Hi folks,

I want to install some hard plastic speaker baffles for my door speakers to protect them from rain and other damaging forces.
I have a pair of hard plastic baffles which will do the job just fine - question is: should I drill a small hole in them before installation in order to let the speakers push air better or leave them alone?

My theory is that having a small sealed enclosure behind the door speakers might be a not so good idea because it may dampen the speakers too much and limit their movement. On the other hand, I'm not really sure if this is indeed a real issue - what do you think?

So, to cut or not to cut - that is the question

 

I'm assuming here you plan on enclosing the speakers...?

Most door speakers are designed to be used in IB (infinite baffle) applications...check the specs of your speakers or call the manufacturer and ask if yours can be used in an small enclosure.

 

lets put it this way...they don't use it with the factory BLOWS.........I mean BOSE speakers, so why bother. Most all aftermarket speakers I built to deal with moisture by the sheer fact they are designed for in vechile use. Unless you plan on trying to Water proof your speakers, there is no need. The factory design keeps them dry enough.

 

That might be since the factory non-Bose speakers (that I replaced with Focals) did have this plastic shroud on the upper edge that would prevent water dripping onto the speaker. Otherwise they left the speaker open from behind. However, that shroud was for a 6x8 speaker and my current ones are 6.5" round, so I coud not reuse the shroud.
I just want to save the speakers from moisture, not necessarily waterproofing anything.
If baffles are not needed, all the better - I'm not keen on taking apart my door again if I don't have to.

I think I'll email the Focal people and ask what do they think about using any baffle.

Thanks guys - if someone has another opinion, keep them coming.

 

An update for those interested: I talked to Focal tech support and they said that a full foam or hard plastic baffle is not advisable. However, having a shroud above the speaker that prevents water dripping onto the cone from the window is a good idea. That's pretty much what the stock 6x8 speakers had too.
They suggested to cut an existing baffle to form such shrouds and use them at the top edge of the speaker on both sides.
I guess my door panel has to come off again, after all