I know this is a fairly common question, but here goes. Having upgraded my headunit to an Alpine ida-x305 and adding a 12" Infinity Kappa Perfect sub powered by an 800w mono amp, I've decided it's time to tackle the lackluster front components. For starters I have a 2004 R50 with the basic non-h/k stereo. I would like to replace the front speakers with a set of components that cost under $150. Without power this would be pointless, so I also plan on purchasing a 2 channel amp to drive them. Honestly I'll probably try and find something locally via craigslist. l I'd like to leave the rear speakers stock and just let the hu drive them.

After much searching on this site I had just about settled on the Polk db6501 when I came across the Phoenix Gold Rsd65cs here and here. There seems to be strong support for these speakers and I wondered if anyone here has any experience with them. I know the best way to pick speakers is to give them a listen, but unfortunately that is not an option for me.

What do you guys think, should I bite the bullet and go with the Polks? Or should I be looking in another direction. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Well I went ahead and ordered the Polk Db6501's. Now the question is how to go about powering them. The speakers are rated at 100rms, so would something like this be worthwhile?

If not, how much power should I throw at these guys? Keep in mind I'm not trying to break the bank, so my preference is to pick up something used. Barring that, I'm open to suggestions. I'd be looking for a good 2 channel amp that's under $150.

 

First of all, great choice with the polks. I have never even heard of Phoenix Gold.

Second, you should be able to find a brand new amp of good quality for under $150. You will be happy with anything above 60W per channel (at 4 ohms because the db6501's are 4 ohms). Used amps are sketchy, but that's my personal opinion.

Did your order adapter rings for the front components? If not you will have to fabricate your own. Some plywood, a jigsaw, and a router did it for me.

Good luck!

 

No adapters, I'm planning on fashioning some out of some spare 3/4" mdf that's left over from my sub build.

Clearly I'm inexperienced when it comes to car audio. I'm looking at sonicexectronix and I'm largely ignorant of many of their brand names. Could you recommend which amps I should be looking into? Space i a bit of an issue, as the boot is already occupied by a sub and amp. I suppose this leaves the space behind the rear panel or under the passenger seat.

 

Have you checked out the door speakers yet? The adapter pieces you have to make are a goofy shape if you got with 6.5" speakers. Be prepared to counter-bore some holes. I have pics of mine somewhere on here if you want a hint at what they will look like.

Sonicelectronix is an awesome site, at least it used to be. I did look on there when I wrote my last reply trying to find you an amp that would work well. Size is going to be your major factor though...

The Alpine PDX is popular with our cars because it is one of the smallest, but also has more power (and more price) than you're looking for.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...6-PR2.100.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...08ZX200.2.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...o+PA250.2.html

These are a bit over your budget, but I trust the brands. Also, you can't go wrong with Alpine or Audison if you want to check for those.

 

If you could post a pic of your spacer, I'll take all the help I can get. Right now I'm looking at scooterboy's set-up to get an idea of what I'll need to make.

 

It seems there's been an interesting development. Unless they change their mind, it would seem that my university has upped the amount of money they'll be giving me this semester. I'll have to wait for the official word, but this may give me a bit more leeway.

I looked at the alpine pdx. If, and this is a big if, I go that route it seems like it would make more sense to invest in the pdx-4, since it's only another $50 or so. This brings up the question of rear speakers. Would it be overkill to seal up the the rear panels and put two 6.5" ed subs in the 6x9 holes? Or would I be better off investing in a good 2 channel amp for the db6501's.

 

 

It took me forever to figure out how to do that from an Apple by the way. You should feel honored.

 

Much appreciated. I've got an Apple as well, I know how overly complicated things are for us sometimes.

Now I just have to wait for the speakers to be delivered, then I can get to work on those spacers.