I just installed a set of Polk Audio Dxi 651's in my 2011 JK sound bar. Factory stereo, non infinity set up. They sound weak, no bass at all compared to the stockers which suck to begin with. Is this normal on speaker swaps with the factory HU? I even polyfilled the sound bar. I was hoping to not have to add a sub, but after hearing these, I definitely will have to.

I'm hoping this is because I haven't upgraded my head unit yet which I will be doing with a small amp next month. I've read that to get the most of of a speaker upgrade, one needs to upgrade the head unit and even add an amp. Just surprised that they sound weaker than the stock speakers. Contemplating on returning them for some Kickers before I swap out the two fronts as that seems more involved than the sound bar speakers.

I'm not a big audiophile so maybe some one could chime in. Thanks.

 

Ensure you have the polarity correct. You will lose a lot of bass if one is reversed, along with other phasing issues.

 

Yeah I doubled checked the connections before installing. The sound is there just surprised how little "punch" they have considering I did the pollyfill which should have helped as well. I'll put a call into Crutchfield where I bought them to see what they suggest. Wondering if I should have bought the cheaper Kickers?

 

did you get ones with similar power requirements? if you get ones that use more then what the HU can supply it wont drive them properly and they wont sound right or weaker then stock.

 

You won't get any tangible bass out of a 6 1/2" speaker powered by a factory radio no matter what brand you buy. You're chasing a unicorn.