Ok before anyone starts flaming me and says: "the search function is your friend" or similar...I've spent hours, maybe even days reading threads on audio upgrades. I'm still kinda mindboggled on all the 6 zillion directions I could go with this. Help me out.

I've got a 2010 Ultra that I want to upgrade. Aftermarket head units are a non topic. I'm keeping the HK unit. I have already upgraded the front faring speakers to the HD Boom Audio jobs. They are better than stock for sure, but nothing earth shattering. Was planning on doing the Booms in the rear also but I am currently still running the stock rear speakers.

What I want is to add an amp to power all four speakers, but I also want it to be easy to disconnect at the rears because I'll be adding the detachable tour pack mount for when I'm not riding 2up or need the storage. I've looked at the HD Boom bagger system, Hogtunes, J&M, Rockford Fostgate PBRs, Biketronics, Hardride Audio, on an on. I read about the Hertz speakers, polks, etc. I'm just at a loss on where to start. I have zero interest in bag lid speakers or lower fairing speakers. I'm not looking to break the bank and shatter windows with my sound system. I just want it to be loud and CLEAR at high highway speeds while still wallet friendly. Nice bass response would be great also. (Again, not looking for window rattle bass, just strong decent base for a motorcycle system). I am going to add dynamat or the J&M equivalent to the inside fairing to aid in base response. Plug and play is preferred but not required. (I have a mild backround in car electrical/stereo).

I was close to ordering the RF PBR 300x4, but read about them failing and not working right with the 2ohm speakers (such as the Booms I already have). I will replace the front Booms if necessary.

Stuff you should know in case it affects your recommendation: I have two modules on top of the HK radio (iPod interface & CB). I'm aware they will have to be moved to under the radio...need to know where to get the brackets to do so cleanly. Let the hysteria begin. Bring it on folks, don't hold back on me.

 

I'm just gonna say; give Dragonfly a call.
http://www.dragonflycycleconcepts.com/egup.htm#StageOne

 

Remember one thing, it will never have the bass tones and thumping reflex of a car audio system. You will outrun the bass frequency going down the road. It will sound good sitting still, maybe that's what you are after?
You will get as many opinions as there are choices and links to "here's mine" that help absolutely no one. Get the best system you can afford, with components from the same manufacturer so everything plays well together, I personally have Hogtunes speakers and a Hogtunes amp. I thought briefly about a set of woofers in the lowers but I use that storage. The dash pod tweeters screamed at me on my old bike so no dash pod for me.Just my opinion of course..

Mark

 

Read this thread. Pay attention to all the discussion about the SoundStage 4 channel amp. (the last 100 posts)

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/audio...-pbr300x4.html

 

I'm not trying to attain car level sound here at all. That being said I with you on the lowers as well. I have the locking glove box doors and am not about to give them up for woofers I don't really want or need. I'm not interested in the tweeter pod either as I have a garmin fairing mounted and windshield bags that I don't wanna mess with either.

 

The Soundstream PN4.520 (4-channel & 130w per channel @2-ohms) can had for around $130 to $150 and is stable down to 2-ohms. It's getting good reviews....
The PBR300x2 is 2-ohm stable and not having the problems of the PBR300x4 so you'd need 2 at $150... so the SS seems to be a more reasonbly priced option

 

+1 on this thread. It's more comprehensive than the title might indicate.

 

First what is your budget? From there we might be able to tell you which direction to go in. Speakers and amps vary in price, obviously, so need to know what your spend limit is. One thing about audio is you get what you pay for.

 

I don't have a set budget per se, however I am willing to spend a little more for better quality, ease of install, durability, etc. I'm thinking 300-400 total for 4 speakers, 300ish for a good amp. So I guess im in the $800 area. I will go over that if Im convinced it's warranted.

Another question...is it better to use two 2 channel amps or 1 4 channel? I see people have gone both ways.

 

A: You don't ALWAYS get what you pay for. Some people think that if an audio product is 'MOTORCYCLE SPECIIC' , that it is better for your bike, and they pay for that assurance.

B: You need not have a channel for each speaker. You can run 4 speakers from a 2 channel amp, as long as the ohm impedance is followed correctly.

There is so much mis-information out there, that gets regurgitated until folks deem it gospel.

Good luck with your project !