I've just bought new Polk db651s and spent a very grueling cold night replacing the 6.5"s in the front. When I listen to certain music with low bass I hear the speakers make a very low grumbling bass sound. The higher the volume the more grumbling I hear. What do you guys think the issue is? Blown speaker or bass distortion? Speaker rattle? Should I tighten the mounting screws? Or is it just normal to get that kind of distortion at a certain volume level?


P.S: I have the non hifi system.

 

Anyone? Haha.

 

I have the same speakers in my 2008 MCS (and the db691 in the rear). The OEM amp doesn't have enough power to damage these speakers! Something might be loose and rattling, or something might be touching the cone in front or behind the speaker.

(standard suggestion for folks doing speaker swaps -- check out the sound before you put the interior back together again!)

You can get the OEM amp to distort, but everything sounds like crap then, not just the bass. If you're driving the system from tomething like an iPod, play a really loud cut on the iPod, and adjust the aux in level on the OEM stereo until you hear distortion, then back it off one or two positions.

 

I agree. I doubt your factory stereo is going to blow anything that Polk makes, but seeing as how you're probably going to have to crack the door(s) back open to fix it either way... you might as well check and make sure (anything is possible I guess).

So, +1 on what k6rtm said.

 

I am using the AUX in the CLubman but its attached to the bottom port of the Ipod which means adjusting the volume on the IPOD does nothing. Either way at least I know my speakers can't be blown from the factory Head unit. I'll have to open everything again and see what the issue is...

 

I have the same speakers and have had no problems like the ones you describe. Go back in and re-do the install (hey, put all that acquired knowledge to work...it will go much faster this time) and you should fix the problem. Double check the polarity.

Good Luck
et

 

So you're saying you get no bass distortion at high volume levels? What gauge wires were you using may I ask? Did you solder or another type of connection? Thanks.

 

I crimped all around. Used existing OEM wires after cutting back on the shroud to free up some more slack, and cutting off the OEM attachment to the crap stock speakers. Were I to do it again I'd probably splice in more wire and solder to make things less taut and very secure.

I play my music fairly loud, but can't approach full volume on Led Zep, mostly because the highs are so penetrating, between the JL Audios up front and the Polk 6x9 co-axials in the rear.

I see that I misread your speaker model. Mine are different. I have Polks for my rear 6x9s, not my 6.5" fronts. I have JL Audios down there, although I assume them to be similar in response, efficiency & install. The rear side of my Polks were pretty much like my JL Audios.

 

k6rtm was referring the aux level setting in the radio. It is a separate setting from the volume control, meant for matching the level as you switch between aux/CD/radio source.

 

Are you talking about the bass/treble settings once Im in aux mode?

 

No, there is a setting for overall aux level. On a Nav system I believe it is under "Set", after aux has been selected. Its intended purpose is to minimize a jump in volume (either up or down) when switching between aux and radio/cd.

 

Certain bass passages will sound distorted with many many car audio speakers even at reasonable volumes ( a Bob Dylan song in my car). I don't know why. And some pretty bass heavy passages sound great even at higher volumes ("Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who sounds excellent in my car for instance). I've always called them the Bass Gremlins.

 

Hmm, I don't have the navi but I'll play around with it and see if I can find it. Thanks. I'll get back to you.

 

For the non-NAV Settings:

Press the Audio Button > and then the 'hot' buttons under AUX then VOL-AUX,
now turn the main **** (not the usual volume ****) and press to enter, finally press the far right 'return' hot key.

Mine also saves BASS / TREBLE / BAL / FADER settings for the AUX.

You should have received a seven fold card with owners manual with this information.

 

Interesting. That AUX option is probably just for the factory ipod/bluetooth add on. I have the standard radio. I only see Bass/Treble/Balance/Fader/Reset/Gong/S-Vol.

 

I have no ipod/BT. There are six rectangular buttons across, below the display.

These are the 'Hot' buttons (they select whatever is shown above them on the display).

After you have pressed the Audio button, press the rectangular button right below AUX
and then press the rectangular button beneath Vol-AUX and then you will see a scale from 0-6.

Now turn the Main **** to increase/decrease that value and then press that main **** to retain the setting.

 

Doh! Sorry, psycho analyzers like me don't have the ability to see the tangible things haha. I'll give it a try in a few. What is your aux volume setting on?

 

At default 3, speakers would want to blow your eardrums when switched from XM (AUX) to Tuner, so I set it for 4.

You can set it by ear if Aux source is connected after adjusting volume (lower ****) for tuner.

 

My AUX input level was set to 1. I guess it'd make sense to set it higher so there wouldn't be a need to raise the volume as much as I have. Explains why I never seen to get the volume high enough when driving on the freeway with windows down. Thanks for the tip guys! Just finished putting in my front upper 4'' speakers too! There is a lot more treble to be heard!

 

Contrary to popular belief, it is easier to blow speakers with a low power amp than a high power one. It is the point of clipping that impacts a speakers performance and the low power amp will clip well before a high power one will... Look it up...

 

agreed with above post 100% u are prly hearing distortion from clipping

those polks take alot of power got 2 pairs in my boat running 70wrms to each speaker and its gets very loud and clean with no distortion

 

how much "wrms" are being supplied to each speaker within the non-hifi system?

 

See https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post1862696

 

Agree 101%

 

Would disconnecting my 4" speakers in the door provide more power to my 6.5" thus eliminate clipping issues?