Audio Upgrade

[JHD]

Looking over an old audio topic on upgrading the audio system today got me thinking. I have been looking at a Kenwood BT amp to use on my Harley and think it would be a perfect candidate to upgrade the Voyager XII system.

http://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/marine/k ... /spec.html

This amp is very compact and could probably be mounted in the same location where the Clarion amp is mounted. Not sure what the power the Clarion system uses but if replaced with the Kenwood. I am looking at the specs and I'm pretty sure it will draw less amps than the stock system.

You could leave the stock system intact and run the amp separately or you could disconnect stock system and just run amp. You could also remove stock system completely and redesign dash with glove box or you could use a plate to cover hole and mount the amp controller to it.

I get that the original system had so many features that would be lost if you switch to this amp but I think of the simplicity of just having this amp with your speakers and a phone as your source outweighs all the features of the original system. You can find this amp on amazon for about $135. I think simplicity is the selling point of using this amp on the Voyager XII.

Any thoughts?

[Tonyvdb]

The Amp is a class D amp so it's fully digital meaning it will draw far less than the stock amp that is currently in the voyager. I don't know how well it would integrate with other parts of the system but it would be an interesting project.

[suzib6sw]

Agreed that Class D Is efficient but....

the Stock Amp used a TA7270 and TA7271 2x 5.8w pair in BTL mode..
This gives a nice, power to size ration and a degree of efficiency.. So.. it typically has an output of 2x10 watts with a max of 2x25 Watts max..
The quiescent current draw is nice and really low at 80ma and at full tilt (2x25 watts) its max draw is below 5 amps..


Sooo... the debate is, how much sound quality can you get out of 2 pairs of 4" speakers? Would it be worth the $140(ish) price tag of the amp and then the harness work (not too much)
Even with Class D, at full chat ( a claimed 400W, if you or your speakers could cope with it,) you are looking at close to 33 amps draw from a 35 amp alternator... Something's gonna blow Captn..

At 50 watts, which is the stock amp's max, I agree there would be less distortion, but what are you looking for on a bike at speed?

When I rode down to N/C last October, the Radio quality was terrible in comparison to the MP3 player at the same speed in the same conditions..

Now if you are putting in Bigger, higher quality speakers, then yes, a big P/A is nice as long as you dont fry your harness or your alternator/regulator.

Just my 2c..

Pete

[JHD]

I have contacted Kenwood to find out what the current draw is from that amp. I don't think it draws 33 amps. We'll see what they have to say.

[JHD]

I received an email from Kenwood stating the amp has a 15A current consumption.