Hey all,

I'm sticking a pair of Focals in my doors in the next couple of weeks.

They have a mounting depth of 67mm or 2.6".

What I'd like to know is do I need to do anything special to protect them from water that finds its way into the doors? I know that there are XTC foam baffles available for this specific purpose, but am concerned that they will muffle the sound from the Focals (by creating a small enclosed space). Also they are out of stock until April.

What are people's thoughts? The car is usually garaged, but when at work it gets stuck outside. Downpours and all.

Thanks guys!

 

I cut out the bottom 1/3 of the XTC foam baffles, leave the top 2/3 intact to protect speakers from rain water. It did not muffle the sound at all.

 

i have the same problem
i need to try this

 

Do just like TR-S2K says, cut the bottom off the baffle You can leave most of it intact you just need to cut 3/4" x 2" hole in the bottom so the speaker can breath.

 

i can personally vouch that the XTC baffle (if NOT CUT) will destroy the midbass and bass for the Focals. i've experienced it by helping others here deal with the issue... i don't know if they want to comment, but i can assure you, putting a Focal in the baffle w/o breathing room will be an issue for sound.

 

Phil,
You are right, the XTC baffle will destroy the sound of the Focals and actually, it will destroy the sound of any speaker, if NOT CUT. I tried one side with cutting out a hole the size of 2"X4" at the bottom of the baffle and the other side without cutting at all when I installed Infinity Kappa Perfect 6.5. The sound from the uncut baffle was terrible. That why the OEM baskets have slids at the bottom and solid at the top to protect speakers from water.

S2kRob,
I have one extra brand new pair 6.5" XTC baffle (uncut) that I was using it for the rear speakers, but I ended up did not need it. I can send it for you to try it, if you can use it, then send me a small check. PM me your address if you like too.

 

yeah, i'm inclined to agree that it would ruin just about any door speaker's sound, but was hesitant to go much broader than my experience...

in reality, it all depends on the speaker's design (and whether it can run infinite baffle or sealed or both), but most door speakers are designed for an IB application, and sealing it up is going to ruin it's sound (and potentially WAY reduce the output volume).

 

Am I missing something in this thread somewhere?? I think we all agree that you MUST cut the baffle or it will ruin the speaker that you put into... Most(as in not all) speakers run better and sound great without the baffle.

 

nope... nothing missed that i know of John. i think we're all pretty much agreeing the same...

right?

 

yeah I think sooo... its funny though because the way people have written it out it looks like everyone arguing about the same thing but you all agree