.. Forgive my spelling and grammar issues, it is hard writing this on my cell phone..

This thread details the phase II audio upgrade proof of concept.

I've been tinkering with the audio system for longer than I'm willing to admit, but let's just say I'm very pleased with the results thus far - this is still a work in progress. Jimmytee, Morpheous, and others paved the way and I thank everyone on this forum for all your help making my bike the ultimate experience.

I would suggest familiarizing yourself with the audio upgrade sticky that Jimmytee put together. It's a wonderful read and learning experience.

I'm pressed for time, so I'll provide basics and update this post with more details, explanations, spl and fft based measurements, and photos when time permits. I'm looking forward to the rally to learn more from others and share what I've created.

I was looking for a system that wasn't loud, but instead the clarity I've come to know and love working in live sound. Achieving this on a motorcycle is quite a challenge, with power, space, and the worst signal-to-noise levels to overcome. I spent a while talking to the experts in car audio, manufactures, and even some who specialize in motorcycle audio.

I started down the path of using Arc Audio poweramps, but then I was introduced to the Audison Prima line of OEM based DSP and amp integration.

I ended up purchasing an Audison Prima 8.9 DSP/Amp. It has amazing abilities using a Windows laptop you can tweak evening from driver delay, complete crossover setup and type, multi-parametric eq per output, de-equalization, sub and woofer boost limiting, and 6 inputs. You can bridge in pairs of the 8 outputs, giving you 4 clean 130 watt RMS at 2 ohmd plus a sub out. The DRC controller allows two setup recalls, I'm using one for parked, and the other save point when I'm riding. I paired this amp with a Audison 1D 540 watts at 2 ohms for subwoofer duty.

I ran into gain issues that ultimately were solved with the added DRC controller that gives you incredible control over the units. The list price of the 8.9 is about 1200,
Plus another 400 for the second amp and 200 controller. I'm running two way active setup with the following, and it is capable of what I'm after. I'm still dialing in the dsp settings.


I paired this with Hertz mpx 165 p2 engy series {note, box says this but they are 5 1/4 not 6.5 - I'm checking facts) Getting these to fit was a challenge, but they sound amazing, they are able to push enough clean output to satisfy. They are installed in boats by pro audio. I was told only marine grade needed if you are in Salt water, although I would recommend not power washing these. (Again, note I'm almost certain I have 5 1/4 inch, not 6.5 so hang tight before purchasing)

Another excellent choice is Focal 5 1/4s. These both require speaker spacers, and I opted to make them out of HPDE instead of abs or mdf for their stiffness and weather proofing. They also self-prime and work well with wood cutting tools. More on that later.

Stay tuned for more.. Some teaser photos.

1. Comparison - left to right of Hertz mpx 165, Polk 6501, j&m m]ark2, stock speakers
Attachment 23329

2. Speaker spacer compared to oem
Attachment 23327

3. Mid bass mounted with spaces and baffles
Attachment 23330

More to come..

Graph of head unit oem equalization (de-equalization)
Gain setup and challenges
Configuration screen from 8.9
Tweeter installation
Wiring suggestions
Amp install and clean wiring {in progress}
You may not want to remove the stock amp if you don't use the controller and why.
Phase III :subwoofer
Considering providing speaker spacers, 8.9 Configs, parts used for mounting etc if others are interested

Bedtime for now.. Not sure how to fix the one image missing, nor how to delete the rotated photo at the bottom. I think I found a bug on the forum, as I could edit them until getting to five photos, now new attachments can't be removed...

Robert Van Zandt