Fix for less than satisfactory amp set-up
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
Fix for less than satisfactory amp set-up
A few months ago I installed a popular after market amp and a pair of Focal speakers.
Although I got a great boost from the amp I was never totally happy with the sound. After doing a bit of digging I found that Dragonfly Cycle Concepts use a hi low adapter into the RCA inputs - despite the fact that the amp they use has high level inputs. I spoke with one of their installers and he was adamant that it made a BIG difference. I figured what the heck, bought the same hi lo that they use except off Amazon for $10 (was available direct - no longer appears to be). Today I installed it and all I can say is wow!
In case anyone else wants to give it a go the adapter is the PAC SNI-35.
I haven't ripped the amp apart to understand the difference in design but I can only assume that the high input design of the amp leaves something to be desired.
Although I got a great boost from the amp I was never totally happy with the sound. After doing a bit of digging I found that Dragonfly Cycle Concepts use a hi low adapter into the RCA inputs - despite the fact that the amp they use has high level inputs. I spoke with one of their installers and he was adamant that it made a BIG difference. I figured what the heck, bought the same hi lo that they use except off Amazon for $10 (was available direct - no longer appears to be). Today I installed it and all I can say is wow!
In case anyone else wants to give it a go the adapter is the PAC SNI-35.
I haven't ripped the amp apart to understand the difference in design but I can only assume that the high input design of the amp leaves something to be desired.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
I don't think it actually matters - as far as I have learned they're all more or less the same design and I don't want to disparage one over another by naming the one I bought. As far as I'm concerned it could be an ARC, ELF, J&M etc.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 12
From: Shorewood IL
I'm toying with the idea of sending my stock HK radio to Iron Cross to have them install the RCA outs on the back so I can connect to my amp (ARC) that way. I have heard this is a better connection than the speaker outs.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
I think this is the fundamental issue, not the manufacturer of the amp
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: Saint Petersburg, FL
You have to match the impedances and voltage levels of the output and input circuits. i.e you can't connect a speaker output (low impeance, high voltage) to a high impedance, low voltage input because you'll over-drive the input and clip most of the signal.
That means you have to have an imepdance matching adapter.
That means you have to have an imepdance matching adapter.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
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From: Roswell, GA
I had ICA repair a software problem and had them install the AUX plug in the rear. Didn't think I'd be buying an amp so I passed on the RCA output option. Three months later I installed the Arc 125.2 amp, and regret not doing the RCA output mod when ICA had the head unit.
I'm not an audiophile and a motorcycle is a poor environment for listening to music; but, for the cost of the RCA mod, I wish I'd done it since the amp would get an audio signal with less distortion.
Carl
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Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
You have to match the impedances and voltage levels of the output and input circuits. i.e you can't connect a speaker output (low impeance, high voltage) to a high impedance, low voltage input because you'll over-drive the input and clip most of the signal.
That means you have to have an imepdance matching adapter.
That means you have to have an imepdance matching adapter.
A few months ago I installed a popular after market amp and a pair of Focal speakers.
Although I got a great boost from the amp I was never totally happy with the sound. After doing a bit of digging I found that Dragonfly Cycle Concepts use a hi low adapter into the RCA inputs - despite the fact that the amp they use has high level inputs. I spoke with one of their installers and he was adamant that it made a BIG difference. I figured what the heck, bought the same hi lo that they use except off Amazon for $10 (was available direct - no longer appears to be). Today I installed it and all I can say is wow!
In case anyone else wants to give it a go the adapter is the PAC SNI-35.
I haven't ripped the amp apart to understand the difference in design but I can only assume that the high input design of the amp leaves something to be desired.
Although I got a great boost from the amp I was never totally happy with the sound. After doing a bit of digging I found that Dragonfly Cycle Concepts use a hi low adapter into the RCA inputs - despite the fact that the amp they use has high level inputs. I spoke with one of their installers and he was adamant that it made a BIG difference. I figured what the heck, bought the same hi lo that they use except off Amazon for $10 (was available direct - no longer appears to be). Today I installed it and all I can say is wow!
In case anyone else wants to give it a go the adapter is the PAC SNI-35.
I haven't ripped the amp apart to understand the difference in design but I can only assume that the high input design of the amp leaves something to be desired.