Speaker Lids? Decisions, decisions
Speaker Lids? Decisions, decisions
Well, after a lot of searching, emailing and good forum input, I debated down to two speaker lid choices. Weighing in local discounts, shipping, taxes, painting, etc I have narrowed it to two choices;
A.) H-D lids with their proprietary grills/hardware, painting, Polk DB571 speakers, misc: $475
B.) Rock'N Tops with hardware, Polk DB650/grills/adapter, painting, misc: $515
I like the known quality of H-D lids for fitment issues. I like the upward/angled position of the RNT's and the 6.5" speaker. What is an unknown is the actual quality. They will be powered by an ARC 125.2 amp along with my 4 ohm front speakers. Thoughts or experiences?
A.) H-D lids with their proprietary grills/hardware, painting, Polk DB571 speakers, misc: $475
B.) Rock'N Tops with hardware, Polk DB650/grills/adapter, painting, misc: $515
I like the known quality of H-D lids for fitment issues. I like the upward/angled position of the RNT's and the 6.5" speaker. What is an unknown is the actual quality. They will be powered by an ARC 125.2 amp along with my 4 ohm front speakers. Thoughts or experiences?
Speaker area
Pondering this a bit more, I got to thinking about effective speaker surface area. Might the 5"x7" (certainly a 6"x8") speaker have more effective output area over a 6.5" being funneled by an adapter thru a 5-1/4" opening? Thinking back when I did this to my batwing, their wasn't a whole lot of gain to be had. No difference in volume as both speakers had same db rating but the 6.5"s did have a bit fuller sound at stand still. Going down the road at 70mph would probably negate any sonic gains. Certainly gain a bit more storage area by skipping the adapters. The H-D lids just got a bit more appealing, especially if adapting a 6"x8" is fairly easily done ...
Last edited by troop; Jun 24, 2012 at 09:10 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,231
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From: Nor-Kal
have you considered the lids that Paul Yaffe offers on Bagger Nation?
http://baggernation.com/products-stereo.htm
http://baggernation.com/products-stereo.htm
Gotta admit that cost is playing a factor into my decision. With the local H-D dealer giving 20% off, that does save me some coins. I am kinda deliberating this closely so I'll look at the other options. I was initially looking at Cycle Sounds 6"x9" lids but Dr. V-Twin advised me they were speaker specific for (1) speaker? I dunno ?? Thx for the input
Last edited by troop; Jun 24, 2012 at 09:42 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Killeen (Fort Hood), Texas
i really want a set of these bad but man they are expensive. i spoke with a friend of mine here where i live cause he runs an audio shop. he said he could build me some 6x9's down inside my bags, he would just have to drill the backs of the bags. dont know if i want to do this bc not only will i lose space in the bags but then they will no longer be water proof..
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
If you're going to wire the fairing and lid speakers in series, I'd suggest using the HD 1 ohm (used on the 2012 CVO SG and included in the HD Custom Touring Audio package) or the HD 2 ohm 5x7's used in the HD saddlebag speaker lid kit.
As for the RF T1682 6x8 speakers, there isn't a lot of material to remove from the frame to fit the HD lids; and, before I did mine, I checked with RF customer service (good guy named Forrest) to confirm that I wouldn't compromise the audio quality with what was necessary to remove.
Also, Biketronics is saying they'll have a "drop in" speaker for the HD lids in Octorber supplied by Hybrid Audio Technologies in October. I plan to replace the RF's when the BT/HAT speakers are available. I would have used the HD speakers except that I'm using the RF 300x4 amp which is 4 ohm; so, I needed a 4 ohm speaker w/ a bridge mounted tweeter to separately wire to the rear channel of the RF amp.
Carl
As for the RF T1682 6x8 speakers, there isn't a lot of material to remove from the frame to fit the HD lids; and, before I did mine, I checked with RF customer service (good guy named Forrest) to confirm that I wouldn't compromise the audio quality with what was necessary to remove.
Also, Biketronics is saying they'll have a "drop in" speaker for the HD lids in Octorber supplied by Hybrid Audio Technologies in October. I plan to replace the RF's when the BT/HAT speakers are available. I would have used the HD speakers except that I'm using the RF 300x4 amp which is 4 ohm; so, I needed a 4 ohm speaker w/ a bridge mounted tweeter to separately wire to the rear channel of the RF amp.
Carl
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"If you're going to wire the fairing and lid speakers in series, I'd suggest using the HD 1 ohm (used on the 2012 CVO SG and included in the HD Custom Touring Audio package) or the HD 2 ohm 5x7's used in the HD saddlebag speaker lid kit."
Carl,
Are you referring this statement to Woodytick with his stock amp or me using my Arc 125.2 amp? Or both of us? I thought I'd be in a comfort zone using the Arc to power (2) sets of 4 ohm speakers? I'd probably keep it simple and go with the Polk DB571's. Thx...
Carl,
Are you referring this statement to Woodytick with his stock amp or me using my Arc 125.2 amp? Or both of us? I thought I'd be in a comfort zone using the Arc to power (2) sets of 4 ohm speakers? I'd probably keep it simple and go with the Polk DB571's. Thx...
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
troop, the suggestion will work for you. If you're not buying the HD speakers, take the HD lids to an audio shop with speakers you're considering and test fit the speakers to the lids. More than likely, the holes for mounting the speakers won't match with the aftermarket speakers available.
Also, there may be a gap between the frame/gasket of the speaker and the space provided in the HD lid, so you'll need to address the gap(s) to provide a seal to prevent water from entering the bags. HD speakers won't present those issues.
Also, there may be a gap between the frame/gasket of the speaker and the space provided in the HD lid, so you'll need to address the gap(s) to provide a seal to prevent water from entering the bags. HD speakers won't present those issues.