Make sure you don't have the switch on the crossovers set for the -3 db cut. If you have everything hooked up as I do, you should have a tremendous difference. I measured over twice as loud than with the OEM amplifier.Originally Posted by SoCal Rich
"Go sell crazy somewhere else, we're all stocked up"
So, I've been able to do my road test, so here is a report:
First, a summary of my installation:
1. Polk DB 5251, no sub woofer, used existing tweeters
2. NVX MVPA4 amp
3. Connected via headset plug
So, the volume is definitely higher than the original. Jimmy measured 2x, but I would guess 1.5x in my case.
AVC no longer works; I'm guessing that AVC only works when speakers are chosen as the output; but not when headset is chosen.
Sound quality is not as good, probably because I did not install a sub woofer.
So, would I do it again knowing what I now know? Jury is still out.
Will I uninstall? Definitely not, I really wanted the extra volume.
Wish it sounded a little bit better, but I'll get used to it.
FWIW, the DB series is 92dB and 4 Ohms while the MM series is 94db and 2.7 Ohms.
3dB is a doubling of power, but not a doubling of perceived loudness (need @ 10dB for that).
The 2.7 Ohms will also source more power (than the 4 Ohms) through the amp which will also make the speakers sound louder (if the amp is up to the load).
Sorry your results are less than what you expected. I don't have any ideas for you off the top of my head. Other than the amp, you chose different speakers, installation etc.... It doesn't surprise me that your results would be different.
You chose speakers with a 4 ohm nominal impedance as opposed to the 2.7 ohm of the MM series speakers. This difference alone will mean that you are losing output/volume with the same rated amplifier.
Yes the AVC only works as I have done mine.
Have you turned the gain up on the amplifier?
I have a hard time understanding the sound quality thing. You say you left the stock tweeters in play?I wish you were somewhere near me, I could let you hear mine.
My measured volume was with a sound pressure meter.
"Go sell crazy somewhere else, we're all stocked up"
Keep in mind, if you've read my thread about the process I went through to get to my results, you should understand that I did the trial and error thing . I attempted easier solutions to reach the desired results and they were unsatisfactory.
I carefully selected the components I used to match. If you change the ingredients in the recipe, you're going to come out with a different flavor.
"Go sell crazy somewhere else, we're all stocked up"
Made a mistake . I installed MM5251, not DB. I had considered DBs but decided against. (Just went to verify)
And, no need for apologies, I love tinkering with this stuff, just wanted to share my observations. I really appreciate all the help you gave me.
I used 18 guage speaker wire, too. That should be enough, right?
I may have to try tapping in between the head unit and the original amplifier. I have a suspicion that it might be a better quality audio source.
I would run at least 16 AWG speaker wire. I believe I used 16, possibly 14, but pretty sure it was 16. Trust me, the 18 awg speaker wire is probably a big part of your issue.
Do not use the factory wiring.
If I understood your previous post I have a question. How did you use the existing tweeters and why? That right there is going to be a big no no.
I ran 10 awg wire for the amp, but I had a very short run. If I had installed the amp in the fairing, I may have went with 8 awg. There is an adapter/accessory available for the amp to allow an 8 AWG wire hook up.
"Go sell crazy somewhere else, we're all stocked up"
I used the existing tweeters because I couldn't figure out a good way to mount the new ones. I clipped off the plug that goes into the factory tweeters and wired to the crossover box.I would run at least 16 AWG speaker wire. I believe I used 16, possibly 14, but pretty sure it was 16. Trust me, the 18 awg speaker wire is probably a big part of your issue.
Do not use the factory wiring.
If I understood your previous post I have a question. How did you use the existing tweeters and why? That right there is going to be a big no no.
I ran 10 awg wire for the amp, but I had a very short run. If I had installed the amp in the fairing, I may have went with 8 awg. There is an adapter/accessory available for the amp to allow an 8 AWG wire hook up.
Didn't use any of the existing wiring.
So, it sounds like I have some rewiring to do! Although I'm still a little suspicious that the feed from the head unit to the factory amp might be better quality than the headset output. But, I'm guessing you don't think so, right?
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