[Tuffy]

I upgraded the sound system on my 2013 Cross Country Tourer. I added a Rockford Fosgate PBR300x4 and upgraded the speakers to Alpine SPR-50 5 1/4" front and rear. The front speakers sound amazing, crisp and clear. The rear speakers seem to be pushing much more power and don't seem to be clean. I have adjusted the gain, but doesn't clean it up. I had issues finding the correct wires from the source for the rear, but I believe I finally found the correct wires. Colors crossed at the plug for the trunk. I used the orange and orange/black stripe for one side and the pink and pink/black stripe for the other side. In testing I switched the source input for front and rear and the issue moved to the front speakers. I believe the issue is in the source (factory stereo), but not sure what it could be. It seems like I am getting dirty power from the source for the rear speakers. Anyone done this upgrade and/or have any suggestions.

 

[kingsrule5]

Did you check to verify polarity on the speakers? It's possible the rears are out of phase and that is the issue.

 

[Tuffy]

Yes. We did verify the polarity.

 

[Jeb27]

I upgraded the sound system on my 2013 Cross Country Tourer. I added a Rockford Fosgate PBR300x4 and upgraded the speakers to Alpine SPR-50 5 1/4" front and rear. The front speakers sound amazing, crisp and clear. The rear speakers seem to be pushing much more power and don't seem to be clean. I have adjusted the gain, but doesn't clean it up. I had issues finding the correct wires from the source for the rear, but I believe I finally found the correct wires. Colors crossed at the plug for the trunk. I used the orange and orange/black stripe for one side and the pink and pink/black stripe for the other side. In testing I switched the source input for front and rear and the issue moved to the front speakers. I believe the issue is in the source (factory stereo), but not sure what it could be. It seems like I am getting dirty power from the source for the rear speakers. Anyone done this upgrade and/or have any suggestions.

Turn the RF Amp ALL the way DOWN. Keep the radio flat...+1 on bass & treble at the most. Turn off the Automatic Volume Control!!! Try that. These amp adjust their own imput. All you will do is overdrive the speakers if you turn Up either the amp or radio eq. Should be able to go to 27 on radio volume without distorting/clipping.

 

[Tuffy]

During testing we turned treble and bass to 0 and the gain on the amp to 0 as well. The sound from the rear speakers were still not clear. However, they did not have the power as before of course. I understand the Automatic Volume Control to work when riding the bike. Increases volume when speed increases. Is this correct? All of my tests were with the bike in the shop. Sound coming from the front speakers is great and clean. Is there a way to test the quality of power coming from the source?

 

[jpickar]

How to Adjust Amplifier Gains Using a Digital Multi-Meter | Learning Center | Sonic Electronix

This is how I set mine and will show you how much power is going to speakers.

 

[Tuffy]

Looks good. I will give this a try. Thanks

 

[Jeb27]

During testing we turned treble and bass to 0 and the gain on the amp to 0 as well. The sound from the rear speakers were still not clear. However, they did not have the power as before of course. I understand the Automatic Volume Control to work when riding the bike. Increases volume when speed increases. Is this correct? All of my tests were with the bike in the shop. Sound coming from the front speakers is great and clean. Is there a way to test the quality of power coming from the source?

Go with jpicker. I have a Vision. I use the front/rear fader on the radio. I never fad more than -1 to the rear as to my ears it just steals from the front, but you can use it to check the output. I do things by esr as I am a musician. Never metered mine.

 

[Jeb27]

FYI:

Audio Setup: This is what I have...sold the 300watt....pissed me off.

400 is Self-Powered Fan Air-Cooled on both sides through duel Heat Sinks!

9. Amp: Rockford Fosgate (TM400X4ad) 400watts-digital: matches any ohms that the speakers are.. 100w/corner-solid! SELF air cooled with duel fans and heat sinks; so no thermal out problems! Mount it in the little hole in the trunk. You can get a little ratchet screwdriver to adjust your gains if you need to. Set Vision Radio EQ NO MORE than 1 positive for either treble or bass! Fader, no more than -1. Set both front and back amp switches at AP-(all pass). Don't touch the Amp Gains, keep at 7 o'clock- no power necessary. Leave the parametric EQs off also. I run the Radio volume between 10 & 27. Depends on your speed. This setup will blow your ears off at 90mph...with NO distortion!

Final Note: The Vision radios run hot at the output. This has the effects of overdriving any amp you put between it and the speakers = distortion/clipping! This is why you don’t have to turn the gain up on the amp. I was told they do this to allow for more volume when riding fast. (I believe the Harley Radios are the same) & TURN OFF THE VOLUME CONTROL!!!

* Speakers:
- Front: T165 6.5" 70 watts RMS. Full Range Coaxial Speakers-have to cut the speaker holes a little.
- Back: T152 5.25" 60 watts RMS. Full Range Coaxial Speakers (separate tweeters)
I spent $1000+ learning this the hard way! Spend the bucks.
Your hearing taste may lead you to different speakers, but my experience has taught me to MATCH products! I won't bad mouth other brands, people have different likes and dislikes...each to their own. (-: good luck.

 

[Tuffy]

Thanks everyone for the comments. This gives me some ideas I'll try.