For those with a fairing and stereo

[nighthawk11]

I read a post somewhere, can't remember where, that the quality of sound is better if some foam material is placed inside the fairing. I hadn't heard this before and was wondering if anyone here has. I'm replacing my stereo head unit with a higher watt output one, and since I was going to take the fairing apart, wanted to know if it's worth my while to add some foam in there.

Thanks, Mark...

[ringadingh]

I don't have any foam in my fairing but it would be easy enough to try and see if it helps. I think a powerful radio and good speakers are the main things to look for. Most radios work well at lower speeds but at highway speeds things get distorted with all the wind and engine noise around you.

[hammer]

I have the WideOpenCustom fairing. It came with an insulation material that is really the foil over foam used for water pipe wraps and such. I found the stuff at Home Depot and experimented with using more of the material behind the speakers when I went to the new PolkAudio db521's and it did seem to make a difference with it.

This insulation comes in a roll with a sticky back so it is easy to use.

[nighthawk11]

Very cool info. I may give that a shot this weekend.

Thanks, Mark...

[cactusjack]

The stuff Hammer was talking about is called "Dynamat" it's available from Crutchfield.com, and it isn't inexpensive.

http://www.crutchfield.com/g_181250/...t.html?tp=3558

[hammer]

Nope, CJ. I have used Dynamat in cars and on one computer build. It's great stuff but expensive

The stuff I am talking about comes in a roll about 6" high and applies like tape. Some folks use it to wrap hot water tanks and protect areas behind hot water pipes. Most recently, I used it above and beside my father's dishwasher as extra sound and heat shielding.

[hammer]

CJ, here is a pic of the insulating material I use. This is the 2" version. The 6" version is thicker. I have also used this stuff for sound insulation around my car's GPS CD in the trunk and the rear speakers. It also works well to shield and insulate appliances. It works well because you can use high density foam and use this stuff like tape and it secures very well. Hope this helps.

[dragon57]

You can also use speaker buckets, or whatever they're called. They are insulated and cover the rear of the speakers, and direct the sound out the front. Anyplace like radio shack, crutchfield, maybe even best buy would have them.
I'm not sure of the name, but, just tell the sales rep what you mean, and, they'll probably know....
I have an HD fairing on mine with 4 speakers, no enclosures inside, but it sounds good till I get up around 75 mph, then the wind drowns out everything anyway.

[dragon57]

Nighthawk, here is an example of what I'm talking about. They call these speaker baffles. not the correct size, but, you get the idea.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...Bay+VXT60.html

[gman47]

nighthawk, what wattage head unit do you have now and what are you going to replace it with? I'm thinking about a fairing and believe I can get a better set up doing it myself. Anyone else that feels like chiming in, please do!!!!!!!!!!!

[hammer]

Yes Dragon, I looked at those at Crutchfield when I bought the PolkAudio speakers but I was not sure if I had the depth in the fairing for those. The WOC is 1 piece so it sortof forms a speaker box itself. All I know is with an iPod and the Polks it sounds awesome. They look good too. Her is a pic of the final install.

[nighthawk11]

I'm currently pumping 160w with a pioneer system. I'm going with a 200w Pyle system, same as my speakers. I know it doesn't seem like much of change, but the Pyle head was dirt cheap, doesn't have a CD player I won't use, and has both USB and SD card ports. It's lighter than the pioneer. Best part.....I didn't pay much for it so if it takes a crap, I won't mind so much.

[hammer]

That looks like a good choice nighthawk. I would appreciate the USB and the SD slot too and have never used the CD player in the Jensen unit. But it does drive the speakers fine and has a good iPod and Aux connection. I don't think you can expect high fidelity on 2 wheels at speed anyway. Enjoy the tunes!!

[skiman]

Hammer
those polks look good on the black I better have my fairing back Friday it's been 3 weeks
now got my head unit this week a kenwood hd545 22wats rms at less then 1% distortion sounded great on the work bench can't wait to hear it in the fairing

[hammer]

I came so very close to getting those same Kenwoods but Crutchfield had the PolkAudios on sale. I will also admit that I liked the funky speaker covers and that they are fully marine rated speakers. BUT, you are going to love those Kenwoods.

Rock on!!