Well with the new speakers and HU, I figured I would start getting into some more sound deadening. First, I wanted to see if anyone has experience with XTC foam baffles. I originally wanted them in the rear to protect the rear speakers from excessive vibrations from the subs. However, I also thought they might be good in the front to protect the speakers from any water.

However, I read that since most speakers are designed specifically to run free-air or infinite baffle, an enclosure isn't necessary, and might make the music muddy. I also read that you could fill them with some stuff called Polyfill, which might help SQ. Any ideas on this?

 

IMO not worth it...

 

Can you elaborate a little bit? They only cost like $8/pair. Would you use them if they were free?

 

nope. you could pay me $8 a pair and I'd pass. they muffle the sound too much. I guess you could cut a small hole in the back of the baffle but then what's the point?

 

/\ Agreed.....


I have never had an issue with moisture with any of my speakers that were installed in the doors.

 

What about protecting the rear speakers from excessive air/vibrations from the subs?

 

That should not be an issue....

 

the reason I've heard these baffles is because a friend of mine had 6x9's in his rear deck and his subs blew 1 of the speakers mechanically. It might not happen but you never know. So the short answer is: no rear fill! Let the sub breathe through the holes in the rear deck and enjoy more bass.

 

I ran rear speakers in the 4th gen with no problems without the baffles. The only time I ran into an issue was when I ran a free-air setup (woofers sealed off from the rest of the trunk in a baffle right behind the rear seat). I told the guy at the shop about my setup and how the subs would be firing into the rear speakers. He said no problem..... speakers blew.... I returned the rear speakers.

 

Agreed, I just removed my stock 8in subs to let my sub box breath. The bass is much nicer as the bass can pass from the trunk to the cabin more easily.

I still have rear fill from the rear door speakers though. Not sure where your rear fill comes from.

You can see some pics here: http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/Apollos2/

 

Well that isn't the answer for me. I want rear fill, and I want my investment safe. If these can protect the rear speakers safe from sub vibrations, I will buy them.

I suppose I should have asked: can these do any harm to SQ?

 

yes..they can detract bass from the speakers and overall spl. However, buy them, try them, and you can remove them if you like without much harm to the wallet. but try them without them 1st to compare.

 

As stated.... I ran my sub in the trunk in my 4th gen with rear fill speakers in place. Never ran the foam baffles and never had any problems.

 

They work. If you have excessive pressure in the trunk and it is causing over excursion from your rear deck speakers. These will help. You do lose extension from your rear speakers, but it just might save them from a premature death.