I'm setting out to improve one key item this winter, sound system. (and do it without breaking the bank)

Requirements, retain all controls through handle bars to include an Ipod that I can control through the handle bar controls. Something that is clean, no wires or thumb drives hanging out.

I was able to find a head unit & ipod controller that would allow me to do just that A sony cdx-gt400 and the iPod Interface Adaptor XA-110IPthat charges and allows control from the Head unit. All new from Ebay.

I'm sure I'll need to add an amp for the amount of speakers I want to run but this is where "want vs knowledge" crosses paths.

What I would like to do is:

1. Speakers replace the two fairing 5 1/2 with 6 1/2 ? I did a quick fix last season (due to the stock failing) with a set of Kicker DS 525's and I'm actually pleased with them was a vast improvement.

2. Replace the lower glove boxes with speaker boxes, I've found speaker pods for both sizes.

3. Add tweeters replacing the air temp & oil gauges.

3. Add 6x9's in the lids of the saddle bags.

4. Sub's ? maybe not sure of the power drain on the bikes charging system. It is a Ultra so better charging system?

The stats of the head unit are...


CEA-2006 Compliant Yes
RMS Power Output 17 watts
Peak Output 52 watts
RMS Power Bandwidth 20-20kHz
Preamp Outputs 6-channel
Sub Preamp Outputs Yes
Switchable Rear Preamp Outputs No
Preamp Voltage 2 volts

Power Consumption (in Operation):
52W x 4 (4 Ohms)
Output Power: Ad Hoc (W)- 23.2W x 4


Now comes the lack of knowledge, what amp should or what should I look for in an amp to run this set up? I know a lot of people tend to go towards the soundstream nano amp. Which would be best for this set up or am I looking at two amps on for the mids-and tweeters and and an amp to drive subs?

As to speaker brand, after living here for a year I know a few things, a lot of people run Kicker stuff on their quads because of the durability from the salt & sand. I tend to favor durability because I'm not a fan of rework or things failing out on the road.
Most the HD guys I have spoken to run either Fosgate or Boom. Neither have been impressive to me.

So there it is, how do I get from point B to C?

Thanks.

 

Forget the idea of subs. You will never hear them at speed, and you don't have the airspace to generate a good sound wave anyway.

The Soundstream 4.520 is a good, powerful amp. Just know you will lose all FM reception.

If you want a really clean install, and don't need a CD player, you can get a radio with a "tune tray" where the iPod sits in the radio itself.

Biketronics controllers will allow you to do everything from the hand controls and retain AVC. They not only sell the controller, but have a selection of head units you can get from them in a package deal.

If you like Kicker, look at the CSS65 component speakers. With ARC adaptors you can mount the 6.5" midrange in the fairing and the tweeters can be installed in the gauge holes.

Go with the Harley CVO lower speaker pods. They will hold a 6.5" speaker. Looks like Kicker speakers are 4 ohm, so pick out a coax 6.5" speaker you like and you can run them in parallel off your front channel from a 2-ohm load.

I know you like Kicker, but if you want bass, a lot of guys rave about the Pioneer TS-D6902R 6x9's. Put those in a set of Hogtunes saddlebag speaker lids and run them off the rear channel, and you should be good to go.

 

I would lose all FM reception ??... why would I run an amp that is going to take away part of the functions of the head unit? Is this a Soundstream issue or an amp issue? Last I knew an amp shouldn't take away something such a FM reception.

As to the speakers, my head unit is set up with 6

audio out front , <-- would support the front fairing speakers / tweeters.
audio out rear <--- would support the speakers in the lowers
Sub out mono channel. <--- ? support the 6x9?

Thanks for the help.

 

It's a class "D" power supply in the amp issue. That is why I am switching out my Soundstream amp. The amps were never designed or intended to be installed the way we have to install them. If you like FM, we would have to figure out an amp that will suit your budget.

audio front out --> front fairing, lower fairing and tweets
audio rear out ---> rear/saddlebag speakers
sub out ---> not used

 

Well thats the good part, budget is very flexible because of how little I ended up getting my HU & Ipod interface for. So is this a "all Class D amps issue"? Thinking sub 300$ on the amp.

 

What is your budget ?? You'll need at least $1K to do this project.

If you run 6 speakers, you will lose some power on the channel that runs 4 speakers......Factory HD lower speaker boxes are BY FAR the best looking.

I would run an amp in the fairing, and an amp in the saddlebags.

Do it once & do it right !!

 

Curious, for a 100% solo rider would you do the lids or focus on the lower & fairing speakers ?

 

Depends on how much BASS you want.....

 

Thats a damn good question, I don't want to be the "bass head" at the stop light but... that seems to be more a parking lot show off thing. I ride my bike, so music at speed would be more the focus. Plus if I was to chase after bass.. wouldn't I just go full subs in the saddle bags? Skipping the 6x9 in the lids?

 

Speakers in front of you are for riding, speakers behind you are for passengers and parking lots. Having them all is best, but if you have to choose I would do lowers before lids (and I am!).