So I installed some Polk Audio db6501 component speakers (running off of my Alpine IDA-X305 HU) and although it does sound better than the stock speakers, I'm still not happy. I'm getting a bit of distortion at higher volumes which is something I did not expect. I assumed that upgraded HU + quality component speakers would mean no distortion but I guess I'm wrong...

Also, I had loudness on with the stockers to get better sound, if I turn it on with the components, I get tons of distortion.

Advice.... opinions... ?

 

put an amp on them!
did you sound deaden the doors - if not this will help 2 ways, keep road noise out and make your speakers soud way better

 

did not sound deaden the doors... also, I REALLY didn't want to amp, will this really help with distortion?

 

sound proofing the doors helps. i have extra if needed. to my knowledge it really all depends on the speakers you have. Some you shouldn't put an amp on because their rated power handling isn't enough. Some speakers it's up to you whether or not you do. Some will only sound their best with an amp hooked up.

 

Ryan, you've got the same speakers right? I'm sure compared to an '01 stock speaker, they're MUCH better, but compared to the '05 speakers that I've got... its only marginally better.

Do you have enough sound deadener for two doors?

 

Just talked to a Crutchfield rep who said I'm underpowering the speakers and thats why they're distorting. He advised sending 50-100W to each speaker... does that sound right?

 

If the speakers are components they may be optimized for two way performance. Are your speakers running in full range? If so, that may cause the distortion itself because most components frequency response falls off at about 70-80hz causing the speaker fidelity to drastically drop and cause distortion at higher volumes. Most components are designed with the low end fill of a sub in mind. Set the crossover. I suggest if you want to get full range performance out of the speakers you go with a full range setup, or just add a sub and adjust the crossover for the components. Amping it will definitely help but not when run in full range, it'll blow those suckers up. I see the factory speakers being more of a full range set up with the low end cutoff hence the lower distortion while turned up, it's designed to "attempt" and hit the lower midbass/sub frequencies.

 

That sounds right. I am powering both my front and back components with 75w a piece. It definately helps with bass and midbass on these speakers.

You should really look into doing the sound deading on the doors; doing both the interior and exterior skin metal. I put dynamat on the interior skin and was happy with the price performance returns until I heard Ryan's speakers (dynamatted both interior and exterior metal). It makes a noticeable difference in bass response.

 

Looks like I'll have to find an cheap used amp on Craiglist for these speakers... I didn't budget for an amp so hopefully I can find something cheap.

 

Yep, you are underpowering these speakers. Make sure the crossover is set correctly. Are the tweeters distorting or the mids?

If the mids, set a low pass filter so it doesn't try to produce the lowest frequencies, say 60 hz and below. If it's the tweeters, change the dB on the crossover to a lower setting.