Upgrades shipped!

[hdrolling]

My current setup is the Sony MEX 70BT, Biketronics install kit, Hawg wired tweeters, BT 7.1 fairing speakers and BT 6X9 saddlebag speakers powered by the BT 4180 amp.

I just received the "shipped" message from Kutter HD that my CVO lower fairing speaker pods and grills are on there way, I still would like to get them painted before I install.

Next to order are the BT 6.5 speakers for the CVO pods and the rear BT 7.1 tour pack pods. Before I order, will the one BT 4180 be enough to power all of these speakers? I've been told yes, but looking at it I'm not sure how its going to sound compared to how great it sounds now? My thought process is that I might save more if I order the amp with the speakers as a package, but if it's not going to be needed then I won't spend the money.

If I did get the second amp, my next issue would be where to mount it?

[Gannicus]

Very nice display and very nice System HD. . . . Personally I would run two amps on that system for max performance. But yes It can be ran with just the one amp.  I'd run a soundstream TN4.900 in the tourpak for the speakers in red on your display. Doesn't take up much room at all and it's an awesome amp with plenty power.  On the other had if you Listen to FM radio your best bet might be another 4180.

[IronMike113]

Looks like the planets are starting to align,Just Messin with Ya,looks like a Kick A$$ System  🔊

[z71_fourwheelin]

Gann... But if he mounts it in the Tourpak would it affect his FM? and why not run front speakers off 4180 and then run rear off SS

[Gannicus]

Yes Sir fourwheelin you are absolutely correct!  If he runs the TN4.900 it could affect his FM. 4180 will not. Only reason I suggested he run the new speakers with a new amp is because he already has the fairing and saddlebag speakers wired to the 4180.  He can do it either way. Wouldn't take much to switch the wires.  I suggested the TN4.900 because of the value to power factor. It's much cheaper and performs just as well as the 4180.

[hdrolling]

As small as the TN4.900 looks I wonder if it would fit in the fairing on my hogtunes second amp mount? The tour pack isn't on the bike all the time so I'd hate to lose two sets of speakers every time I remove the Pack.I never use FM, just XM and my music on my iphone.

[Gannicus]

Might be tough getting the TN4 in the hog tunes bracket. It's a little bigger than it looks. Of course I've not tried it so I don't know for a fact.  Now I do think the power acoustic RZ4.2000D will fit that bracket. 

[hdrolling]

Right now my minds pretty much set to go with another BT-4180, I'm tired of rebuilding this system and think I'll just stick with what I know will work. If I do decide I need the second amp I might squeeze it in the saddlebag. I kept my stock bags complete with the intent of putting them back on for road trips so the new CVO bottoms and lids don't get ruined on the long runs and I'll still have all the space I need.

[UltraNutZ]

hdrolling.  if in your shoes, I would simply add the lower speakers and wire in parallel with the fairing speakers.  Once you drop the ohm load at the amp from the 4 ohms it's seeing now to 2 ohms by parallel wiring the 4 front speakers, you'll notice the additional output provided by that amp.

I would try this before another amp purchase that you just may not need.   

[Gannicus]

Nutz. . . 8 BT speakers on the 4180 in parallel?

[UltraNutZ]

Gan.. i agree it's not the optimal solution but I would certainly give it a whirl before doing anything else.  The OP may very well be satisfied with that setup.  Keep in mind the 2 ohm load thing.  You will with that 4180 effectively almost double it's output at 2 ohms vs 4 ohms.

[hdrolling]

Thanks UN and Gan, trying just the speakers will be my first attempt. If I had a overwhelming request to get another amp I wouldn't hesitate but I'll go with small steps first and see what I think.

I hoping since the 4180 doesn't have any adjustments that when I go from a 8 speaker 2 ohm system to a 6 speaker (Front/lowers 4x 2ohm, saddlebags 2x 4ohm) when I remove the tour pack at times will automatically adjust for the different channels having different ohm loads?

I still foresee adding the second amp down the road thinking this much of a load might overheat my amp at times. My J&M 250 amp use to over heat after a while on longer rides just pushing the boom speakers. I've been on a couple 6-7 hour rides heading up to the BRP with the Biketronics setup and it plays strong the entire time and never overheats.

[UltraNutZ]

you won't have any issues with overheating in that configuration.  When you remove the tourpack your amp's rear channels will simply operate at a 4 ohm load.

[Gannicus]

Gan.. i agree it's not the optimal solution but I would certainly give it a whirl before doing anything else.  The OP may very well be satisfied with that setup.  Keep in mind the 2 ohm load thing.  You will with that 4180 effectively almost double it's output at 2 ohms vs 4 ohms.
[/quote

Very true! Just checking to make sure you were awake. . . lol  I ordered one of those amps from Bill and the pros set for delivery tomorrow. I'm going to check it out and see what I think but I'm still on the fence about no gain adjustment. If it doesn't sound right I'll be sticking my PA back in there. I'm going to see what the pros sound like with the PA first. Then I'm going to install the 4180 and see if there is a noticeable difference.  I'll keep you posted on the result.

[hdrolling]

I'm not sure if Pioneer74 has came over to this forum, but I've seen on the other forum that he is running close to the same set up with one 4180 amp.

The main reason I was asking about the second amp was Biketronics has the package with the BT 4180/7.1 front and 7.1 rear pods for about $1000. That's about $300 off difference than buying everything separate. If they could give me a lower price for going with a 6.5 instead of the 7.1 and maybe the additional 5% military discount that I think they offer, I'd be saving a bunch in the event I decided to go with the second amp.

The money "now" isn't the issue, the missed possible savings later on is what has my weighing my options before I order from Bill or another vendor in the morning.

[zeke383]

Correct me if I'm missing something but wouldn't this be the same as running the 2180 to 7.1's in the fairing and 6.5's in the lowers in parallel? What I am eluding to is this is what Biketronics recommended me to do (get the 2180). I went 4180 in case I expand later. Call Bill but I'm thinking that the 4180 would run all eight....

[Gannicus]

The 4180 will drive all 8 speakers as Nutz stated above. We just don't know if this set up is optimized.  But as Nutz stated if you run in parallel and reduce the load to 2 ohms with that powerful amp  it will probably sound dam good. HD will have to let us know what he thinks.  I want to know as well.

[z71_fourwheelin]

HD,  Buy the package and then flip the amp to recoup some cost and give a deal to a forum member (Like Me)

[tdgriff]

My current setup is the Sony MEX 70BT, Biketronics install kit, Hawg wired tweeters, BT 7.1 fairing speakers and BT 6X9 saddlebag speakers powered by the BT 4180 amp.

I just received the "shipped" message from Kutter HD that my CVO lower fairing speaker pods and grills are on there way, I still would like to get them painted before I install.

Next to order are the BT 6.5 speakers for the CVO pods and the rear BT 7.1 tour pack pods. Before I order, will the one BT 4180 be enough to power all of these speakers? I've been told yes, but looking at it I'm not sure how its going to sound compared to how great it sounds now? My thought process is that I might save more if I order the amp with the speakers as a package, but if it's not going to be needed then I won't spend the money.

If I did get the second amp, my next issue would be where to mount it?

Are you talking about Kutter HD in Janesville WI ? If you are only about 30 mins from them. I did not know they did online stuff at all.

[UltraNutZ]

My current setup is the Sony MEX 70BT, Biketronics install kit, Hawg wired tweeters, BT 7.1 fairing speakers and BT 6X9 saddlebag speakers powered by the BT 4180 amp.

I just received the "shipped" message from Kutter HD that my CVO lower fairing speaker pods and grills are on there way, I still would like to get them painted before I install.

Next to order are the BT 6.5 speakers for the CVO pods and the rear BT 7.1 tour pack pods. Before I order, will the one BT 4180 be enough to power all of these speakers? I've been told yes, but looking at it I'm not sure how its going to sound compared to how great it sounds now? My thought process is that I might save more if I order the amp with the speakers as a package, but if it's not going to be needed then I won't spend the money.

If I did get the second amp, my next issue would be where to mount it?

Are you talking about Kutter HD in Janesville WI ? If I am only about 30 mins from hem.

if you're hinting around about picking up your stuff from Kutter, they won't allow you to do that.  Online orders must be shipped.  I think that has something to do with MOCO rules.

[hdrolling]

If it's the same Kutter that does the 20% online discounts then yes, suppose to have them Wed.

http://www.kutterharleyonline.com/h-d

[tdgriff]

If it's the same Kutter that does the 20% online discounts then yes, suppose to have them Wed.

http://www.kutterharleyonline.com/h-d

That's pretty cool. I did not know that.

[hdrolling]

Trying the single BT4180 for now, BT 6.5 and 7.1 rear pods are on there way.

[tdgriff]

Trying the single BT4180 for now, BT 6.5 and 7.1 rear pods are on there way.

I think you are going to be more then happy with it. But again tons of money later and I am still upgrading and upgrading. It feels like it's never going to end. Good luck

[mtrhead269]

Have you given any thought to mounting the amp in your right side cover? 

[UltraNutZ]

no kidding.  now that I finally got everything the way I like it  and it's been that way for a few months.. here comes Power Acoustik with a new amp, RZ4-3000D that appealing to my senses.. not released yet but I'm heavily thinking about it.

[UltraNutZ]

that 4180 is too big to fit under that side cover.. Some of the smaller amps would but then you subject them to a lot of the environmental elements, at least a lot more than being in the fairing on in a bag.

[hdrolling]

that 4180 is too big to fit under that side cover.. Some of the smaller amps would but then you subject them to a lot of the environmental elements, at least a lot more than being in the fairing on in a bag.

I agree about it being too open to the environment under that cover. Since I don't have ABS and its empty under there I do use it to store a small slime brand air-compressor in a plastic case and it's always covered with road dust. No way I'd expose an expensive amp under there.

[hdrolling]

So I should have everything this weekend. Doing some more research it looks like at 2ohms the BT 4180 puts out around 250 watts RMS, So for eight speakers that's 125 watts RMS per at 2ohms. Getting anxious to see how the system will sound dropping 55w from each of the speakers I'm running now?

[hdrolling]

I'm still waiting for the paint to dry on my lower speaker pods but I did get around to installing the rear BT 7.1 tour pack pods today. Unfortunately they did not fit with my Harley passenger armrests so I had to remove them for know. They definitely hit the rear of my heated hammock seat, but it's not too bad. I was able to sit back there and not push down on the speaker pods so I know my wife won't have an issue.
Wired them to the rear saddlebag BT 6X9 speakers in parallel, they sound okay but having the rear four running at 2 ohm and the front two at 4 ohms does throw off the sound. It's not equal any more like it was when I was just running all the speakers at 4 ohms. I'm sure once I get the BT 6.5 lower speakers installed and wired up it will equal up the sound again, not sure how else to explain it? I should be done with the paint this weekend but I don't want to rush them.

[UltraNutZ]

just remember.. this is no different than tuning your bike when you change exhaust, cams, air cleaner.  when you change things up with ohms and power you have to re-adjust gains based on new calcs or by ear.

[zeke383]

Gain adjustment on a 4180 ??

[UltraNutZ]

Gain adjustment on a 4180 ??

damnit man.. see I tell you guys all the time.. don't be afraid to question me.. I'm only human.. unless you ask my wife!   

[hdrolling]

I can still make small adjustments with My Sony head unit, but knowing another set of speakers are going in next week I don't want to mess with anything. I will say that sitting in the garage with the tunes turned up they are all still very clear and really move some air. I can hold my hand about 6 inch's from any speaker and feel it on my hand.

[ALUCARD19]

no kidding.  now that I finally got everything the way I like it  and it's been that way for a few months.. here comes Power Acoustik with a new amp, RZ4-3000D that appealing to my senses.. not released yet but I'm heavily thinking about it.

Nutz what about the new Soundstream Rubicon Nano RN4.1400D 175x4 at 2ohms the size is only 6.50"x1.50"x9.00" and all of the connections are on the leading edge and setting options are on top.
Any info on price and when it might be available.
It sounds like an amp to look into if priced right.

[ALUCARD19]

[attach=0]

Nutz this is what it looks like

[Gannicus]

That 6.50 width is going to be an issue in the fairing.  The TN4.900 is 6.875 and it doesn't come close to fitting. 

[UltraNutZ]

yeah I agree.   6.5" is going to be tough.  If someone brought me this amp and an TN4.900D, the 900D would be my choice.