Arc vs Ground Zero vs Cicada
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 186
Likes: 41
From: NH / USA
Arc vs Ground Zero vs Cicada
So I am running a very simple 2 speaker set-up and am amp (Rockford Fosgate TM400x2ad) off of my new Soundstream HDHU14+ head unit. My current Arc Audio 602v2s need replacing and I have it narrowed down to the following choices:
GZCF 6.5SPL
Arc Audio CX6
Cicada CX65.4
Since I am only running two speakers I wanted something with a little more mid-bass than the standard fairing speaker. Ive heard the GZs had some quality control issues recently and between that and needing to modify the pods, Im a little wary of them. The other two I cant find too much comparisons on - especially when combined with my specific amp.
So Im curious to hear what the pros on this forum have to say. Again, I have zero plans on turning this into a competition bike. This is a two speaker setup that is on my daily driver that I just want to be able to listen to at 70+ MPH (I understand that bass goes out the window at that speed, but I dont always ride that fast).
GZCF 6.5SPL
Arc Audio CX6
Cicada CX65.4
Since I am only running two speakers I wanted something with a little more mid-bass than the standard fairing speaker. Ive heard the GZs had some quality control issues recently and between that and needing to modify the pods, Im a little wary of them. The other two I cant find too much comparisons on - especially when combined with my specific amp.
So Im curious to hear what the pros on this forum have to say. Again, I have zero plans on turning this into a competition bike. This is a two speaker setup that is on my daily driver that I just want to be able to listen to at 70+ MPH (I understand that bass goes out the window at that speed, but I dont always ride that fast).
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 5,749
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From: High Point, NC.
OK so for coax speakers, the GZ will probably be the warmest. The have had quality issues in the past, but perhaps that was from ppl over driving them and trying to feed them 300 watts at 60hz. lol
Many are running them just fine with less watts and they are loud and pretty warm for a coax.
Havent heard the others, but going by what other pl who have, have said, the GZ's I think still might be warmer.
Now another route you could go is switching to a mid bass component set up. Depending on how much money you want to spend of course.
I have the faital pro rs140's in my fairing with a pair of diamond tweeters in the grills. You'd def need a DSP for comp speakers though. faitals I think are around a similar price as the GZ's but then so are the tweeters. There are cheaper tweeters, but not sure they'd fit in the grills, which was what I wanted. I didn't want to remove a gauge or drill holes in the inner fairing.
Many are running them just fine with less watts and they are loud and pretty warm for a coax.
Havent heard the others, but going by what other pl who have, have said, the GZ's I think still might be warmer.
Now another route you could go is switching to a mid bass component set up. Depending on how much money you want to spend of course.
I have the faital pro rs140's in my fairing with a pair of diamond tweeters in the grills. You'd def need a DSP for comp speakers though. faitals I think are around a similar price as the GZ's but then so are the tweeters. There are cheaper tweeters, but not sure they'd fit in the grills, which was what I wanted. I didn't want to remove a gauge or drill holes in the inner fairing.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 672
From: Andover, MN
I would stay away from the Arc's.
I would suggest GZ or Cicada's. The GZ will play a little lower, but they like power. So you would be pushing that RF full tilt. The Cicada will be louder and clearer with good punch, but they should being they are $250 more a pair.
Another option would be the Mmats pa 601cx. They don't need a lot of power, reliable, good mid bass.
I would suggest GZ or Cicada's. The GZ will play a little lower, but they like power. So you would be pushing that RF full tilt. The Cicada will be louder and clearer with good punch, but they should being they are $250 more a pair.
Another option would be the Mmats pa 601cx. They don't need a lot of power, reliable, good mid bass.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 186
Likes: 41
From: NH / USA
I would stay away from the Arc's.
I would suggest GZ or Cicada's. The GZ will play a little lower, but they like power. So you would be pushing that RF full tilt. The Cicada will be louder and clearer with good punch, but they should being they are $250 more a pair.
Another option would be the Mmats pa 601cx. They don't need a lot of power, reliable, good mid bass.
I would suggest GZ or Cicada's. The GZ will play a little lower, but they like power. So you would be pushing that RF full tilt. The Cicada will be louder and clearer with good punch, but they should being they are $250 more a pair.
Another option would be the Mmats pa 601cx. They don't need a lot of power, reliable, good mid bass.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 672
From: Andover, MN
Haven't heard a set of Arc's yet that I've liked, especially for the price.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 186
Likes: 41
From: NH / USA
NVS Audio had a review on them and they sound pretty good. I couldnt find much on the Cicadas which is the only reason the Arcs are leading the race for me.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 672
From: Andover, MN
Thats definitely fair. Have you heard the CX6s though?
NVS Audio had a review on them and they sound pretty good. I couldnt find much on the Cicadas which is the only reason the Arcs are leading the race for me.
https://youtu.be/yGCaGaSad0s
NVS Audio had a review on them and they sound pretty good. I couldnt find much on the Cicadas which is the only reason the Arcs are leading the race for me.
https://youtu.be/yGCaGaSad0s
I can tell you that I have a set of 8" Cicada that I'm installing on my bike and I am very impressed with them so far.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Danbury CT
I replaced my gz's with Arc CX6's and have not looked back.... and I will put the 6x9 version in the bags when they come out to replace my 6x9 Mmats.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 981
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From: Vancouver Canada
What amp are you using to power the Arc's? Wattage/freq vs the GZ's...what are the pro's that cause you not to look back?