Here’s the new setup I’m going with:

• GTS head unit with Soundz module to retrofit my 2018 (already had)
• WHIM module with Harley headset for full Car Play (already had)
• DSR1 Sound Processor (already had)
• New XEL amp rack to make room for all three amps and DSR1 in the fairing
• New HXM800.4 to power four SV 165.1 6.5”s in uppers and lowers. Uppers will have MO75T horns in the grills.
• New Micro2v2 to power four Match Razor woofers (2 per bag - 2 ohm load getting 150W per)
• New Micro2v2 to power Unity 6x9s (baffled) and ST25 horns in saddlebag lids
• IF the XEL makes enough room I may add a 2nd DSR1 and swap one of the Micro2v2 for the Micro84u (or Micro4v2 because it’s a little shorter) I have to run the horns on their own channel.

I know the real audiophiles and pros here will not be impressed with this design. I am sure that I overpaid compared to what some of you that really know what you are doing would have put together, and I’m certain I‘ll get some **** about the Razor woofers (Match Razors Product Page — American Hardbags Product Page), but they are supposed to compliment the Unity 69s well, not fill the bags all the way up, and the couple of reviews from actual owners I found were compelling. When I compared them to four GZ Yellow baskets they came in at the same price, so they seem “reasonably priced“ from that standpoint. The mounts are definitely pricey, but I have experience with them from my Road King and they provide a very clean install that looks professional, and I’m willing to spend a little more than what a set of rings would cost to ensure that I can install them myself and have them look great without taking the chance of ruining my newly painted saddlebags.

I’ll post a video when I get everything and get it installed for anyone interested.

Despite the fact that some of you will think I’m crazy, I appreciate all of the information you all post here because as overpriced as some of my components might be, I’m confident that they will compliment each other because of what I learned from all of you here, so Thank You!

 

You were unhappy with the first overpriced system they sold you so to fix it you decided to send them another stack of cash??
I hope it works out for you.

 

If you re-read the thread, I never said I was unhappy with what I had. Some of you said I overpaid for what I had, but what I said was I learned that my speakers could handle more power than what I was pushing to them, and I also learned that it was better to separate everything to their own channels. Of course I would like more top end, and since my speakers had unused capacity I wanted to know how to optimize it. If I had junk I was willing to replace it all, but I affirmed that I didn’t have junk, I just paid more for the brand name.

Haze’s boy Henry at Da Funk Shop said that what I had wasn’t bad stuff, but that I could’ve gotten similar performing speakers for less $ than the Hertz speakers. His advise was that all I needed to do was put another Micro amp in and split individual speaker types off to their own channels to improve tuning ability. I’m doing both, and rather than scrapping my expensive speakers and spending more $ to replace them, I’m spending the more $ adding another new amp and four more speakers that have similar performance numbers to other 8”s but a slimmer profile.

Admittedly, I paid a premium for the kit to install the 8”s, but I did so knowing there are less expensive options for bonding in rings and cutting/drilling holes in the bags. I don’t want to risk damaging my bags and I like how that kit looks when it’s done.

And, I understand the skepticism on the low profile 8”s. I’m sure there are better performers out there and definitely less expensive out there, but these allow me to get a big bump in overall sound level and quality while meeting my other goal of not filling up my bags and making them unusable.

You guys preach that people need clear goals and a strategy. Thanks in no small part to the information on this forum and other sources I was able to clarify my goals for myself, I set a budget, I developed a strategy, and I believe that I matched my components to appropriate power sources.

I know that most of you wouldn’t have spend what I spent on what I bought, but my goals are different than most of you. I’m satisfied and happy for now. Maybe as I continue learning about audio and grow like the rest of you have my goals will shift and I’ll then align the money I spend accordingly.

Thank you all for your help! I’ll post videos when I’m finished and you can critique it. Better yet, hopefully I’ll run into some of you in Daytona and you can hear it in person.

 

Live and don't learn, good moto!

 

LOL - marshallb, cuz you were putting on a clinic with all your original ideas and helpful design suggestions. Wasn’t it you that said, “for $3k you should have 10s”?

If My goals were the same as yours I probably would have 10s. I could have them without question. My build isn’t constrained by an inability to buy them. I don’t want them.

If you want to map out exactly what you think I should have that meets my specific goals of $3k budget; sounding well rounded around town; loud and clear on the highway; not filling up my bags; ability for me to install it myself (grinding, cutting and even welding all okay - but I enjoy doing the work myself); with a fit and finish that looks like it’s meant to be there... I’m still interested in hearing your design and continuing to learn brother. If your design better meets my goals than what I’m doing I’m under no delusion that I know it all... I can adjust.

I’m willing to post my design that I think meets my goals well for you to scrutinize. Where is your suggested design for all the internet to do the same?

If you don’t want to post a design, maybe just be specific in what I’m not learning:

• Separate channels for different speaker types - check
• match speaker power to power supply - check
• define goals - check
• set a budget - check
• tuning is the most important part - CHECK
• using raw parts and building enclosures vs buying pre-made kits is a balance between saving money vs saving time/convenience - check
• big name manufacturers cost more, but if you have them already it’s probably smarter to run them vs replacing them unless you are upgrading to higher performance components anyway. - check
• experiment. Sound is personal and you’ll learn more installing and hearing. - check
• anyone going down the rabbit hole or chasing the motorcycle audio unicorn is going to have a shelf full of parts/mistakes/lessons. - check
• everyone has an opinion on what they would do with your $. Listen to their suggestions then make your own decisions. - check
  

What else should I have learned in this process? Always eager to learn more.

 

I made a suggestion a rather simple one you and others flat out flamed the idea. I guess because it wasn't expensive enough. With the cash you now have in it Henry could have had you seriously competing. It's your ride brother do with it what you wish.

 

I love watching these types of threads......

Guy comes in asking for FREE advice from novices and PROS, then any advice given good or bad, gets bashed by the guy begging for help. lol

Where's my popcorn again.

 

I don’t think anyone is getting bashed, just a difference of opinion. We all like to see different stuff being used, gives us different options. In the end if the OP is happy that’s all that matters.

 

eh...ive seen pissy responses....

 

Hey OP, If your system sounds good to you, it's your bike, your ears, and your money. Each individual here ultimately has the opportunity to take their audio in any direction they want.

Members of the forum here simply share what has worked and not worked out for them.

Its as simple as that. I guess the one thing that most here seem to have in common is that we hate to see guys **** hard earned money away. Thus, we offer our suggestions.