Audio Systems Find answers to all of your stereo, speaker and other audio technology questions here.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Headroom?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 1, 2016 | 10:21 AM
  #1  
Cheesehead_13's Avatar
Cheesehead_13
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 32
From: Phoenix, AZ
Default Headroom?

OK, so I think I am starting to finally get some of these concepts. I have fairing only speaker set up (BT 7.1 non pro). I was wondering why my BT 7.1s don't sound like I expected them to. I think they may be underpowered. Could that be true?

Per the sticky, the PA bench tested at only 91w @ 4 ohms. I am guessing that I should have a true 120-180w @ 4 ohm amp. Does that sound correct? Previously I was thinking of bridging my PARZ4 2000D to those speakers to get more power but could be risky (possibly too much power).
 

Last edited by Cheesehead_13; Oct 1, 2016 at 10:26 AM.
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2016 | 10:38 AM
  #2  
sponger's Avatar
sponger
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,168
Likes: 79
From: so cal
Default

Not to much power if you keep the gains down and dial it in with a dmm.
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2016 | 11:56 AM
  #3  
Gannicus's Avatar
Gannicus
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 6,621
Likes: 412
From: Indianapolis IN.
Default

Originally Posted by sponger
Not to much power if you keep the gains down and dial it in with a dmm.
Sponger is correct. Turning the HU up to 75-80% capacity and then setting the gains by ear will get you where you want to be. Just listen for distortion and back the volume **** down a little when you hear it. You can then turn your stereo up to that set point and not worry about blowing your speakers. Your "Headroom" will be the 20-25% you left on the table. I don't use a DMM anymore. Some guys like it and I say to each his own. But I've found my ears to be more accurate.

Note* Make sure all your HU settings are FLAT when setting the gains.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
KnarleyHarley
Audio Systems
25
Nov 12, 2017 07:12 AM
just plain john
Audio Systems
7
Jun 15, 2016 12:18 PM
HD REBEL
Audio Systems
8
Apr 15, 2015 12:10 PM
jamess71
Audio Systems
3
Sep 2, 2014 12:09 PM
just plain john
Audio Systems
3
Jul 8, 2013 05:22 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:24 AM.

story-0
10 Most Awkward-Looking Motorcycles Ever Built

Slideshow: Not every motorcycle can be a design icon, and these machines prove that bold styling doesn't always age gracefully.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-1
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

Slideshow: Jason Momoa's latest restoration project blends 1920s Harley-Davidsons with modern electric technology, creating some of the most unusual hybrid motorcycles ever built.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:18:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-5
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-9
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE