Opinions on Polk Audio Speakers?

[bigkoala1]

I am seeking the best speakers for my application. I just seek clear, crisp sound with goood volume control. I do not play music tht requires tremendous base adn have never dove into upgrading my stock stuff ever. I am green as they come to car audio. I am only ghoing to upgrade since all my stock VX speakers have blown in the past month. I have many questions to attempt to make a good choice. Example:

Does my deck need have a certain a ceertain power output to match speaker outut etc.?
What watt speakers do I need?
What watt deck?
Do I need a amp? or can a deck with anough power push the speakers?
Do I need a small sub like a 8 or 10 inch iif my four other speakers are all two ways?

In my opinion you are not going to get "tremendous bass" out of any pair of 6.5's

as far as your deck is concerned, if its stock it has a very limited amout of power. the stock paper speakers didnt need alot of power to move them.

most new decks push around 50 watts a channel max. thats about 25watts rms *4. if you want to get amps you need a deck with rca outputs. the cheaper ones have front and sub outputs at around 2 volts. the nicer head units have front/rear/sub outputs, and the voltage goes up depending on the model. with amplifiers the higher the voltage through the rca's the more efficient the amp can operate.

you will notice a difference in sound just from upgrading the deck. start there with better speakers. and see if you like it,... if you dont you can always add an amp to the speakers later.

as far as the sub goes. a 8-10" woofer will add alot of sound to the car in the same way your woofer in your home does on a dolby 5.1 sysem. alot of companies make a self contained woofer/box/amp. thats relativly easy to install, and they add a nice touch to the sound in a car. infinity has a basslink system that Ive heard before. its not bad for the money. the sub will also play a lower Frequency than the coax will play.

[IndianaVX]

it has been a couple of years, but, i have always gotten good sound out of polks.
i liked them alot, and had bought several pairs of their speakers, and subs.
ive got to get back into the audio stuff too. dig thru what amps i got again, and see what i can do,or what i need..
good luck

[MrCrowley]

I had a set of 4 6.5" components- all Infinity. Had to replace a pair under warranty due to a blown tweeter. They didnt have the model at Circuit City, so I received store credit. I left with a 6.5" component Polk Audio pair plus some dynamat. They were not only cheaper, but in two different leagues as far as sound! Now, I have been loathing the Infinity pair that I am still stuck with in the rear for 9 years now. At least the dynamat helped them a little!

[tom4bren]

NIT,

I guess the take away is - go ahead and install the Polks. They'll work and they'll sound better than stock but may not have as much volume. If you're not satisfied with the sound then you can start thinking about replacing the stock stereo (head unit) & keep the Polks in place. If you're still not satisfied, then you can add an amp & woofers.

My guess is that you'll be totally satisfied with just replacing the speakers since it didn't sound like you were interested in vibrating the fillings loose from all innocent bystanders for 50m radius.

[VXNIT]

Any deck reco's? Do some decks come with amps built in them or are all seperate? I sam definately not looing to shake the car. I thought that a new deck, four new speakaers to replace the stock ones and maybe a small woofer..Very intimidating issue since I am a car audio idiot. Keep the suggestions and opinions coming folks. Much appreciated and helpful.

[tom4bren]

There are decks available that put out 200 Watts. That should be more than sufficient for your needs.

A trip to Circuit City (or Tweeter or your fav electronics store) should be on your agenda before you purchase anything else. They should have a whole bank of car audio stuff on the wall. You can listen to different ones then pick the one you like the look/sound of in your price range. Don't make it more difficult than it is. You got good speakers, why not just install them with the stock stereo. If you don't like the sound, then buy a new stereo. If you don't like the sound, get an amp & subs.

I'm still running stock radio & speakers. When the speakers blow, I'll upgrade. When the CD changer dies, I'll upgrade.

You don't need to impress anyone but yourself. Don't put anything in that is more than you need/want.

[IndianaVX]

take a visit to crutchfield.com there is alot of information there to learn about stereo installation, even has video, and suggestions for our trucks as far as sizes of stuff.
plus they have a pretty good selection of products. their catologs, (if they even have them anymore) were always good for browsing over, and over....lol.

i too had an infinity system in my scirocco, and found that infinitys NEED power, and lots of it, to make them sound good, and even then, the sound always kinda sounded
"metalic" or "tinny". polks are good stuff.