Inboat speakers WS XS-650-S VS. Polk DB 651.

[deneng]

Is there much of a difference? I am getting the Polks, but it is not to late and I am wondering if i should get the WS'
instead? Thanks..

[deneng]

My mistake that is the Wetsounds XS -65-s

Not the 650's instead the 65's...

[deneng]

Or the WS 650's

I think my main concern is there that much difference between the Polk DB651's and the WS XS 650's? It sounds to me that the XS-65-s is somewhere in the middle. The previous speakers are the 4 stock speakers that came inside the 1999 Super sport. I already have the Polk db651's . We this be a big upgrade from the stock speakers?

[EarmarkMarine]

Yep, a BIG difference in construction. The Polk dB will provide great performance for the low cost of admission. The biggest attribute of the Polk is that they are a fairly smooth speaker in a price bracket (under $100 a pair) that is mostly filled with coaxials that have a very erratic response. Its not that the Polks go lower or higher than the competition. In most cases they don't. They are simply smoother and its very noticable. Once you get into speakers in the $150 per pair category you begin to see rather large steps in audio performance over the Polk dB. Although the Pollk dBs are 'marine certified' they are still an automotive speaker in every sense.
When you venture into a true marinized speaker like the WetSounds here are some of the benefits.
Bridge/grill mounted tweeter resulting in a sealed and continuous midbass cone. The extra surface area delivers more midbass with a little deeper extension. Also, this closes off the voice coil gap so that water cannot get into the motor structure interior.
A composite frame that cannot rust. An encased magnet structure so that its protected from rust.
Coated tinsel leads that will not rust.
A synthetic spider rather than a textile-based spider that will stand up to the marine elements.
How long you own the boat and the kind of water you boat in can make a difference. There is no way I would use an automotive speaker in brackish or salt water. The Polk dB has routinely held up for 5 years in fresh water and when the boat is stored under cover.

David
Earmark Marine

[deneng]

Wetsounds x-650

I am going with the 650's then. I think in the long run. It may be beneficial. Thanks for the response..

[Mikeski]

Be careful with power on Polk speakers. Between my MMC's and DBs I have blown 11 out of 12 tweeters plus 4 out of 6 capacitors on the MMC crossovers. I am running 75 watts to each cockpit speaker and 100 watts to each bow speaker. Even running the amp crossovers at 100hz they still blew. The MMCs lasted 3 summers, the DBs lasted 1 summer. I'm on my second summer with Wetsounds XS650s now and couldn't be happier.

In my slalom boat I am still running four Polk DB 650 but they only see 40 watts each.