So I'm ready to pull the trigger on some new audio components. Having a tough time picking and could use some help.

Speakers:

Polk mm651 great reviews except for they sound like at different times there have been terrible quality issues. Would love the price and sound if they will stay in one piece

JL Audio. Some say overpriced etc. But seems like the big named places with huge stereos seem to go JL Audio. I watch biker battleground for instance and it seems voodoo who puts tons in the audio favor JL with lids specifically for JL size speakers.

Biketronics. the 7.1's sound like a great option. HAT is only about an hour drive from me so I'm thinking I will ride up there tomorrow to see what their stuff sounds like.

The stereo shops obviously push what they sell. JL dealers say HAT stuff is flat sounding etc. Hard to get a read from them because they push what they have to sell you.

Amps:

Rockford pbr300x2 would be a good choice but if I went with the MM651 it is only a front solution because of the ohm load and probably doesn't have the nutz to drive 4 of the others anyway.

Rockford Power t400x?ad Either model makes great power but with the AD rating questionable on a bike. Though RF was pushing them for that at sturgis. A local bike shop I stopped at today was putting 2 on a roadglide. Thinking if that is remotely possible seems like 1 should be fine and good quality.

JL400/4 most say overpriced and still has the fm issues that some of the cheaper options like the soundstream for a lot less $

Biketronics 2180 plenty of power for 4 speakers at least by the specs. Are these really as strong as they say? Some say they don't like the missing gain controls etc. Supposed to be clean though. Honestly after the audio reliability issues I've had with gear on my boat, I'm tempted to order the BT gear just because of the warranty. It's priced pretty steep but it should be a one time purchase as long as the sound is there. Not sure I can see the need for the 4180 when I know I'm not going more than 4 speakers. On a bike with lowers and a tour pack, 4180 all day.


Basically I'm ready to buy some sound gear and frustrated at all the options and very little way to hear them on actual bikes. Could use some help.

Your thoughts?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Tom

 

Year/ model bike ??


How many TOTAL speakers, ( and where), will you EVER have ??


What is your budget ??


Is antique (FM) radio a deal breaker ??


This will be a good starting point....


No matter what you choose, do it once , do it right !!

 

2006 Street Glide

4 speakers max. If I get awesome sound out of 2 then I would leave it. Otherwise speaker lids and 6x9's Probably do them regardless in the end.

Trying to stay at $600 or less for the amp and front speakers. Would love the $300 price point of a rf 300x2 and polks but willing to spend 600 to not have problems or for better sound and expansion for the bag lid speakers

FM radio not a total deal killer but I would like to use the HD radio tuner on the radio at times. Would the D amps interfere with the HD signal to or just standard FM

forgot to mention that I've already swapped the headunit for a Kenwood Excelon 997 for the bluetooth and HD tuner.

Thanks again for the help.

 

Two RF300x2 would be most economical and definitely keep FM. I've seen on here 2 mounted in fairing without any trim work. The JL 400/4 does seem popular with chopped bagger crowd. I've heard you have to do trim work to fit in fairing but being class D don't know about FM. The Arc Audio KS150.4 would keep FM but again trim work to mount in fairing. Although I've never heard anyone mount one in bike the Zapco ST-4D is real interesting 100x4 at 4ohms and probably fit in fairing with trim work but it's class D so don't know about FM.

 

Always good to see someone on here who has done thier homework! One thing that struck me in your post was the JL dealers telling you the Hats sound flat. Don't believe that nonsense for one second!! The Hats are right there with the JL's. Both are sweet and both are expensive. But I think you are going to get way more bang for your buck with the HATs (Biketronics) JL's are not water resistant and they don't have a lifetime warranty. For a two speaker set up I'm waiting to see someone go with the rockford T400X2AD and the Biketronics Proline Hat legatia's. or the 7.1's for that matter. With that set up you probably only need two speakers. . .lol

 

Interesting. Sounds like I definitely need to fit a trip to cumming into my day to listen to the HAT speakers. If they sound that good and you combine the warranty and the rings coming with them it seems like the way to go. Only thing weird to me is that the rings are not funnel shaped and it seems like that flat area blocking part of the speaker would be less efficient than a funnel type of adapter. I realize that there must not have been enough depth available to accomplish that. But if it works it works. I'm almost afraid to hear the pro 7.1's for fear of deciding I have to have a set. 500 for a set of speakers is a pile of money no matter how they sound. I appreciate all the help guys. I'm all ears for your ideas. I'm new to bike audio so your opinions will really help.

 

$600 bucks?? Thats a no brainer. Here's what I would do:

1. PBR300x2 - $175
2. Infinity Kappa 62.11i - $130
3. Head unit of your choosing....4v pre-outs preferred but not necessary. - $100-250
4. Scosche Harley radio kit and PAC SWI-RC for handlebar control retention - $100

So for about $600, you will have a great sounding system and rears wont be necessary. I have the Kappas and trust me....with the PBR300x2, these speakers will make your ears bleed because they are so crisp, especially at 85 mph. I see that you are about 40mins from me. I live in Covington and frequent most of the local watering holes. Maybe we can link up sometime and you can have a listen. Inbox me if you're interested.

 

Fortunately I already replaced the head unit with a Kenwood excelon 997 and the access control kit is already working. So I'm considering that for a budget for just an amp and front speakers if necessary.

eshaw, that's a sweet looking ride you have. Meeting up sometime would be good with me.

 

Well, if you already did the head unit then $300 is all you need. Inbox me and we can set up a time where we both can meet. I ride daily so meeting up somewhere wont be a problem for me. Thanks for the compliment.

 

Ok will do. Thanks again.