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Are High-Efficiency Speakers Better?

03/14/2021 By BestCarAudio.com

High-Efficiency SpeakersIf you are an avid car audio enthusiast, it’s likely that you’ve seen photos of or heard systems that use high-efficiency pro audio style speakers. These drivers were designed for PA systems at concerts and can produce impressive output levels with moderate levels of power from an amp. In this article, we are going to look at the benefits and drawbacks of using pro-sound speakers in applications like a motorcycle.

What Determines Speaker Efficiency?

High-Efficiency SpeakersBefore we dive into the differences between conventional car audio speakers and high-efficiency speakers, let’s take a quick look at the definition of speaker efficiency and what design features change this value.

Speaker efficiency specifications describe how much acoustic output a speaker produces for a given amount of input signal. A proper rating will look something like this: 88 dB (2.83 V/1M). This specification means that the speaker will produce a sound pressure level of 88 dB when driven with 2.83 volts of signal from an amplifier and measured using a microphone placed 1 meter away from the face of the speaker cone. Increasing or decreasing the supplied power will dramatically affect the specification. As an example, you may see companies use the 1 watt/1 meter standard. 2.83 volts is 1 watt of power into an 8-ohm load. For a 4-ohm car audio speaker, 2.83 volts is 2 watts. You can subtract 3 dB from the 2-watt specification to get the 1-watt number, and vice-versa.

High-Efficiency SpeakersSeveral technical design details determine speaker efficiency. One of the biggest factors is the weight of the cone and voice coil assembly. A lightweight cone assembly is easier to move and typically produces more output with less power. The drawback of this low-mass design is that the resonant frequency of the speaker will be higher and the driver won’t produce anywhere as much bass. This is the basic trade-off between conventional car audio speakers and pro-sound drivers.

Efficiency Versus Low-Frequency Output

When reproducing music, extended low-frequency extension adds a great deal of impact and realism to the listening experience. Vocals and midrange from the 175 to 200 Hz region are of course crucial, but adding another octave below that is the difference in between listening to music from a smartphone or a clock radio and the capabilities of a real stereo system.

High-Efficiency SpeakersLet’s compare two popular 6.5-inch woofers, both intended for car audio applications. Speaker A is a conventional car audio woofer designed to be used with a tweeter and is intended for installation in the door of your car or truck. Speaker B is a high-efficiency pro audio style midrange and will also need a separate tweeter to play above 3,000 Hz.

The graph below shows the predicted low-frequency response of Speaker A in red and Speaker B in yellow in an effectively infinite baffle application (a door or motorcycle fairing that isn’t sealed). The shown levels refer to each driver being supplied with 1 watt of power.

 

High-Efficiency Speakers
Low-frequency response of a car audio version pro audio 6.5-inch midrange.

As you can see, Speaker A produces about 90.5 dB of output at 630 Hz where Speaker B is at 93.3 dB. The trade-off is that Speaker B only produces 81.4 dB of output at 70 Hz where Speaker A produces 84 dB. These numbers are actually pretty small, but the overall tonal balance of the two options would be audible.

If you look at some of the popular target equalization curves that tuners use, they typically tune for flat midrange response from about 3,000 Hz down to around 100 Hz. Emphasis in the upper midrange is not typically desirable. If you have a digital signal processor in your system, your tuner could use the equalizer to lower those frequencies, but that doesn’t make the bass region play any louder in absolute terms.

How Loudly Will It Play?

When it comes to motorcycle audio, clients want their systems to play as loudly as possible to drown out loud exhaust systems and wind noise while on the freeway. The defining factor in how loudly a speaker will play is its excursion capability. For our example above, Speaker A is rated to have an Xmax specification (one-way excursion limit) of 4 mm while Speaker B is limited to 1.2 mm because of its short, lightweight voice coil former.

The graph below shows how low each driver can play when driven with 70 watts of power before the cone assembly starts to leave the magnetic gap and distortion increases dramatically. With the high-efficiency pro audio speaker, you will have to implement a high-pass filter in the system to limit power below 150 Hz. With Speaker A, you can let the driver play down to 60 Hz before the voice coil starts to come out of the gap with the same amount of power.

High-Efficiency Speakers
Excursion-limited low-frequency output limits.

Which Speaker Solution Is Right for Your Application?

Based on the science behind how speakers work, the argument for using a pro audio type speaker without the addition of a dedicated woofer of some sort seems illogical. If the amount of power you have available is limited, then a high-efficiency speaker might be worthwhile. With that said, even the smallest of high-quality amplifiers can produce at least 45 or 50 watts of power, which should be more than enough to drown out road and wind noise in almost any situation.

High-Efficiency SpeakersIf you have plans to add a dedicated woofer to the saddlebag or trunk on your bike, and can find one that will play up to 150 or 200 Hz without significant distorting, then pro-style high-efficiency speakers may be a good option if all that matters is how loudly the system will play.

It’s worth noting: If you look at motorcycle and powersports-specific upgrade packages from companies like ARC Audio, Rockford Fosgate, JL Audio and Kicker, they all use a conventional speaker design that offers great bass performance.

If you need a hand choosing the right speaker for your application, drop by your local specialist car stereo retailer. They can provide some insight into the best solution for your vehicle and your listening style.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, Motorcycle Audio, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Where to Buy Motorcycle Audio Upgrades

10/04/2020 By BestCarAudio.com

Motorcycle Audio UpgradesIt’s the middle of the summer, and motorcycle enthusiasts are on their way to the Sturgis Rally for 10 days of music, food and motorcycle fun. One of the fastest growing categories in the mobile electronics industry has been motorcycle audio upgrades. In this article, we’ll provide a few tips and suggestions to ensure that your investment in new audio equipment for your bike will last you for years and sound great.

Where to Buy Motorcycle Audio Upgrades

Motorcycle Audio UpgradesWe can’t even fathom the number of audio system upgrades we see installed at big meets and rallies like Daytona, Sturgis, Laconia and Myrtle Beach. While leaving your pride and joy with the guys in a booth or trailer to upgrade your stereo while you grab lunch or dinner sounds incredibly convenient, occasionally long-term issues dramatically reduce the value of this purchasing option.

After-Sale Service

Whether you buy a new radio, a set of speakers, an amplifier or a complete audio upgrade solution, those products are backed by a manufacturer’s warranty against failure due to defects. In most cases, if you get a little overzealous with the volume control and damage a speaker, these manufacturers will typically provide you with a replacement. You will need to provide a receipt showing that the products were purchased from and installed by an authorized dealer to get that replacement.

If you have questions or concerns about the system a week after the show, who is going to help you out? What if there is a buzz or rattle from one of the speakers? Is it the installation? Is it a damaged or defective speaker? Working with a store that you can go and visit for help can save a lot of headaches.

Audio System Tuning and Configuration

In the case of any worthwhile motorcycle audio upgrade, you are going to need an amplifier to drive the speakers so that they will play loudly enough to drown out your “loud pipes save lives” exhaust system. Unless the amplifier is specifically designed for the exact make and model of bike you own, it has to be set up properly to ensure you won’t damage your new speakers. Mobile electronic specialist retailers operating from a brick-and-mortar location typically have tools like oscilloscopes or a distortion detector to make sure the system is configured properly. Setting up an amplifier is a very important step and is often overlooked. If you can’t turn your audio system up to at least 85 percent of the maximum volume, it wasn’t set up correctly.

Motorcycle Care and Protection

Motorcycle Audio UpgradesWhen you pull up to a shop to have your motorcycle audio system upgraded, you can be assured that the bike will be treated like royalty when it’s in their possession. A quality shop will have a storage rack covered in carpet or a blanket for your fairing, saddlebags, windshield or any other delicate parts that need to be removed to upgrade the bike. Many shops apply protective films over painted surfaces like fuel tanks and bumpers. We’ve heard stories where a scratch on a CVO Harley gas tank cost more than $1,000 to repair. Working outdoors doesn’t always provide the space to protect your bike from damage.

Depending on the components you choose for your audio system upgrade, the shop may have to fabricate a mounting bracket or adapter. With your bike in their installation bay, they can go back and forth between the wood shop or fabrication area, so they don’t have to “build” parts near your bike.

Wiring and Hardware Attention to Detail

Motorcycle Audio Upgrades
Wiring should be neatly run with the factory wiring, as demonstrated by Adrenaline Autosound.

Motorcycles produce a lot of vibrations while cruising down the interstate or idling at a traffic light. This intense motion can wreak havoc with electrical connections that aren’t both mechanically secure and properly protected. Look for a shop that ensures each connection is made in a way that offers a solid physical joint between the two wires. Twisting and taping electrical connections is not recommended, and quick-connects like 3M Scotchloks can cause wires to break and systems to malfunction. Most shops choose to solder connections and wrap them in high-quality vinyl electrical tape or protect them with heat-shrink tubing. Once the connections are complete, the wiring is bundled together neatly and made into a harness with zip ties or automotive grade cloth and fleece tapes. If the audio installation doesn’t look like it is something that rolled off the manufacturer’s assembly line, you’ll want to get it checked.

Two other important factors when it comes to motorcycle sound system upgrades are reliability and serviceability. If speakers need to be to screwed into mounting adapters, the shop should be using stainless-steel hardware so that the fasteners won’t rust. If you have added speakers to a saddlebag, there should be a service loop or electrical connector in the system so that you or your mechanic can remove the bag for service without having to cut or undo any wiring.

Choosing Motorcycle Audio Equipment

Motorcycle Audio Upgrades
Rockford Fosgate is just one of the many companies who build speakers specifically for motorcycle use.

There are hundreds of brands in the mobile electronics industry. About a dozen of them produce speaker solutions designed specifically for motorcycle applications. When you go shopping for speakers, you will want to choose a solution that not only sounds great, but that will last. Motorcycles aren’t like cars or trucks. The speakers are directly exposed to the harsh UV energy from the sun and, if they aren’t constructed from the right materials, will dry out and crack. Look for speakers with water- and UV-exposure compatible materials, so you know your investment will last.

Factory Radio Integration Options

Motorcycle Audio Upgrades
Extreme Audio shows us why the response curve of the BOOM! system is not conducive to aftermarket speakers.

The 2014 and newer Harley-Davidson Boom! Box infotainment system has a lot of features. It also happens to have an elaborate equalizer built into it that changes based on the number of speakers and the exact features of the audio system you choose. When you upgrade the factory H-D speakers to something that sounds better and handles more power, that factory-selected equalization curve works against you and in most cases, the system sounds worse instead of better.

There are two options for dealing with factory-installed Harley source units. The installation technician in a quality shop will have a module that allows them to reflash your radio to an EQ option that offers a smooth and natural response. A second option and one that offers even more flexibility regarding the final performance of the audio system is to include a compact digital signal processor (DSP) in the system design. The installation technician can compensate for the factory EQ curve AND fine-tune the performance of your sound system to suit your listening preferences. If you opt for the DSP route, the installer will need to set up a microphone to tune the audio system. The background noise at a meet or rally would make this process impossible.

Spend Your Money Wisely

One last thought on audio system upgrades for any application. We have different budgets and different listening preferences. With that said, better products almost always sound better. This doesn’t mean you have to spend thousands of dollars upgrading your speakers and amplifiers, but we recommend avoiding stop-gap purchases that will “last until you can afford something better.” Spend your money once on good equipment and it will serve you for years and years.

We hope you have learned something from this article. Now, get off your phone or computer, hop on your motorcycle and take a ride over to your local mobile enhancement retailer and ask them about upgrading your audio system. If you plan things properly, you’ll have a great audio system to enjoy on the ride TO the next meet or rally.

Sturgis photo By Chris Heald (Sturgis) [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0) or CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Motorcycle Audio, RESOURCE LIBRARY

What To Look for When Shopping for Motorcycle Audio Speakers

07/09/2017 By BestCarAudio.com

Motorcycle Audio SpeakersNow that the weather is great all across the country, motorcycle enthusiasts have a chance to get their bikes out and go for a ride – but many riders complain that the factory audio systems on their bikes don’t sound as good as they’d like. There are several reasons why, and a few relatively easy ways to upgrade these systems. A proper motorcycle audio system upgrade will include at least two components – an amplifier and a new set of motorcycle audio speakers. This article highlights a few things to look for when shopping for new motorcycle speakers.

Mother Nature is a Challenge

Unlike in a vehicle, when you are riding your motorcycle, your speakers are exposed to the elements. Sun, water, sand, dirt and debris are natural obstacles that can harm your speakers. When you are shopping for a new set of motorcycle audio speakers, you want to look for ones that are completely weather-resistant.

Motorcycle Audio Speakers
JL Audio rigorously tests their speakers for exposure to salt spray.

Water-resistant – Most speakers are made of plastics and metal. Within the motor structure of the speaker are ceramic or neodymium magnets bonded to ferrous metal plates. These metal plates must be protected from exposure to water. When it comes to coaxial speakers, there has to be a seal between the woofer cone and the tweeter post. If this seal does not exist, then water can get into the motor assembly and cause corrosion. In the marine speaker market, a test known as ASTM B117 exposes speakers to a salt fog spray to test for corrosion or material failure. If your speakers have this rating, you know you will have the reliability you are looking for to last for years.

Dust-resistant Design – Following the same theme as the requirement for water resistance, a motorcycle audio speaker should be able to operate reliably when dusty or dirty. A few specks of sand wedged between the voice coil former and the tweeter post of a coaxial speaker can wreak havoc on the performance of the system.

UV Exposure-rated – You want to look for a speaker that is constructed with materials that can withstand UV exposure. These plastics will not chalk, fade, crack or degrade, even after years of direct sun exposure. Having your speaker cones or surrounds fall apart after a few years on your bike is a frustrating experience. To confirm that the speakers you want to use are up to the challenge, look for ASTM D4329 testing. This test exposes the products to years of UV and heat exposure in a short amount of time. If they pass this test, you can trust they will work will on your bike.

Motorcycle Audio Systems Need Power

Motorcycle Audio SpeakersTo reproduce your music at a volume level that can drown out the wind and overcome the noise of a loud exhaust, you need power. Adding an amplifier to your bike is a necessity to achieve adequate performance. Your new speakers have to handle the power from your amp.

The voice coil is the motor of your speaker. It converts the electrical signal from your amplifier into a magnetic field that pushes or pulls the speaker cone forward or backward. If you are sending a lot of power to the voice coil, it has to be physically large enough to dissipate the heat that is generated. Look for large-diameter voice coils; they act like the radiator in your car.

Can Looking at the Tweeter Tell Me Anything?

Motorcycle Audio SpeakersThere are some strong stereotypes associated with hard- and soft-dome tweeters. Many say that hard, metal dome tweeters sound harsh and that soft-dome tweeters sound smooth and laid back. After listening to thousands of speakers, we can tell you that as many examples of each type of tweeter confirm this theory as oppose it.

No one single material selection can determine what a speaker sounds like. Every component in a speaker works as part of a system. The cone, surround, spider, voice coil and magnet structure all have an important role in determining the resulting performance of a speaker. The only way to know how a system sounds is to listen to it. That said, choosing materials that offer weather resistance and long-term reliability is crucial.

Where to Buy Your Motorcycle Audio Upgrades

We have seen many people buying bolt-on audio system upgrades at shows like Bike Week or Thunder Beach Fall Rally. The people selling products at these events may even offer to install them right at the show. Convenience and instant gratification are wonderful, but what happens when it comes to after-sales support? What if a speaker fails? What if you take the kit home and something doesn’t fit? You will have to track down the vendor and, unless they are local to you, pay someone to remove and replace the failed component.

When you deal with a dedicated retailer with a “brick and mortar” storefront, you know you will have the after-sales support that you want and deserve. If you have a question or concern, or decide you want additional upgrades, your retailer is there to support you every day.

Stick to the Big Names

If someone approached you at a cruise and said, “Hey, I designed these cool tires in my basement, do you want to try them?” – what would be your response? Unless this last person’s last name is Dunlop or Pirelli, you are going to be skeptical. That is a good thing.

You bought a Honda Goldwing, BMW K1600, or Harley-Davidson Road Glide or Street Glide because you are confident in the process that those manufacturers have put into developing and testing their products. Decades of engineering, design and innovation produce increasingly reliable and higher-performing products each year. Audio components are the same. A small company can go to Asia and have its name put on an order of speakers, but does anyone know what you are getting for your money?

Motorcycle Audio SpeakersDealing with a reputable brand ensures that you will have product support long after the sale is complete. You are getting the latest technologies for incredible performance. FEA design analysis, Klippel testing, fanatical quality control and continued research are all hallmarks of dealing with a premium brand. Why take a risk with your audio investment?

Upgrade Your Motorcycle Audio System Today

When it is time to upgrade your existing audio system or add a new system to your motorcycle, visit your local mobile electronics specialist retailer. They have the products and experience to design an audio system that will sound great and be reliable for years to come.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Motorcycle Audio, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Trust the Motorcycle Audio Experts at Perfectionist

06/21/2017 By John Schwartz

Motorcycle Audio ExpertsWhen it’s time to upgrade the audio system on your Harley-Davidson, the team at Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security in Anchorage is your motorcycle audio experts. No matter what you ride, we can install or upgrade an audio system that will sound better, play louder and last longer than anything you can buy online or at a bike show. We have decades of experience in designing and installing motorcycle audio systems. When you want the best sound possible for your investment, visit the motorcycle sound system experts at Perfectionist.

Mobile Audio Installation Experts

We don’t do oil changes, sell chrome foot pegs or overhaul motors. We are mobile electronics specialists. Our team understands the unique acoustic challenges and installation obstacles that a dealership or repair shop doesn’t.

Designing an entertainment system for your motorcycle is more involved than picking a package out of a catalog. We work with you to understand how loud you want the system to be, the kind of music you listen to and your expectations for sound quality. Armed with this information and more, we will develop a unique solution that provides the performance you expect, as well as incredible reliability.

The Best Equipment in the Industry

Motorcycle Audio ExpertsChoosing the right speakers, amplifiers and source units for each client starts with our supplier partnership. The companies behind the products we offer have invested thousands of hours in the design and engineering of premium audio solutions. Audio is not a hobby for them; it is everything they do.

We offer products designed specifically for the motorcycle environment. UV- and water-resistant speakers that sound great and compact amplifiers that can handle vibration while remaining efficient are just the tip of the iceberg.

System Integration, Not Just Installation

Motorcycle Audio ExpertsWe prefer to call our team of motorcycle audio experts integrators, not installers. Professional installation is much more involved than simply turning a screwdriver. We start every project with a thorough inspection of your motorcycle. We confirm that all of the electrical systems are functioning properly and document everything on our tablet-based tracking system.

We protect your motorcycle while it is in our care. We have a large installation area, so other staff members and vehicles stay away from the bike. We prevent nicks and scratches by protecting panels and painted surfaces before we start work. We have safe locations to store seats, tanks and fairings while we work on the chassis of your bike.

We solder all of our electrical connections, then protect them with premium Tesa cloth tape. We secure wiring harnesses in place to prevent vibrations and damage. Once an installation is complete, a second member of our team inspects the project and signs off before the bike rolls out the door. A flawless experience is our mandate, every time!

Proper Tools and Training

Without accurate measurements, troubleshooting a system that isn’t performing as expected is simply guesswork. We have invested in the tools and experience required to make electrical and acoustic measurements of any audio system. We use these tools to confirm that each installation is performing to the best of its ability before it leaves our shop, and we can track down and repair problems with existing systems. A motorcycle dealer simply can’t offer these services.

Alaska’s Motorcycle Audio Experts

When it’s time to upgrade the sound system on your motorcycle, visit Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security. A member of our sales team would be happy to develop a solution that exceeds your expectations for performance and reliability. For more information, send us an e-mail using our contact FORM.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Motorcycle Audio Tagged With: Amplifiers, Harley Davidson, Integration, MotorCycle, Speakers, Subwoofers

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