Modest C5 Audio Upgrade
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 678
Likes: 14
From: Carlisle KY
Modest C5 Audio Upgrade
I recently completed a modest C5 audio upgrade and am pleased with the results, especially considering the low cost.
I installed an IPOD interface and harness I got from DD Mods.
I replaced the rear speakers with Polk Audio db-651s and the front "twiddlers" with Polk Audio db-351s. I also thoroughly sound proofed the interior, including Ensolite sound-absorbing foam in the doors and behind the rear speakers.
Not counting the sound damping, but including the Ensolite, my total spent was about $230.
The new speakers don't generate the same volume as the original Bose speakers because of the impedance difference. They still yet get loud enough. The Ensolite helps absorb some of the subwoofers' output and, thus, helps match them up to the new speakers' lower output.
With some fiddling of the bass and fader controls I was able to get an acceptable improvement without a whole lot of money spent.
I installed an IPOD interface and harness I got from DD Mods.
I replaced the rear speakers with Polk Audio db-651s and the front "twiddlers" with Polk Audio db-351s. I also thoroughly sound proofed the interior, including Ensolite sound-absorbing foam in the doors and behind the rear speakers.
Not counting the sound damping, but including the Ensolite, my total spent was about $230.
The new speakers don't generate the same volume as the original Bose speakers because of the impedance difference. They still yet get loud enough. The Ensolite helps absorb some of the subwoofers' output and, thus, helps match them up to the new speakers' lower output.
With some fiddling of the bass and fader controls I was able to get an acceptable improvement without a whole lot of money spent.
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,323
Likes: 1,587
From: Western NY
I recently completed a modest C5 audio upgrade and am pleased with the results, especially considering the low cost.
I installed an IPOD interface and harness I got from DD Mods.
I replaced the rear speakers with Polk Audio db-651s and the front "twiddlers" with Polk Audio db-351s. I also thoroughly sound proofed the interior, including Ensolite sound-absorbing foam in the doors and behind the rear speakers.
Not counting the sound damping, but including the Ensolite, my total spent was about $230.
The new speakers don't generate the same volume as the original Bose speakers because of the impedance difference. They still yet get loud enough. The Ensolite helps absorb some of the subwoofers' output and, thus, helps match them up to the new speakers' lower output.
With some fiddling of the bass and fader controls I was able to get an acceptable improvement without a whole lot of money spent.
I installed an IPOD interface and harness I got from DD Mods.
I replaced the rear speakers with Polk Audio db-651s and the front "twiddlers" with Polk Audio db-351s. I also thoroughly sound proofed the interior, including Ensolite sound-absorbing foam in the doors and behind the rear speakers.
Not counting the sound damping, but including the Ensolite, my total spent was about $230.
The new speakers don't generate the same volume as the original Bose speakers because of the impedance difference. They still yet get loud enough. The Ensolite helps absorb some of the subwoofers' output and, thus, helps match them up to the new speakers' lower output.
With some fiddling of the bass and fader controls I was able to get an acceptable improvement without a whole lot of money spent.
Are you sure it's an impedance difference that's causing the loss of volume, and not because the Polks really need more power to sound good? I installed a pair of Pioneer 2-way 3.5" speakers in my doors, in place of the factory "thingies", and a pair of "medium-duty" Kenwood 3 ways in the rear hatch of my '01 coupe. Sound quality was improved somewhat, but one thing I didn't notice was a loss in volume.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,355
Likes: 113
From: Los Angeles
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,355
Likes: 113
From: Los Angeles
EDIT: the 651's have a minimum RMS power rating of 6 Watts though. This is almost definitely higher than OEM, so you might be on to something.
Last edited by skyavonee; Dec 10, 2010 at 12:49 PM.
