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Hey all, looking for recommendations on Cicada Audio products...
First, my install scenario. My bike is a Road King with the 'early style' Saddlebags (does NOT have the 'EZ Open', inboard latch). They have the H-D Boom! Audio lids for 5X7" speakers. I also have H-D Lower Fairings with the Boom! Audio pods for 6.5" speakers up front.
My current source is a JL Audio Bluetooth Receiver (MBT-RXv2) connected to a JL Audio Line Driver (CL-RLC) that I use my phone with for streaming Apple Music.
For ease of control, I have the physical **** from the Line Driver mounted in my headlight nacelle for overall level/volume control - and I have a Bluetooth handlebar device for play/pause, track <- & ->.
My thought is to use: Cicada DSP600.4 Amplifier
Cicada CXX 65.2
Cicada CXX 69.2
I've spoken to a Cicada Audio Authorized Dealer, and he said this will be a pretty good setup, and that he has installed before.
This seems like a pretty simple, straightforward choice - as it should only require a set of the Scosche 5x7-to-6x9 Adapter Rings (SAHD6901B) to get the install done.
I'll be losing the convenience of the physical level/volume control **** (which will be an inconvenience), but I will be gaining a direct-to-amp Bluetooth connection - and will therefore no longer the JL Audio equipment.
As I said, this just seems like a simple, quality solution.
Then I start overthinking stuff.
Do I need to step up to the Cicada Horn Coax (CH65.2 & CH69.2W)?
If so, should I slide up to the bigger amplifier (BDA1000.4) and just continue to use my JL Audio equipment for my source?
What about using the CCX65.2 speakers up front, and put the (CM69.2X) MidBass speakers in the bags? Would that provide a bit more bass, or sounds silly?
OR - Do I need to quit overthinking all this and just order the stuff I originally thought I should...instal it...and enjoy it?
Oh. For what it's worth. Wifey has given the OK for the current list of products. Not sure how much I'd look forward to 'begging forgiveness' afterwards if I go drop more $$$s than I told her it would be...
I would go with CH65.2 in lowers, CXX69.2 in lids and BDA1000.4
The CH's in lower will give you the volume you need. The CM69 are a good midbass, but I think you'd be a little light on power for them. You will get the most out of the CXX with the 1000.4. They will still provide some good midbass, along with full range.
I run the cicada CXX65.2 in my fairing and tourpak with a BDA1000.4 pushing them on my Triglide (no lids for 6x9s).
It is extremely loud and clear with the gain only at about 25% still using the stock GTS head unit.
I recommend buying the wiring harness and fused power wires from them as it makes the installtion a piece of cake.
Awesome upgrade from the Boom stage I amp and speakers that came on the bike.
I would recommend reviewing this page with Cicada's founders recommendations:
I would go with CH65.2 in lowers, CXX69.2 in lids and BDA1000.4
The CH's in lower will give you the volume you need. The CM69 are a good midbass, but I think you'd be a little light on power for them. You will get the most out of the CXX with the 1000.4. They will still provide some good midbass, along with full range.
Thanks for the quick reply.
Have you used any of the Cicada equipment before? If so, what have you found to be the best cutoff points for the CXX vs CH series speakers? Have you gotten good results from the physical adjustment ***** on the amplifiers...compared to having the programmable DSP functionality?
So -
I looked back thru some text messages, and the 'OK' I received from The Wifey was for:
Cicada BDA1000.4D ($530) - 220 WRMS into 2 Ohms @ 12.5VDC/254 @ 14.4VDC Cicada CXX 65.2 ($430) - 100wRMS/200w MAX Cicada CXX 69.2 ($530) - 200wRMS/400w MAX Total MSRP: $1490
Will combine with my current JL Audio equipment.
(+) All speakers are weatherproof
(+) Fits budget
(-) Amp is overpowered for CXX65
I'm sort of thinking that sliding up to the CH6.5 w/CM69 might be the move...
--- * Cicada BDA1000.4D ($530) - 220 WRMS into 2 Ohms @ 12.5VDC/254 @ 14.4VDC * Cicada CH 65.2v2 ($550) - 250wRMS/500w MAX * Cicada CM 69.2X ($500) - 250wRMS/500w MAX * Total MSRP: $1580
Will combine with my current JL Audio equipment.
(+) Fits budget
(+) Well matched wattage
(-) CH 65.2 are NOT weatherproof
I put the following together as a pros/cons sort of thing. More for my own ease of reference. And out of boredom.
My other options are:
--- Cicada DSP600.4 Amplifier ($650) - 115 WRMS into 2 Ohms @ 12.5VDC/152 @ 14.4VDC Cicada CXX 65.2 ($430) - 100wRMS/200w MAX Cicada CXX 69.2 ($530) - 200wRMS/400w MAX Total MSRP: $1610
No need for JL Audio equipment.
(+) All speakers are weatherproof
(+) Well matched wattage
(+) Fits budget
---- Cicada BDA1000.4D ($530) - 220 WRMS into 2 Ohms @ 12.5VDC/254 @ 14.4VDC Cicada CH 65.2v2 ($550) - 250wRMS/500w MAX Cicada CXX 69.2 ($530) - 200wRMS/400w MAX Total MSRP: $1610
Will combine with my current JL Audio equipment.
(+) Fits budget
(+) Well matched wattage
(-) CH 65.2 are NOT weatherproof
--- Cicada BDA1000.4D ($530) - 220 WRMS into 2 Ohms @ 12.5VDC/254 @ 14.4VDC Cicada CH 65.2v2 ($550) - 250wRMS/500w MAX Cicada CH 69.2W ($650) - 250wRMS/500w MAX Total MSRP: $1730
Will combine with my current JL Audio equipment.
(+) Well matched wattage
(-) CH 65.2 are NOT weatherproof
(-) More than I want to spend
--- Cicada DSP600.4 Amplifier ($650) - 115 WRMS into 2 Ohms @ 12.5VDC/152 @ 14.4VDC Cicada CH 65.2v2 ($550) - 250wRMS/500w MAX Cicada CH 69.2W ($650) - 250wRMS/500w MAX Total MSRP: $1850
No need for JL Audio equipment.
(+) DSP functionality
(-) CH 65.2 are NOT weatherproof
(-) Amp is underpowered for all speakers
(-) More than I want to spend
--- Cicada BDA1000.4D ($530) - 220 WRMS into 2 Ohms @ 12.5VDC/254 @ 14.4VDC Cicada DSP88V2 ($330)
Cicada CH 65.2v2 ($550) - 250wRMS/500w MAX Cicada CH 69.2W ($650) - 250wRMS/500w MAX Total MSRP: $1960
No need for JL Audio equipment.
(+) DSP functionality
(+) Well matched wattage
(-) CH 65.2 are NOT weatherproof
(-) Way more than I want to spend
I run the cicada CXX65.2 in my fairing and tourpak with a BDA1000.4 pushing them on my Triglide (no lids for 6x9s).
It is extremely loud and clear with the gain only at about 25% still using the stock GTS head unit.
I recommend buying the wiring harness and fused power wires from them as it makes the installtion a piece of cake.
Awesome upgrade from the Boom stage I amp and speakers that came on the bike.
I would recommend reviewing this page with Cicada's founders recommendations:
OH boy, that's a lot of info there. I have not personally used the CXX, but know guys who have. I've ran CH's on my bikes.
First, don't get all caught up on the numbers between amp and speaker ratings. There's no such thing as "too much amp power" for a speaker. When you set your amp gains, you set them to either full rated (or scoped) power or to match the speakers.
CH's are "water resistant" and can take on some rain. Not as good as the CXX's but they can. And if you are a all weather rider, then cover your lowers in the rain with some painters tape or Press N Seal. CH's get loud and the highs are pretty high. But they also come with a attenuator with the crossover to help calm them down.
A DSP will help some I guess. I usually don't recommend them on coax setups. You're not going to get $330 worth of better sound from it.
I set gains and crossovers with meters. So they are spot on!
And lastly, it's nice to see someone else who over thinks and over analyzes bike audio systems like myself!
OH boy, that's a lot of info there. I have not personally used the CXX, but know guys who have. I've ran CH's on my bikes.
First, don't get all caught up on the numbers between amp and speaker ratings. There's no such thing as "too much amp power" for a speaker. When you set your amp gains, you set them to either full rated (or scoped) power or to match the speakers.
CH's are "water resistant" and can take on some rain. Not as good as the CXX's but they can. And if you are a all weather rider, then cover your lowers in the rain with some painters tape or Press N Seal. CH's get loud and the highs are pretty high. But they also come with a attenuator with the crossover to help calm them down.
A DSP will help some I guess. I usually don't recommend them on coax setups. You're not going to get $330 worth of better sound from it.
I set gains and crossovers with meters. So they are spot on!
And lastly, it's nice to see someone else who over thinks and over analyzes bike audio systems like myself!
_____________________
All of my overthinking and craziness comes for doing Car Audio (SQ) Competitions back in the 1990's. Many of the over-arching ideas apply...but I tend to focus too much on 'the numbers'...kinda forgetting that a motorbike is NOT a car, and I just want it to sound decent.
Sadly, I don't have a Scope or an Analyzer to do a RTA tune. It's all going to be 'tune by ear' using several different tracks as reference. I think I can you my iPhone to play specific frequencies to make sure Crossover points are set accurately.
I'm not really an 'all weather' rider, so the weather resistance isn't a huge factor...but the CH65.2v2 are not part of Cicada's 'weatherproof'/'weather resistant' offerings. As said, it's not a huge deal...but I would mind having that feature just because.
The DSP 600.4 amplifier seems appealing to me, not so much for the actual DSP functionality - more so for the direct Bluetooth connectivity solution. so I can get rid of some of the components in my saddlebag and 'simplify' the system.
Removing all of the systems (listed in my previous post) that are above my self-imposed budget, I think I've put them into this order:
#1 --- Cicada BDA1000.4D ($530) - 220 WRMS into 2 Ohms @ 12.5VDC/254 @ 14.4VDC Cicada CH 65.2v2 ($550) - 250wRMS/500w MAX Cicada CM 69.2X ($500) - 250wRMS/500w MAX Total MSRP: $1580 Will combine with my current JL Audio equipment. (+) Fits budget (+) Ideally matched wattage (-) CH 65.2 are NOT weatherproof
(-) Unsure how the MidBass drivers will sound in saddlebags when combined with front stage - unlike a car where they would be 'rear fill'
#2 ---- Cicada BDA1000.4D ($530) - 220 WRMS into 2 Ohms @ 12.5VDC/254 @ 14.4VDC Cicada CH 65.2v2 ($550) - 250wRMS/500w MAX Cicada CXX 69.2 ($530) - 200wRMS/400w MAX Total MSRP: $1610 Will combine with my current JL Audio equipment. (+) Fits budget (+) Well matched wattage (-) CH 65.2 are NOT weatherproof
#3 --- Cicada BDA1000.4D ($530) - 220 WRMS into 2 Ohms @ 12.5VDC/254 @ 14.4VDC Cicada CXX 65.2 ($430) - 100wRMS/200w MAX Cicada CXX 69.2 ($530) - 200wRMS/400w MAX Total MSRP: $1490 Will combine with my current JL Audio equipment. (+) All speakers are weatherproof (+) Fits budget (-) Amp is overpowered for CXX65
#4 --- Cicada DSP600.4 Amplifier ($650) - 115 WRMS into 2 Ohms @ 12.5VDC/152 @ 14.4VDC Cicada CXX 65.2 ($430) - 100wRMS/200w MAX Cicada CXX 69.2 ($530) - 200wRMS/400w MAX Total MSRP: $1610 No need for JL Audio equipment. (+) All speakers are weatherproof (+) Well matched wattage (+) Fits budget
(-) Lowest 'power to $$$' ratio
Dunno. :/
The thing is - even the least expensive of these options is probably going to sound far better & play way louder than I need.
I'd probably be hitting 'buy it now' on system #1 if I had more confidence that the MidBass 6x9s would not end-up being distracting as rear speakers.
My setup...
HD GTS Head
RF Flash
Cicada BDA1400
Arc Audio CX6 4 ohm fairing speakers
Cicada CH69.2 bag speakers with added 4 ohm resistor to tame the tweeters..
No DSP
I'm very happy with this setup and I have plenty of power. My buddy has the BDA1000 and he loves it with the arc cx6's in the fairing. He will be adding either CH69.2, CHX69.2 or CXX69.2 to the bags.
I highly recommend the 2 ohm for the bags as they will be much louder and you will hear them at 80+ mph. 4 Ohms for the fairing or lowers will be fine.
I know that the original cx69s were rated 125 watts each rms. I'm surprised the cxx's take 200 each but I would check that as cicada used to put their specs per pair. If they will take 200 each I think they will sound great in the bags.
My setup...
HD GTS Head
RF Flash
Cicada BDA1400
Arc Audio CX6 4 ohm fairing speakers
Cicada CH69.2 bag speakers with added 4 ohm resistor to tame the tweeters..
No DSP
I'm very happy with this setup and I have plenty of power. My buddy has the BDA1000 and he loves it with the arc cx6's in the fairing. He will be adding either CH69.2, CHX69.2 or CXX69.2 to the bags.
I highly recommend the 2 ohm for the bags as they will be much louder and you will hear them at 80+ mph. 4 Ohms for the fairing or lowers will be fine.
I know that the original cx69s were rated 125 watts each rms. I'm surprised the cxx's take 200 each but I would check that as cicada used to put their specs per pair. If they will take 200 each I think they will sound great in the bags.
Your mention of the 4 Ohm resistor for the CH69.2 tweeters makes me think more about how using the MidBass (CM69.2) would fare in the saddlebag lids if used in combination with the CH65.2 up front.
Waiting for the Cicada dealer to open so I can try to get some feedback on the use of the MidBass in the lids.
Your mention of the 4 Ohm resistor for the CH69.2 tweeters makes me think more about how using the MidBass (CM69.2) would fare in the saddlebag lids if used in combination with the CH65.2 up front.
Waiting for the Cicada dealer to open so I can try to get some feedback on the use of the MidBass in the lids.
I think that makes sense when standing still or in the garage but when driving down the highway at speed you definitely need some highs in there....the new cxx69.2 may be a good solution. But honestly my ch69's sound real good.
Last edited by golfblues; Jul 9, 2024 at 09:53 AM.
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Cicada Audio equipment selection help
