against the surround.
The 38 mm voice coil is part of the electromechanical system that converts the amplifier signal into cone movement. Its diameter is not the size of a connector or the required mounting opening.
Choosing an amplifier
The driver has a nominal impedance of 4 Ω. The amplifier must operate reliably with this load in the intended wiring configuration. This is especially important when using bridged amplifier channels.
280 W RMS is the nominal power rating to use as a guide when matching the system for continuous operation. The 560 W maximum power rating should not be treated as the target for continuous amplifier output. When choosing an amplifier, its RMS output at the specified load is the most relevant figure.
An amplifier that is underpowered or adjusted incorrectly may begin to produce a distorted signal. Excessive real output can also exceed the driver’s capabilities. Set the final listening level according to clean signal reproduction, not according to the physical position of the amplifier’s control.
Connection and initial setup
Maintain consistent polarity throughout the system when connecting the driver. Reversed polarity can weaken bass reproduction when the subwoofer operates together with the vehicle’s front speakers.
This separate driver has no integrated sound controls. Gain, the low-pass filter and phase are adjusted through the amplifier or audio processor when those functions are available.
As a starting point, the low-pass filter can be set at approximately 70-80 Hz. The crossover point can then be refined while listening from the driver’s seat. The bass should blend with the main speakers instead of sounding like a separate source.
The gain control is not a volume control. Begin with a lower setting and increase it gradually until the level is balanced. Stop if you notice distortion, mechanical noise or a loss of control in the bass.
If the amplifier provides phase adjustment, compare the available settings from the normal listening position. Keep the setting that integrates the bass more effectively with the front sound system.
Understanding the sensitivity rating
The 87 dB sensitivity rating was measured using 2.83 V at a distance of one metre. This figure should therefore not be compared directly with a sensitivity rating stated using a different measurement method.
With a 4 Ω load, a 2.83 V test signal corresponds to approximately two watts of power. It is not a 1 W at 1 m measurement condition. When comparing this driver with other models, first make sure that the published figures were obtained under equivalent conditions.
Positioning inside the vehicle
The installation location must protect the cone and rubber surround from luggage and interior trim. A protective grille may be useful, but it must not restrict the movement of the cone.
The direction in which the driver faces and the position of its enclosure can change the bass heard inside the vehicle. Before securing the enclosure permanently, compare several orientations. Assess the result while seated in the driver’s usual listening position.
Technical specifications
| Model | Focal P 25 FSE |
|---|---|
| Product type | Shallow-mount car subwoofer driver |
| Nominal diameter | 10 inches (250 mm) |
| Voice-coil diameter | 1.5 inches (38 mm) |
| Cone | Flax sandwich cone |
| Surround | Rubber |
| Nominal power handling | 280 W RMS |
| Maximum power | 560 W |
| Sensitivity | 87 dB at 2.83 V and 1 m |
| Impedance | 4 Ω |
| Quantity | 1 piece |
FAQ
Is this a complete subwoofer?
No. It is a separate car subwoofer driver that must be installed in a suitable enclosure. An amplifier and enclosure are not included as part of this product.
Can the driver be connected directly to a car stereo?
A separate power amplifier is normally required. It must support the driver’s load and provide an appropriately selected RMS output.
What type of enclosure should I choose?
The enclosure must be designed for this specific driver. The 25 cm diameter alone does not determine the necessary enclosure volume or enclosure type.
How should I begin adjusting the amplifier?
Start by reducing the gain and enabling the low-pass filter. Then increase and adjust the level gradually so that it blends with the vehicle’s main speakers.
Is the slim design suitable for installation under a seat?
The reduced mounting depth can be useful in such a location, but all available space must be measured. There must be enough room for the enclosure as well as unrestricted cone movement.
Can two of these drivers be used in one vehicle?
Connecting two drivers changes the load presented to the amplifier. Two units wired in parallel would create a 2 Ω load, while two wired in series would create an 8 Ω load.
Is this model intended for a home stereo or cinema system?
It is intended for use in a car audio system. A home installation would require a separate enclosure, a suitable amplifier and a purpose-calculated system design.
