Amplifier for Interstate

[dancnman]

I want to install and amplifier on my Interstate, but I just have not figured it out yet. Of course I can't spend a lot of money, but I will spend what I need to so as to get quality.

So, my questions are; can I get some recommendations on amps that others use? Also, I want it to work with my volume key on the bike. Is that possible? I understand some people install them in the fairing, so could I get some information on how that was done?

I have never installed an amp, so I know so very not much about it. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jerry

[Gavin_Sons]

I used a rockford fosgate pbr300x2 it is small and fits in the fairing.

[Skinhead]

Shoot Troystg a message.  We were discussing this on the MD ride and he seemed to have it figured out with a very cost effective amp.  I just can't remember the details.  Maybe he will post them here and we will both know.

[dancnman]

Any particular reason you just put a 2 channel in? Do you not have rear speakers, or was it not worth running them through an amp?

Thanks.

[Gavin_Sons]

Yes I have rear speakers, all of them are the polk 501. Im not very good at speaker wiring and everything that goes alomg with it mainly because I have never done it. A guy at work use to have his own side business doing car audio and he done most the work on mine. He said something about 4 channel making too much power and that is why I fried my first set of speakers and amp. He hooked it all up and it sounded better than my original upgrade. JimmyT has more knowledge on this than I do, his soind system sounds great, but he also has a woodys fairing and just put more speakers in the top of his saddlebags.  Sorry im not much help

[dancnman]

Even though you say you don't know much, you know more than me. Thanks for your help.

[PhredValk]

Some good ideas and info in this thread;

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,53271.0.html

Fred.

[Troystg]

Any particular reason you just put a 2 channel in? Do you not have rear speakers, or was it not worth running them through an amp?

Thanks.

A two channel amp will work fine but not allow the fading from front to rear.  But then you will need the rear speaker harness to use a 4 channel.

You can parallel front and rear speakers if the amp is 2 Ohm stable but you lose the fader capability.

[dancnman]

Thank you Fred and Troy for the information. Every little bit helps me move forward.

Jerry

[Troystg]

Some good ideas and info in this thread;

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,53271.0.html

Fred.

WOW, a lot of work went into those installs.  I congratulate each of them for blazing the path..

However none of that is necessary today with the new Class D amps.  It is quick and simple by the old standards..

[BIG--T]

Some good ideas and info in this thread;

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,53271.0.html

Fred.

WOW, a lot of work went into those installs.  I congratulate each of them for blazing the path..

However none of that is necessary today with the new Class D amps.  It is quick and simple by the old standards..

Troy, what exactly is a Class D amp? I've upgraded my speakers on my I/S to 4 Polk 501's. They sound clearer but the volume is the same which I can't hear well at speed. I'm thinking about a small amp like a Alpine KTP-445U 4-channel or Clarion XC1410. I know very little about audio and would like your thoughts on these. I want something small and just enough power for my 45 watt speakers. Also I am very skeptical of high watt amps because of so many alternator failures I've read about here.

[Troystg]

Without getting into basic electronics 101, a class d amp is often called a switching amp.  Instead of being always on ( class a) or mostly on ( class ab) it switches on only when needed.  No not the actual amp but rather to output circuitry.   The benefit is it is extremely more efficient than the older methods so it uses less power and generates less heat.

Rule of thumb with audio.  Have twice as much RMS power than the speakers are rated for.

You will burn more speakers with too little, dirty power than you will too much clean power.

Bass restricted 50 - 100 watt RMS is fine for the polks.

[Troystg]

Class d amps only draw the power that is needed..  So if it is a million watt amp but you listen at low levels it doesn't draw much...

Both the Alpine and Clarion are good amps for the bike.

I doubt you will listen to four Polk db501's at more than 30 watts for long periods..  That is very loud..

[BIG--T]

Without getting into basic electronics 101, a class d amp is often called a switching amp.  Instead of being always on ( class a) or mostly on ( class ab) it switches on only when needed.  No not the actual amp but rather to output circuitry.   The benefit is it is extremely more efficient than the older methods so it uses less power and generates less heat.

Rule of thumb with audio.  Have twice as much RMS power than the speakers are rated for.

You will burn more speakers with too little, dirty power than you will too much clean power.

Bass restricted 50 - 100 watt RMS is fine for the polks.

Between the 2 amps I listed, which one do you think is the best or can you recommend one? Thanks for your help!

[Troystg]

I don't have experience with either of those models however I do like the detachable cables on the Alpine.

[Bone]

What is Class-D amplification?         

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun06/articles/loudandlight.htm

Hey Troystg your getting my attention. I didn't know there is different classes of amps.
I'm wondering what I really have in my saddlebag 

[BIG--T]

Thanks guys, this is very interesting and I'm learning. Is there a write up on splicing the wires on the radio to the amp?

[Troystg]

What is Class-D amplification?         

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun06/articles/loudandlight.htm

Hey Troystg your getting my attention. I didn't know there is different classes of amps.
I'm wondering what I really have in my saddlebag 

If what you have in your bag works, leave it alone until it doesn't...

The newer amps are great for bikes but not up to my standards for home...

[Troystg]

Thanks guys, this is very interesting and I'm learning. Is there a write up on splicing the wires on the radio to the amp?

I can make one if you like..    Very easy to wire it up but do it right the first time.  Prepare, get the right materials and succeed. 

[BIG--T]

Thanks guys, this is very interesting and I'm learning. Is there a write up on splicing the wires on the radio to the amp?

I can make one if you like..    Very easy to wire it up but do it right the first time.  Prepare, get the right materials and succeed. 

That would be great Troy and I do want to get it right the first time!

Thanks