In a thread titled impedance mismatch, I explained that: I've a SG w/ 2 fairing spkrs and plan to stick w/ 2. Currently I'm running the OEM headunit, Hogtunes 70.2 amp (2ohm), and Focal PC 165 (4ohm). I polyfilled the fairing. The thing sounds great, but sometimes at high volume it looses clarity, which I assume is due to the impedence mismatch.

The forum said get a more powerful amp. OK. Four questions before I do.

(1) I'm definitely going to buy an amp made in the US. Are there options other than Biketronics and Hawg Wired?

(2) Given that I'll always only have two speakers that probably will be 4 ohm, how much 4 ohm power do I need for big volume? Seems I should stick w/ a two channel amp and that I want 70 watts or more per channel. Sound right? I want to keep weight at a minimum.

(3) Eventually the HK head unit will go, if only because I want blue tooth for Pandora. Knowing I'm going to change the HU are there issues I should think about now when upgrading the amp? I'd like to stop buying amps.

(4) I'm partial to Focals (been using them in cars for a while), but the 165s are heavy with a honker magnet. Given the 2 spkr limitation, is the best sound always from heavier magnets? Are the new-ish lightweight magnets as good?

Thanks

 

The Arc Audio amp KS125.2 would be good match with the speakers. I am not sure any amps are made in US anymore but Arc was designed by Robert Zeff a famous US amp designer. Also the Rockford Fosgate Pbr300/2 be good. Both these amps won't effect FM reception like some of the class D amps can.

 

Arc is a good choice along with the Biketronics which has a lifetime warranty.

 

Is ANYTHING electronic worth a **** made in the USA anymore ?? Can't get why guys get hell bent on the whole USA thing.............I want the best. If it's not made in the USA,..................not my fault.

The USA can't compete with the labor from overseas. I worked with 2 Fortune 500 companies, both in the top 50, that moved world headquarters out of the USA , due to high union labor costs.........

The BEST audio equipment isn't produced in the USA, and that's sad,.........but true.

 

Look at the unemployment numbers. Wouldn't it be nice if some of us had jobs?

 

This is off-topic, but this is a big deal to me and I live it every day. I'll be brief.

I and others care about buying USA-made because we'd rather contribute to employing our neighbors, uncles, and sisters, than strangers. In addition, Americans can and often do make the best stuff. For example Consumer Reports just gave the 2014 Chevy Impala the highest-possible rating, and my mom and dad are the best furniture makers on the planet (no bias there!).

Off-shoring is not all about labor costs and, in any event, US labor costs are not so high when a bigger picture is considered. When only developed economies are compared: no. See, e.g., https://www.bcgperspectives.com/cont..._export_surge/ What about China? Its low labor costs are, for China, skyrocketing. Now you gotta go to Vietnam for cheap labor. More importantly, cheap labor does not make up for all the numerous additional costs incidental to moving manufacturing abroad (freight, duties, inefficiencies associated with separating design and mfg, etc.), and the US has very high or highest productivity rates. In fact, that report I linked argues that the US is a lowest-cost manufacturer.

Many of us think we are entering a renaissance in US mfg. For example, the trends are now "reshoring" previously outsourced work (Apple, GE, Motorola, Lenovo) and leading foreign companies are building factories/increasing capacity in the US to feed the export market (Honda, Toyota, Siemens, Michelin). This is all very good news. Can't buy a Harley on minimum wage.

I help by saying these things and buying domestic production whenever possible, even if it costs a bit more.

 

It would be nice if the USA wouldn't make it so attractive for businesses to move out of the USA....As long as import taxes/rules stay the same, why wouldn't businesses move to where they get the most bang for their buck ??

It would be GREAT if everything could be bought from MADE IN USA vendors, and we all made $30 an hour, but........................when the gov't gives away BILLIONS each year to foreign countries, and folks that manipulate the system,....it ain't gonna happen.

You see,....with big business, they don't give 2 ***** what their address is, they just want more $$$ at the end of the day. I'm not gonna spend more money than I need to ,...to try to prove a moot point.

My bottom line is: I only have so much money every month too. And sometimes, you have to bargain shop. I have 3 kids in college that don't qualify for any O'Bammy or GOVT funding.

 

I absolutely agree with the concept ,,,,,,,

in fact just this summer, J&M Corporation brought all of it's helmet headset production back to our factory in Tucson AZ USA ,,,,,,,, we show this on each headset listing on our website ,,,, see http://www.jmcorp.com/SeeProducts.asp?PF=08 ,,,,, and http://www.jmcorp.com/SeeProducts.asp?PF=12 ,,,,,,,,

but it is a sad fact at the moment, no matter what I do, or where I look, most all of the 12v car-audio type amps and speakers TODAY are still being assembled in China ,,,,,,,,

"I" have my hands in all of the designs for the J&M ROKKER XX/XT products, but assembly still takes place outside the USA ,,,,

 

Kudos to those that try to stay in America, in part or whole (production and/or assembly), but like GP - i want the best and am only partially willing to compromise.

I'll pay a bit more for an equivalent "made" in the USA (assembled at least), but will not pay 2-3x the cost.

As usual we have to remain competitive, or just outperform to provide the value for the $ spent.

Unsure about HW or others, but kudos to John and Biketronics for their efforts!

 

Sorry for responding about made in the USA and ignoring your other questions... a bit off topic!
At higher volume it's likely due more to the lack of power pushing those speakers. Specs say 5-80w RMS, and you are likely only giving <35w (if 70 @ 2Ω). Out of curiosity, i called HT and spoke with one of the techs there (quick to answer and helpful), who said <35w @ 4Ω. He did mention a model built for 4Ω w/ exact same specs (70.2), black case "vaquero" - maybe something to call and discuss if you think 70w would suffice?

OK, now that said - most 80w RMS speakers can usually go much higher than that... Setting your gain of course correctly. I have the 4ch 4180 from BT for their 7.1" Titan II's (100w RMS rated). So even 70w may not give you as much as you'd like. The RF 300x2 and of course SS models come to mind for that 100-150w+ if on a budget. Arc/J&M make a couple nice ones, and Biketronics of course as well for a bit more $.

(beaten to death - other responses w/ good info)

Simple choices - FM or no FM?
Class D may impact FM reception, but are much more compact than others.

Non Class D exist (RF 300x2) as an option. Arc/J&M models as well.

Usually the non D amps generate more heat and pull more power.

Some D amps exist that are supposedly FM friendly. I believe J&M and Biketronics stand out. Though some have said they still had issues with the BT amps that are supposedly not a problem. One advantage is warranty and replacement options if this does become an issue.

Be aware that i believe both J&M and BT don't let you adjust gains w/o cracking the seal and voiding warranty. Worth chatting with them before you buy to confirm. I believe they can set them "mostly there" if they know your intended setup.

Potentially - mostly around your comfort w/ wiring up your amp or "plug and play" desired?
Also - I'm with you on features driving which HU to buy. Sony seems to have some of the best integration w/ the handlebar controls. I went Kenwood specifically for BT and Pandora integration.

Just about any of the main amps proposed will work regardless of what HU you use - your wiring skills vs plug-n-play will be the largest difference.

It's not about the size, but the strength and DESIGN of the speaker. Neo magnets are AWESOME (when built correctly). Both J&M and Polk use Neo very effectively, with great weight reduction as an added benefit.

Focals are nice! I'd keep what you have and give it more power to start. If it doesn't work out well - if you have a good amp that can push 4 or 2Ω - speakers are easy to swap!

HTH - GL!