Installed new Polk DB651 front speakers... weaker than stock?

[mxl360]

First thing.. I'm a novice when it comes to speakers. I picked up a pair of POLK DB651 to replace my stock front Accord (keeping stock radio). I purchase these because of the great reviews.

link http://www.polkaudio.com/caraudio/products/speakers/6-3-4/db651/

So I install them today (amature.. basically remove the old and connected the new). I just installed the left side because I had to goto work. Using the front speaker balance test...they are noticably weaker than the right stock speakers.

What could be the culprits? Is it possible I had the negative and postive connection switched? Any other ideas?

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[wu501 10+ year member]

they are not going to sound better unless you power them by an amplifier.

 

[gsuchyta 10+ year member]

Might need more power than stock to get loud

 

[mxl360]

do I need to upgrade the stereo (I rather not) or can I just get an amp? Any recommended amp just to power the front speakers?

 

[mxl360]

I think i'm leaning towards a new stereo... with more amps. Would that be sufficient?

 

[bigbangtheory 5,000+ posts]

I think i'm leaning towards a new stereo... with more amps. Would that be sufficient?

Well do you want to keep your stock radio? Could always get a clean sweep or a cheaper LOC I believe to keep your stock radio and get a seperate amp. Not sure what your stock radio is putting out watts wise, but an aftermarket might help some, but I say you get a good 100x2 amp at least to put to those.

 

[MrDave 10+ year member]

Stock speakers are usually paper, and require little power.

Now that you have the Polk's, you need to buy an amp to power them.

Before that, are you still using your stock CD player? Sure, a better head unit can amplify better than your stock one, but not enough to really push those speakers.

Let us know what you are working with.

 

[mxl360]

I'm hoping it is just the connection that was weak. I use some wires I found in the basement to connect them. I had to cut them factory off because it used a connector. I'll try to redo them with better wires.

 

[jrwalte 10+ year member]

If you replace the cd player I think you'll still be unsatisfied. You're best route would be at least 75x2 RMS amp with a LoC connector to your amps RCAs from HU wires and then later upgrade the HU.

 

[pilyin 10+ year member]

I'm hoping it is just the connection that was weak. I use some wires I found in the basement to connect them. I had to cut them factory off because it used a connector. I'll try to redo them with better wires.

It's not your wires. It's the power output of you radio.

 

[bigbangtheory 5,000+ posts]

If you replace the cd player I think you'll still be unsatisfied. You're best route would be at least 75x2 RMS amp with a LoC connector to your amps RCAs from HU wires and then later upgrade the HU.

Is there an echo in here or something?