VADM4 or something else?
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
From: WI
VADM4 or something else?
First "thank you", I have learned quote a bit just from lurking and reading. I have a 19 RGS with stock audio. I was given a set of kappa 62IX speakers and am planning a straight 2 speaker and amp upgrade to my stock system. I have been looking at the NVX VADM4 which seems to fit but have heard of some issues with heat and FM reception. I have seen lots of posts about pairing the kappas with the CV amp. Is this a much better option or just a common one that is good also? Informed opinions are appreciated.
Thanks
Roadblock
Thanks
Roadblock
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 6,446
Likes: 873
From: TEXAS
Originally Posted by Roadblock_WI
First "thank you", I have learned quote a bit just from lurking and reading. I have a 19 RGS with stock audio. I was given a set of kappa 62IX speakers and am planning a straight 2 speaker and amp upgrade to my stock system. I have been looking at the NVX VADM4 which seems to fit but have heard of some issues with heat and FM reception. I have seen lots of posts about pairing the kappas with the CV amp. Is this a much better option or just a common one that is good also? Informed opinions are appreciated.
Thanks
Roadblock
Thanks
Roadblock
U might spend a couple extra bucks on the Stinger 700 and drop that on top the headlight as the feedback is that it is FM friendly as well also afford u some growth options when u cross that bridge.
Hopefully some of the FM brothers can chime in regarding the micro amps mentioned above.
T
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 6,446
Likes: 873
From: TEXAS
Originally Posted by SBates08
Just an FYI, if you're planning on bridging those micro 4 channel amps, you won't be able to do that with those Kappas as they're 2ohm.
T
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
From: WI
Hey thanks for the quick replies all. I guess I didnt really think through the FM reception thing. It probably doesn't matter as I don't know when the last time I listened to the radio would be, mostly USB or phone input. So thanks Tailwind, one issue "solved" 
SBates08, I think I understand that and kind of disregarded it as I am not an audiophile and mostly ride with no helmet or hearing protection so audible music has clarity issues most of the time. As long as it is louder than stock and I can hear it at 90MPH , its good enough?? I was not really considering bridging I guess as I thought (mistakenly maybe?) the 2ohm 100watts would get me the volume and clarity to drive the kappas but I am open to suggestions. My total experience was installing an alpine amp and a pair of polks on a previous bike so all opinions with experience are appreciated.
Also the heat concern ... is it something to worry about? Not just protect mode but possibly hot enough to damage other stuff around it or bubble paint?
SBates08, I think I understand that and kind of disregarded it as I am not an audiophile and mostly ride with no helmet or hearing protection so audible music has clarity issues most of the time. As long as it is louder than stock and I can hear it at 90MPH , its good enough?? I was not really considering bridging I guess as I thought (mistakenly maybe?) the 2ohm 100watts would get me the volume and clarity to drive the kappas but I am open to suggestions. My total experience was installing an alpine amp and a pair of polks on a previous bike so all opinions with experience are appreciated.
Also the heat concern ... is it something to worry about? Not just protect mode but possibly hot enough to damage other stuff around it or bubble paint?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 6,446
Likes: 873
From: TEXAS
Roadblock, thankfully SBates is also the fact checker around here and caught the 2 ohm snag. Have a peek at that VADM2 as it will do very well with 2 ohm and 4 ohm speakers and can be had for pretty damn cheap.
I ran the VADM4 with no heat issues whatsoever and most of these other micros really do a damn fine job these days regarding efficiency and heatsink. Most of them are damn near in the 90% efficiency range thus less heat dispersed, ie only 10% of the power received by the amp not turned into sound, enter heat. The most recent nightmare regarding heat was that PBR amp so avoid that sucker entirely. Which is also why we don't use A/B amps on sleds as some of those suckers are only 50% efficient thus the other 50% turned into heat.
T
I ran the VADM4 with no heat issues whatsoever and most of these other micros really do a damn fine job these days regarding efficiency and heatsink. Most of them are damn near in the 90% efficiency range thus less heat dispersed, ie only 10% of the power received by the amp not turned into sound, enter heat. The most recent nightmare regarding heat was that PBR amp so avoid that sucker entirely. Which is also why we don't use A/B amps on sleds as some of those suckers are only 50% efficient thus the other 50% turned into heat.
T
Last edited by Tailwind; Dec 31, 2019 at 02:21 PM.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
Don't forget you'll need a BT355 line leveler from Biketronics to run an amp on your bike. Either that or have the HU flashed and run a DSP to tune everything but that's just overkill on a 2 speaker setup.
The reason most folks bridge those small micro amps is for the power provided. However the majority of amps are only stable at 4ohms when bridged. Hence the reason you can't bridge them to a 2ohm speaker.
I would take a strong look at the Stinger 700x4. It will serve you well at 2 or 4ohms. Plus there's extra channels for when you upgrade to more speakers....because we all do eventually.
And it's FM friendly.
The reason most folks bridge those small micro amps is for the power provided. However the majority of amps are only stable at 4ohms when bridged. Hence the reason you can't bridge them to a 2ohm speaker.
I would take a strong look at the Stinger 700x4. It will serve you well at 2 or 4ohms. Plus there's extra channels for when you upgrade to more speakers....because we all do eventually.
And it's FM friendly.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
From: WI
Thanks again for the input. I decided on the VADM2 and if the unlikely event occurs that I need more speakers, I will add a second. I also ordered the BT355, wiring kit, and fairing power extension, so I think, thanks to you guys, I am ready. 
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 174
From: Indiana
Originally Posted by Roadblock_WI
Thanks again for the input. I decided on the VADM2 and if the unlikely event occurs that I need more speakers, I will add a second. I also ordered the BT355, wiring kit, and fairing power extension, so I think, thanks to you guys, I am ready.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post