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Polk Audio db521

5-1/4" 2-way car speakers

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Item# 107DB521 offer details

Item# 107DB521

Review Sumary

 
In Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
Free
 
Your price $99.99
 
 
 
Add to cart
 
Also available - Open Box $89.99 
 
 
 
Polk Audio

Our take on the Polk Audio db521

Good music becomes great when you hear it through Polk's db Series car speakers. Polk engineers use laser imaging to determine the ideal combination of speaker materials and design to eliminate distortion. The resulting technology produces speakers with smooth frequency response, sharp detail, and the ability to play music at high volumes without strain.

Polk's db521 speakers feature 5-1/4" woofers made from a polymer/mica composite and durable rubber surrounds that won't fall apart under stress from heat, moisture, or time. Liquid-cooled 3/4" silk/polymer dome tweeters use powerful Neodymium magnets to deliver precise high-frequency reproduction, enveloping you in bright musical detail. And you can even pivot the tweeters, aiming them at your ears for improved stereo imaging. The built-in two-way crossovers keep the high and low frequencies flowing to the proper drivers for seamless, efficient audio.

All db Series speakers feature rustproof baskets and stainless steel mounting hardware, so they're suitable for marine use. If you're custom installing these speakers, the muscular ABS grilles will add a stylish touch to your car's audio system. Whether you've got a factory radio or aftermarket stereo, these efficient speakers will spice up your daily commute.

Get more info on this product

Highlights:

  • 5-1/4" 2-way cars speakers (pair)
  • Dynamic Balance polymer/mica composite woofer with butyl rubber surround
  • 3/4" pivoting liquid-cooled silk/polymer composite dome tweeter
  • Neodymium tweeter magnet
  • Kapton voice coil
  • built-in 2-way crossover network
  • ABS wheel-design grilles
  • stainless steel mounting hardware
  • certified for marine use
  • power range: 4-45 watts RMS (135 watts peak power)
  • frequency response: 60-22,000 Hz
  • sensitivity: 93 dB
  • top-mount depth: 2-5/16"
  • warranty: 1 year
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee

Priced per pair
 
Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and Specs

Features and Specs
General
Design
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2-way
Tweeter Design
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3/4" Dome
Tweeter Composition
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Silk/Polymer composite
Woofer Composition
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Polymer/Mica composite
Woofer Surround
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Butyl rubber
Parts Warranty
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1 Year
Labor Warranty
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1 Year
Specifications
Sensitivity
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93 dB at 1 watt
Frequency Response
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60 - 22k Hz
RMS Power Range (Watts)
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4-45
Peak Power Handling (Watts)
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135
Impedance (Ohms)
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4
Top-mount Depth (Inches)
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2 5/16
Bottom-mount Depth (Inches)
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N/A
Cutout Diameter or Length (inches)
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4 3/4

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • Two 2-way speakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 8 Self-tapping screws (length=1")
  • 8 Speed clips
  • Owner's Manual (Eng/Span/Fren/Ger/Ita/Port)
  • Online registration sheet
Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features

Dynamic Balance: Dynamic Balance is a proprietary Polk Audio technology using laser imaging to determine what combination of speaker materials create the least amount of resonance. Eliminating resonance in speakers results in a wide, smooth response and low distortion.

Woofer Cones: Each speaker features a Dynamic Balance polymer/mica composite mineral-filled cone. The cones are stiff and lightweight for big sound and low distortion.

Butyl Rubber Surrounds: For a smoother response and improved durability, the woofers use butyl rubber surrounds.

Kapton Voice Coil Former: The low-mass two-layer 25mm Kapton Voice Coil former is lightweight for high sound output. Kapton's high melting temperature (725°F) ensures high power handling and longer reliability.

Silk/Polymer Composite Tweeters: The 3/4" liquid-cooled, silk/polymer composite tweeters provide clear, detailed highs. The tweeters use neodymium magnets.

Pivoting Tweeter: The tweeter pivots, allowing you to aim it toward your listening position for better imaging.

2-way Crossover Network: The built-in 2-way crossover network sends the appropriate frequencies to each driver for cleaner sound and better imaging.

Flat Spider: The speaker utilizes a flat spider for faster, longer excursion linear motion.

Pole Plate Heat Sink: The speaker's pole plate heat sink promotes better heat dissipation for superior power handling and reliability.

Woven Leads: The speaker features flexible woven leads sewn directly into the spider for greater reliability.

Basket: The speaker is housed in a solid, acoustically inert stamped steel basket finished in rustproof gun metal gray.

Grilles: Strong ABS plastic grilles are included. These computer optimized grilles are based on exclusive MOMO designs.

Marine Certified: Polk db Series speakers are built to withstand exposure to moisture and UV rays, so they work well in boats and cars. They also include stainless mounting hardware for corrosion and rust resistance.

 

Product reviews from the Crutchfield Labs

Product reviews from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)
Video: Polk Audio db Car Speakers

Video: Polk Audio db Car Speakers

Ken Nail, J.R. Stoffel
1/21/2009
based on 8 ratings
 
Learn about the features that make Polk Audio db series car speakers a popular choice for improved sound.
 

Product Reviews

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1-10 of 31 items >> Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
4 out of 5

Great Speaker Awful bracket - 2007 Civic EX

Written By rmc, Phoenix, AZ on Friday, December 23, 2011
 
I bought these speakers to compliment my db651 speakers for my 2007 Honda Civic EX. The front door speakers were pretty simple to install and were great sounding so I decided to purchase these for the rear speakers. The only issue I have with them is that installing the rear speakers should have been about a 10-15 minute job, but it turned out to be 1.5 hours+ due to the brackets that crutchfield shipped with these: model # 142 SAC656 - these are complete garbage and do not fit well at all. You have to snap off the edges and remove the screw threader that is already in place. The customer service rep was very helpful and helped me get started, but if they just would have shipped the same style bracket that I got with the 651s this would've been cake.

The speakers themselves sound great so far though.
Pros:
Sounds great, decent price.
Cons:
Mounting Brackets
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
4 out of 5

2002 Jeep Wrangler

Written By Sumo, Annandale, VA on Wednesday, September 07, 2011
 
I replaced the stock speakers in my dash and sound bar with these Polks. They are powered by the head unit only (Pioneer DEH-33HD) and are loud enough when I'm at speed with the top up. I would recommend them for anyone who wants to do a speaker upgrade in their car. I mainly listen to heavy metal, rock, rap, and talk radio. These speakers are fine for that.
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Great rear fill speakers

Written By Blaine, Louisiana on Monday, September 05, 2011
 
I am using these as rear fill speakers in a 99 Mustang GT. They are powered by a Boston Acoustics GTA-504 amp. I do not need bass from these...that's what subwoofers are for. They sound smooth and clear just how I expected them to. Great product.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
4 out of 5

Wrangler - Good As expected

Written By Frank M., Atlanta, GA on Friday, August 26, 2011
 
Installed incredibly easy into my 2003 Jeep Wrangler - Front and Top Bar. Sound is a definte improvement over stock speakers, but lack base as expected due to their size. Once I replace the subwoofer, this should be a pretty decent system - especially for the cost and time involved to upgrade. Would recommend as a great stock replacement.
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
3 out of 5

Just okay

Written By Chris, WV on Friday, July 08, 2011
 
To be honest I wasn't blown away by these speakers. I installed two in the soundbar and with a little modification, two in the dash of my 1999 Jeep Wrangler. I bought them because my dash speakers were blown. I did a comparison when the left soundbar speaker was installed and the right was still factory. I didn't think there was that much difference to be heard which was pretty surprising considering the factory speakers are cardboard.

Of note to other wrangler owners: The biggest difference I heard was after I put poly fill in the soundbar. With either the factory or the Polks.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Excellent choice for Jeep Wrangler

Written By Mike, Hudson, Ohio on Thursday, June 16, 2011
 
With the help of the folks at Crutchfield I paired these up with the Polk db421's in the dash along with a Bazooka BTA8100 8" 100 Watt Powered Sub behind the rear seat. I also replace the head unit with the Kenwood KDC-X395 CD Receiver. The system sounds great. I have a nice full sound at an awesome price.

I did NOT use bass blockers as some have commented about because the receiver actually allows you to specify the frequency that is is passed to each speaker. The polks have great mids and highs and the bass tube fills in the lows perfectly. This is an excellent combo.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

2005 tj

Written By chris, kc Mo. on Wednesday, May 18, 2011
 
I just installed these and the 4" in the dash. The guys at cruchfield know what they
are talk'n about, these little guys rock. I could'nt beleve the amount of bass they put
out for what they are. If you have a jeep wrangler these are what you want. I might
add that i added bass blockers to the dash speakers.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

2003 Jeep Wrangler TJ

Written By 2003TJ, Alabama on Tuesday, March 29, 2011
 
Just installed two pairs of these speakers this in my daughter's 2003 Jeep
Wrangler TJ. The jeep had the original factory 4x6" speakers in the dash and
5 1/4" speakers in the sound bar.

I did purchase adapters for the 5 1/4" speakers to fit in the dash, but no
problem with that. Install was a breeze with the included "freebies" (master
sheet instructions for removing old speakers, factory wiring adapters, etc...)
from Crutchfield.

Also, replaced the factory radio with an Alpine CDA-105 CD receiver.

I realize that the stock radio and speakers were eight (8) years old, but the
difference is incredible. My daughter can now hear music clearly with the soft
top flapping, or with the entire top down.

Sound is excellent for these speakers. One should not expect alot of bass
from small speakers, but the sound quality is excellent, very little distortion at
louder volumes; the bass from the head unit does need to be reduced at
louder volumes, but the speakers still sound excellent; very clear and crisp
highs and mid-range.

Again, thanks Crutchfield. Spent less that $300 for a new head unit and two
pairs of speakers. About 3 hours of time spent. Money will spent. I have to say
a 200% improvement over the stock radio/speakers.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Nice upgrade

Written By Eric B, Dyer, in on Saturday, February 19, 2011
 
Replaced 4 stock speakers in a 2008 Saturn Vue, Not quite a "system" but a
definite upgrade. I'd buy them again.
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Worth buying!

Written By KT, Bellevue, WA on Monday, February 14, 2011
 
I purchased these based on others' reviews for my 04 Wrangler. They're obviously a
much better quality item than the stock paper speakers in the soundbar, and after a very
simple install, they're a big sound improvement.

I liked them enough to try them out in the front panel of the Jeep (using a special bracket
for 5.25" speakers). Huge difference over the 4x6 paper speakers, and they fit perfectly.
I'm now getting ready to order a second set to round out the sound. I purchased a
Kenwood deck from Crutchfield, and it's powering these speakers just fine. Thanks
again Crutchfield!
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
1-10 of 31 items >>
Learn more about 5-1/4" Speakers

Learn more about 5-1/4" Speakers

Why Buy New Car Speakers?

Why Buy New Car Speakers?

Ken Nail
1/29/2009
based on 274 ratings (5 comments)
 
If you want your music to sound great, you can't ignore car speakers. Dollar for dollar, new speakers are one of the best ways to improve your car's sound.
 
Car Speakers Installation Video

Car Speakers Installation Video

Video Guest
6/25/2008
based on 90 ratings (2 comments)
 
A brief video covering the basics of installing car speakers.
 
Car Speakers: What to Look For

Car Speakers: What to Look For

Ken Nail
1/29/2009
based on 552 ratings (12 comments)
 
With so many speakers available, it's important to understand what to look for. Keep these points in mind, and your system will sound its best.
 
How Tweeter Design Affects Sound

How Tweeter Design Affects Sound

Ken Nail
12/9/2011
based on 31 ratings (3 comments)
 
When you're shopping for speakers, don't forget the tweeter. It's shape and the material it's made from have a direct impact on how your music sounds. Tweeters reproduce the upper frequencies in...
 
Component Speakers Installation Video

Component Speakers Installation Video

Todd Cabell, Danae Marshall
6/20/2006
based on 65 ratings (1 comment)
 
A 5-minute video that shows the basics of installing a component speaker system in a car.
 

Accessories

Accessories we recommend
Dynamat
Reduce ambient road noise and your vehicle's "rattles," for better sound inside your car.
Dynamat 10415 Xtreme Speaker Kit
Two 10-in. x 10-in. Sheets
$26.99
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Dynamat 10435 Xtreme Door Kit
With four 12" x 36" sheets — covers two doors
$99.99
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Dynamat SuperLite Tri-Pak
Triple package — 3 sheets, 12 square feet (Model #10612)
$69.99
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Speaker Wire
You'll need speaker wire to connect your speakers to your amp.
StreetWires 16-gauge Super Cable™ Speaker Wire
Blue jacket — priced per foot
$0.40
In Stock
 
 
StreetWires 14-gauge Super Cable™ Speaker Wire
Translucent blue jacket — priced per foot (Clear)
$0.99
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Stinger PRO Series 16-gauge Speaker Wire
Black jacket — priced per foot
$0.30
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StreetWires 14-gauge Ultra Cable™ Speaker Wire
Blue/copper jacket — priced per foot
$0.75
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StreetWires 12-gauge Ultra Cable™ Speaker Wire
Blue/copper jacket — priced per foot
$1.00
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Baffles
Keep your speakers clean and dry. They compress to fit behind your speakers.
XTC 5-1/4
Protect your speakers (Slim-line: 2-1/2" depth)
$6.99
In Stock
 
 
XTC 5-1/4
Protect your speakers (3-3/4" depth)
$6.99
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Extras
Installation Tools
The right tools will help keep your installation simple and clean.
Metra Crimp Tool and Connectors
Package contains crimp tool and over 150 pieces
$19.99
Out of Stock
 
 
Posi-Products™ Car Speaker Connector Kit
8 connectors for installing car speakers
$11.59
In Stock
 
 
S&G Tool Aid 87615
Window and Door Clip Removal Tool
$7.99
In Stock
 
 
S&G Wire Cutter/Stripper Tool
Cuts and strips 12- to 22-gauge stranded wire
$24.99
In Stock
 
 
S&G Wire Cutter/Stripper Tool
Cuts and strips 12- to 22-gauge wire
$29.99
In Stock
 
 
S&G Tool Aid 87650
Door Trim and Panel Removal Tool

Also available in:
Open Box: $6.99
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
Bojo Trim Panel Tools
Set of 6 plastic tools — helps remove interior and exterior trim and door panels
$24.99
In Stock
 
 
Multi Wedge Trim Panel Tools
Set of six (flexible and rigid) tools — helps remove trim and door panels
$19.99
In Stock
 
 
DEI Heat Shrink Tubing
Black 4-foot length (Assortment)
$24.99
In Stock
 
 
Spec Tools SQR-200a Squeeze Wrench
Narrow space ratchet kit with 18 sockets
$49.99
In Stock
 
 
Skewdriver Pro SPK4042
Ratcheting straight and offset screwdriver set with 40 bits (Skewdriver Pro with ratchet handle, pictured)
$49.99
In Stock
 
 
Show more items
Professional Installation
Get more info about having your new component speakers put in by a qualified professional in your area.
InstallCard: Speaker or Subwoofer
Prepaid installation card — for one pair of speakers or a subwoofer
 
Bass Blockers
If your stereo doesn't cut the deep bass from your full-range speakers, a set of bass blockers can help prevent distortion and give you cleaner bass too.
Bass Blockers
Pairs (300 Hz cut-off)
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
 
 
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Your featured item
Polk Audio db521
Polk Audio db521
5-1/4" 2-way car speakers
$99.99
In Stock
 
 
Dynamat
Dynamat 10415 Xtreme Speaker Kit
Two 10-in. x 10-in. Sheets
$26.99
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Speaker Wire
StreetWires 16-gauge Super Cable™ Speaker Wire
Blue jacket — priced per foot
$0.40
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Baffles
XTC 5-1/4
Protect your speakers (Slim-line: 2-1/2" depth)
$6.99
In Stock
 
 
Protect your gear with an extended warranty
Add 3 Year Warranty
Square Trade Warranty
$13.99
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Add selected to cart
 
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Compare with other Polk Audio models
  • Polk Audio db5251
  • Components sound better
  • 4.5 out of 5: IN STOCK
  • The Polk Audio db5251 has:
    • separate 1" silk composite dome tweeters for a clearer, more detailed stereo image
    • 2-way external crossover network with 3-position tweeter level control
    • lower frequency response for better mid-bass
  • Add To Cart
    $189.99
  • Polk Audio db521
  • 5-1/4" 2-way Speakers
  • 4.5 out of 5: IN STOCK
    • The Polk Audio db521 offers:
      • Polymer/mica composite woofer with butyl rubber surround
      • 3/4" pivoting liquid-cooled silk/polymer composite dome tweeter
      • certified for marine use
  • Add To Cart
    $99.99
  • Polk Audio db5251
  • 5-1/4" Component System
  • 4.5 out of 5: IN STOCK
    • The Polk Audio db5251 offers:
      • 5-1/4" polymer/mica composite woofers with butyl rubber surrounds
      • 1" liquid-cooled silk/polymer composite dome tweeters
      • certified for marine use
  • Add To Cart
    $189.99
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Polk Audio db521