My Hawg Wired which I bought used a few years back was starting to have issues- one of the speakers kept cutting out. May have just needed a crossover replaced again, but like any good HD forum member, I decided to take the opportunity to upgrade.

Decided on the Biketronics set up based on all the good reviews and a buddy's recommendation. Got the 7.1 Pro speakers and the BT2250 amp, so it is their top of the line two-speaker set up. I am running the stock head unit.

Had it installed, and my initial impressions were that it was not quite what I was expecting. Everybody was telling me it would blow me away, but the damn thing has to be turned up to almost full volume to be as loud as my Hawg Wired was at half volume. The amp is working because I can hear the fan running. I did test it using my ipod and a CD, but either with either source the volume is the same. Basically it has to be on full blast to have it at a good volume on the highway. On my Hawg Wired, I couldn't even turn it to half under the same conditions.

I spoke to both Donna and Mike at Biketronics, who are awesome to deal with as per their reputation. Mike explained that the system is designed to have a larger range of volume adjustability, so it is supposed to be turned up more that my old system. He had me test it for distortion by turning it up to full with the engine running. Apparently it should distort at the last 2 bars. When I tested it, it's about that, but there was very little distortion, so not sure if there is any power left on the table from the existing amp adjustments.

The amp isn't adjustable and comes set from BT, so Mike sent me an adjustable variable line converter, assumingly to raise the gain adjustment. Once I get it hooked up, I'll call him for instructions.

Funny thing is I went a ride today and at like 50-60 mph on back roads, it seemed that half volume was plenty loud. Not sure if the speakers needed to break in or what. Maybe my expectations were too high, I don't know. It is noticeably clearer at louder volumes than the HW though. Guess I'll give it some more ride time, then once I get the line converter, install that and see what happens.

 

If it sounds good now, I would just ride it without putting the converter in the mix. Im not sure about the system being designed to have a larger range of volume meaning you need to turn the volume up more now over what you had before. That doesn't make a lot of since to me but what does make since is if it sounds good now then run with it my friend.

 

Hmmmm What bike is this?

 

You have a point Gann. I didn't think to ask. To the OP, you will need a converter (line leveler) if running a 2014+ boom HU.

 

 

What head unit?

 

Stock head unit. I'm sure it's not the Biketronics components....I wonder if my mechanic didn't install something right. Is it possible if that was the case that it would play but not sound like it should? Once I get the line converter, I think I'll pull the fairing and try and see if everything is wired right, as best as I can since I'm not too familiar with wiring/stereo installs.