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RF or Polk Speakers?

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by iJDub, Apr 22, 2013.

  1. Apr 22, 2013 at 11:13 AM
    #1
    iJDub

    iJDub [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm debating between the

    Rockford Fosgate T165-S 6.5" Power Series Car Audio Component Speakers

    or the

    Polk Audio DB6501 6.5-Inch 2-Way Component System

    The Polks have more positive reviews but I'm not sure if it's just because the price is lower.

    I want to do this right and do it once - which ones to go with? Thanks.
     
  2. Apr 22, 2013 at 11:29 AM
    #2
    ItalynStylion

    ItalynStylion Sounds Gooooood

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    If you want to do it "right and do it ONCE" then you'd be doing it wrong by going with either of those speakers. I don't mean to offend you but I really just want to keep you from making a decision you might regret. Or worse yet, having spent similar money you could have gotten WAY MORE for the same coin.

    These Focal 165A1's are on clearance at Car Toys. Might be a great option for you.
    http://www.cartoys.com/products/product.cfm/cartoys/Focal_165A1/
     
  3. Apr 22, 2013 at 12:52 PM
    #3
    MassAppeal16

    MassAppeal16 Well-Known Member

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    I have been going back and forth between Polk and JL, but recently read up on Focal. They are more expensive, but from all that I have read they seem to be worth it.
     
  4. Apr 22, 2013 at 12:57 PM
    #4
    Aw9d

    Aw9d That one guy

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    This.. RF and Polk are not known for being great quality sounding speakers. Focals FTW!
     
  5. Apr 22, 2013 at 1:02 PM
    #5
    woodygg

    woodygg Well-Known Member

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    ^^^Listen to him...
     
  6. Apr 22, 2013 at 1:40 PM
    #6
    iJDub

    iJDub [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Not that I don't believe you guys but could someone educate me on this?

    Like reasoning.
     
  7. Apr 22, 2013 at 2:18 PM
    #7
    iJDub

    iJDub [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Damn, sold out at that price! New ones are coming in at 240.
     
  8. Apr 22, 2013 at 3:24 PM
    #8
    RAT PRODUCTS

    RAT PRODUCTS Well-Known Member

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    Smokin with a smarty.
    The Polk DB series speakers are budget friendly but not great sound quality. I had the Polk MM6501 in my old truck and they sounded awesome. Even better than the infinity speakers I had before them. The JL speakers aren't as impressive as their subs, so I would avoid them. Focal are great speakers but I will go as far as saying my MM6501 sounded comparable for all genres of music. If you aren't putting an amp on them and upgrading the head unit, your speakers are only as good as the factory head unit sound quality (poor at best).
     
  9. Apr 22, 2013 at 3:33 PM
    #9
    iJDub

    iJDub [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Amp and headunit are going on.
     
  10. Apr 22, 2013 at 3:54 PM
    #10
    Aw9d

    Aw9d That one guy

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    Same reason a Geo Metro can't keep up with a Lambo.

    They are both cars right? They both run no gas, have tires, engines, etc, etc..

    One is just better built by leaps and bounds and has better materials in it.

    This goes the same for speakers.

    Here is some info on speakers: (yes its for home speakers but it gives you an idea)

    http://www.techhive.com/article/2000385/what-makes-one-speaker-better-than-another.html
     
  11. Apr 23, 2013 at 10:19 PM
    #11
    iJDub

    iJDub [OP] Well-Known Member

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    What about a 10" sub. JL ok?
     
  12. Apr 23, 2013 at 10:32 PM
    #12
    maytagworker

    maytagworker Well-Known Member

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    just put a 10" alpine type-r in mine and loving it
     
  13. Apr 23, 2013 at 10:39 PM
    #13
    steezinstangl

    steezinstangl Well-Known Member

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    i have that polk system in my truck along with the matching 6.5 speakers in the rears and it is one of the best sounding systems I've ever heard. having them hooked up to a good amp is also a plus. the speakers haven't once distorted or lost clarity. no matter how loud i play them. put it this way, my cousin who is a top of the line JL audio only type of guy approved of the system.. a 10 or 12 in sub will make a world of difference too.
     
  14. Apr 25, 2013 at 8:58 AM
    #14
    2012SilverSport

    2012SilverSport Well-Known Member

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    CS Jumpers LED's throughout the cab and marker/DTRL's weather techs/seat covers. Head unit Pioneer AVHX5500BHS, Speakers, Front, Polk Audio DXi 6500 component, rear Polk Audio DXi 650s Subwoofer Sound Ordinance B-8PS, Amplifier Alpine KTP 445U. Front ICON extended travel 2.5 remote resi, Camburg UCA's. Rear ICON 2.0 remote res rear. Wheelers 3 leaf HD progressive AAL,
    Get what you like the sound of best. It is your truck, your money and your ears that are going to listen to it. I had the option to go with more expensive speakers and spent months before I decided on which speakers to go with. I did end up with Polk. They are quality speakers that sound good in our trucks. these are the ones that I have installed. there are more pics in my profile. there is a huge defference in sound quality, clarity and overall power from these speakers. You will not be disappointed if you do what is best for you!

    IMG_1028.jpg
    IMG_1042.jpg
    IMG_1045.jpg
     
  15. Apr 26, 2013 at 12:23 PM
    #15
    gtrplr

    gtrplr Member

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    I just finished installing the polk db6501's in the front, no rear fill, and two fosgate shallow 10's in the back beind the rear seat. I first had the polk's connected to a kenwood 60 watt rms amp and it sounded ok but clipping began at an unacceptable volume level so I bought a fosgate 550.2 amp so now i have 150 watts to each insead. It sounds INCREDIBLE and I cannot make it distort unless I stand next to the truck because it gets VERY VERY loud. I have not heard focals before but I can tell you that knowing what I know now I would have bought the focals for the price if I had it to do over but you cannot go wrong with the polk speakers as long as you get enough power to them. I'm sure that is true with focals too so worry more about getting atleast recommended rms power to whatever you buy. If you like it loud get a bigger amp then rms output so that you avoid clipping which is what will kill the speakers.
     
  16. Apr 26, 2013 at 12:45 PM
    #16
    Aw9d

    Aw9d That one guy

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    Once you hear Focals you'll change your mind about Polks.
     
  17. Apr 26, 2013 at 4:05 PM
    #17
    dolbytone

    dolbytone Well-Known Member

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    I didn't have good luck with the one set of Polks that I tried out. I'll most likely never give Polk (or Kenwood) a second chance, car or home audio. RF is hit and miss in my opinion. Right now I like Alpine or JBL for budget friendly installations and Focal or Hertz for intermediate installations. I'm not sure what I'd recommend for full retard installs.
     
  18. Apr 26, 2013 at 4:13 PM
    #18
    Aw9d

    Aw9d That one guy

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    Hertz are awesome speakers as well. Great SQ speakers IMO.
     

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