So all this started about a year ago when I heard a loud, crisp system on an Ultra. The owner, bragged about the system and how much it cost. I told him it sounded great but, dont think I would have spent THAT much on a system.

I started doing some research on my own and then found this section of the HDForums. Its been a few months that I have been on here and my knowledge has increased 10 fold on everything from Ohms, amps and gains, to why one tweeter works with one speaker but not the other. I find myself up late at nights researching some of the topics talked about on here so i can better understand what is being discussed and have enjoyed learning or re learning things I used to know a long time ago.

But the one thing is, I havent done a set up yet. I talked to Alex (BAL) and went over a few different set ups but, I havent pulled the trigger yet. I dont know if I am over analyzing things or just not sure. I watch all the vids of the latest set ups and cant wait to get mine done, but, then think what is my ultimate goal?

I am only doing the fairing and lowers at this time. I use the hell out of my bags and am not sure i want to loose the space. I usually only run my TourPak when we go on long trips but when i run it as a daily, it is off.

So one of the hottest set ups on the forum is the DDAW6.5s with DDAT28's. People say they are a solid all around great sounding set up but, (and this is where it starts to cause my brain to hurt) need a lot of power and you loose the mid bass anyway at speed. Dont know what I would put in the Pods yet.

So the next hot thing is the MMats 601.4 with DDBO3 horns. Great sound at speed but not a lot of mid bass. Alex has suggested the AD CX62s for the pods.

Here is part of my dilemma. I, like most, am on a budget. (not really but if I dont tell myself im on a budget, Ill be broke by morning!) I want to do this once. I see plenty of guys on here doing multiple systems in a year but, I dont have the metal patience to do that. Im sure I will be adding on and or upgrading as time goes by, but i want to start off with something that I know will make me feel I spent my money wisely.

I know ALL the advice and discussions are coming from great people with a wealth of knowledge and with out you guys dropping coin on systems, I wouldn't be able to determine what I am looking for.

Guess in the end, I am looking for confirmation on the two set ups. Some Pros and Cons if you will. One thing is sure, I bought a Arc 600.4 yesterday from someone in the Audio Classifieds. So...it has started!

Thanks
Cfave

Anxiety sucks!

 

Mental Patience, not metal

 

Sounds like you've narrowed it down further than you're giving yourself credit for! You aren't unique in your brain pain, your imaginary budget or the concept of "doing it once" and in the same breath planning on what else you're going to add. The AW/AT setup is one that you can't possibly be disappointed in. Its the equivalent of your gal's little black dress. It always looks good, regardless of the occasion. It's a phenomenal setup and it's not really debatable. I have them in my bike, along with the CX62s in the lowers. IMO, you can stop there and you'd be smiling every time you threw a leg over the bike. I've heard the mmats/BO3 tweeters first hand as well. They are stupid loud. The concept of losing SQ at 70mph is just a fact. Nothing will ever sound at 70 the way it sounds in the parking lot. Never gonna happen. That said, I ran the same thoughts through my head when trying to decide between AWs and PA speakers. Hand wringing about how I'm losing all this bass. So what am I really missing out on? I have my AWs crossed at 85Hz. We have mmats crossed at 100Hz. At 70mph, how much will I really be "missing" in that small frequency range? A lot? A little? The only way to know for sure is to hear it. Point is, I think there might be a little bit of "warmth" lost if you go to PA, but what you gain is ridiculous volume and clarity.

It's a matter of personal preference brotha. My recommendation is to hear out what some of the other pros here have to say about this debate and go with your gut. You won't be unhappy with the little black dress, that I know. And if by some freakish reason you are, sell em and put the mmats in!! It's only money. If I don't die owing someone money I did it wrong.

 

Thanks for the reply, I know Im not the only one here with "issues"! Just a quick question about the DD set up you wrote, you might loose some warmth with the PA system but gain volume and clarity, did you find that you lost volume and clarity with the DD system at 70+?

 

nooooo, there's no loss of volume or clarity with the DDs. They're amazing. The difference I was trying to explain is that those PA speakers are just significantly louder with the same power. That's the nature of pro audio. They need less power to play the same volume. Given the same power, they will be wayyy louder. The AWs sound incredible but the nature of mmats or any other PA speaker is that they are designed to play loud.

 

I am running the MMats and VO-B3's ( along with Pioneer Pro's) and they are LOUD. It is a great, loud, clear sound at highway speeds. Do I wish they had a little more bass, of course, can't ever get enough bass for me but after 45 mph most bass is lost anyways. But what I do really like is the $$$ and that I am able to run all 4 speaks off of one amp. I don't want to have to run another amp. I am impressed with how well it sounds for the price.

 

Don't feel bad. Had a road glide next to me on a trip in traffic. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Found the guy later that day. Shared a beer & did some talking. He bold faced lied to me. Lol! Jmho!
He said head unit and two fronts......no amp! I was like "come on?"

Anywho....... Alex (BAL) & Gannicus set me straight.....very humbling experience......

 

how bad do you wanna smoke this guy shoot me an email.

 

LOL that is a LOADED question! He is my GFs (of over 10yrs ) ex. So you can only imagine!

I will be contacting you soon Alex! I have confidence, that you will square me away!

Its not that I want to smoke him, just want a system that sounds better in every way for much less $$$!

Seriously. I liked the way the system is clear and sharp at any volume and while riding, seems to still sound as good. The bike has 6 speakers in the bags and he has NO room. That is not for me. If anything lids but, that is down the line. I want to focus on the front with a good quality of sound and then go from there.
I have seen the videos of bikes with both set ups but unfortunately they are also running other speakers that provide the bass in their bags. I am not sure if just doing the front is going to give me the sound I am looking for.

I guess Im looking for something in between the two set ups. Clear sharp loud but also with a little more bass like the AW6.5s

Is that possible?

I feel like putting a handkerchief on my head and walking around saying "My Brain Hurts" Monty Python reference!

 

you might be pleasantly surprised how affordable,and loud and clear the Mmats snd horns are. BAL will sst u up right