Hello. New guy here. I have a few questions regarding the best direction to take in upgrading my system. I have a 2000 Ultra Classic with the stock radio( for now). I'm currently running a Hogtunes 40.4 amp (40wX4ch@2ohms) into two Hogtunes 2ohm 5-1/4" faring speakers, and two 7" Hogtunes 2ohm woofers in the lowers. These are running off the front channels of the radio. In the rear pods, I have the 5-1/4" Hogtunes 5.75 ohm speakers running off the stock power of the head unit rear channel. I'm looking to upgrade my system a piece or two at a time, whatever gives the best bang for the buck.

I understand all about the series/parallel wiring principals and how they work to keep the load where you need it to be. I have taken into consideration that my speakers are 2 ohm, and that replacements will be 2 or 4 ohms. I'm thinking of either a Rockford 2ch, or the Soundstream (or PPI equivalent) 2 or 4ch. Also planning Polk mm651 2.7 ohm speakers,at least in the fairing, maybe the lowers too. I need to keep the fader function, so I might also get Polks in the rear pods and run off the rear channel of a 4 ch amp, having the front 4 off the front channels, or a separate 2 ch amp for them. If the lower speakers aren't even worth it, I'd run 4 Polks off a 4ch amp. Fairing and rear pods.

So now for the questions. Which gives me the most improvement, replacing the amp, or the speakers first? I'm looking for more sound quality than I currently have. If I turn up the bass where I'd like it, it seems to push too hard, and into distortion. I guess my main questions would be 1. Would the Hogtunes speakers benefit from a better amp and more power,or are they at the limit of how good they would ever sound?
2. Is the amp good enough to keep and upgrading the speakers is more important?
I'd likely do either speakers or amp this year, and the other next season. I'd also try selling anything that gets replaced to help pay for the next upgrade. I know this is long, but I'm looking for someone that might be experienced in the components I'm currently running. Thanks for any help.

 

2000 FLHTCUI; When an existing amp is in place and the OP wants to replace everything in stages as you are wanting to do, I always suggest going speakers first. Your speaker selection sets the stage for further upgrades down the road. So in your case I would do this in this order for best possible outcome.

1. replace fairing speakers with the Biketronics BT7P1 7.1". When you install these make sure to use polyfil around them.
2. replace lower pod speakers with the BT7P1 as well (providing they'll fit) and line the pod with polyfil as well.
3. when the above is installed, wire both pair of speakers in parallel creating a 2 ohm load at the front channel of the amp.
4. replace rear speakers with the Polk MM651 speakers making sure to line the pod with polyfil as well. When you install these they will need to be re-wired to be connected to the rear outputs of the amp
5. replace amp with another 4 channel amp that can really wake this speaker combination up and make them come alive for you.
6. and since you stated "for now" if you're going to go through all of this, I would replace the head unit as well.

Being that you'll be replacing the amp at some point it might be wise to go ahead and replace the head unit at the same time since most any aftermarket amp is going to have RCA inputs and with the aftermarket head unit having RCAs as well, will save you the time and trouble of wiring speaker inputs then having to undo all of that to replace with RCAs at a later time. Also on a side note, if you go this route and the 7.1" fit the lower pods and you don't need the adapter rings that come with them, let me know as I'll take them off your hands.


My recommendation:
BT7P1 - 249/pr = $500 (these come with adapter rings)
MM651 - $140
Polyfil - $15
Soundstream PN4.520D - $100 (be aware of FM reception issues)
Biketronics BT1000 Handlebar Control Module and Install Kit - $197
CD - Sony CDX-GT700HD - $110
OR
iPod - Sony DSX-S310BTX - $130

so for about $1100 you will have a pretty bad-azz system that you'll be happy with and your friends will be envious of.

 

Thank you for the detailed reply! Are the Biketronics speakers really $100/pr better than the Polks? I know they have a lifetime warranty.

 

I feel they are worth every penny...

 

Also, I'll be at the 110th checking out any vendors and a bike stereo competition to see and hear what people are running.

 

Sweet. Thanks.

 

cool deal.. fill us in..

 

If anyone is interested:
Saturday at House of Harley on S Layton ave. has a "park and pound" bike sound competition. Hope this link works.
http://houseofharley.com/en/events/a...casa-de-harley

 

wish someone did it around here...

 

I've been doing a metric ****ton of reading on this forum, and I am a little worried about the fm issues with the Soundstream amps. Am I correct that they are hit or miss? Any word on the PPI amps and if they have the same problems. My fm fades in and out with my Hogtunes amp. More like it lessens in strenght and clarity, not totally fading out. I thought it was a radio issue until I was on this forum, now I think its the amp causing it. Also, it seems that mounting in the tour pack or bags would not cause an issue, correct? I don't want a situation worse than I have now. I'd look into any shielding options first.