ok, since I just got my new DVD headunit, I figure I should replace the stock speakers with something better. So I ended up getting (4) new POLK AUDIO db690:


So I get it installed today and turn the music and find out not only does it sound the same, but it even sounds worse and plus now I get distortion . My buddies at Circuit city(where get all this audio stuff from) were suprised that there was NO difference and said that my headunit isnt making enough power and that is why there is NO difference. They also tell me to get a seperate 4 Channel amp to power the (4) speakers but I also am getting 2 or maybe 1 10" Type R which then it would require a seperate mono or 2 channel amp. Dont know what to do, either return these polks and just stick with my stock speakers and get the subs (not sure how thats going to sound) or get a 4 Channel amp to power those speakers. Im suprised tho, I cant believe that even with my pre-amp in the headunit, both the stock and POLKS sound the same. The stocks arent actually THAT BAD

 

I can't believe anything would sound worse than the stock. They are such the opposite of "high fidelity". Make sure the ohms on the new speaker match the head units output. High schooler's selling speakers at Circuit City usually wouldn't know anything except how much they cost and that they require two wires. Also see if you can find out how many watts the head unit can supply and then what the speakers are rated for. Putting speakers on a head unit or an amp is like buying tires. 16's go on 16's and 15's go on 15's.

Your DVD head unit will probably have a "sub" output since it is new. Check that out. You can buy a small 2 channel amp and bridge it to give you one mono sub output and run the 10" speaker. Take those polks back and get something different (after making sure they are hooked up right and checking the ohms and watts and junk). Your head should run four sissy 6x9s with no problem, granted it is a four channel head unit. Make sure it has four channels too, I'm sure it will.

I have been into stereo equipment since early in my life, and I have never liked Polks stuff or how they sound. I'd return them, sorry

 

OK, first of all none of these poeple are high-schoolars. All at least mid 20s and up. My DVD headunit is actually NOT rated high, 160 Watts Peak Power (40 Watts x 4).

The speakers are:

Electrical
Overall Frequency Response 35Hz-22KHz
Nominal Impedance 4 ohms
Power Handling (continuous) 100 w
Power Handling (peak) 300 w
Efficiency 93 dB

I really just want something clear and better sounding than stock thats all.

 

Get an amp. You'll be amazed at how much better they sound. I'm running the polk momo components and have them powered by a 250w 2ch amp and they sound awesome. They ain't the best sounding but they are pretty good. I'd say get at least a 300w 4ch amp. 500w 4ch would be preferred. Remember, to much amp is not nearly as bad as to little.

 

yea, thats probably what I will end up doing, thanks for the positive advice

 

Yeah that headunit isn't putting out enough power for them. Get an amp and you'll be glad you did. Try not to listen to the boys at circuit city for your needs. Do some research and figure out what it is you want and how much power you need then go in there and tell them this is what you want.

 

Have them check the polarity of the speakers. If its reversed("+ to "-") it will sound real bad with no base.
Ask them to try that before looking for more components.

 

An amp will be helpful, but if you were going for real improved sound quality, the DVD head unit might not have been the best choice. The sound quality all starts with the head unit. Most DVD units are in the 2-3 millivolt range. If you want things to sound good you need a head unit in the 5+ millivolt range. The amp, of course, will not boost this number, but it will push more "power" to the speakers, and that should help improve the sound.

 

Check Sig, never run a good quailty sound system off the head unit just not enough clear power, buy the amp's now and enjoy music to your ears!

MUST BUY AMPS, MUST BUY AMPS, MUST BUY AMPS, MUST BUY AMPS, MUST BUY AMPS

 

Somethign else YOU NEED TO DO is dynamat the doors from top to bottom, The sheetmetal is really thin on these trucks, Speakers will sound better dynomatted..

When you finish doing this tap on the fenders then the bed then the doors you will hear the difference,,, and if you hear the speakers,,, they will reproduce sounds you've never heard before...

 

Get an amp for those particular speakers.. To run them off the head unit you should have bought speakers rated at about 80 watts max. so you would be in the nominal power range. I would go with a good four channel amp to wake those speakers up!!

 

Power is power...without it...crappy sound. Those are big speakers...they need every bit of 50 rms plus to sound like they should. Headunit amplifiers never work.

 

I bought those same speakers and had the same reaction. They just sucked with my Pioneer 880PRS. The problem is the deck would cause distortion with any bass at all. I cut off all frequencies below 125hz, did a little EQ and now it sounds much better. Still no bass though. I have an amp to install. I'm interested to see how it sounds when I get it hooked up.

 

ever wonder why factory sound systems are quit exspensive, and they seem to have a separate amp from the ceck , which takes up alot of space. the factory stuff is usually pretty good for most people. i had a 11,000.00 dollar system in my last truck, all top name stuff, for sound quilty and SPL comp.
usually factory stuff gives me a headache in about 10 mins of listening,but for some reason this factory system i have isn't all that bad.
the amps in most aftermarket decks and head units are crap, not very big, not clean power,get hot fast, just look at the size of package compared to the factory stuff. they cram alot of stuff into the newer aftermarket head units.you will need to spend big bucks on a DVD head unit if you want it to do everything and sound good. i am sure those speakers you bought are pretty good, but will need more power then the head unit you bought can produce.i have been out of the stereo stuff now for a couple of years, so this is just my opinions on what has happened to me over the years.
hard to keep up with the changing sound systems out there.but you only get what you pay for stands true.
good luck on the amp search, as i am sure there are many to choose from in your price range.

 

what if I get some different speakers that arent so POWER hungry. Ones where I dont need an amp and the headunit would be enough? Otherwise how about these amps?

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Ampli...ategorylist.do

Dont really need something over $200 either. The 2nd one is the PIONEER for $179, any good? Seems like the same as the Jensen one.