Polk db6501 anyone?

D

dfresno

New member
Forgive my not posting this in the audio forum - just trying to cast a wider net.

Has anyone put Polk db6501's in their 4Runner? This is a 6.5 component set. Just bought an 06 SR5 with the non-JBL system. Hoping to just replace the stock separates with these to get a little better sound. I've got a bad habit of going through a lot of cars and putting about a grand into replacement audio just before I sell the vehicle... so kind of trying to keep it de minimis this round.

Anyone have any installation issues with these or experience with the sound quality? I've read rave reviews, but the last pair of Polk db's I bought had zero bass so I'm a little concerned about that.

Also wondering if I'll have any issues using the factory crossovers. Are there factory crossovers? This is my first 4Runner (first Toyota actually) so I'm not even sure what it looks like in there.

Any alternative speakers you guys would recommend for a straight factory replacement with stock deck and no sub?

Any advice/insight would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Daren
(newbie)
 
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I like Polk audio a lot. But I can't vouch for the sound quality of the ones you speak of.

As far as the crossovers, you should use the ones that came with the Polks
 
I have the polk Dxi 650's, basically the same as the Db 650. They aren't the components but coaxials. I didn't want to deal with the custom install of a tweeter on the rear door. Overall while they are not the bassiest speaker compared to the 6x9 kickers I have in the front, they do hold their own, and are very clear. There are no crossover's in the rear door. I mounted them by cutting the old speaker from the factory mount, then screwing in the new speaker into the mount. You can however order a custom 6.5in mount from tacotunes i think if you don't want to cut the factory. I never heard them off of my factory radio, but I can tell you off of an aftermarket radio pushing 14w rms, they weren't too bad. I have them running of a 70w x 4 amp right now, and they sing. Don't expect a lot of bass from these speakers, but for midbass and high range they are clear. I used sound deadening mats on both door because of the extra vibration from the speakers. Overall I'm pleased with the sound and quality. Eventually the need for more bass came, so I picked up a 10 in JL audio sub to complete the system, but that's here nor there lol.

Also as Dr, Gonzo said, use the crossovers that came with the polks. just get a speaker harness for the rear speakers, attach the harness to the crossover's in, and then speaker wire to your speakers.

As far as other speakers, it depends on what you're looking for, for sound. If you want more bass, look at speakers that are under 40hz, but also look at the rms on them too. Stock the front 6x9's are 20w rms, and the rear 6.5s are 15w rms, so try to stay research speakers that have that in their range, with the frequency you want.
 
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Okay... Got the polka but it looks like the doors will take 6x9s. Crutchfield does not appear to agree... Can anyone confirm 6x9s fit?

In that case I want to install a pair of Pioneer 6x9 4-way they sell at Walmart for like $70. I know I know... Walmart stuff sucks. But I've used these in two other cars and IMO they sound frickin awesome. Also, I don't really like the tweeter locations in the door, I'd rather have a component in the woofer location.

So my next question is: are there factory crossovers in the door I can pull out to get the full range to my 6x9 off the factory deck? How are those stock separates wired?

Thanks much....

D.
 
dfresno said:
Okay... Got the polka but it looks like the doors will take 6x9s. Crutchfield does not appear to agree... Can anyone confirm 6x9s fit?

In that case I want to install a pair of Pioneer 6x9 4-way they sell at Walmart for like $70. I know I know... Walmart stuff sucks. But I've used these in two other cars and IMO they sound frickin awesome. Also, I don't really like the tweeter locations in the door, I'd rather have a component in the woofer location.

So my next question is: are there factory crossovers in the door I can pull out to get the full range to my 6x9 off the factory deck? How are those stock separates wired?

Thanks much....

D.
Click to expand...
I run the polk coaxials in the rear doors and hatch (didn't want the separates headache). I have Rockford Fosgates in the doors that protrude more than the Polk 6X9s if I remember correctly (I looked at Polk 6X9s as well). I worked with the stock speaker mount for the front doors and got it to work (actually my friend who knows stereos got it to work for me, but let's pretend).

Bass is abundant within the T4R.
 
so pls confirm ..am looking for an easy swap of my door speakers...i want an easy swap..do i buy 6.5'' or 6-3/4'' speakers?
 
A couple of things you have to consider when replacing speakers.

First....The JBL system was designed specifically for the 4runner. Room dimensions are critical when doing this type of design. Replacing a speaker with another one that wasn't specifically selected for this vehicle may not give you the results you want.

2 - Polk's efficiency is considered in the low end - while JBL makes very efficient speakers. Even the car audio is among the most efficient speakers on the market. That means that the JBL's will require a lot less power to produce the same amount of SPL as speakers that are not as efficient. If there's a way you can listen to the Polks with the same amp before you buy it would be a good thing to do.
 
earthrealm said:
so pls confirm ..am looking for an easy swap of my door speakers...i want an easy swap..do i buy 6.5'' or 6-3/4'' speakers?
Click to expand...

You want 6x9! Definitely 6x9 unless you are putting in a subwoofer, or you will have very little bass.

You will need speaker adapters from this site: PVC Speaker Adapters - CNC Machined - In Stock or Custom Made

They are very reasonably priced and work great. I got some others off of eBay and they did not fit.
 
dfresno said:
You want 6x9! Definitely 6x9 unless you are putting in a subwoofer, or you will have very little bass.

You will need speaker adapters from this site: PVC Speaker Adapters - CNC Machined - In Stock or Custom Made

They are very reasonably priced and work great. I got some others off of eBay and they did not fit.
Click to expand...

I couldn't agree more. The 6x9s add a lot. You can sometimes just use the stock speaker brackets for the install.
 
MikeInNH said:
Those are probably the MOST efficient Polk speakers I've ever seen.

And from what I just read..they are 92db. The JBL's are 95db. So they are close and the amp should provide enough power.
Click to expand...

Well, your warning and suggestions were quite appropriate either way. It is odd that ratings vary depending on which page you read, but they do.

Those JBLs must be nice; I've heard good things no pun intended.

I enjoyed my infinity set up when I had it, but their bias on the high end freqs can wear out the ears.
 
hose JBLs must be nice; I've heard good things no pun intended.
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Any one who knows anything about audio knows about JBL. They've been around in one for or another for over 70 years. Started building speakers for Movie Theatre's. That was when all you had available were 10watt tube amps. James B. Lansing is considered one of the true pioneers in professional sound.

Unfortunately JBL of yesteryear is NOT the same today. While still decent speakers...almost all their stuff is made in China. Many people believe their older speakers are far far superior to anything they build today.
 
The thing that soiled the JBL name for me, and got me to try Polk, was the two Toyota JBL systems I owned (2007 & 2008 Limited trim vehicles). I suspect those speakers are not their best, but I though what the heck and took a shot on something else.

Audio is so idiosyncratic and there is a fair amount of subjectivity in what sounds good. Having said that, comments here and in other fora have helped me a fair bit.

Glad for buying the Polks, but if you are suggesting one could do better for the price I'd tend lend some credence to that. Heck, I'd be happy to try something different just to learn a little more.
 
Audio is so idiosyncratic and there is a fair amount of subjectivity in what sounds good. Having said that, comments here and in other fora have helped me a fair bit.
Click to expand...

Can't agree more. And in fact I had the opposite effect you had with JBL. My 98 Pathfinder came with a Bose system. I was never a big fan of Bose speakers. But the Bose in my 4runner is EXCELLENT. Still not a fan of their home speakers. My daughter attended a lecture he gave at MIT on acoustics. Brilliant man, but still don't like his home speakers.
 
so am trying to decide btw these two speakers..i hv the pioneer double din avh 4400bh
1. Amazon.com: Pioneer TS-A1684R A-Series 6 1/2" 4-Way 350 Watts: Car Electronics

or this

2. Amazon.com: Polk Audio DB651s Slim-Mount 6.5-Inch Coaxial Speakers (Pair): Car Electronics

or this

3. Amazon.com: JBL GTO938 6 x 9-Inch 3-Way Loudspeaker: Car Electronics

but amazon says the 3rd one [jbl] wont match my 05 sr5 4runner?.........what do you guys think?...whats the size of the stock speakers in the 05 sr5 4runner?
 
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