Basic Audio Upgrade for an Audio Newbie
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 157
From: South Central Va
Most amps(not all) put out more power at 2 ohm than 4, so the gain settings for the front and rear will be very different, just something to be aware of when setting them. Generally (again varies from amp to amp) you don't need as much amp with 2 ohm as 4 ohm and the Soundstream will push them both well. Both the Kappa's and the Polk sound good, so it's a matter of preference there. Also there are many Kappa's out there in the weather that hold up well, so I wouldn't be very concerned about that.
If Ironcross can add an preamp out, front and rear and flash the radio for fader control, I would get them to do it. Then you can just wire it up with some good 1.5ft RCA's (like Stinger 4000's) from the radio to the amp.
Get you some good 8 gauge OFC power wire (+ and -) to run from the amp to the battery, and some 14 to 16 gauge speaker wire to run from the amp to the speakers.
If Ironcross can add an preamp out, front and rear and flash the radio for fader control, I would get them to do it. Then you can just wire it up with some good 1.5ft RCA's (like Stinger 4000's) from the radio to the amp.
Get you some good 8 gauge OFC power wire (+ and -) to run from the amp to the battery, and some 14 to 16 gauge speaker wire to run from the amp to the speakers.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 722
From: Ontario, Canada
Most amps(not all) put out more power at 2 ohm than 4, so the gain settings for the front and rear will be very different, just something to be aware of when setting them. Generally (again varies from amp to amp) you don't need as much amp with 2 ohm as 4 ohm and the Soundstream will push them both well. Both the Kappa's and the Polk sound good, so it's a matter of preference there. Also there are many Kappa's out there in the weather that hold up well, so I wouldn't be very concerned about that.
If Ironcross can add an preamp out, front and rear and flash the radio for fader control, I would get them to do it. Then you can just wire it up with some good 1.5ft RCA's (like Stinger 4000's) from the radio to the amp.
Get you some good 8 gauge OFC power wire (+ and -) to run from the amp to the battery, and some 14 to 16 gauge speaker wire to run from the amp to the speakers.
If Ironcross can add an preamp out, front and rear and flash the radio for fader control, I would get them to do it. Then you can just wire it up with some good 1.5ft RCA's (like Stinger 4000's) from the radio to the amp.
Get you some good 8 gauge OFC power wire (+ and -) to run from the amp to the battery, and some 14 to 16 gauge speaker wire to run from the amp to the speakers.
And if the marine rating isn't a must, what do you guys do when getting caught out in a rainstorm? I can see the fronts in the fairing may be alright as they wouldn't be taking a direct hit from the rain, but the rears would be more vulnerable. Any specific modifications or precautions to take?
More "I don't have a clue" questions. Is it possible to do the amp + only upgrade the front speakers and continue to use the stock rear pod speakers? I realize the sound will not be near as as good as it could/should be and I'd prefer changing all 4, but the reason I ask is I have a disconnect for my TourPak so I already have the quick disconnects for all the wiring going to the back...including the speakers of course. If using the stock rear speakers is not an option, can the new upgraded speakers be wired with the stock wiring? I'm thinking not as they will require dedicated wiring to the back but thought I'd ask. May just need to put quick disconnects in the new wiring them...assuming that can be done.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 6,446
Likes: 873
From: TEXAS
Originally Posted by lefty33
OK thanks! So then should I be looking for 2 or 4 ohm...is one better than the other, or one have an advantage over the other? Also then, should all 4 speakers (front & rear) be the same?
T.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,681
Likes: 851
From: Puyallup, wa
I have the Kappas in my 2012 along with the SS PN4.1000D and they are loud. Dont worry about the rain they will be fine. If you want to upgrade speakers over the Kappas take a look at these DB Drive WDX6MOTO. One of the Audio Guru here likes them (Gann).
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 722
From: Ontario, Canada
As a quick way to get up to speed on some of the decisions u will be making I would use the search function on here and search all posts/thread big-mike has made in this audio section. Digest some of that info and start to develop a tuff plan. The guys here will confirm or assist as you progress.
T.
T.
Want to stay coax so I'm thinking the Hertz HCX 165's in all 4 holes. I also looked at the Hertz MPX 165.3's as well as the DB Drive WDX6Moto's. Are either of them that much better...worth the extra $100? I did see that the DB Moto's are "weather resistant". Still thinking the Soundstream PN4.1000D amp (if it fits) to power it all. If the DB Moto's are worth the extra $$, where are you guys buying them? Not showing up on Amazon. Remember, I'm in Canada and lots of this gear is either not available here or priced sky high.
Now from what I've read, I'm assuming the 6.5" speakers fit in the rear TP pods on my 2012 UC. Are the same adapters as used in the fairing (Metra 82-9601), also used in the rear pods as well? Is there room for them or will I be doing some modifying?
Thanks!
john
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 722
From: Ontario, Canada
Anyone out there with experience have any input on my choice of possible speakers as mentioned in my previous post?
Did some more searching & reading and looks like more than likely I'll need a 1/2" spacer or the V-Twin Audio TP adapter kit to mount the rear TP speakers in the pods. Also have read where some have not used anything other than re-drilling the mounting holes for the 6.5" speakers and got them to mount flush in the rear pods?? What say you?
Did some more searching & reading and looks like more than likely I'll need a 1/2" spacer or the V-Twin Audio TP adapter kit to mount the rear TP speakers in the pods. Also have read where some have not used anything other than re-drilling the mounting holes for the 6.5" speakers and got them to mount flush in the rear pods?? What say you?
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 123
From: Sussex, WI
I have a 13 Limited and the Polk mm652 speakers drop in the pods with no spacers. Just have to clock them right and drill new mounting holes
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 722
From: Ontario, Canada
Question...I see they also have a MM522 (5.25") series in this lineup. Are the 6.5" that much better for the rear? Any disadvantages going with these in the rear TP pods? With these I may even be able to bottom mount them inside the pods...yes/no?
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 123
From: Sussex, WI
Well...looks like the Polk MM652's are the favoured speakers here...thanks guys!! Seeing as they are "ultra-marine certified" is also a bonus!
Question...I see they also have a MM522 (5.25") series in this lineup. Are the 6.5" that much better for the rear? Any disadvantages going with these in the rear TP pods? With these I may even be able to bottom mount them inside the pods...yes/no?
Question...I see they also have a MM522 (5.25") series in this lineup. Are the 6.5" that much better for the rear? Any disadvantages going with these in the rear TP pods? With these I may even be able to bottom mount them inside the pods...yes/no?