What do YOU have and why?
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 22
Likes: 4
From: Little Rock, Arkansas
What do YOU have and why?
I have read several threads on different set-ups for our sleds, but I still have more questions than answers. I really appreciate the sticky by Little Mike on Audio System FAQ's.
I ride a River Rock Gray RGS and am 2-up 40% of the time (first two accessories were tour pack and better half wanted a heated seat. Run RCX exhaust stock everywhere else. Holding off on engine mods until out of warranty then will be stage 2 / 3 with cams, tuner, headpipe, etc.
Back to why this forum. I want to improve the sound system for wife and I. Have already picked up speaker pods. Looking for a four speaker system that I can hear @ 75-80, being about 60-70% deaf from 30+ years of loud work, play, life.
What I would like to know is what you audiophiles have on your sleds. What you like about yours, what you don't like about yours, and what you would change given hind sight is 20/20.I would also like to know if you DYI or used an installer. I did my 07 RG but was never overly thrilled with the hogtunes amp, J&M 7.5 fairing speakers and RF 6x9 bag lid speakers. I have considered a full RF system (seller / installer about 45 miles away), but considering DYI if I can get a little help from some friends on the interweb!
Would love to hear what you have to say>
I ride a River Rock Gray RGS and am 2-up 40% of the time (first two accessories were tour pack and better half wanted a heated seat. Run RCX exhaust stock everywhere else. Holding off on engine mods until out of warranty then will be stage 2 / 3 with cams, tuner, headpipe, etc.
Back to why this forum. I want to improve the sound system for wife and I. Have already picked up speaker pods. Looking for a four speaker system that I can hear @ 75-80, being about 60-70% deaf from 30+ years of loud work, play, life.
What I would like to know is what you audiophiles have on your sleds. What you like about yours, what you don't like about yours, and what you would change given hind sight is 20/20.I would also like to know if you DYI or used an installer. I did my 07 RG but was never overly thrilled with the hogtunes amp, J&M 7.5 fairing speakers and RF 6x9 bag lid speakers. I have considered a full RF system (seller / installer about 45 miles away), but considering DYI if I can get a little help from some friends on the interweb!
Would love to hear what you have to say>
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
When you say you picked up speaker pods, are you referring to lower speaker pods or pods for the tourpack? Absolutely no reason why you can't do it yourself. Plenty of good folks willing to help out on this forum.
Last edited by SBates08; Dec 3, 2020 at 09:55 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 686
Likes: 123
From: NW Suburburbs of Chicago
I have gone through several metamorphasis in my stereo. I finally have come to realize that I am not listening while parked and with all the noise from wind and other vehicles around me I am not going to get the same sound as my living room. Here is a quick history of my changes
Started by replacing stock speakers with Infinity Kappas - louder and better sound quality
Added a Soundstream PN4.1000d amp - Now we have power but total loss of FM reception
Replaced Kappas with Mmats PA601cx - Amazing how much more sound than the Kappas but VERY bright
Replaced Soundstream with Stinger SPX700X4, BT355 Line Levers and Biketronics harness breakout - FM is back Sound quality is higher but still Very Bright
Replaced Stinger with Boom! Amp under fairing - Lost a lot of power but the Stinger failed (money back from Amazon but no replacement available for the same price) and I am tired of messing with the Amp.
Have decided that since I don't sit around the bike and listen to the stereo and just need additional volume, the Boom! amp is all I need with the Mmat speakers. I am seriously considering removing the Mmats and installing another set of Kappas - warmer sound but not as loud at high speeds. Not sure I need all the volume and prefer the warmth.
Good luck in what ever you decide, the rabbit hole is deep!
Started by replacing stock speakers with Infinity Kappas - louder and better sound quality
Added a Soundstream PN4.1000d amp - Now we have power but total loss of FM reception
Replaced Kappas with Mmats PA601cx - Amazing how much more sound than the Kappas but VERY bright
Replaced Soundstream with Stinger SPX700X4, BT355 Line Levers and Biketronics harness breakout - FM is back Sound quality is higher but still Very Bright
Replaced Stinger with Boom! Amp under fairing - Lost a lot of power but the Stinger failed (money back from Amazon but no replacement available for the same price) and I am tired of messing with the Amp.
Have decided that since I don't sit around the bike and listen to the stereo and just need additional volume, the Boom! amp is all I need with the Mmat speakers. I am seriously considering removing the Mmats and installing another set of Kappas - warmer sound but not as loud at high speeds. Not sure I need all the volume and prefer the warmth.
Good luck in what ever you decide, the rabbit hole is deep!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 1,603
From: High Point, NC.
I have gone through several metamorphasis in my stereo. I finally have come to realize that I am not listening while parked and with all the noise from wind and other vehicles around me I am not going to get the same sound as my living room. Here is a quick history of my changes
Started by replacing stock speakers with Infinity Kappas - louder and better sound quality
Added a Soundstream PN4.1000d amp - Now we have power but total loss of FM reception
Replaced Kappas with Mmats PA601cx - Amazing how much more sound than the Kappas but VERY bright
Replaced Soundstream with Stinger SPX700X4, BT355 Line Levers and Biketronics harness breakout - FM is back Sound quality is higher but still Very Bright
Replaced Stinger with Boom! Amp under fairing - Lost a lot of power but the Stinger failed (money back from Amazon but no replacement available for the same price) and I am tired of messing with the Amp.
Have decided that since I don't sit around the bike and listen to the stereo and just need additional volume, the Boom! amp is all I need with the Mmat speakers. I am seriously considering removing the Mmats and installing another set of Kappas - warmer sound but not as loud at high speeds. Not sure I need all the volume and prefer the warmth.
Good luck in what ever you decide, the rabbit hole is deep!
Started by replacing stock speakers with Infinity Kappas - louder and better sound quality
Added a Soundstream PN4.1000d amp - Now we have power but total loss of FM reception
Replaced Kappas with Mmats PA601cx - Amazing how much more sound than the Kappas but VERY bright
Replaced Soundstream with Stinger SPX700X4, BT355 Line Levers and Biketronics harness breakout - FM is back Sound quality is higher but still Very Bright
Replaced Stinger with Boom! Amp under fairing - Lost a lot of power but the Stinger failed (money back from Amazon but no replacement available for the same price) and I am tired of messing with the Amp.
Have decided that since I don't sit around the bike and listen to the stereo and just need additional volume, the Boom! amp is all I need with the Mmat speakers. I am seriously considering removing the Mmats and installing another set of Kappas - warmer sound but not as loud at high speeds. Not sure I need all the volume and prefer the warmth.
Good luck in what ever you decide, the rabbit hole is deep!
Also would never replace ANY aftermarket amp with boom amp. Thats going backwards. I didn't have a single problem with my stinger amp, and still in the bike as far as I know after I traded it in June.
OP. I chose the SD 1200.4 evox for my new bike, with Faital Pro RS140 in the fairing, and Faital Pro 6fe200 in the lowers with a dsp. Both pairs are 8ohms bridged to the amp. also running the diamond m075t horns in the fairing to balance out. Originally had the dayton, but it had some issues so swapped it for the arc psm.
I chose this with great recommendations from several members here because i wanted to stick with a front only system.....for now...lol Sound is LOUD and pretty good bass for my ears with great sound and eq. I mean I can feel it on the floorboards and highways pegs, so thats pretty good IMO.
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 22
Likes: 4
From: Little Rock, Arkansas
I have gone through several metamorphasis in my stereo. I finally have come to realize that I am not listening while parked and with all the noise from wind and other vehicles around me I am not going to get the same sound as my living room. Here is a quick history of my changes
Started by replacing stock speakers with Infinity Kappas - louder and better sound quality
Added a Soundstream PN4.1000d amp - Now we have power but total loss of FM reception
Replaced Kappas with Mmats PA601cx - Amazing how much more sound than the Kappas but VERY bright
Replaced Soundstream with Stinger SPX700X4, BT355 Line Levers and Biketronics harness breakout - FM is back Sound quality is higher but still Very Bright
Replaced Stinger with Boom! Amp under fairing - Lost a lot of power but the Stinger failed (money back from Amazon but no replacement available for the same price) and I am tired of messing with the Amp.
Have decided that since I don't sit around the bike and listen to the stereo and just need additional volume, the Boom! amp is all I need with the Mmat speakers. I am seriously considering removing the Mmats and installing another set of Kappas - warmer sound but not as loud at high speeds. Not sure I need all the volume and prefer the warmth.
Good luck in what ever you decide, the rabbit hole is deep!
Started by replacing stock speakers with Infinity Kappas - louder and better sound quality
Added a Soundstream PN4.1000d amp - Now we have power but total loss of FM reception
Replaced Kappas with Mmats PA601cx - Amazing how much more sound than the Kappas but VERY bright
Replaced Soundstream with Stinger SPX700X4, BT355 Line Levers and Biketronics harness breakout - FM is back Sound quality is higher but still Very Bright
Replaced Stinger with Boom! Amp under fairing - Lost a lot of power but the Stinger failed (money back from Amazon but no replacement available for the same price) and I am tired of messing with the Amp.
Have decided that since I don't sit around the bike and listen to the stereo and just need additional volume, the Boom! amp is all I need with the Mmat speakers. I am seriously considering removing the Mmats and installing another set of Kappas - warmer sound but not as loud at high speeds. Not sure I need all the volume and prefer the warmth.
Good luck in what ever you decide, the rabbit hole is deep!
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 22
Likes: 4
From: Little Rock, Arkansas
I dont get saying mmats 601cx are brighter than kappas. lol You must have not had the amp set right. NIGHT and DAY differences in those two speakers for me, as I did the same progressions as you.
Also would never replace ANY aftermarket amp with boom amp. Thats going backwards. I didn't have a single problem with my stinger amp, and still in the bike as far as I know after I traded it in June.
OP. I chose the SD 1200.4 evox for my new bike, with Faital Pro RS140 in the fairing, and Faital Pro 6fe200 in the lowers with a dsp. Both pairs are 8ohms bridged to the amp. also running the diamond m075t horns in the fairing to balance out. Originally had the dayton, but it had some issues so swapped it for the arc psm.
I chose this with great recommendations from several members here because i wanted to stick with a front only system.....for now...lol Sound is LOUD and pretty good bass for my ears with great sound and eq. I mean I can feel it on the floorboards and highways pegs, so thats pretty good IMO.
Also would never replace ANY aftermarket amp with boom amp. Thats going backwards. I didn't have a single problem with my stinger amp, and still in the bike as far as I know after I traded it in June.
OP. I chose the SD 1200.4 evox for my new bike, with Faital Pro RS140 in the fairing, and Faital Pro 6fe200 in the lowers with a dsp. Both pairs are 8ohms bridged to the amp. also running the diamond m075t horns in the fairing to balance out. Originally had the dayton, but it had some issues so swapped it for the arc psm.
I chose this with great recommendations from several members here because i wanted to stick with a front only system.....for now...lol Sound is LOUD and pretty good bass for my ears with great sound and eq. I mean I can feel it on the floorboards and highways pegs, so thats pretty good IMO.
Thank you all for the inputs and please keep the info coming. Informed choices are USUALLY the best choices.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,854
Likes: 1,002
From: Southern Virginia
BAlkire usually we wouldn't recommend a DSP for beginners (Digital Signal Processor) but in your case with your hearing issues I would suggest one. What you could do is tune the front stage to sound good to YOUR ears and tune the rears to a more normal/warm sound for your wife.
Basically a DSP just plugs inline between the head unit and amp(s). You connect to it either by bluetooth or plugging a cord into a laptop. When you bring up the software you will see an equalizer like you are probably already familiar with for each channel. You can play a song you like and adjust the sliders to get a sound you are comfortable with and save that setting. A DSP also allows you to adjust the volume levels of each input independently if you ever start adding more speakers.
Another advantage to using a DSP is speaker choice isn't QUITE as critical. Yes you want the best speakers you can afford but if you buy a set that is recommended by many others and find that your ears do not like them you can use the DSP to make them sound better.
I understand wanting to keep FM reception. I don't always listen to music. If I scan around and hear Dr. J. Vernon McGee's voice I'm going to listen to what he has to say. The Arc amplifiers are good quality and kind to FM. The Stinger amps are not quite as powerful but I have heard they don't generate interference either. I think I remember some folks saying the Mmats 4110 was a warm sounding amp that might have been kind to FM, hopefully someone else can verify that.
Don't be intimidated by all these terms and choices. The folks here can guide you wire by wire and help you troubleshoot problems. I have some very specific wants and desires regarding my audio system and these folks got me squared away over time. Once I got comfortable with the hardware and wiring it gave me the knowledge to experiment a little as time went on.
Good luck.
Basically a DSP just plugs inline between the head unit and amp(s). You connect to it either by bluetooth or plugging a cord into a laptop. When you bring up the software you will see an equalizer like you are probably already familiar with for each channel. You can play a song you like and adjust the sliders to get a sound you are comfortable with and save that setting. A DSP also allows you to adjust the volume levels of each input independently if you ever start adding more speakers.
Another advantage to using a DSP is speaker choice isn't QUITE as critical. Yes you want the best speakers you can afford but if you buy a set that is recommended by many others and find that your ears do not like them you can use the DSP to make them sound better.
I understand wanting to keep FM reception. I don't always listen to music. If I scan around and hear Dr. J. Vernon McGee's voice I'm going to listen to what he has to say. The Arc amplifiers are good quality and kind to FM. The Stinger amps are not quite as powerful but I have heard they don't generate interference either. I think I remember some folks saying the Mmats 4110 was a warm sounding amp that might have been kind to FM, hopefully someone else can verify that.
Don't be intimidated by all these terms and choices. The folks here can guide you wire by wire and help you troubleshoot problems. I have some very specific wants and desires regarding my audio system and these folks got me squared away over time. Once I got comfortable with the hardware and wiring it gave me the knowledge to experiment a little as time went on.
Good luck.
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Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 22
Likes: 4
From: Little Rock, Arkansas
BAlkire usually we wouldn't recommend a DSP for beginners (Digital Signal Processor) but in your case with your hearing issues I would suggest one. What you could do is tune the front stage to sound good to YOUR ears and tune the rears to a more normal/warm sound for your wife.
Another advantage to using a DSP is speaker choice isn't QUITE as critical. Yes you want the best speakers you can afford but if you buy a set that is recommended by many others and find that your ears do not like them you can use the DSP to make them sound better.
I understand wanting to keep FM reception. I don't always listen to music. If I scan around and hear Dr. J. Vernon McGee's voice I'm going to listen to what he has to say. The Arc amplifiers are good quality and kind to FM. The Stinger amps are not quite as powerful but I have heard they don't generate interference either. I think I remember some folks saying the Mmats 4110 was a warm sounding amp that might have been kind to FM, hopefully someone else can verify that.
Don't be intimidated by all these terms and choices. The folks here can guide you wire by wire and help you troubleshoot problems. I have some very specific wants and desires regarding my audio system and these folks got me squared away over time. Once I got comfortable with the hardware and wiring it gave me the knowledge to experiment a little as time went on.
Good luck.
Another advantage to using a DSP is speaker choice isn't QUITE as critical. Yes you want the best speakers you can afford but if you buy a set that is recommended by many others and find that your ears do not like them you can use the DSP to make them sound better.
I understand wanting to keep FM reception. I don't always listen to music. If I scan around and hear Dr. J. Vernon McGee's voice I'm going to listen to what he has to say. The Arc amplifiers are good quality and kind to FM. The Stinger amps are not quite as powerful but I have heard they don't generate interference either. I think I remember some folks saying the Mmats 4110 was a warm sounding amp that might have been kind to FM, hopefully someone else can verify that.
Don't be intimidated by all these terms and choices. The folks here can guide you wire by wire and help you troubleshoot problems. I have some very specific wants and desires regarding my audio system and these folks got me squared away over time. Once I got comfortable with the hardware and wiring it gave me the knowledge to experiment a little as time went on.
Good luck.
Deeply respect the choice in FM reception listening choices. Chuck Swindall, Adrian Rodgers, Dr. Charles Stanley, and Dr. James Dobson are some of my favorite talk hosts.
Love your profile name, and great quote in your signature line.
I have read up on the DSP and was not sure if I would benefit from it. After your explanation, I believe the better half MAY get more functionality out of it but it could be very useful to me as well. The local RF rep, when asked about the DSP, only said it was an "awesome piece".
Right now, I am leaning more to the Stinger SPX700X4, if I DYI the install. Not looking for a show system, but do want to hear and enjoy whatever is playing.
