I have a Sound Digital 800.4D evo amp in my 2012 Ultra and I have toasted 2 sets of Polk audio D55 speakers. I am looking for something that will hold up with decent sound. I play it loud because I am half deaf from race cars, motorcycles and loud toys. Any suggestions on something that will last and fit in the batwing fairing?
Thanks, Terry C

 

Do you play fairing only or are the tour pak speakers in play?

 

Tour pack speakers are also in play and are currently the Polk DB55s

 

what is the budget?

 

So "I play it loud" ....

How are you setting gains? What volume level on your radio is loud enough for you to hear?

NO speaker will last if you're over working them and introducing distortion. Setting your gains and max volume on your radio is crucial to your speakers long life regardless of brand.

As fireball asked, what is your budget for speakers?

 

As Teed mentioned, nothing will hold up if not tuned. That's why you blew two sets. That amp can very much power those speakers for a very long time, as long as it's setup properly. I suggest doing some research on amp setting before buying new speakers.

 

As for budget, I don’t mind spending a few $$ to get the right speakers say 200 maybe. As for setting the gains, I have followed the instructions that came with the amp which if I recall correctly was to turn the volume up half way and then turn the gain until I hear distortion and back it off a little. I probably listen at about 8 bars mostly

 

You should reread the Gains FAQ and spend some time really understanding the logic. I realize that you are just trying to recall, but you've got some pretty key points incorrect or missing in your summary. As a matter of fact, while I know many folks have the ability and are successful using their ears to detect distortion, I highly recommend less experienced folks to double-check the volts as well to make sure they are in the ball park. It's pretty easy, and with your track record, I'd say mandatory. I don't even trust myself, and I not only check the volts but also scope it to make sure all's well. Lastly, I think $200 is a little slim. My .02 fwiw.

 

^^^^^^^^ what he said. You would want your radio volume at about 80 and then adjust amp gains.

When you measure gains correctly with a multimeter, you would be completely shocked how adjusting that gain by a hair will significantly increase the voltage/wattage.
And yes, $200 is very slim for good motorcycle speakers now days. The market and industry has changed, and so have the prices. It's not like buying car stereo shix anymore.

And, we aren't trying to be a-holes. Just trying to get you in the right direction so you don't blow another set of speakers.

 

Ok I will read more on setting the gains, I do have volt ohm meters but I don’t think that I ever saw anything about checking voltage in the instructions. I certainly don’t trust my ears as I said, I am half deaf. 200 is not nessecsrily my limit just a ball park. I did not want to say no limit and sound like I have more money than brains. I don’t have a lot of either 😆