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  1. #1

    Default db651 amp needed?

    do i need an amp for the cabin speakers? how will the quality be?

  2. #2
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    Mar 2010
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    Yes you will want an amp. An amp would make a dramatic difference. The head unit def cannot give much power to the Polks.

    I am pulling my factory 4 channel amp out of my boat. I might be interested in selling. It is a Kenwood KAC 8402. PM me if you want to discuss it.
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  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2009
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    North End Lake Lanier GA
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    Bare minnimum is a 50 watt RMS to each Polk but they prefer a 80 to 120 RMS amp because the Polks sound better they louder they go.
    Malo <--- Means--Evil or Mean One. This explains a lot.
    2013 Mojo 2.5 Skylon Tower. Bestia < Beast >
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  4. #4
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    Aren't the polks rated at 50w rms?
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    2006 Supra 24SSV - Traded

  5. #5
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    May 2009
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    Dallas, TX
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    Consider that if you are running the coaxials highpass, as you would if you have a subwoofer, operating with a reduced bandwidth you can comfortably exceed the speakers rated power as long as you keep it clean. An honest 60 watts RMS is a good level for these in the boat. Another one-third power will only yield a 1 dB increase which is the smallest increment that you can discern. Also, as you double the power you will not get the expected 3 dB increase as you approach the speaker's top end. Understand that eventually compression enters into EVERY speaker. And with compression you lose dynamic contrast and clarity. So the key is balance.

    David
    Earmark Marine

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
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    Tigard, Oregon
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    Quote Originally Posted by rjgaumer View Post
    do i need an amp for the cabin speakers? how will the quality be?
    If you want to be able to hear the music clearly while underway, you will need an amp to overcome the wind and engine noise. I have a JL Audio M6600 6 channel amp delivering 75W rms at 4 ohms to each of 6 db651's and I can hear my music loud and clear while towing a wakeboarder, tuber, etc. It also helps that I have a sub so I run the amp and speakers on high pass.

    Al
    Al

    2006 Mobius LSV

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Pacific NW USA
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    578

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    Rj - Do you need? No. Should you have? Yes....

    As everyone has pointed out, powering your cabin setup will give you some real benefit's. If you are going to add an amplifier to power them, take the time to look at your whole stereo system and plan accordingly to run the correct gauge power cables, distribution block if needed. Fusing etc... It might sound like crazy complicated stuff but its not and people here can walk you through the correct setup.

    Also, one of the real benefits of having a amplifier in the mix is because you can run your polks in HP (highpass mode) and limit the amount of freq range the speakers will see. Trust me, your polks will love you for this. Often times people take the time to upgrade speakers, but when they go back and drive them from a head unit and max out the freq range + deck power, the result is ugly.

    If you need some guidance on the stereo layout, shoot me a PM... I've got a couple of PDF's I can shoot you.

    Cheers,

    -Brian
    Exile Audio

  8. #8
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    Mar 2010
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    The "New stereo install help please" thread also has some good diagrams that attempt to break the wiring down to more simple instructions.

    Brian, maybe some of your PDF's could find a home there.
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    2006 Supra 24SSV - Traded

  9. #9

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    thanks alot for all the help guys. I have decided to definitely throw an amp in her. That will make a total of 4 amps in my baby.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by rjgaumer View Post
    thanks alot for all the help guys. I have decided to definitely throw an amp in her. That will make a total of 4 amps in my baby.
    Then i would highly recommend the thread mentioned above as well as "Gauge of Speaker Wire". Both of these threads are tied to systems running 4 amps.
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    2006 Supra 24SSV - Traded

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