Replace stock speakers without amp?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 155
Likes: 46
From: SE Michigan, USA
Replace stock speakers without amp?
Hi all,
Own a 2020 Ultra Limited with stock GTS radio and speakers (2 x fairing speakers, 2 x tour-pak speakers). I'm no audiophile but the sound is pretty 'meh. I'm not so much looking for increased loudness as I am looking for better clarity (although I wouldn't mind a little more bass as well). Is it possible to just upgrade the speakers and obtain better sound without adding an amp? Or is an amp pretty much a requirement?
I like the thought of a drop in kit like the Boom system as it would make it easy for a non-audio person like me to install (I prefer to work on my own bikes). That said searching around the Boom system doesn't seem to be the best option. Is the Rockford Fosgate systems any better? Is there another solution that is plug and play? My budget would probably be ~$1k. I wouldn't mind getting rid of those ugly cloth speaker covers as well.
Thanks!!
Own a 2020 Ultra Limited with stock GTS radio and speakers (2 x fairing speakers, 2 x tour-pak speakers). I'm no audiophile but the sound is pretty 'meh. I'm not so much looking for increased loudness as I am looking for better clarity (although I wouldn't mind a little more bass as well). Is it possible to just upgrade the speakers and obtain better sound without adding an amp? Or is an amp pretty much a requirement?
I like the thought of a drop in kit like the Boom system as it would make it easy for a non-audio person like me to install (I prefer to work on my own bikes). That said searching around the Boom system doesn't seem to be the best option. Is the Rockford Fosgate systems any better? Is there another solution that is plug and play? My budget would probably be ~$1k. I wouldn't mind getting rid of those ugly cloth speaker covers as well.
Thanks!!
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Tucson AZ
ZBOT ,,,,,
I do not currently know of any drop-in fairing speaker for the 14-21 Harleys, (including the new J&M performance 6.58" Harley speaker being released in late March) that will make enough difference on the highway, compared to the stock speakers.
I have heard the Harley Boom I, new Harley Fosgate, and many other drop ins, and without adding an amp, you just will not notice a significant difference on the highway.
my suggestion is to START by adding an amplifier for the fairing speakers only, and the best one for the $$ spent that I know of is J&M part # JMAA-2000HC14 on our website (100W RMS X 2, into 2-ohms, 200w RMS total) ,,, with discount and free ground shipping it is a very good value ,,,,
100% plug-n-play and is tuned for the stock Harley radio flash on your bike ,,,, along with simple screw adjustments on the amp for gain level, freq response etc ,,,,
then you can upgrade speakers at a later time, with J&Ms new ROKKER performance 6.58" speakers, or Harley Boom I or any other speaker that you want to experiment with ,,,
I do not currently know of any drop-in fairing speaker for the 14-21 Harleys, (including the new J&M performance 6.58" Harley speaker being released in late March) that will make enough difference on the highway, compared to the stock speakers.
I have heard the Harley Boom I, new Harley Fosgate, and many other drop ins, and without adding an amp, you just will not notice a significant difference on the highway.
my suggestion is to START by adding an amplifier for the fairing speakers only, and the best one for the $$ spent that I know of is J&M part # JMAA-2000HC14 on our website (100W RMS X 2, into 2-ohms, 200w RMS total) ,,, with discount and free ground shipping it is a very good value ,,,,
100% plug-n-play and is tuned for the stock Harley radio flash on your bike ,,,, along with simple screw adjustments on the amp for gain level, freq response etc ,,,,
then you can upgrade speakers at a later time, with J&Ms new ROKKER performance 6.58" speakers, or Harley Boom I or any other speaker that you want to experiment with ,,,
__________________
JMJOHN,,,, www.Jmcorp.com ,,,, send email direct to John@Jmcorp.com for your HD-Forums VIP Discount Promo Code.
JMJOHN,,,, www.Jmcorp.com ,,,, send email direct to John@Jmcorp.com for your HD-Forums VIP Discount Promo Code.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 1,603
From: High Point, NC.
Hi all,
Own a 2020 Ultra Limited with stock GTS radio and speakers (2 x fairing speakers, 2 x tour-pak speakers). I'm no audiophile but the sound is pretty 'meh. I'm not so much looking for increased loudness as I am looking for better clarity (although I wouldn't mind a little more bass as well). Is it possible to just upgrade the speakers and obtain better sound without adding an amp? Or is an amp pretty much a requirement?
I like the thought of a drop in kit like the Boom system as it would make it easy for a non-audio person like me to install (I prefer to work on my own bikes). That said searching around the Boom system doesn't seem to be the best option. Is the Rockford Fosgate systems any better? Is there another solution that is plug and play? My budget would probably be ~$1k. I wouldn't mind getting rid of those ugly cloth speaker covers as well.
Thanks!!
Own a 2020 Ultra Limited with stock GTS radio and speakers (2 x fairing speakers, 2 x tour-pak speakers). I'm no audiophile but the sound is pretty 'meh. I'm not so much looking for increased loudness as I am looking for better clarity (although I wouldn't mind a little more bass as well). Is it possible to just upgrade the speakers and obtain better sound without adding an amp? Or is an amp pretty much a requirement?
I like the thought of a drop in kit like the Boom system as it would make it easy for a non-audio person like me to install (I prefer to work on my own bikes). That said searching around the Boom system doesn't seem to be the best option. Is the Rockford Fosgate systems any better? Is there another solution that is plug and play? My budget would probably be ~$1k. I wouldn't mind getting rid of those ugly cloth speaker covers as well.
Thanks!!
If you can do the work yourself, you can put together a pretty good amp and 4 speaker system for 1000 bucks. Plug and play i s just a marketing term too. Don;t get caught up in that term too much. You still have to run power and ground wires to your battery and a remote turn on for your amp. Also, running new speaker wires aren't necessary, but easy to do and worth the extra time.
For that kind of money, the stinger spx 700 is still a good amp, wont interfere with your FM signal and will power 4 mmats 601cx speakers just fine. BIG improvement over stock crap.
You could spend a tad bit more and get the sd 800 evox, but you may notice some FM loss.
Other guys I'm sure have some other ideas that might be just as cheap and better.
You'd also have to have your HU flashed, which most dealers can do now. That should run you around 50 bucks.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 3,371
Likes: 689
From: indiana
The JMAA-2000HC14 is NOT the best one for the money as it is $500 for a 100w x 2 channel amp at 2 ohm. Im not even sure if it is 4ohm capable. If it doesn't have 4 ohm capability then not only is it over rated/priced then it isnt even standard and only capable of using very limited speakers which makes it almost obsolete in todays motorcycle audio arena. Not only is it obsolete, it is sold with an amp tray that is not needed on either a rushmore or older batwing. So with that being said, Im sorry John but it falls short of even being a sound amp let alone a good amp and is way over priced with add ons that are not needed. If i5t is 4 ohm stable then that needs to be stated on J&M website.
Now to answer the OP's question, it is virtually useless to replace the speakers with aftermarket without applying an amp. Most aftermarket speakers are 4-8ohm and the boom hu is 2 ohm output. This means you will loose half the volume you already have with aftermarket speakers. An amp is the only way to achieve any type of volume needed to hear the speakers.
Now to answer the OP's question, it is virtually useless to replace the speakers with aftermarket without applying an amp. Most aftermarket speakers are 4-8ohm and the boom hu is 2 ohm output. This means you will loose half the volume you already have with aftermarket speakers. An amp is the only way to achieve any type of volume needed to hear the speakers.
Last edited by travelingypsye; Feb 19, 2021 at 12:31 PM.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 155
Likes: 46
From: SE Michigan, USA
To answer your question, really there's no point in upgrading your speakers only. There might be 2ohm, which you'd have to use, replacement speakers, but not sure you'd get any benefit from them if you're not adding an amp.
If you can do the work yourself, you can put together a pretty good amp and 4 speaker system for 1000 bucks. Plug and play i s just a marketing term too. Don;t get caught up in that term too much. You still have to run power and ground wires to your battery and a remote turn on for your amp. Also, running new speaker wires aren't necessary, but easy to do and worth the extra time.
For that kind of money, the stinger spx 700 is still a good amp, wont interfere with your FM signal and will power 4 mmats 601cx speakers just fine. BIG improvement over stock crap.
You could spend a tad bit more and get the sd 800 evox, but you may notice some FM loss.
Other guys I'm sure have some other ideas that might be just as cheap and better.
You'd also have to have your HU flashed, which most dealers can do now. That should run you around 50 bucks.
If you can do the work yourself, you can put together a pretty good amp and 4 speaker system for 1000 bucks. Plug and play i s just a marketing term too. Don;t get caught up in that term too much. You still have to run power and ground wires to your battery and a remote turn on for your amp. Also, running new speaker wires aren't necessary, but easy to do and worth the extra time.
For that kind of money, the stinger spx 700 is still a good amp, wont interfere with your FM signal and will power 4 mmats 601cx speakers just fine. BIG improvement over stock crap.
You could spend a tad bit more and get the sd 800 evox, but you may notice some FM loss.
Other guys I'm sure have some other ideas that might be just as cheap and better.
You'd also have to have your HU flashed, which most dealers can do now. That should run you around 50 bucks.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 155
Likes: 46
From: SE Michigan, USA
The JMAA-2000HC14 is NOT the best one for the money as it is $500 for a 100w x 2 channel amp at 2 ohm. Im not even sure if it is 4ohm capable. If it doesn't have 4 ohm capability then not only is it over rated/priced then it isnt even standard and only capable of using very limited speakers which makes it almost obsolete in todays motorcycle audio arena. Not only is it obsolete, it is sold with an amp tray that is not needed on either a rushmore or older batwing. So with that being said, Im sorry John but it falls short of even being a sound amp let alone a good amp and is way over priced with add ons that are not needed. If i5t is 4 ohm stable then that needs to be stated on J&M website.
Now to answer the OP's question, it is virtually useless to replace the speakers with aftermarket without applying an amp. Most aftermarket speakers are 4-8ohm and the boom hu is 2 ohm output. This means you will loose half the volume you already have with aftermarket speakers. An amp is the only way to achieve any type of volume needed to hear the speakers.
Now to answer the OP's question, it is virtually useless to replace the speakers with aftermarket without applying an amp. Most aftermarket speakers are 4-8ohm and the boom hu is 2 ohm output. This means you will loose half the volume you already have with aftermarket speakers. An amp is the only way to achieve any type of volume needed to hear the speakers.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 1,603
From: High Point, NC.
You want that signal as flat as possible when adding aftermarket amps and speakers.
There are several different flashes you can get. The RK flash is a popular one as it retains fade functionality. Not necessarily needed on a bike since most speakers are within a couple of fee from the listener, but it can sometimes be handy I think depending on your set up.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 3,371
Likes: 689
From: indiana
Depending on just what you want, a good 4 chaneel setup that wont break the bank is a stinger spx700 amp with 4 mmats pa speakers. pa 601cx in the fairing and pa 690 in the lids. That setup is loud, good sq and wont break the bank while keeping fm reception.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 2,213
Likes: 671
From: Andover, MN
I would recommend going with a Biketroinics Line Leveler instead of flash. Both improves the sound significantly and makes it a "plug-n-play" to connect stock speaker wires to amp. They run about $80
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 1,603
From: High Point, NC.
Also as gypsie said....stinger and mmats combo is a great leap forward in audio. I think you want 2 pairs of 601cx, and not the 690cx since you have a tour pack and not speaker lids.
I ran this set up...which the 690 6x9s in my lids and the 601cx in the fairing and loved it. WAY louder than you'll need to ear at any speed.
Last edited by teedoff65; Feb 19, 2021 at 01:48 PM.