Just can't hear them clearly at speed. I've set the gain on my ELF2125 amp (similar to Arc 125.2) using the DMM the same way I've always done it. I've tried it with all the settings on my JVC KD-R97MBS flat, tried various EQ settings, nothing seems to help. I do have slight mid range hearing loss which is a PITA when having a conversation in a place with a lot of background noise like a restaurant. I use a 3/4 helmet so the ears are covered.

Never had this problem with my Polk 651MM's but I melted a tweeter stalk (wish I could find a single speaker) and bought a set of 62.11's. I have to run it at 2/3 volume to hear it and it sounds like crap with all the background noise, wind etc.unless I use earplugs. Volume goes up to 35, gain was set at 27. It seems like I can't even begin to hear it while driving until I hit 22 or so, and need 26 or 27 to hear the lyrics so it's really blasting, almost sounds over driven. Sounds fine while parked of course. I'm grasping at straws, but I'm thinking about resetting my gain at full volume instead of 2/3, or lowering the setting at 2/3 (kind of the same thing?). I use the test tone in conjunction with the DMM.

 

I have a mm651 that I will send you. No cross over but it is a new speaker. PM me your addy and pay the ticket. Also if you don't want those kappas let me know what you want for them.

 

Thanks for the offer. Let me dig in the garage to make sure I still have one good MM651 and both crossovers. I use a U.S. shipping address, so that shouldn't be a problem.

 

Ok, found the crossovers and the good speaker. I'll PM you my info

Jim

 

Update: so thanks to travelingypse I was able to get a Polk MM651 to replace my blown one. I removed the Kappas and installed the Polks. Guess what, I can't hear the Polks very well at speed either (refer to the OP for context). WTF, did my hearing deteriorate that much since last year? The Polks were fine last year?

Here's the embarrassing part. This year I've been wearing a new helmet, wait for it, the other day I wore my old helmet for the first time this year and guess what, clear sound, another WTF moment. Turns out my last two 3/4 helmets had no styrofoam padding in the ear wells while this one does

Time to get the exacto knife out. Still don't get why things sounded better with ear plugs though, seeing how sound was being muffled by the padding

Jim

 

I use a CV B52 amp with Kappa 62.11i speakers and it is plenty loud at any speed.

 

This is my experience as well, except I am running the Kappa 62ix. I tried the Polk MM652's in the pods and they sounded very nice but faded a lot at speed. I switched to the 62ix and they are more than loud enough and actually sound very good.