Polk, Infinity, or MB Quart?
#1
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Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Southeast Michigan
Snow is starting to melt, but it's still too cold to buff, wax, etc, so I'm looking at speakers...
I'm not adding an external amp, so the four 6x9s will be powered by the head unit only. Because of this, I'm looking for something with 92+sensitivity. Infinity has the 6912M, which has the highest sensitivity at 96db, but has a foam surround (and blue exposed cones that match nothing). They also offer a 6952M at 92db with rubber surround. The MB NK1 series and Polk MM series are 92db and 93db respectively, both with rubber surrounds.
My brain says go with the highest sensitivity due to the lower power supplied, but my gut says to stay away from the foam in a marine environment (exposed in the cockpit).
Suggestions or reviews from those that own any of the three brands would be appreciated. I'm wagering any of the four models will be an improvement over the late 90s era speakers currently in service.
I'm not adding an external amp, so the four 6x9s will be powered by the head unit only. Because of this, I'm looking for something with 92+sensitivity. Infinity has the 6912M, which has the highest sensitivity at 96db, but has a foam surround (and blue exposed cones that match nothing). They also offer a 6952M at 92db with rubber surround. The MB NK1 series and Polk MM series are 92db and 93db respectively, both with rubber surrounds.
My brain says go with the highest sensitivity due to the lower power supplied, but my gut says to stay away from the foam in a marine environment (exposed in the cockpit).
Suggestions or reviews from those that own any of the three brands would be appreciated. I'm wagering any of the four models will be an improvement over the late 90s era speakers currently in service.
#2
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,442
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From: Washington, MO
I have two Polk MM691's in my 292. According to their website they are rated at 94 dB and 2.7 ohm. Being lower resistance than the typical 4 ohm helps get a bit more out of the head unit. Mine are powered by an Alpine PDX amp feeding them 150W each. They are INSANELY loud with zero distortion. Very happy with them. They come with an external cross over, so you would have to consider mounting options. Not sure how they will sound off just a head unit, but if you happen to upgrade to an amp, you would be all set!
#3
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From: Southeast Michigan
Yeah, you're right on the MMs, the db series are 93@4ohms, the link from an online retailer led me to the wrong page on the Polk site. The MMs are the ones I was considering. I have room for the crossovers from the MMs. Are you running them free air or enclosed?
#7
I'd say as well as any non-marine application stereo equipment in a marine environment. I've had countless stereos in my boats and have NEVER run marine equipment. Just don't soak them and you'll be fine.
#8
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 721
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From: Algonac MI
I just put 4 Polk MM651UM 6 1/2" speakers in my boat powered by a JL 400 watt amp. They are very loud with no distortion and actually have pretty good bass. I like them better than the 4 JL MX 770 7.7" speakers in my last boat



