The $1300 question
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 6,446
Likes: 873
From: TEXAS
Originally Posted by Bertk
Thanks for clarifying that. Was just curious.
That is only a rule of thumb as individual speaker specs and performance can vary dramatically. Tinkering with some 98 Sensitivity speaks and not a chance in hell that I am going to throw 180% RMS at them.
Makes for a good discussion though.
T.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,789
Likes: 277
From: Hawkeye state
You are correct in that Assumption of power rating. However through testing we have found out to be a very efficient system and the reason for that is because it does the job intended to do. 80 mile an hour down the highway clear and loud. When your talking about a price specific point this setup choice does great at accomplishing your goal.
While you are not running full power like you stated it doesn't matter. I subscribe to the policy if it works I don't really care about what the number says. Just my opion
While you are not running full power like you stated it doesn't matter. I subscribe to the policy if it works I don't really care about what the number says. Just my opion
I am definitely not trying to argue but the MPX 165 has an RMS rating of 100w and the MPX 690 has one of 130w. That being said yes the diamond amp still puts out a lower power rating(80 x4 @4 ohm) than the speakers can handle on paper. The big factor that you have to keep in mind is that rms rating (especially for diamond audio) are very conservative for amps. This is because they are trying to stop people from over powering speakers. The micro 4 on multiple Bech tests has proven to have a 30% over all higher output at 4 ohm than what is is listed as. That being the case you are no longer in danger of under powering either speaker. You would also be hard pressed to over power it with this setup as well. However if you do not properly tune it you will catch distortion and do damage the same as you would with any other setup. We spent a lot of time and field testing (on my bike) before we ever felt comfortable recommending this setup. Same as we do with every setup we put together. Also the "Modestly audible" comment couldn't be more wrong. I know from personal experience since I did use this setup for almost a year.
Last edited by BaddAzzBikes; Aug 21, 2016 at 07:53 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,789
Likes: 277
From: Hawkeye state
I am definitely not trying to argue but the MPX 165 has an RMS rating of 100w and the MPX 690 has one of 130w. That being said yes the diamond amp still puts out a lower power rating(80 x4 @4 ohm) than the speakers can handle on paper. The big factor that you have to keep in mind is that rms rating (especially for diamond audio) are very conservative for amps. This is because they are trying to stop people from over powering speakers. The micro 4 on multiple Bech tests has proven to have a 30% over all higher output at 4 ohm than what is is listed as. That being the case you are no longer in danger of under powering either speaker. You would also be hard pressed to over power it with this setup as well. However if you do not properly tune it you will catch distortion and do damage the same as you would with any other setup. We spent a lot of time and field testing (on my bike) before we ever felt comfortable recommending this setup. Same as we do with every setup we put together. Also the "Modestly audible" comment couldn't be more wrong. I know from personal experience since I did use this setup for almost a year.
This is a forum and we debate. No reason though argue it is debating. Now I would love to see a DUMMY LOAD bench test to back up the power output claim. I know these amps are clear and sound very good. I am considering switching my Arc 600.4 to the new 800.2 on my front stage. Now my comment for the MPX was meant for the 690. Forgot to type the 690. On MY bike the rear 6x9's (mpx690) are modestly audible at interstate speeds (70+). If I fade fully to the rear, I can hear them, they sound good, but solely would be a disappointment if I had a road king with no front stage for example. That's is 175rms to each side. Twice the power you are advising. That is a 3db increase minimum in output. For the mpx165 I cannot comment. I am sure these 2 sets together have a decent presence as a whole. Overall performance wise I find a fair bit left on the table still being powered just with a micro 4v2. This is where opinions differ. Now the new 800.4 would be much more suitible. Some are happy with a level of sound others are not. I am sure that sounds really good but for me I would want much more if I ran 70+ on majority of my riding which I personally do.