The Official 2014 audio upgrade thread
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Tecumseh,Mi
Responses like that is one of the reasons i dont hang out on this site much... Who wants to read through every single post which by the way is up to 114 pages! Why not make a sticky with what manufacture and model numbers of the amps and speakers to help others out instead of making them sort through it all after all the forums is suppose to be for helping others right! Just forget it Im out of here.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 1,091
From: Eastern IA
Well I've spent a good portion of my day and evening reading this thread , lots of great info , thanks to the major contributors , I didn't make it through the entire thread , started jumping forward after pg 56.
For my 14 SG with the 4.3 unit ,
I'm looking at a pretty good deal on an Arc KS 125.2 BX2 , and either Hertz HCX 165's or Focal 165AC's , as this thread went along I haven't seen much mention of these components in later posts.
Would this be a pretty solid combo for say around $350 for speakers & amp or could I do better for that money ?
Just looking to do a fairing upgrade.
For my 14 SG with the 4.3 unit ,
I'm looking at a pretty good deal on an Arc KS 125.2 BX2 , and either Hertz HCX 165's or Focal 165AC's , as this thread went along I haven't seen much mention of these components in later posts.
Would this be a pretty solid combo for say around $350 for speakers & amp or could I do better for that money ?
Just looking to do a fairing upgrade.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
Well I've spent a good portion of my day and evening reading this thread , lots of great info , thanks to the major contributors , I didn't make it through the entire thread , started jumping forward after pg 56.
For my 14 SG with the 4.3 unit ,
I'm looking at a pretty good deal on an Arc KS 125.2 BX2 , and either Hertz HCX 165's or Focal 165AC's , as this thread went along I haven't seen much mention of these components in later posts.
Would this be a pretty solid combo for say around $350 for speakers & amp or could I do better for that money ?
Just looking to do a fairing upgrade.
For my 14 SG with the 4.3 unit ,
I'm looking at a pretty good deal on an Arc KS 125.2 BX2 , and either Hertz HCX 165's or Focal 165AC's , as this thread went along I haven't seen much mention of these components in later posts.
Would this be a pretty solid combo for say around $350 for speakers & amp or could I do better for that money ?
Just looking to do a fairing upgrade.
For the price you're paying, you'll be head and shoulders above that stock crap, and will have a nice system. So yes sir, I feel either of those setups will be worth the 350 price tag.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 1,091
From: Eastern IA
That ARC amp is a very good little amp. Be careful with that BX setting. I would definitely pick the Hertz 165s over the Focal 165s. I've had plenty bring those Focals here for install because of the "name". They sound like crap IMO.
For the price you're paying, you'll be head and shoulders above that stock crap, and will have a nice system. So yes sir, I feel either of those setups will be worth the 350 price tag.
For the price you're paying, you'll be head and shoulders above that stock crap, and will have a nice system. So yes sir, I feel either of those setups will be worth the 350 price tag.
I can get the popular RF PBR300X2 for the same money as the Arc , $155.00 I'm not sure what the BX setting is your referring to on the Arc ? So given that choice of amps which way would you go ? The BT4180 is just more than I want to spend right now. I Guess I was a little low on the Hertz 165's so amp & speakers come in at $435 , still not bad for a good sounding system unless there's a better speaker choice for around $275 - $300 or less with either of those amps. If I can get a nice improvement crisper cleaner , louder wouldn't hurt
for about $500 that's my target. Is the consensus with the Harley "No Amp" flash or the magic box at this point ?
Sorry for all the questions , just getting my budget squared away & parts bought for this 1st round of mod's on my new ride.
Novice
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: washington
I have read this thread from beginning to end, 3 days to read all 115 pages. I think I have it all somewhat figured out for the most part. Going with the RF pbr300x2 with the infinity Kappa 62.11i. I have always liked the infinitys, ran all infinity kappa in the car.
The only thing I haven't quite got figured out is if I should have the radio flashed or if I should buy the magic box. What do those of you with experience on this have to say. Flash or Box? Pros and cons of each if you have them.
I know i am not looking at optimal sound quality just for an upgrade from the stock system. I have always liked the infinity ran all infinity kappa in the car. But I also want the most bang for my buck. So what is going to give me the best sound or most adjustability. Do I get full range of eq adjustment with the magic box or do I get some limitations due to the way it flattens the DSP on the head unit.
The only thing I haven't quite got figured out is if I should have the radio flashed or if I should buy the magic box. What do those of you with experience on this have to say. Flash or Box? Pros and cons of each if you have them.
I know i am not looking at optimal sound quality just for an upgrade from the stock system. I have always liked the infinity ran all infinity kappa in the car. But I also want the most bang for my buck. So what is going to give me the best sound or most adjustability. Do I get full range of eq adjustment with the magic box or do I get some limitations due to the way it flattens the DSP on the head unit.
I have read this thread from beginning to end, 3 days to read all 115 pages. I think I have it all somewhat figured out for the most part. Going with the RF pbr300x2 with the infinity Kappa 62.11i. I have always liked the infinitys, ran all infinity kappa in the car.
The only thing I haven't quite got figured out is if I should have the radio flashed or if I should buy the magic box. What do those of you with experience on this have to say. Flash or Box? Pros and cons of each if you have them.
I know i am not looking at optimal sound quality just for an upgrade from the stock system. I have always liked the infinity ran all infinity kappa in the car. But I also want the most bang for my buck. So what is going to give me the best sound or most adjustability. Do I get full range of eq adjustment with the magic box or do I get some limitations due to the way it flattens the DSP on the head unit.
The only thing I haven't quite got figured out is if I should have the radio flashed or if I should buy the magic box. What do those of you with experience on this have to say. Flash or Box? Pros and cons of each if you have them.
I know i am not looking at optimal sound quality just for an upgrade from the stock system. I have always liked the infinity ran all infinity kappa in the car. But I also want the most bang for my buck. So what is going to give me the best sound or most adjustability. Do I get full range of eq adjustment with the magic box or do I get some limitations due to the way it flattens the DSP on the head unit.
Magic Box
Pros: Plugs right into existing stock speaker connections, no trip to the dealer explaining to them what you need and hoping they have a clue as to what you are talking about and can avoid their charge, You can remove all your equipment if you trade or sell and don't have to get the unit flashed back to stock settings, Dealer does not know what you have installed so they cannot blame your equipment on a possible radio failure/warranty issue.
Cons: Cost, supposedly doesn't quite do what the flash does so could possibly be leaving some sound quality on the table.
I am running the magic box. Along with Infinity Kappas and PBR300x2. My system is plenty loud and clear at 80MPH with volume at 3/4. Huge improvement over stock! I did my upgrade back in June 2014 before anyone was real sure which flash to get and I didn't want to get the dealer involved so mostly went this route for convenience. I would love to hear a duplicate system with the flash instead of the magic box to see if I am missing out on anything...particularly, bass. I am all in at $360, and am pretty happy with what I have for sound. Some day I may add some lids or lowers but is just on my wish list for now...hope this helps!
Novice
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: washington
one other question doobie, did you set your gain on the amp with a DMM or by ear with the PBR300x2
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I just did it by ear. I have the gain set at 9 out of 11.
My girlfriend generally rides her bike behind me, staggered. She says she can hear my music just fine.
Last edited by HD_Doobie; Jan 2, 2015 at 03:46 PM.
Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 65
From: Tucson AZ
alibi ,,,,,,,,
the Arc and J&M Rokker amps will outperform the RF 300 and not get as hot in the process ,,,,,
the Arc and J&M Rokker amps will outperform the RF 300 and not get as hot in the process ,,,,,
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