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Old Oct 9, 2011 | 06:06 PM
  #1  
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Default Stereo help

Just installed a reckless fairing with a Sony dsx-s100 iPod head unit and a pair of 6x9 Rockford fosgate r1693 speakers. Sounds fine around town at less than 50 mph, but barely can hear it at highway speeds. Not trying to get same Audio quality I would get in a car, but would like to be able to hear it without a lot of distortion. When I get the volume over 30, lots of distortion. Any suggestions?
 
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Old Oct 9, 2011 | 06:12 PM
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Check your wiring, sounds like it is connected wrong.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2011 | 06:24 PM
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you sure its not static cause that's a symptom of a bad grounding. Check your grounds.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2011 | 07:45 PM
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Thanks for the replies. Had it proffesionally installed while I watched so I know it is wired correctly, also, ground is good. Wondering if it could be due to low power(50 watts) of head unit? Also, speakers are only rated for 60 watts each.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2011 | 09:59 PM
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I looked at the Reckless Fairings at Thunder Beach last weekend. I was very impressed with them. Lots of value for the dollar.

They had the 6X9 fairing set up with a Sony 17 watt RMS, 52 watts peak per channel radio and Polk db691 speakers. It was pretty dang loud and very clear. I don't think you would have any problem hearing it at 60 - 70 mph.

I ordered a blank fairing from Reckless at the rally, and I am going to install a Sony MS60 marine digital radio, Polk db691's and a Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 amp. The amp is 4 channel so I can add saddlebag speakers later.

I think you may not have enough wattage to drive the speakers properly. The Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 comes highly recommended.

The spec card that came with my amp shows 86 watts per channel RMS, and 1031 watts into 4 channels peak. Pretty impressive for such a small piece.

Maybe adding a amplifier will solve your issue.
 

Last edited by 2004Sierra; Oct 10, 2011 at 11:32 AM.
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Old Oct 9, 2011 | 10:37 PM
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2004 sierra,

Thanks, I have the exact head unit they offer. I am definately going to Try an amp, some songs are clearer than others, however, at 75 on the interstate, it was very hard to hear. I am clueless about audio stuff, but just sounds like 52 watts may be a little short for getting it loud enough to drown out wind and exhaust. I will definately look into the amp you suggested. Is it small enough to fit inside the fairing?
 
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Old Oct 9, 2011 | 11:13 PM
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The Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 will fit in the fairing with no problem. Look it up on their website, the amp is very small.

You can only run 4 ohm speakers with this amp. No exceptions according to Rockford Fosgate.

Some are using heavy duty industrial Velco to attach the amp to the top of the radio. Then run a couple tie wraps around them for extra security.

The heat sink is on top of the amp, and according to Rockford the amp can run as high as 170 degrees. This is why you want the amp on top of the radio not under it.

I am going to attempt to construct a bracket of some sort to hold the amp above the radio. Either way will work fine.

Rockford says it is OK to just use two channels of the amp, just choose front or rear. Make sure you run 4 ohm speakers.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2011 | 09:46 AM
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I have the same setup, and while I plan to add an amp this winter. In the meantime, I was able to get better sound/less distortiona at a high volume by adjusting the customized eq setting, cranking up the bass (+db), and turning down the mid and high (-db).
 
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Old Oct 10, 2011 | 12:53 PM
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I'll try that, but I am definately going to add an amp. Do you have the Rockford speakers or the Polk?
 
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Old Oct 10, 2011 | 02:20 PM
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Hi,
had a reckless fairing for the past year - pretty good !
save some cash - buy a flip screen - its the wind noise thats stopping you hearing your tunes. Trust me, i went through 5 screens before i was happy.
Rowle- Uk.
 
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