Thinking hard about upgrading speakers. Adding Amp. Need advice.
Thread Starter
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
Zeus,
I am very pleased with my J&M Rokkers and Bazooka 200.4 amp. I can't imagine what the sytem would sound like with J&M's 500.4 amp. As far being able to hear the rear speakers, maybe you can't with a stock stereo, but I certainly can on my bike. Even at highway speeds.
Don't forget that at highway speeds no system, no matter how high end will sound like a concert hall. Yes some will sound better than others, but the difference narrows way down when your moving...
Thats my 2 cents.
I am very pleased with my J&M Rokkers and Bazooka 200.4 amp. I can't imagine what the sytem would sound like with J&M's 500.4 amp. As far being able to hear the rear speakers, maybe you can't with a stock stereo, but I certainly can on my bike. Even at highway speeds.
Don't forget that at highway speeds no system, no matter how high end will sound like a concert hall. Yes some will sound better than others, but the difference narrows way down when your moving...
Thats my 2 cents.
Ok, that's good to know. Thanks. Hey, do you have the saddlebag speaker lids or the standard ulta speaker pods?
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta, GA
I like the Biketronics setup with the Hertz speakers and Sony HU. I use an Elf audio two channel amp, though I do like the Fosgate amp. Anything more and I would have to go all the way like Glacier's kick *** rolling home theater system. That is top shelf.
Thread Starter
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
I couldn't find anything on the Glacier rolling home theater system. I'll take your word for it that it's top shelf
.I would prefer not to change the harmon kardon head unit. Not that I have any great love for it, I just have to draw the line somewhere. But what I don't get, are all these amps that folks talk about compatible with the head unit?? I mean will the fade and volume controls work?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,930
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From: OHIO......UGH !!
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta, GA
I would prefer not to change the harmon kardon head unit. Not that I have any great love for it, I just have to draw the line somewhere. But what I don't get, are all these amps that folks talk about compatible with the head unit?? I mean will the fade and volume controls work?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
Hawg-wired, J&M, Hogtunes and other vendors include the installation instructions for their amps and other products on their websites.
In the case of the three listed vendors, they all offer products for installing speakers in fairing lowers, and J&M offers a kit for speakers in saddlebag lids.
HD also offers amps, speaker kits for the fairing lowers and saddlebag lids; you can see the products on HD's website, and get the installation instructions at your local HD store's parts counter--just ask the parts guy/gal to print them from the store's computer.
Useful information on wiring, etc. can be found at this website:
http://www.bcae1.com/
Good luck with your project.
Carl
In the case of the three listed vendors, they all offer products for installing speakers in fairing lowers, and J&M offers a kit for speakers in saddlebag lids.
HD also offers amps, speaker kits for the fairing lowers and saddlebag lids; you can see the products on HD's website, and get the installation instructions at your local HD store's parts counter--just ask the parts guy/gal to print them from the store's computer.
Useful information on wiring, etc. can be found at this website:
http://www.bcae1.com/
Good luck with your project.
Carl
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 22
From: Fort Pierce, Florida
Hi Carl,
I don't want to loose bag space, everything has to fit under the fairing. I don't mind loosing a little space in the bags to accomodate the speaker lids though.
I don't know the pros and cons of 4 ohm vs 2 ohm. What are the JM 7.5's?
Your idea with the dual Rockford Fosgate 's is a good one. I still don't get why you can't simply wire the two front speakers together. I think 75w otta be plenty of power. I mean, how much volume do you need? They're only 3 feet away from my face.
So If I got a 4 ohm amp, 2 channels to the rear. Wire 2 2 ohm speakers together for the front.
Hey, how do you control the fade from front to rear if eveything is behind the fairing?
I don't want to loose bag space, everything has to fit under the fairing. I don't mind loosing a little space in the bags to accomodate the speaker lids though.
I don't know the pros and cons of 4 ohm vs 2 ohm. What are the JM 7.5's?
Your idea with the dual Rockford Fosgate 's is a good one. I still don't get why you can't simply wire the two front speakers together. I think 75w otta be plenty of power. I mean, how much volume do you need? They're only 3 feet away from my face.
So If I got a 4 ohm amp, 2 channels to the rear. Wire 2 2 ohm speakers together for the front.
Hey, how do you control the fade from front to rear if eveything is behind the fairing?
As for amps and speakers, you can't go wrong with Rockford Fosgate. They have been in the mobile audio business for many years. Their products are some of the best. Polk Audio is another good set of speakers. Here are some links for you to look at.
Rockford Fosgate 4 channel amp $150.00
Fockford Fosgate 6.5" Marine Speakers $137.00
Polk Audio MM651UM Marine Speakers $150.00
Do the math. You can save a lot of money and get some "kick ***" sounds. The install kits can be bought locally at any big name store. I hope this helps.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
Murph's quote of "how much volume do I need" from the OP's post triggered a couple of observations I have had.
First, listening to an audio package with a bike on the kickstand has little relevance to what you'll hear going around town at modest speeds (say, 25-45 mph), and no relevance to what you hear at interstate speeds.
Second, the volume I listen to while riding at interstate speeds is too loud to listen to with the bike on the kickstand.
Good luck with your project.
Carl
First, listening to an audio package with a bike on the kickstand has little relevance to what you'll hear going around town at modest speeds (say, 25-45 mph), and no relevance to what you hear at interstate speeds.
Second, the volume I listen to while riding at interstate speeds is too loud to listen to with the bike on the kickstand.
Good luck with your project.
Carl