Speaker options?
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Speaker options?
Looking to get an aftermarket fairing for my RKC. Not sure what to get. (2) 6.5's or (2) 6x9's or (4) 5 1/4" speaker arrangements. I like the look of the (4) 5 1/4", but I am unsure of their sound quality compared to a set of 6x9's. Anybody have any experience with either of these set ups? Any pros or cons to either? Thanks for any advice.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
when looking speakers look for the spec for sensitivity- rated in decibels produced by 1 watt power measured at 1 meter
90 dB is average, look for higher number, better than 100 dB.
that will get you a speaker which will produce the most sound for the least electricity from your amp.
Watt ratings are meaningless as to what the speaker produces, it only indicates how much power the speaker will accept with out blowing up.
Look for a frequency response graph...you want to see a line which is fairly flat--- watch out for any peaks in the range above 1000 hertz, this would indicate harsh brightness.
2-way, 3-way? some speakers have tweeters added- great idea- BUT they often have a "passive crossover network" which uses capacitors to filter low frequencies from the tweeters- these can absorb 30% of the power from the amplifier. ( i've seen this type alot in m'cycle shops and displays at bike shows)
( awesome pro set ups use an "active corossover" to electronically separate the treble from the bass. these separated signals are sent to dedicated powers amps and speakers--- so you need 4 maybe 6 amplifiers- oh and add the sub woofer too)
speaker size?
the more cone area the better to produce lower frequencies.--- the concern with oval speakers is that sound waves are not produced evenly--- the voice coil is round and as it moves forward the soundwaves do not form evenly on the ends and sides on the speaker. this may not be crucial in your application---but the only place in the world you see oval speakers is car audio, they were developed to fit under the dashboard or package shelf.
alot of good options can be found at big box store spkr displays
if you happen to find the magic speakers but are worried about weather- paper type cones can be scotch guarded which will resist rain- don't point the car wash sprayer at them.
mike
90 dB is average, look for higher number, better than 100 dB.
that will get you a speaker which will produce the most sound for the least electricity from your amp.
Watt ratings are meaningless as to what the speaker produces, it only indicates how much power the speaker will accept with out blowing up.
Look for a frequency response graph...you want to see a line which is fairly flat--- watch out for any peaks in the range above 1000 hertz, this would indicate harsh brightness.
2-way, 3-way? some speakers have tweeters added- great idea- BUT they often have a "passive crossover network" which uses capacitors to filter low frequencies from the tweeters- these can absorb 30% of the power from the amplifier. ( i've seen this type alot in m'cycle shops and displays at bike shows)
( awesome pro set ups use an "active corossover" to electronically separate the treble from the bass. these separated signals are sent to dedicated powers amps and speakers--- so you need 4 maybe 6 amplifiers- oh and add the sub woofer too)
speaker size?
the more cone area the better to produce lower frequencies.--- the concern with oval speakers is that sound waves are not produced evenly--- the voice coil is round and as it moves forward the soundwaves do not form evenly on the ends and sides on the speaker. this may not be crucial in your application---but the only place in the world you see oval speakers is car audio, they were developed to fit under the dashboard or package shelf.
alot of good options can be found at big box store spkr displays
if you happen to find the magic speakers but are worried about weather- paper type cones can be scotch guarded which will resist rain- don't point the car wash sprayer at them.
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Mar 5, 2011 at 11:35 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: NW Ohio
Yeah, I'm waiting for that amp too! I plan on going with a Kenwood head unit. They have a few models that have a screen that can be read in direct sunlight.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I'm not sure what speakers or radio to go with either. I like the Alpine head units because they also sell a very small 45x4 RMS amp that only works with their head units. As far as speakers I've been looking at the Polk or the Infinity 3 ways. I'm really not sure what is good and what is not any more. I haven't messed with any stereo stuff in years.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,930
Likes: 4
From: OHIO......UGH !!
If you're looking at 6 X 9's,...the Pioneer PREMIER line is rated as one of the best. I know that the 4 in my saddlebags make that thing B-O-U-N-C-E !!!
Good luck in your choices !
Good luck in your choices !
Looking to get an aftermarket fairing for my RKC. Not sure what to get. (2) 6.5's or (2) 6x9's or (4) 5 1/4" speaker arrangements. I like the look of the (4) 5 1/4", but I am unsure of their sound quality compared to a set of 6x9's. Anybody have any experience with either of these set ups? Any pros or cons to either? Thanks for any advice.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
