I've now had my SGS for two years. I've been following along with the Rushmore thread for 100s of pages. It started out flash to this or that or upgrade software to this, etc. Everyone had a different idea. Over time, it appears it was identified why the stock HU sounds better with motor off - something I noticed immediately. So now that I've read through tons of stuff yet again, I'm looking for the best route for my specific setup.

I have the stock HU running the recent software. I've never had a flash done. I have the 2 channel Rockford amp and 2 Kicker 6.75s in the fairing. It sounds ok but distorts easily. The volume would be fine if it wouldn't distort at higher levels. The SQ is ok, too. Any recommendations for better speakers than the Kickers that's worth the money? I've thought about adding lowers but not sure that's worth the investment.

I'm also thinking about adding the JL Audio fix but everyone has different ideas on that, too. I'd rather spend money on that as flashes. Money matters but other things matter more. What's my best bet here? I don't need competition sound but want good sound.



Thanks!

 

1. How is your amp getting the signal? Speaker level inputs or RCA inputs.
1a. If RCA, how are you getting speaker level down to RCA?
2. How did you set the gains on your amp, by ear or using a digital multimeter?

I'm not exactly sure what kickers you're using but I'm guessing they're the ones that are 3.3 ohm. That said, your amp puts out 100W at 4 ohms, 150 at 2 ohms. The speakers could use more power in all honesty. They're rated at 100W RMS and would tolerate upwards of 150 which you can't get to them.

You've got another challenge in that they signal you're sending from the HU is dirty and heavily processed due to the software which is likely where you're getting your distortion. We of the rushmore audio collective utilize the Biketronics Line Leveler in order to flatten that signal that's being delivered to the amp. Without adding a Fix86 or DSP, it's your best way to get a decent signal. Lastly, while I have never heard the Kicker speakers in person, I know that I've never seen anyone on the forums or anyone I know using them and bragging about them. Doesn't mean they're garbage, just means there's a lot better speakers out there for a SG setup.

Throw out a little more information regarding your setup. You don't need a flash. You have the flash that is needed for a 2 speaker setup. First step is likely going to be installing a BT line leveler and then resetting your amp with a multimeter so you know what's actually going on in there. One way or another, you need to flatten that signal that the HD engineers embedded into the stock radios.

 

Speaker level inputs if I'm recalling correctly. I'm pretty sure that's it, though, as I just bought the Rockford kit that quick connects the amp between the speakers and HU. I don't recall any RCA jacks as neither the deck nor amp have them.

I just set the gain by ear using some method that was recommended on here. It was a while ago but I believe it had something to do with setting bass/treble levels and turning up to distortion...or something like that.

I wouldn't mind spending the money on the JL audio fix if someone deems it's worth it on a 2 speaker set-up (or adding 2 more) where I haven't spent much on the PBR300x2 with the Kicker Speakers. Maybe in that case, a line leveler is a way to go.

I'd even be open to scrapping the speakers and the amp and starting over if the Rockford amp doesn't seem acceptable to many.

 

One more question in an effort to troubleshoot before you end up spending money. Do you have AVC turned on? If you do, shut it off!!

 

It is shut off.

I'm guessing my problem is two fold - equipment related and whatever HD has done to make it sound best with their speakers.

First, I haven't spent much so shouldn't expect much. I've got about $250 into the amp and speakers. It's a good improvement over stock. The problem is that is distorts pretty easily. I'm blaming that on what they do to the stock head. When I turn to key to ACC it suddenly sounds more full and powerful - guessing it's all the same deal. When I get it up to road volume with the motor running, it's distorted.

I just want to improve the sound a little and fix whatever problem Harley caused when it's running.

 

Get a BT line leveler. It'll get you where you want to be. If you choose to swap equipment later, you'll still need the line leveler.