Preparing for New Sound System
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 167
Likes: 4
From: Minocqua, WI
Just a quick update on my install before I head out for a 2 week trip to Montana. Hopefully my mistakes will help others.
1. If mounting the SoundStream PN 4.520d amp using Velcro and plywood make sure that the plywood is no more than 1/4" thick and that you center the amp between the fairing brackets. Mount amp as far back as possible up against the speedo/tach plastic. Otherwise the batwing fairing will never fit because of the front amp corners. This can lead you to temporary insanity for hours (maybe days) and result in your wife and kids constantly asking why your bike is still in pieces.
2. Add to your supply list some 18-gauge wire. You will need it to extend some of the stock wires to your amp. Get good at soldering.
3. Get help to pull the 10-gauge wire through the rubber casing on the frame. I ended up using an electrician's fish tape and lots of WD-40.
4. Be patient and not stubborn. Accept advice from wife once in awhile.
Hope this helps someone out.
1. If mounting the SoundStream PN 4.520d amp using Velcro and plywood make sure that the plywood is no more than 1/4" thick and that you center the amp between the fairing brackets. Mount amp as far back as possible up against the speedo/tach plastic. Otherwise the batwing fairing will never fit because of the front amp corners. This can lead you to temporary insanity for hours (maybe days) and result in your wife and kids constantly asking why your bike is still in pieces.
2. Add to your supply list some 18-gauge wire. You will need it to extend some of the stock wires to your amp. Get good at soldering.
3. Get help to pull the 10-gauge wire through the rubber casing on the frame. I ended up using an electrician's fish tape and lots of WD-40.
4. Be patient and not stubborn. Accept advice from wife once in awhile.
Hope this helps someone out.
Last edited by margin5; Jun 25, 2014 at 11:43 AM.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 167
Likes: 4
From: Minocqua, WI
Another update - took the bike for first ride today after install. Was on interstate for 20 minutes. Rear speakers already sound blown when I get them up to half volume. They are also not as loud as the front ones, like they are under powered. Front ones seem OK but will let you know in 2 weeks. All four speakers are MM651's.
I did check the amp switch to make sure they were on "F" so that's not the problem.
At least a pair will have to go back to Amazon after my trip.
I did check the amp switch to make sure they were on "F" so that's not the problem.
At least a pair will have to go back to Amazon after my trip.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 6,621
Likes: 412
From: Indianapolis IN.
Another update - took the bike for first ride today after install. Was on interstate for 20 minutes. Rear speakers already sound blown when I get them up to half volume. They are also not as loud as the front ones, like they are under powered. Front ones seem OK but will let you know in 2 weeks. All four speakers are MM651's.
I did check the amp switch to make sure they were on "F" so that's not the problem.
At least a pair will have to go back to Amazon after my trip.
I did check the amp switch to make sure they were on "F" so that's not the problem.
At least a pair will have to go back to Amazon after my trip.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 31
From: Las Vegas
My experience with the Polks was a little different. The Polks are a beast in the rear pods. Nice bass and the clarity was awesome. I too ran these with the sound stream 520.D and they did not appear to be "underpowered" Plenty of power!!! Excellent set up if you buy your speakers from an authorized dealer! Trust me.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 167
Likes: 4
From: Minocqua, WI
Thanks again.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 167
Likes: 4
From: Minocqua, WI
My experience with the Polks was a little different. The Polks are a beast in the rear pods. Nice bass and the clarity was awesome. I too ran these with the sound stream 520.D and they did not appear to be "underpowered" Plenty of power!!! Excellent set up if you buy your speakers from an authorized dealer! Trust me.
Buyer beware. I guess I'm stuck with them either way. I'll play with the amp settings some more per UN's suggestion and see what I get. Thanks for alerting me about Amazon purchases.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 167
Likes: 4
From: Minocqua, WI
Thanks much!