[douginflorida]

Has anyone added an amplifier to their XC speaker set up? I replaced the factory with some Polk Audios' and they sound great but would welcome adding an amp that would really give them the range they can offer....brand suggestion would be welcome and difficulty in the install??

 

[ZZedmonds]

I have done 3 XC's and the consensus is the Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 is the best bang for the buck and smaller physical size make it ideal for motorcycles. They can be had for as low as $130 bucks. The install is easy. Do a search on amp or speakers and you'll find a bunch of posts on the subject. I did 2 different reviews with pics if you search under my username ZZedmonds. Here is one thread. [link='http://www.thevog.net/forum/cross-country-44/cross-country-amp-and-speaker-upgrade-done-pics/']http://www.thevog.net/forum/cross-country-44/cross-country-amp-and-speaker-upgrade-done-pics/[/link] Here is the thread on my 6.5" speaker upgrade [link='http://www.thevog.net/forum/cross-country-44/6-5-speaker-upgrade-on-my-xc-somebody-stop-me/']http://www.thevog.net/forum/cross-country-44/6-5-speaker-upgrade-on-my-xc-somebody-stop-me/[/link]

 

[douginflorida]

thanks for the input and threads....I am also worried about the heat produced by the Rockford amp since I live in Florida and we can get smoking down here most of the year as it is....I would like to add an amp just to give my Polk Audio's some real boost for the highway cruisin' and I'm not much of an electrician so will be relying on somebody to put it in for me though I can let them know they can use the heater grip plug since I will never be using that outlet here in Florida...

 

[BBob]

Did you draw up any simple to read diagrams for the Rockford amp ZZ? I intend to start on this project next week when the toy runs are all done with for the year just in case I get to a spot where I have to wait a few days for parts.

 

[ZZedmonds]

Did you draw up any simple to read diagrams for the Rockford amp ZZ? I intend to start on this project next week when the toy runs are all done with for the year just in case I get to a spot where I have to wait a few days for parts.

I haven't. I don't think I will have time to. I am slammed with work, family, and bike club stuff right now.

 

[BBob]

Ok, Thanks anyway, I think it'll probably fall into place if I'm lucky.

 

[kevinx]

I run the Biketronics Titan II mini amp. It is about the size of two packs of cigarettes, and it is digital; so heat is a non issue. Ran it all the way through the hot Florida summer myself

 

[ArkieBiker]

I run the Biketronics Titan II mini amp. It is about the size of two packs of cigarettes, and it is digital; so heat is a non issue. Ran it all the way through the hot Florida summer myself

I have seen these on the Biketronics site. So what is the difference between these Titan amps and the Rockford Fosgate amps. They look like TWO different animals. One is large and one is very compact...What's the difference between them and more importantly...what's the difference in SOUND QUALITY? Thanks.

 

[ZZedmonds]

I have seen these on the Biketronics (BT) site. So what is the difference between these Titan amps and the Rockford Fosgate (RF) amps. They look like TWO different animals. One is large and one is very compact...What's the difference between them and more importantly...what's the difference in SOUND QUALITY? Thanks.

Remember audio is always subjective. This is my opinion after looking at specs on both sites along with my own personal experience with only one of the two amps... Both amps are rated at 300watts. The solid state design of the Biketronics is intriguing. The Biketronics website refers to it having low level inputs and needing a "transformer" or preamp to adjust the input level to match the amp. The Rockford Fosgate is designed with high level inputs. In a nutshell one amplified output into another amplifier can multiply distortion. Using a preamp or and amp designed for high level inputs (an already amplified signal) allows you to adjust the level of input to minimize the distortion. The RF also is switchable from 4 channels (4 speakers) to 2 channels to utilize the amps full 300W output. Just from a specs standpoint the RF should have cleaner output and higher volume and may be less expensive (due to the fact you can find them at many car stereo suppliers, $269 List seen as low as $140 on the net) while the BT is smaller and may be more reliable due to the solid state nature of it's design and is more expensive ($399 list, 349 on the net) since you can't buy them from multiple car stereo sources you won't have as many price options. I am not saying one sounds better than the other since I have not heard both. Based on the specs I believe one should. I am only biased because I have installed and heard the RF. I can't wait to hear the output on the BT amp. Clear as mud right? I hope this helps!