Massive Audio BX2 (pics)
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 297
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From: Pacific Northwest
Massive Audio BX2 (pics)
Hope to eventually also do a mini review of this amp + MM651's, but first off here's the Specs and Pics.
Specs:
The Massive BX2:
Dimensions:
Top (don't know why i didn't flip it... in a hurry w/ crummy cell phone camera):
Bottom:
Sides:
Thought i'd take a bit of a gamble with this amp vs the PPI i350 (same as soundstream), or PN4.520D. Just for a "simple" 2 speaker upgrade on my brother's 07 EGC.
I plan on testing FM reception, knowing that even if it doesn't interfere on this bike, it may on the next. Too many variables from the manufacturer changing components or system board v1 vs 1.1, to the install, to the placement of antenna (internal, amped, regular, etc.), routing of wires (across power, or speaker wires next to power from battery, etc.). ETC ETC ETC!
I don't know how i can easily test, without being an EE, actual RMS output. I know the previous Massive product (similar form factor and Class D), the Massive NX (2 and 4 i believe) were blasted by the audio forums for not putting out the claimed RMS power.
What i hope to measure is a before and after measurement on my brother's bike in dB w/ SPL meter. I'd like to do this with mine as well, but will probably use his as a baseline (1 year model difference). I'm not putting back the stock HU and speakers to test - sorry, but it will have to be close enough!
My goal here is to see if this is a viable alternative (admittedly for a bit more $) to the SS/PPI offerings. Maybe w/ some more power, a bit smaller form factor, and (fingers crossed) no FM interference!
Please note, and don't bash me, but i'm SLOW. Work and other responsibilities make it tough to do all i hope as quickly as i'd like. I may delay finishing the install on my bike to do this install on my brother's bike.
Will update here as i install and test.
Thx!
Rob
Specs:
The Massive BX2:
- 120W RMS x 2 @ 4 Ohms
- 240W RMS x 2 @ 2 Ohms
- 480W RMS x 1 [Bridged] @4 Ohms
6-5/16" L x 5" W x 1-5/8" H
Bottom:
Sides:
Thought i'd take a bit of a gamble with this amp vs the PPI i350 (same as soundstream), or PN4.520D. Just for a "simple" 2 speaker upgrade on my brother's 07 EGC.
I plan on testing FM reception, knowing that even if it doesn't interfere on this bike, it may on the next. Too many variables from the manufacturer changing components or system board v1 vs 1.1, to the install, to the placement of antenna (internal, amped, regular, etc.), routing of wires (across power, or speaker wires next to power from battery, etc.). ETC ETC ETC!
I don't know how i can easily test, without being an EE, actual RMS output. I know the previous Massive product (similar form factor and Class D), the Massive NX (2 and 4 i believe) were blasted by the audio forums for not putting out the claimed RMS power.
What i hope to measure is a before and after measurement on my brother's bike in dB w/ SPL meter. I'd like to do this with mine as well, but will probably use his as a baseline (1 year model difference). I'm not putting back the stock HU and speakers to test - sorry, but it will have to be close enough!
My goal here is to see if this is a viable alternative (admittedly for a bit more $) to the SS/PPI offerings. Maybe w/ some more power, a bit smaller form factor, and (fingers crossed) no FM interference!
Please note, and don't bash me, but i'm SLOW. Work and other responsibilities make it tough to do all i hope as quickly as i'd like. I may delay finishing the install on my bike to do this install on my brother's bike.
Will update here as i install and test.
Thx!
Rob
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 297
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
Forgot to add this.
UltraNutZ and others - really curious if anyone can compare the side shots w/ the SS models. Just in case this is basically a re-badged/branded version of the SS/PPI?
Dimensions are *really* close and even the exterior w/o the emblem look really similar. If it really is the same at each side, i may be willing to cut the "void if removed" stickers and pull the cover to take pics of the internals. But only if it's too close to call.
Output is close enough to be minor updates, and understanding that actual RMS not always what's on the box (hopefully close!).
Thx!
UltraNutZ and others - really curious if anyone can compare the side shots w/ the SS models. Just in case this is basically a re-badged/branded version of the SS/PPI?
Dimensions are *really* close and even the exterior w/o the emblem look really similar. If it really is the same at each side, i may be willing to cut the "void if removed" stickers and pull the cover to take pics of the internals. But only if it's too close to call.
Output is close enough to be minor updates, and understanding that actual RMS not always what's on the box (hopefully close!).
Thx!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
nah they're completely different but then that's not saying much either since the PPI amps are manufactured by Epsilon also (manufacturer of SS and others) but the outside has a slightly different design. Look for the name epsilon on anything including paperwork.
On a side note: man that amp looks thick!
On a side note: man that amp looks thick!
Forgot to add this.
UltraNutZ and others - really curious if anyone can compare the side shots w/ the SS models. Just in case this is basically a re-badged/branded version of the SS/PPI?
Dimensions are *really* close and even the exterior w/o the emblem look really similar. If it really is the same at each side, i may be willing to cut the "void if removed" stickers and pull the cover to take pics of the internals. But only if it's too close to call.
Output is close enough to be minor updates, and understanding that actual RMS not always what's on the box (hopefully close!).
Thx!
UltraNutZ and others - really curious if anyone can compare the side shots w/ the SS models. Just in case this is basically a re-badged/branded version of the SS/PPI?
Dimensions are *really* close and even the exterior w/o the emblem look really similar. If it really is the same at each side, i may be willing to cut the "void if removed" stickers and pull the cover to take pics of the internals. But only if it's too close to call.
Output is close enough to be minor updates, and understanding that actual RMS not always what's on the box (hopefully close!).
Thx!
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 297
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
nah they're completely different but then that's not saying much either since the PPI amps are manufactured by Epsilon also (manufacturer of SS and others) but the outside has a slightly different design. Look for the name epsilon on anything including paperwork.
On a side note: man that amp looks thick!
On a side note: man that amp looks thick!
He's keeping stock HU, so we'll know pretty quick if it will fit or not!
AND my plan worked - dropped it all off at Brother's house last night after work and he's already chomping at the bit to install! SO might be sooner than i thought (like this weekend)!
Will keep you all updated!
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 297
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
Definitely got him excited and was tough getting him to slow down enough for me to come over and help!
He installed the speakers and ran it off the stock HK HU for a day or two. Sounded WAY better than the stock speakers - MM651's are definitely a great upgrade even w/o an amp. You know you need one though - still distorts, but so much clearer until it does w/ some bump and clarity!
I went over late yesterday and we got the BX2 installed. Swapped the HU, ran power, ground, and speaker wires last night. Then wired (using high input vs to RCA) everything up this afternoon and started dressing wires. Set gain, and Poly Fill'd them.
Some test fitting before we used velcro to mount:
Did a test fit before securing stuff down and finishing dressing the cables (minimally - not going to be a show bike).
AND of course - poly fill:
Let's see - issues/problems/critiques...
Mostly user error i'd guess. Adapter ring screws are too long and dimpled the front of his inner fairing - he was/is pissed. I didn't know to warn him.
using 12g wire is a PITA (had some extra so thought i'd use it). Overkill - yes. PITA - definitely. Finding 12g connectors is ridiculous and added at least one trip to the store late at night! And the crummy package found that had them had THREE (WTF!) and was the last one of course.
PolyFill is awesome - just need to restrain from stuffing in the whole bag for 2 speakers (user error again).
Some critique on the Amp. Documentation in box is about useless. Doesn't say what wire goes to what for the high level input.
DOES NOT HAVE L & R! (wtf?) instead uses "1" and "2" - i have no idea what genius thought of that, but doesn't make sense to me. I wired everything assuming L&R was left to right. Nothing caught on fire, so guessing that works. And stock HU doesn't fade L->R, so couldn't doublecheck easily.
I did a couple other things here. Swapped my HK HU in for his (his backlight died). Also added a "Y" antenna splitter and added a small in-fairing antenna plus his stock (non-removable now) tourpack antenna/whip. Stock whip is of course superior, but this does seem to give some best of both options when he gets the removable tourpack.
Reception was good w/ the small in-fairing, but better w/ the full whip.
Unfortunately at first blush... looks like FM IS IMPACTED. a small local station KEXP 90.3 was lost (one of his favorite two when not using Pandora/Phone audio).
I need to do a couple more tests to make sure - like Gone Riding has done. A little bummed, but may also try the Ferrite wrap to see if it helps. Hope to give you some more detail on how badly FM may be impacted.
Actual RMS output? I have no idea. It's ridiculously loud. The MM651's sound amazing. Clear, tight mids, and surprising amount of bass. F'ing LOUD!
He's very happy, so i'm happy as well. Look forward to a couple more tweaks. Ferrite and some FM reception testing w/ my handheld transceiver to see what channels / frequencies are impacted, and how much.
Fit great - loud as hell - FM... maybe. For the price i got it, i'm not totally disappointed.
Also (almost forgot), when he went for a test ride, he was hearing some alternator noise when using the 3.5mm Aux In from his phone. Appreciate any suggestions to troubleshoot that!
Couple video's of his setup:
And going for his test ride:
Will try to update again after some real testing.
HTH!
He installed the speakers and ran it off the stock HK HU for a day or two. Sounded WAY better than the stock speakers - MM651's are definitely a great upgrade even w/o an amp. You know you need one though - still distorts, but so much clearer until it does w/ some bump and clarity!
I went over late yesterday and we got the BX2 installed. Swapped the HU, ran power, ground, and speaker wires last night. Then wired (using high input vs to RCA) everything up this afternoon and started dressing wires. Set gain, and Poly Fill'd them.
Some test fitting before we used velcro to mount:
Did a test fit before securing stuff down and finishing dressing the cables (minimally - not going to be a show bike).
AND of course - poly fill:
Let's see - issues/problems/critiques...
Mostly user error i'd guess. Adapter ring screws are too long and dimpled the front of his inner fairing - he was/is pissed. I didn't know to warn him.
using 12g wire is a PITA (had some extra so thought i'd use it). Overkill - yes. PITA - definitely. Finding 12g connectors is ridiculous and added at least one trip to the store late at night! And the crummy package found that had them had THREE (WTF!) and was the last one of course.
PolyFill is awesome - just need to restrain from stuffing in the whole bag for 2 speakers (user error again).
Some critique on the Amp. Documentation in box is about useless. Doesn't say what wire goes to what for the high level input.
DOES NOT HAVE L & R! (wtf?) instead uses "1" and "2" - i have no idea what genius thought of that, but doesn't make sense to me. I wired everything assuming L&R was left to right. Nothing caught on fire, so guessing that works. And stock HU doesn't fade L->R, so couldn't doublecheck easily.
I did a couple other things here. Swapped my HK HU in for his (his backlight died). Also added a "Y" antenna splitter and added a small in-fairing antenna plus his stock (non-removable now) tourpack antenna/whip. Stock whip is of course superior, but this does seem to give some best of both options when he gets the removable tourpack.
Reception was good w/ the small in-fairing, but better w/ the full whip.
Unfortunately at first blush... looks like FM IS IMPACTED. a small local station KEXP 90.3 was lost (one of his favorite two when not using Pandora/Phone audio).
I need to do a couple more tests to make sure - like Gone Riding has done. A little bummed, but may also try the Ferrite wrap to see if it helps. Hope to give you some more detail on how badly FM may be impacted.
Actual RMS output? I have no idea. It's ridiculously loud. The MM651's sound amazing. Clear, tight mids, and surprising amount of bass. F'ing LOUD!
He's very happy, so i'm happy as well. Look forward to a couple more tweaks. Ferrite and some FM reception testing w/ my handheld transceiver to see what channels / frequencies are impacted, and how much.
Fit great - loud as hell - FM... maybe. For the price i got it, i'm not totally disappointed.
Also (almost forgot), when he went for a test ride, he was hearing some alternator noise when using the 3.5mm Aux In from his phone. Appreciate any suggestions to troubleshoot that!
Couple video's of his setup:
And going for his test ride:
Will try to update again after some real testing.
HTH!
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