Another Dirtstiff Speaker Thread

[Audiochris90]

Just got my jbls from amazon. Searching for a how to to remove the shelter. Anybody got a link handy?

21282

[53driver]

Just got my jbls from amazon. Searching for a how to to remove the shelter. Anybody got a link handy?

21282

Search "Center Console" and this will pop up:
http://hondaf6b.com/showthread.php?4100-What-is-the-trick&highlight=center+console

[Jrockr]

I will second that !!!! I actually sold my J&M's, that I bought from Wingstuff, this weekend to a lurker on here, Ron, who I hope signs up and becomes a member.
Dd
:yikes:

[Dirtstiff's F6B]

If you have installed an aftermarket amp; then you turn off the AVC and SS, bass and treble to middle to tune the amp. If you do not have an aftermarket amp, it's perfectly fine to use it with just a speaker swap.
Hell, I use it with my aftermarket amp, with caution because high is extremely loud and throws a lot of juice at the speakers.

Jim

[thunder217]

So my JBLs were working fine and now sound only comes out of one side. I will need to purchase another speaker to determine if it the speaker or the amp. I doubt its the amp the other speaker plays just fine and there is not balance on our factory system only a fade from front to back. Here I go again. LOL. Any help will appreciated guys. The two speakers played great upon installation. Just in the past two days notices sound out of only one of them. I have removed to make sure the wire were secure and they are. Just no sound from the speaker via my MP3 player or the radio.

[ths61]

So my JBLs were working fine and now sound only comes out of one side. I will need to purchase another speaker to determine if it the speaker or the amp. I doubt its the amp the other speaker plays just fine and there is not balance on our factory system only a fade from front to back. Here I go again. LOL. Any help will appreciated guys. The two speakers played great upon installation. Just in the past two days notices sound out of only one of them. I have removed to make sure the wire were secure and they are. Just no sound from the speaker via my MP3 player or the radio.

You can test that channel with one of your stock speakers to see if it is the speaker or the amp.

[thunder217]

Just ordered a new set I just can figure out what I did with the stock speakers I took out. I stuck them some where and just can figure out where. Hopefully once I get the speakers I will make the determination. I just didn't fill like removing the other side but I may have to determine if speakers or amp. If it is the amp it should be covered under the warranty hopefully. LOL Either way I will have two sets of great speakers. LOL:yikes:

[SimonTemplar]

You can test that channel with one of your stock speakers to see if it is the speaker or the amp.



Or...if you've sold or otherwise deep-sixed your stock speakers, just swap the JBL's left for right and see if the silence follows.




.....sT

[Audiochris90]

Sounds great. I bought the red handle tin snips. Pretty easy, rated for 18 gauge steel. Also used a metal flat file to get as close to the speaker surround as possible. Saw on a post there is a clearance issue with the meter panel. Anybody know where? Does the mounted speaker need to be trimed on the bottom? Bike was down all sunday and monday. Got the low beam leds in, the switchback leds w/ smoked lens on and the flasher and the license plate led done. Only 2 days but damm i miss my bike. Going to do the cubby 12v at the same time as led high beams, and fog lights to go. Dont let that flasher scare you, pull the meter connector off its mount from the right(still connected) then you can get to the damm tab to unhook. Easy!

[Audiochris90]

Search "Center Console" and this will pop up:
http://hondaf6b.com/showthread.php?4100-What-is-the-trick&highlight=center+console

Thanks for the link!

[Audiochris90]

Sounds great. I bought the red handle tin snips. Pretty easy, rated for 18 gauge steel. Also used a metal flat file to get as close to the speaker surround as possible. Saw on a post there is a clearance issue with the meter panel. Anybody know where? Does the mounted speaker need to be trimed on the bottom? Bike was down all sunday and monday. Got the low beam leds in, the switchback leds w/ smoked lens on and the flasher and the license plate led done. Only 2 days but damm i miss my bike. Going to do the cubby 12v at the same time as led high beams, and fog lights to go. Dont let that flasher scare you, pull the meter connector off its mount from the right(still connected) then you can get to the damm tab to unhook. Easy!

Found the clearance issuse posts, the bottom of the speaker. I need to read more. Like the old porn mags, i just took in the pictures.

[imported_NMRed]

Ordered Monday arrived today. Thanks to all the advice from folks in this thread, I had them installed in 20 minutes. These are a vast improvement over the oem.

[Dirtstiff's F6B]

Great!

[thunder217]

Well my JBl's were working fine and now the right side will not work. I have switched the speaker out to make sure that it was not the speaker and it is not. Has anyone had any problems with the amp or no sound. I have made an appointment with the stealers luckily it should be covered under the warranty.

[SimonTemplar]

Well my JBl's were working fine and now the right side will not work. I have switched the speaker out to make sure that it was not the speaker and it is not. Has anyone had any problems with the amp or no sound. I have made an appointment with the stealers luckily it should be covered under the warranty.


If you're hoping for warranty coverage, Just to avoid a 'discussion' over fault...you might want to put the stock speakers back in. When it's taken care of, put your JBL's back.




....sT

[copper]

OK, so -
In my quest to find the perfect motorcycle speaker, I came across these.

I have spent a small fortune in my lifetime in loudspeakers and amps, with my favorite brand being Polk Audio, until today.

I wouldn't post this unless I was so impressed with both the sound quality with the OEM amp and how they perform with my aftermarket amp.

This speaker out performs oem speakers hands down with the oem amp and does an even better job with an aftermarket amp.

It's a 3 way speaker, meaning excellent base, mid range and tweeter highs.

It takes a meager 60 watts RMS to bring it alive.

I've never believed a 3 way loud speaker could sound better and louder, than a coaxial or 2 way speaker, but this speaker kicks, in all categories.

Another cool point is that it's a 6.5" speaker that requires no trimming to make fit. They take a bit of hand persuasion to bend the basket, but go in, in about 10 minutes.

They are also a 2 ohm speaker, which better matches our OEM amp resistance.

Did I say it rocks.. Again, I've always been a Polk fan for loud speakers, but this guy is definately a rival.

And finally, the price point of this quality speaker is ridiculous.. Amazon.

For those of you looking for the perfect oem up grade with no new amp, I highly recommend these.... after going around the block several times..

Wait..wait for it. I'm sure no sponsor offer these, but I had to share them with you all.
19232

19233
19234

JBL Audio GTO Series 638

Jim

Thanks for the recommendation! I ordered these from Amazon, & will be getting them in this weekend. I am looking for a worthwhile improvement, so thanks for posting up the info!

Copper

[masonmike]

These JbLs sound fantastic! Excellent value for the money! The bass more crisp and punchy, midrange, clear and concise, tweeter nice and clean. No distortion of any kind all the way up to 30. Excellent upgrade! It's like buying a whole new sound system. For me a new amp would be redundant . Thanks to everyone who contributed with the helpful advice I needed to install them. With out it, I'd still be trying to get the cover off. I went the "bend with a rubber mallet" route. As a mason I'm better at fixing things with a hammer.
Thanks again Dirtstiff.
masonmike

[Dirtstiff's F6B]

These JbLs sound fantastic! Excellent value for the money! The bass more crisp and punchy, midrange, clear and concise, tweeter nice and clean. No distortion of any kind all the way up to 30. Excellent upgrade! It's like buying a whole new sound system. For me a new amp would be redundant . Thanks to everyone who contributed with the helpful advice I needed to install them. With out it, I'd still be trying to get the cover off. I went the "bend with a rubber mallet" route. As a mason I'm better at fixing things with a hammer.
Thanks again Dirtstiff.
masonmike

Right on, Mike.

[Audiochris90]

Job completed and driving around. These are better than stock in every respect. I dont turn them down at stoplights like i did the stock speakers. Playing A/C D/C . I'm like a kid again. Thanks dirtstiff!! Great find.

[Jimmytee]

Job completed and driving around. These are better than stock in every respect. I dont turn them down at stoplights like i did the stock speakers. Playing A/C D/C . I'm like a kid again. Thanks dirtstiff!! Great find.

21600

[Dirtstiff's F6B]

Remember guys -
The large spade speaker connection always connects to positive or the + side of your speaker or wiring

Secondly,
Un plug the factory tweeters when you install your upgraded speakers.

Third, never mix two different speakers. Install the JBL pair and don't try one oem and one JBL for comparison.

Speakers will break in after a few days, so I like to not hit them hard with volume for a couple to 3 days. You will find they sound better with time.

Register them asap because anything mass produced can be problematic.

The +/- 3 db switch on the new JBL is optional to your liking either way.

Jim

[Blk6bgg6]

I take it these outperform the J an M s many used like I did.truthfully ,they not much better than oem.I wonder if others used these dirtstiff after JM s ..if so please report as I would probably make switch.

[Dirtstiff's F6B]

They are JBL, not mine.
Some like em better, some dont.
If your on the fence, keep what you have.
Nothing gained or lost.

[thunder217]

So my wing went into the shop I knew it wasn't the speakers and the Honda dealer reported that the cost for the replacement of the AMP that went bad would be a wopping $1200 with Labor for sure I went right back at them that I had purchased the additional warranty which pushed it to 2020 they went back to Honda several times and Honda agreed to replace and repair of free under the warranty. Dodged the bullet. Hurrrah for Honda. :yikes:

[willtill]

So my wing went into the shop I knew it wasn't the speakers and the Honda dealer reported that the cost for the replacement of the AMP that went bad would be a wopping $1200 with Labor for sure I went right back at them that I had purchased the additional warranty which pushed it to 2020 they went back to Honda several times and Honda agreed to replace and repair of free under the warranty. Dodged the bullet. Hurrrah for Honda. :yikes:

Money well spent (for the extended warranty in your case). :yes:

I'm getting the extended warranty as well this September when I go to the Russelville Rally.

[edgeman55]

So my wing went into the shop I knew it wasn't the speakers and the Honda dealer reported that the cost for the replacement of the AMP that went bad would be a wopping $1200 with Labor for sure I went right back at them that I had purchased the additional warranty which pushed it to 2020 they went back to Honda several times and Honda agreed to replace and repair of free under the warranty. Dodged the bullet. Hurrrah for Honda. :yikes:

Glad to hear they covered it.1200 bucks for a Amp man they should kiss you before they F**K you.For 1200.00 you could put in a kickin after market setup.

[MountainDew]

I'm looking for details how to install/replace the speakers but I can't seeme to find any on this thread or anywhere else. I looked at a video from J&M and they made it look like the center dash just pops right off.

[Greg O]

It does just pop off.

[willtill]

I'm looking for details how to install/replace the speakers but I can't seeme to find any on this thread or anywhere else. I looked at a video from J&M and they made it look like the center dash just pops right off.

Go to Harbor Freight and get these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/nylon-pry-bar-installer-kit-4-pc-69668.html

You will need them to make removal of the plastics much easier on the F6B.

[stevenolts]

Remember guys -
The large spade speaker connection always connects to positive or the + side of your speaker or wiring

Secondly,
Un plug the factory tweeters when you install your upgraded speakers.

Third, never mix two different speakers. Install the JBL pair and don't try one oem and one JBL for comparison.

Speakers will break in after a few days, so I like to not hit them hard with volume for a couple to 3 days. You will find they sound better with time.

Register them asap because anything mass produced can be problematic.

The +/- 3 db switch on the new JBL is optional to your liking either way.

Jim

I have a question about mixing speakers. I installed one of my J&M speakers (I had extra after the JBL upgrade) in my Honda Accord Drivers door since I had it apart to replace the lock actuator and the window regulator. I had meant to immediately swap out the passenger side but since it was 100 degrees and I was frustrated from working on the car in the hot garage so I did not swap out the passenger side. I have noticed no problems and the J&M sounds better than the Alpine that was crackling. It has been a few months and I almost forgot about it. I ride the bike everywhere I go and have only driven the car 8 times or so. Will this be a problem?
Steve

[SimonTemplar]

I finally broke down and did this two days ago. Definitely an UPGRADE!!

I found that I also needed to trim slightly along the upper portion of the basket as well, as it was hitting some metal piece (shelter mount frame or something...dont know) Only way I could get the mounting holes to line up was to trim.

Is everybody using the original OEM screws....or something else?

Also....has anyone had troubles with the panel trim buzzing from bass vibrations? I don't have it all the time...but I am getting it often enough for it to be annoying. Am going to have to find something to kill that...if I can find the exact point.




.....sT

[willtill]

I finally broke down and did this two days ago. Definitely an UPGRADE!!

I found that I also needed to trim slightly along the upper portion of the basket as well, as it was hitting some metal piece (shelter mount frame or something...dont know) Only way I could get the mounting holes to line up was to trim.

Is everybody using the original OEM screws....or something else?

Also....has anyone had troubles with the panel trim buzzing from bass vibrations? I don't have it all the time...but I am getting it often enough for it to be annoying. Am going to have to find something to kill that...if I can find the exact point.




.....sT


I re-used the OEM screws.

I had to trim these areas of the speaker ring; to allow the instrument/speaker console cover to fasten back down completely (area outlined in RED):

http://i68.tinypic.com/2hncget.jpg

[MountainDew]

I'm happy with the upgrade but man, the right speak was a pain to install. I bought tin snips to pretty much cut from the top screws to the bottom screws on both sides to get it in there. And even then, I feel like I got lucky making it work.

The speakers have a better overall quality sound and are louder without distortion. I'm a bass junkie and you do get some thump but don't expect this to be deep bass you'd get from a subwoofer.

[SimonTemplar]

.....I had to trim these areas of the speaker ring; to allow the instrument/speaker console cover to fasten back down completely (area outlined in RED):

http://i68.tinypic.com/2hncget.jpg


Yes, I had to do all of that as well. Which didn't bother me much, as I had read about the need to do so hereabouts beforehand and was ready for it. However, having to trim an inch and a half along the the top edge (roughly at about 11o'clock on the speaker in the picture...where the shelter is nearest) caught me by surprise. Nobody mentioned needing that, but mine clearly did need it or the baskets never would have fully aligned with the screw holes. I'd have a picture of it except that area is so tight that there wasn't any way I could get a decent shot of it.

My biggest problem, though, is that I am getting a buzz caused by vibration (somewhere in the panel trim piece) whenever I play a track with a heavy bass line in it. (John Lee Hooker's 'Things Gonna Change' really sets it off). Haven't yet found the precise point that is buzzing yet.

I also used the OEM screws. On your pic, they appear to be silver/chrome in colour. Mine were black with machine threads...and never really tightened down. They hold well enough for the purpose but I'd feel better about it if they actually got somewhat tight. I foresee having vibration troubles with them at some point in the future as well.

....sT

[SimonTemplar]

I'm happy with the upgrade but man, the right speak was a pain to install. I bought tin snips to pretty much cut from the top screws to the bottom screws on both sides to get it in there. And even then, I feel like I got lucky making it work.......


Yes, I think a good set of metal snips or aviation snips is the way to go. Nominally, Dremel disks would actually be the best and leave the baskets looking prettiest...but the cuttings go everywhere and at least some will find their way into the voice coils due to the massive magnets on these. No matter how well you wrap them beforehand, somehow it's going to happen.

Either way, it's a cut-and-fit-and-cut-some-more proposition. Takes longer, but I'd rather spend the time doing it that way than deforming the baskets trying to bend the offending portions out of the way.




....sT

[willtill]

My biggest problem, though, is that I am getting a buzz caused by vibration (somewhere in the panel trim piece) whenever I play a track with a heavy bass line in it. (John Lee Hooker's 'Things Gonna Change' really sets it off). Haven't yet found the precise point that is buzzing yet.

I bet you a dollar to a doughnut that the trim panel piece is still not fully seated. You have a slight gap somewhere that is reverberating with the deep base. Have you attempted to isolate it by pushing on different areas; while playing some deep bass music?



I also used the OEM screws. On your pic, they appear to be silver/chrome in colour. Mine were black with machine threads...and never really tightened down. They hold well enough for the purpose but I'd feel better about it if they actually got somewhat tight. I foresee having vibration troubles with them at some point in the future as well.

....sT

I actually "borrowed" that pic from another member's post in this thread, and then did the editing for the areas I cut out. My screws on my speakers are black as well.


Yes, I think a good set of metal snips or aviation snips is the way to go. Nominally, Dremel disks would actually be the best and leave the baskets looking prettiest...but the cuttings go everywhere and at least some will find their way into the voice coils due to the massive magnets on these. No matter how well you wrap them beforehand, somehow it's going to happen.

Either way, it's a cut-and-fit-and-cut-some-more proposition. Takes longer, but I'd rather spend the time doing it that way than deforming the baskets trying to bend the offending portions out of the way.

....sT

Someone had suggested that "nibblers" would be perfect for this type of trimming. Here's a source:

http://www.harborfreight.com/16-gauge-air-nibbler-96661.html

[GiddyupF6B]

I currently have the J&M's installed, just pulled the trigger on the GTO 638's......$44 shipped it was a no brainer with all the great feedback in this thread. Thanks for all the R&D guys!!!

[SimonTemplar]

I bet you a dollar to a doughnut that the trim panel piece is still not fully seated. You have a slight gap somewhere that is reverberating with the deep base........



Yes, I knew it was vibrational...but no, trim panel seating was the first thing that I checked.

I have gotten rid of the buzz, though.

There is a lip that runs between the clip sockets on the shelter...the outside rim of the panel seats against it. The GTO's (or at least my GTO's) came with several lengths of narrow adhesive padding. They don't really say in much detail what they expect you to do with it....I suspect it is for use should you mount with the metal mounting rings that also come in the box.

Although I have reason to feel that the problem was not there, I still decided to cut that padding to length and run it along the upper sections of the lip so that the panel seats against the padding instead of directly on the lip. This stops any vibration that might have been occurring between the panel and the lip AND keeps a certain minor amount of tension between the clips themselves and the sockets.

In addition, I found that the screws with which the metal speaker grilles are mounted to the panel (there are three mounting screws per grille) were all slightly loose. Not much...but when you put a screwdriver to them, each one turned about a half to three quarters of a turn before seating fully.

Between those two actions....my buzz has disappeared. (...at least for now)




.....Someone had suggested that "nibblers" would be perfect for this type of trimming.......



Actually, I should think that nibblers alone for that much removal of material would take forever. Nibblers would be great, however, for fine tuning your cuts after trimming the majority of it with snips. I couldn't find my yellow aviation snips (the colours do have meaning...they're not just decorated that way) and had to go buy a new set. While I was there, I tried to find a set of nibblers...but couldn't even find anyone that knew what I was talking about. So, I eventually gave up and just used the snips alone. Damned ugly job of it when I finished, but......who's going to see?




.....sT

[willtill]

Actually, I should think that nibblers alone for that much removal of material would take forever. Nibblers would be great, however, for fine tuning your cuts after trimming the majority of it with snips. I couldn't find my yellow aviation snips (the colours do have meaning...they're not just decorated that way) and had to go buy a new set. While I was there, I tried to find a set of nibblers...but couldn't even find anyone that knew what I was talking about. So, I eventually gave up and just used the snips alone. Damned ugly job of it when I finished, but......who's going to see?




.....sT

Ya... I was not pleased with my end product as well (resultant from the cutting and trimming). Didn't look "too" bad but still....

My first speaker; I did the Dremel cutoff wheel thing. Completely masked up the speaker except for the areas that I was going to trim. But as I sort of expected, metal shaving were all over the speaker even with all the prep work I did. A couple blasts of compressed air took care of that though.

Second speaker... I did the tin snips. Even trying to be careful; the basket would still deform from the cutting pressure of the snips no matter how I tried to angle the approach with the snip's cutting surfaces. Still turned out "ok" and like you said... who's going to see?

[dh2253]

OK, so -
In my quest to find the perfect motorcycle speaker, I came across these.

I have spent a small fortune in my lifetime in loudspeakers and amps, with my favorite brand being Polk Audio, until today.

I wouldn't post this unless I was so impressed with both the sound quality with the OEM amp and how they perform with my aftermarket amp.

This speaker out performs oem speakers hands down with the oem amp and does an even better job with an aftermarket amp.

It's a 3 way speaker, meaning excellent base, mid range and tweeter highs.

It takes a meager 60 watts RMS to bring it alive.

I've never believed a 3 way loud speaker could sound better and louder, than a coaxial or 2 way speaker, but this speaker kicks, in all categories.

Another cool point is that it's a 6.5" speaker that requires no trimming to make fit. They take a bit of hand persuasion to bend the basket, but go in, in about 10 minutes.

They are also a 2 ohm speaker, which better matches our OEM amp resistance.

Did I say it rocks.. Again, I've always been a Polk fan for loud speakers, but this guy is definately a rival.

And finally, the price point of this quality speaker is ridiculous.. Amazon.

For those of you looking for the perfect oem up grade with no new amp, I highly recommend these.... after going around the block several times..

Wait..wait for it. I'm sure no sponsor offer these, but I had to share them with you all.
19232

19233
19234

JBL Audio GTO Series 638

Jim

After reading this entire thread and without too much contemplation, I ordered a set of speakers and set out to install them on Wednesday. I ended up not having to cut them at all, however, I kinda wish I had in hindsight. It took LOTS of "coaxing" to get them in and the left speaker has some malformed sheet metal on its left side, but they are mounted up, sound fantastic and ready for the trip to Russellville. Thanks everyone for the guidance.

[Dirtstiff's F6B]

After reading this entire thread and without too much contemplation, I ordered a set of speakers and set out to install them on Wednesday. I ended up not having to cut them at all, however, I kinda wish I had in hindsight. It took LOTS of "coaxing" to get them in and the left speaker has some malformed sheet metal on its left side, but they are mounted up, sound fantastic and ready for the trip to Russellville. Thanks everyone for the guidance.

Fantastic,
I also hand molded the first pair in. Not hard and worked just fine.
I blew them up trying to see just how hard I could push them. The second pair, I cut like many other speaker donors.
Glad they bring you better sound.
Jim

[Phantom]

bump

[Redlinez]

Think I'm gonna order a set. Can't beat $49 shipped for a true upgrade.

[jford]

I run DS 18 pro audio 6.5 shallow in factory location .... with 2 Focal 5.25 in front storage pocket 2 4 " tweeters dwn low below the radio control panel 2 8" focal in the right saddle bag. all this is ran by a DS 18 6 ch amp.244522445324454

[Jimmytee]

I run DS 18 pro audio 6.5 shallow in factory location .... with 2 Focal 5.25 in front storage pocket 2 4 " tweeters dwn low below the radio control panel 2 8" focal in the right saddle bag. all this is ran by a DS 18 6 ch amp.244522445324454

Good to see ya on here.:cheers:

[STRaider]

Just ordered a set of the JBL's. Is the only plastic that needs to come off for the install the dash piece with the speaker grills?

[naga viper]

Finally got around to ordering a pair.
Has anyone attempted to waterproof these by misting with silicone?

[Dirtstiff's F6B]

I wouldn't, they are made to flex and resonate. Silicone would seal and stiffen imo. They are made if water resistant components. As long as they don't get the garden hose, they will resist moisture fine.

[53driver]

You can treat the cone itself with Kiwi Wet-Pruf.
The cones should be stiff anyway.
I know several large manufacturers of PA gear use this to make their systems "weather resistant."

Where you need to be careful is around the flexible perimeter.
Depending upon what technique the speaker uses for that area, you might be able to treat it and you might not.

Cheers,
Steve

[CoCoKola]

Impressive work all. I'm very happy with my setup although next year I may upgrade the sub solution. I have a brand new "drop in" set of j&m series 2 speakers (http://hondaf6b.com/showthread.php?9976-J-amp-m-series-2-speakers-new-for-sale) for sale if you want an upgrade without requiring an amp.