Polk DB 501 - LotusTalk

skottoman · 07-09-2007, 01:55 PM

Anyone tried these to fit in the stock front dash location?
I looked up a spec PDF, and it appears to have the same dimension as the DB400.
http://www.polkaudio.com/downloads/m...CoaxManual.pdf

These are 5" (not 5 1/4") speakers.
http://www.polkaudio.com/caraudio/pr...akers/5/db501/

Looking to drop something in, and even perhaps keep the stock speaker grills...
Cheers,
Skottoman

Mark16q · 07-09-2007, 03:47 PM

I've looked at specs on them both, and the specs are indeed the same? Interesting trick, considering it's a 1" bigger driver. They show the same depth and mounting hole requirement, but unfortunately nowhere does it give the mounting hole spacing.

The db400's are working o.k. in my car, but a bit more oomph and sensitivity in the front speakers would be nice. guess we need to find a retail store and measure the mounting holes...if there's any chance I'm game for $75 and will use the 400's as nice paperweights

Mark

carl · 07-09-2007, 04:19 PM

what will fit in the rear with the harness bar. i had 6 1/4s in the elise but had to do some grinding looking for a direct polk drop in . are the rears 5&1/4s and the fronts 4s? thanks carl

Mark16q · 07-09-2007, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4carl

what will fit in the rear with the harness bar. i had 6 1/4s in the elise but had to do some grinding looking for a direct polk drop in . are the rears 5&1/4s and the fronts 4s? thanks carl

Hey Carl,

The db650's fit in mine behind the harness bar, but without the grill. No drilling was needed, though a tiny bit of hole extension on the mounting screws might've made it a touch easier. There are some who have squeezed the grilles in, but I don't like the look of the grill so left it off. The rear oem is 5.25" but the polk 6.5 fortunately has nearly identical mounting hole spacing.

The Exige' I believe has a speaker pod that mounts the speaker a bit lower, so it should fit without a problem. I recall seeing a post where someone put them in without issue.

The db400's are drop-ins for a 4" replacement, and I'm using the oem grills on those.

Mark

carl · 07-09-2007, 04:43 PM

Mark, i thought i saw something that the factory bar wont clear the 650s on the exige. any info? thanks carl

Mark16q · 07-09-2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4carl

Mark, i thought i saw something that the factory bar wont clear the 650s on the exige. any info? thanks carl

I found a few links related to the exige and rear speakers, but nothing exactly on point regarding the factory bars and the Polks. I'd be happy to pull out a 650 if you want to check fit before buying....lemme know.

Mark

http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/show...=exige+speaker

http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/show...=exige+speaker

http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/show...=speaker+exige

Mark16q · 07-10-2007, 08:32 AM

Just got an email from Polk customer service, and she said that the 501 has a 1/2" larger bolt pattern, but the same cutout pattern. Also, it does not come with a grill. I'll have to take a look at the dash again to see if that might work with new holes and the old grills.

Mark

skottoman · 07-10-2007, 02:14 PM

Let us know. If we can drop in a 5" where the DB400 goes, that would be awesome!
Cheers,
Skottoman

skottoman · 07-16-2007, 11:13 AM

I think i'm going to order a set of the DB 501's and give it a shot. Prob get some DB651s as well. Although I don't know why i'm doing it as i can barely hear the stock stereo with my 2bular exhaust! Hopefully these better speakers will make it worth my while!
Cheers,
Skottoman

Domino · 07-17-2007, 01:39 PM

Let us know how the 501's work out. I'd like to get them too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by skottoman

I think i'm going to order a set of the DB 501's and give it a shot. Prob get some DB651s as well. Although I don't know why i'm doing it as i can barely hear the stock stereo with my 2bular exhaust! Hopefully these better speakers will make it worth my while!
Cheers,
Skottoman

jlj3394 · 07-17-2007, 02:22 PM

THe DB651s is a direct fit in the rear. THe S stands for shallow mount.

apexdc · 07-17-2007, 05:01 PM

So, do the Polk 501's work??????

skottoman · 07-17-2007, 05:11 PM

I have some on order. I will do all in my power to make them fit the stock grills!!!!!
Cheers,
Skottoman

skottoman · 07-27-2007, 07:32 PM

Ok, the Polks have arrived. I am going to put DB501's in front, and DB651s in back.

For now, thoughts on the new 501's. (not yet installed).
- A little disappointed as I thought they would be bigger. Driver is the same size as stock. How can they be different than the DB400? How can they call them 5" speakers when the driver is only 3.5"?!!
- Magnet is substantial. Much better than stock. I can already tell they will sound better.
- Stock - 120 watts max, 40 watts RMS, 4 Ohms. Polks - 135 watts max, 45 watts RMS, 4 Ohms.
- Size is absolutly a perfect drop in scenario. Screw holes line up, and stock cover fits.(which is what I wanted, see pix)

- Also comparison pic of the DB651s. It fits in stock opening, but I will have to use the Polk cover (because it is bigger). It's currently silver, i'll paint it black... and as a bonus, they match my LSS wheels. Ya know... like the TOURING wheels...

Pix...

skottoman · 07-28-2007, 12:06 AM

Update... Front DB501's installed. Direct drop in replacements. Cool... hope they sound better, but I won't try it out until the rears are installed. They may take a little more work... Stay tuned...
Cheers,
Skottoman

apexdc · 07-30-2007, 07:24 PM

And?????????

skottoman · 07-30-2007, 10:00 PM

Well, the fronts are installed, and the rear driver side removed. So with just the fronts changed, and no driver rear, I'd say it sounds better. I still have to wait to see how the complete changeover sounds. After that, I'll see if i want to upgrade the head unit. If i'm not totally thrilled with the new speakers, i'll just stop where I am and call it a day. If I really don't notice that much difference, I may just remove the entire stereo. Buwahahahaaaa!
Cheers,
Skottoman

STANLEYYY · 08-11-2007, 09:55 PM

What head units are you using with the Polk's? (stock Alpine?) Will the Polk's give you enough bass? How does it sound with all 4 installed? I'm considering a sound upgrade but don't know how I should approach it. Head unit, speakers, sub...? or does it really matter since I have S2 exhaust.

IamBatman · 06-18-2008, 08:05 PM

any updates on this? I'm thinking about doing the same thing

skottoman · 06-19-2008, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by serpentor

any updates on this? I'm thinking about doing the same thing

Serpentor,
I could have let you listen when we went on the drive last weekend. I did add ALL the polk speakers. While it's in no way a "boomin" stereo, I do find that now the stereo is at least useful! I kind of made it harder when I added my exhaust to hear it, but it works much better than stock. Worth the $150 or so worth of speakers.

Cheers,
Skottoman

07-09-2007, 01:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
skottoman 'Justa' Exige 190 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Scotts Valley, CA. Posts: 901	Polk DB 501 Anyone tried these to fit in the stock front dash location? I looked up a spec PDF, and it appears to have the same dimension as the DB400. http://www.polkaudio.com/downloads/m...CoaxManual.pdf These are 5" (not 5 1/4") speakers. http://www.polkaudio.com/caraudio/pr...akers/5/db501/ Looking to drop something in, and even perhaps keep the stock speaker grills... Cheers, Skottoman __________________ 2006 AR N/A Exige-Touring pack-Starshield-TopspeedPro1 exhaust-DeSnorked-Green filter-RTD ToeBrace-Shims Removed-CF Diffuser-CF Splitter-CF Wing-CF Scoops w/custom grills-Black Exige sticker-PC680 battery-S111 battery holddown-Rear Lotus badge-Carpet buttons-Painted shift knob-Painted Console-EBrake Gaiter-SilverStealth bulbs-Front S111 towhook-Polk speakers-Toyo R888s-Lamin-x turn signal tint 2008 BMW X3 with some mods 2006 Cayman 'S'

07-09-2007, 03:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mark16q 2 seats max Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Agoura Hills, CA Posts: 463	I've looked at specs on them both, and the specs are indeed the same? Interesting trick, considering it's a 1" bigger driver. They show the same depth and mounting hole requirement, but unfortunately nowhere does it give the mounting hole spacing. The db400's are working o.k. in my car, but a bit more oomph and sensitivity in the front speakers would be nice. guess we need to find a retail store and measure the mounting holes...if there's any chance I'm game for $75 and will use the 400's as nice paperweights Mark __________________ '95 Miata M Edition. '05 Arctic Silver..Nitrons, Arqray Twin Muffler, SectorIII bar, carbon console and shift knob, Schroth harnesses, GUT spoiler, tie rod reinforcement, and lots more....Sold

07-10-2007, 08:32 AM	#7 (permalink)
Mark16q 2 seats max Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Agoura Hills, CA Posts: 463	Just got an email from Polk customer service, and she said that the 501 has a 1/2" larger bolt pattern, but the same cutout pattern. Also, it does not come with a grill. I'll have to take a look at the dash again to see if that might work with new holes and the old grills. Mark __________________ '95 Miata M Edition. '05 Arctic Silver..Nitrons, Arqray Twin Muffler, SectorIII bar, carbon console and shift knob, Schroth harnesses, GUT spoiler, tie rod reinforcement, and lots more....Sold

07-10-2007, 02:14 PM	#8 (permalink)
skottoman 'Justa' Exige 190 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Scotts Valley, CA. Posts: 901	Let us know. If we can drop in a 5" where the DB400 goes, that would be awesome! Cheers, Skottoman __________________ 2006 AR N/A Exige-Touring pack-Starshield-TopspeedPro1 exhaust-DeSnorked-Green filter-RTD ToeBrace-Shims Removed-CF Diffuser-CF Splitter-CF Wing-CF Scoops w/custom grills-Black Exige sticker-PC680 battery-S111 battery holddown-Rear Lotus badge-Carpet buttons-Painted shift knob-Painted Console-EBrake Gaiter-SilverStealth bulbs-Front S111 towhook-Polk speakers-Toyo R888s-Lamin-x turn signal tint 2008 BMW X3 with some mods 2006 Cayman 'S'

07-16-2007, 11:13 AM	#9 (permalink)
skottoman 'Justa' Exige 190 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Scotts Valley, CA. Posts: 901	I think i'm going to order a set of the DB 501's and give it a shot. Prob get some DB651s as well. Although I don't know why i'm doing it as i can barely hear the stock stereo with my 2bular exhaust! Hopefully these better speakers will make it worth my while! Cheers, Skottoman __________________ 2006 AR N/A Exige-Touring pack-Starshield-TopspeedPro1 exhaust-DeSnorked-Green filter-RTD ToeBrace-Shims Removed-CF Diffuser-CF Splitter-CF Wing-CF Scoops w/custom grills-Black Exige sticker-PC680 battery-S111 battery holddown-Rear Lotus badge-Carpet buttons-Painted shift knob-Painted Console-EBrake Gaiter-SilverStealth bulbs-Front S111 towhook-Polk speakers-Toyo R888s-Lamin-x turn signal tint 2008 BMW X3 with some mods 2006 Cayman 'S'

07-09-2007, 04:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
carl Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,048	what will fit in the rear with the harness bar. i had 6 1/4s in the elise but had to do some grinding looking for a direct polk drop in . are the rears 5&1/4s and the fronts 4s? thanks carl

07-09-2007, 04:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
carl Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,048	Mark, i thought i saw something that the factory bar wont clear the 650s on the exige. any info? thanks carl

07-17-2007, 02:22 PM	#11 (permalink)
jlj3394 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 838	THe DB651s is a direct fit in the rear. THe S stands for shallow mount. __________________ 05 GG Elise: Exige clam, LSS, Stage 2, ACT HD, DBA5000, CF scoops/splitter/mirrors/panels Others: Lex ES300Coach, Volvo V70R 300hp/260k Missed:01&04 Wranglers, 71 CJ5(225V6) Need a Johnson County or Kansas City personal injury/wrongful death attorney/lawyer/law firm?http://www.kcatty.com Looking for a Johnson County, KS DUI lawyer/attorney? http://www.JohnsonCountyDUI.com Need a Johnson County, KS lawyer/attorney to help amend or fix a speeding/traffic ticket? http://www.JoCoTraffic.com

07-17-2007, 05:01 PM	#12 (permalink)
apexdc From close to Roswell.... Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Palm Springs, CA Posts: 422	So, do the Polk 501's work?????? __________________ 2006 Elise, Graphite Grey/Red leather, Sport Elise Suspension, Hardtop 1992 900SS Ducati Race Spec Built by Ferracci 2006 KTM 950 SuperMoto, a work in progress Wife drives a 2007 Cooper S, our BIG car! Old stuff gone: Ferrari 275GTB/4, '69 1275 Cooper S. '72 500 Fiat, old Jags, etc. Never bought a boring car.

07-17-2007, 05:11 PM	#13 (permalink)
skottoman 'Justa' Exige 190 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Scotts Valley, CA. Posts: 901	I have some on order. I will do all in my power to make them fit the stock grills!!!!! Cheers, Skottoman __________________ 2006 AR N/A Exige-Touring pack-Starshield-TopspeedPro1 exhaust-DeSnorked-Green filter-RTD ToeBrace-Shims Removed-CF Diffuser-CF Splitter-CF Wing-CF Scoops w/custom grills-Black Exige sticker-PC680 battery-S111 battery holddown-Rear Lotus badge-Carpet buttons-Painted shift knob-Painted Console-EBrake Gaiter-SilverStealth bulbs-Front S111 towhook-Polk speakers-Toyo R888s-Lamin-x turn signal tint 2008 BMW X3 with some mods 2006 Cayman 'S'

07-27-2007, 07:32 PM	#14 (permalink)
skottoman 'Justa' Exige 190 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Scotts Valley, CA. Posts: 901	Ok, the Polks have arrived. I am going to put DB501's in front, and DB651s in back. For now, thoughts on the new 501's. (not yet installed). - A little disappointed as I thought they would be bigger. Driver is the same size as stock. How can they be different than the DB400? How can they call them 5" speakers when the driver is only 3.5"?!! - Magnet is substantial. Much better than stock. I can already tell they will sound better. - Stock - 120 watts max, 40 watts RMS, 4 Ohms. Polks - 135 watts max, 45 watts RMS, 4 Ohms. - Size is absolutly a perfect drop in scenario. Screw holes line up, and stock cover fits.(which is what I wanted, see pix) - Also comparison pic of the DB651s. It fits in stock opening, but I will have to use the Polk cover (because it is bigger). It's currently silver, i'll paint it black... and as a bonus, they match my LSS wheels. Ya know... like the TOURING wheels... Pix... __________________ 2006 AR N/A Exige-Touring pack-Starshield-TopspeedPro1 exhaust-DeSnorked-Green filter-RTD ToeBrace-Shims Removed-CF Diffuser-CF Splitter-CF Wing-CF Scoops w/custom grills-Black Exige sticker-PC680 battery-S111 battery holddown-Rear Lotus badge-Carpet buttons-Painted shift knob-Painted Console-EBrake Gaiter-SilverStealth bulbs-Front S111 towhook-Polk speakers-Toyo R888s-Lamin-x turn signal tint 2008 BMW X3 with some mods 2006 Cayman 'S' Last edited by skottoman : 07-28-2007 at 12:04 AM.

07-28-2007, 12:06 AM	#15 (permalink)
skottoman 'Justa' Exige 190 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Scotts Valley, CA. Posts: 901	Update... Front DB501's installed. Direct drop in replacements. Cool... hope they sound better, but I won't try it out until the rears are installed. They may take a little more work... Stay tuned... Cheers, Skottoman __________________ 2006 AR N/A Exige-Touring pack-Starshield-TopspeedPro1 exhaust-DeSnorked-Green filter-RTD ToeBrace-Shims Removed-CF Diffuser-CF Splitter-CF Wing-CF Scoops w/custom grills-Black Exige sticker-PC680 battery-S111 battery holddown-Rear Lotus badge-Carpet buttons-Painted shift knob-Painted Console-EBrake Gaiter-SilverStealth bulbs-Front S111 towhook-Polk speakers-Toyo R888s-Lamin-x turn signal tint 2008 BMW X3 with some mods 2006 Cayman 'S'

07-30-2007, 07:24 PM	#16 (permalink)
apexdc From close to Roswell.... Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Palm Springs, CA Posts: 422	And????????? __________________ 2006 Elise, Graphite Grey/Red leather, Sport Elise Suspension, Hardtop 1992 900SS Ducati Race Spec Built by Ferracci 2006 KTM 950 SuperMoto, a work in progress Wife drives a 2007 Cooper S, our BIG car! Old stuff gone: Ferrari 275GTB/4, '69 1275 Cooper S. '72 500 Fiat, old Jags, etc. Never bought a boring car.

07-30-2007, 10:00 PM	#17 (permalink)
skottoman 'Justa' Exige 190 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Scotts Valley, CA. Posts: 901	Well, the fronts are installed, and the rear driver side removed. So with just the fronts changed, and no driver rear, I'd say it sounds better. I still have to wait to see how the complete changeover sounds. After that, I'll see if i want to upgrade the head unit. If i'm not totally thrilled with the new speakers, i'll just stop where I am and call it a day. If I really don't notice that much difference, I may just remove the entire stereo. Buwahahahaaaa! Cheers, Skottoman __________________ 2006 AR N/A Exige-Touring pack-Starshield-TopspeedPro1 exhaust-DeSnorked-Green filter-RTD ToeBrace-Shims Removed-CF Diffuser-CF Splitter-CF Wing-CF Scoops w/custom grills-Black Exige sticker-PC680 battery-S111 battery holddown-Rear Lotus badge-Carpet buttons-Painted shift knob-Painted Console-EBrake Gaiter-SilverStealth bulbs-Front S111 towhook-Polk speakers-Toyo R888s-Lamin-x turn signal tint 2008 BMW X3 with some mods 2006 Cayman 'S'

08-11-2007, 09:55 PM	#18 (permalink)
STANLEYYY Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: PNW Posts: 112	What head units are you using with the Polk's? (stock Alpine?) Will the Polk's give you enough bass? How does it sound with all 4 installed? I'm considering a sound upgrade but don't know how I should approach it. Head unit, speakers, sub...? or does it really matter since I have S2 exhaust. __________________ 07 Exige S Aspen White 07 997S Basalt Metallic Black 07 Honda Ridgeline White 07 Subaru Legacy Metallic Black 02 996 Arctic Silver

06-18-2008, 08:05 PM	#19 (permalink)
IamBatman Exige? SEXIGE! Join Date: May 2006 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,607 Images: 1	any updates on this? I'm thinking about doing the same thing __________________ Phantom Black 2007 Exige S221.56436. All options. Black 01' Mustang Cobra 'Vert ("some" modifications) daily driver Facebook group: Add lightness...and Darkness!

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