Do XTC baffles work?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=16535
Printed Date: June 13, 2025 at 6:33 AM

Topic: Do XTC baffles work?

Posted By: soundduck
Subject: Do XTC baffles work?
Date Posted: July 21, 2003 at 6:02 PM

I just installed some 3 1/2" speakers in the fairing of my motorocycle. Essentially they sit out in the open and have no enclosure behind them. They sound best when I equalize the sub-lows and lows down to minimal levels. I know they're only 3.5" speakers but I'd like to try to get some more volume and possibly more bass out of them. (With the bass at high levels, they clip like crazy.)

I'm considering getting some of the XTC foam baffles from Crutchfield. (Supposedly you can smush them into tight spaces which is what I have.)

I'll probably get them anyhow for water protection but am interested in opinions as to whether this will help me get some more volume and/or bass. Thanks.

Replies:

Posted By: soundduck
Date Posted: July 21, 2003 at 7:21 PM

Another question, do I want to fill them with polyfill?

Posted By: aggie altima
Date Posted: July 21, 2003 at 11:12 PM

i tried them on some 6 1/2 inch 2 way speakers, and ended up returning them to crutchfield. they didn't seem to work as an enclosure, i would suppose since they are made of foam. i have seen some hard plastic baffles, maybe those work better, but i haven't tried them and i don't know how small they make them in.

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Jon
Don't like rockford subs? Then don't look at my car =)

Posted By: soundduck
Date Posted: July 21, 2003 at 11:24 PM

Yeah, I was thinking that about foam. Althoufh I did read some posts here and elsehwere about people who had cut slits or holes in the back of the foam baffles to let let the cone breathe or something like that..

I was also considering building my own enclosures out of a more rigid material such as 4" PVC. That way I can get them to fit in my limited space. Should I cut holes in these and then put some mesh and polyfill over the holes I make?

But hey, I'm not a pro, just trying to get the most out of 3.5 speakers since I don't think I can get 6x9's and a sub on a motorcycle. I don't expect the world from them but would like to optimize as much as possible for that size speaker.

Posted By: aggie altima
Date Posted: July 22, 2003 at 4:47 PM

hey, just try it out!!! it wouldn't hurt, and it seems like a pretty inexpensive project. have you considered using fiberglass? there are forums that tell you how to apply fiberglass and everything, maybe you can create a small enclosure from that. it wouldn't require that many layers since they are only 3 1/2 inch speakers and wouldn't provide that much bass.

and by the way, im pretty sure there are a bunch of people who aren't pros, like myself!