Audio Smart Guys: Build my system!
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 1
From: Superior, WI
Audio Smart Guys: Build my system!
So for you smart audio guys out there, please give me some ideas on an audio upgrade.
Parameters:
-6.5" speakers
-iPod control through factory handlebar controls
-iPod charging
-iPod protected from the elements (in a saddlebag or a compartment like the Sony unit)
-loud enough to hear on the highway
-no additional speakers other than the stock batwing location (no lowers, no sub, no lid speakers)
-"realatively easy to install" as my dealer will be doing it while I'm deployed overseas
-trying to keep it under $1500 (but that's not set in stone,willing to pay for quality)
I see some people have JL Audio 6.5" and I am a HUGE fan of JL. But what do you use for grills since it's not sold in a motorcycle kit? You would need adapter rings and a smaller grill. Or since it's recessed do you leave it grilless?
I currently am leaning to a Biketronics set up with the marine grade Sony deck that has the iPod compartment, 6.5" Hertz speakers, and Titan amp. But I know other options exist.
Thanks in advance for your replies, I know there are some smart audio guys on here.
Parameters:
-6.5" speakers
-iPod control through factory handlebar controls
-iPod charging
-iPod protected from the elements (in a saddlebag or a compartment like the Sony unit)
-loud enough to hear on the highway
-no additional speakers other than the stock batwing location (no lowers, no sub, no lid speakers)
-"realatively easy to install" as my dealer will be doing it while I'm deployed overseas
-trying to keep it under $1500 (but that's not set in stone,willing to pay for quality)
I see some people have JL Audio 6.5" and I am a HUGE fan of JL. But what do you use for grills since it's not sold in a motorcycle kit? You would need adapter rings and a smaller grill. Or since it's recessed do you leave it grilless?
I currently am leaning to a Biketronics set up with the marine grade Sony deck that has the iPod compartment, 6.5" Hertz speakers, and Titan amp. But I know other options exist.
Thanks in advance for your replies, I know there are some smart audio guys on here.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
for the ipod stuff the H-D ipod kit does all that.
my suggestion is to get more efficient speakers--- which produce more sound from the same amount of amplifier power.
the spec to check is "sensitivity" usually expressed as:
X dB @1 watt, measured at 1 meter
an average rating would be 92 dB--- 98 dB is a better rating and would produce more than TWICE as much sound at the exact same volume setting on the head unit.
------------------------
some speakers are less efficient and need added amplification
and that's by WAY under $1500--- maybe not as flashy, but dependable and good value for money
my take on the ipod control- the H-D unit works well, i test rode a CVO specifically to check out the ipod controls. I just didn't like having to take my eyes off the road when going through menus with the handlebar controls.
--- and for much better sound at hiway speeds, use earbuds- they keep the music in and the road noise out--- I have mine tapped into the stock stereo system
mike
my suggestion is to get more efficient speakers--- which produce more sound from the same amount of amplifier power.
the spec to check is "sensitivity" usually expressed as:
X dB @1 watt, measured at 1 meter
an average rating would be 92 dB--- 98 dB is a better rating and would produce more than TWICE as much sound at the exact same volume setting on the head unit.
------------------------
some speakers are less efficient and need added amplification
and that's by WAY under $1500--- maybe not as flashy, but dependable and good value for money
my take on the ipod control- the H-D unit works well, i test rode a CVO specifically to check out the ipod controls. I just didn't like having to take my eyes off the road when going through menus with the handlebar controls.
--- and for much better sound at hiway speeds, use earbuds- they keep the music in and the road noise out--- I have mine tapped into the stock stereo system
mike
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,582
Likes: 2
From: Central Jersey
This is what I did for about $1000 or less. It was also a easy install to do yourself and great sound for the money.
ARC mini amp
6.5 inch Hertz speakers
Biketronics handlebar control module/install kit
Sony headunit that the iPod is stored within the unit
ARC mini amp
6.5 inch Hertz speakers
Biketronics handlebar control module/install kit
Sony headunit that the iPod is stored within the unit
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: ohio
im running the polk mm 6501 component kit, and 6.5" speaker adapters, with a 200 watt amp and stock head unit.
i love the sound of the polks, they are marine certified, 2.7ohm and are loud and the sound is very clear and precise, with great bass for the application
i love the sound of the polks, they are marine certified, 2.7ohm and are loud and the sound is very clear and precise, with great bass for the application
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 3
From: NYC
for the ipod stuff the H-D ipod kit does all that.
my suggestion is to get more efficient speakers--- which produce more sound from the same amount of amplifier power.
the spec to check is "sensitivity" usually expressed as:
X dB @1 watt, measured at 1 meter
an average rating would be 92 dB--- 98 dB is a better rating and would produce more than TWICE as much sound at the exact same volume setting on the head unit.
my suggestion is to get more efficient speakers--- which produce more sound from the same amount of amplifier power.
the spec to check is "sensitivity" usually expressed as:
X dB @1 watt, measured at 1 meter
an average rating would be 92 dB--- 98 dB is a better rating and would produce more than TWICE as much sound at the exact same volume setting on the head unit.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 843
Likes: 4
From: Where ever I lay my head...
First understand that more speakers does not mean better sound. All you need is a solid set of front Components and some method of making some additional bass along with a deck with high voltage preouts.
Front Components: http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...l-165-KRC.html
Deck: http://www.eclipse-web.com/us/cd/cd7200feature.html
Bass (Saddle Bag): No need for the tweeters on this. Premise is just to get some nice 8" subs. http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...-ZR800-CW.html
Amp: http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...o-XD500-3.html
Front Components: http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...l-165-KRC.html
Deck: http://www.eclipse-web.com/us/cd/cd7200feature.html
Bass (Saddle Bag): No need for the tweeters on this. Premise is just to get some nice 8" subs. http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...-ZR800-CW.html
Amp: http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...o-XD500-3.html
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 1
From: Superior, WI
Not interested in subs, it's a motorcycle, not a Honda Civic.......
Thanks for the replies though.
Hoblick, what kind of grills did you use with the Polk speakers?
Thanks for the replies though.
Hoblick, what kind of grills did you use with the Polk speakers?
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 843
Likes: 4
From: Where ever I lay my head...
Then just axe the 8" sub and go with a 2 channel amp. Not sure why everyone keeps pimping out middle of the road audio gear. BTW, a sub has nothing to do with a honda civic. If you want audiophile sound you need a subwoofer.
Get a high quality deck, quality amp, and quality components. Adding too many speakers just adds interference (i.e. sound cancels out with 4 tweeters in different positions pointed at you as well as a 2nd set of components behind you pointing forward).
I understand the urge to get polk or some of the other gear Hd forum members are using but you should understand that the car community has been doing this for years at a high level. Most of the items forum members have been getting are middle of the road (polk/sony/rockford etc...).
Get a high quality deck, quality amp, and quality components. Adding too many speakers just adds interference (i.e. sound cancels out with 4 tweeters in different positions pointed at you as well as a 2nd set of components behind you pointing forward).
I understand the urge to get polk or some of the other gear Hd forum members are using but you should understand that the car community has been doing this for years at a high level. Most of the items forum members have been getting are middle of the road (polk/sony/rockford etc...).
Last edited by Fast FLHX; Sep 9, 2011 at 04:05 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
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
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 1
From: Lynchburg, Va
Here is what I did.
Alpine head unit with rear locking USB port. I ran the cable under the tank along with the amp cables.
JL Audio five channel amp with four channels bridged for the front speakers and the fifth channel for the sub.
JL Audio 6.5 marine speakers, see link. These have built in grilles and just mount behind the factory grills with 6.5 adaptors.
http://marine.jlaudio.com/products_c...php?page_id=70
8" JL Audio sub, mounted in the right saddle bag along with the amp and ipod.
This system gets very loud and sounds very good.
Shakey
Alpine head unit with rear locking USB port. I ran the cable under the tank along with the amp cables.
JL Audio five channel amp with four channels bridged for the front speakers and the fifth channel for the sub.
JL Audio 6.5 marine speakers, see link. These have built in grilles and just mount behind the factory grills with 6.5 adaptors.
http://marine.jlaudio.com/products_c...php?page_id=70
8" JL Audio sub, mounted in the right saddle bag along with the amp and ipod.
This system gets very loud and sounds very good.
Shakey
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 843
Likes: 4
From: Where ever I lay my head...
^Very good setup.
You should be able to retain handle bar controls with a pac switch?
http://www.pac-audio.com/SWI/pdf/swi...ructions-1.pdf
You should be able to retain handle bar controls with a pac switch?
http://www.pac-audio.com/SWI/pdf/swi...ructions-1.pdf
Last edited by Fast FLHX; Sep 9, 2011 at 04:11 PM.