Audio experts, I need help!

[danoday]

Here's my dilemma, I know there are a lot of awesome audio upgrades, most of which begin at about $800 or so for X2 channel system. I know the stock 6.5 Boom is only "OK" at best, my conscience and my budget can not support that perfect upgrade at this time, but I would like some improvement in my audio. Below are my thoughts, some one tell me if I'm going in the right direction please. Thanks.

I'm considering the following:
OPTION 1:
-replace stock speakers with Hertz Audio ECX 165.5 6.5" Energy Series 2-Way Coaxial $180 and use existing HD Boom components.
- will the stock HD 6.5 support the power requirements for the ECX 165.5?
SPECS-
Power Handling –
Peak W 200 Power Handling –
Continuous W 100
Impedance Ω 4
Frequency response Hz 50 ÷ 22k
Sensitivity dB SPL 92
Woofer size mm (in.) 165 (6”1/2)
Tweeter size mm (in.) 20 (3/4”)
Woofer Voice Coil Ø mm (in.) 30 –
See more at: http://www.hertzaudiovideo.com/car-audio-coaxial-hienergy-hcx165/#sthash.jicF8neM.dpuf

OPTION 2:
- install a 2ch micro type amp (under $200), 50W to 150W RMS X2, and use with existing HD Boom speakers and system.

 

[Mandrew]

Hmmm. That is a good question.
The Hertz speakers will be an improvement over stock, but you won't get the most out of them without an amp.
An amp will improve your sound, but you might end up maxing out the HD speakers.
I think I would get the speakers now, save a bit more, and then get an appropriate amp to push them more.



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[Bronco70]

Chipmaker had a great package for sale. In the classified section

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[bryan0994]

The stock radio doesn't put enough power out, you can damage a speaker by under powering it. I suggest saving for your speakers and amp.


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[danoday]

Chipmaker had a great package for sale. In the classified section

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Thanks for the feedback Bronco, but that is a little more than I want to spend right now.

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[danoday]

Hmmm. That is a good question.
The Hertz speakers will be an improvement over stock, but you won't get the most out of them without an amp.
An amp will improve your sound, but you might end up maxing out the HD speakers.
I think I would get the speakers now, save a bit more, and then get an appropriate amp to push them more.



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Mandrew, I was leaning in the same direction with the speaker upgrade and it would be useful for a future 4x channel upgrade. My concerns were if the stock HD unit would push enough amperage to improve the audio quality over the stock HD speakers.

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[danoday]

Will I always need a software flash for the Boom 6.5 regardless of the type of Amplifier I bolt-on? or only select amps require a software flash?

 

[GlideLife]

The H-D BOOM AUDIO 6.5 Head unit is somewhat like your home computer. From time to time the operating system will be updated, and these UPDATES will be available to owners of these head units, just like MICROSOFT & APPLE offer updates to their Windows or Mac operating systems. Some of the updates will be important, and some will not be all that important. On my PC, Microsoft allows me to choose exactly which updates I actually select. H-D doesn't really give you that choice. When they come up with improvements or fixes, they lump them all into one upgrade. You either take it or leave it.

 

[Bronco70]

There are amps that are designed to run without flashing the head unit there are adapters to run amps that need the flash.

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[danoday]

Thanks Bronco, how can I find amps that don't require a flash?

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[Crumb]

Audio experts, I need help!

I got a J&m 180w performance series that doesn't need a flash. It is not a big amp but it does what I need it to do.

 

[danoday]

I got a J&m 180w performance series that doesn't need a flash. It is not a big amp but it does what I need it to do.

Thanks Crumb, do you know if there a technical reason that determines whether or not you need a flash for a amp? is there a characteristic of an amp that requires a flash?

 

[omaharider]

As info I will be selling my RF Pbr amp Focal speakers with magic boxs as soon as my Soundz stage 4 comes in. Might get you what you want for a good price.

 

[Crumb]

I don't know about all the technical reasons for not needing a flash, I'm sure one of the guys on here that are more knowledgeable about the radio stuff will know.

 

[danoday]

I think I know have a better understanding, Here is what I think I know.

1. The Boom HD unit provides a amp'd signal to the Boom speakers.
2. If this signal was applied to an externally mounted non-Boom amp, that amp'd signal would then be reproduced again as a re-amplified signal going to the speakers, resulting in a terrible audio sound.
The Corrective action would be, flash the HD Boom unit software to produce a non-amplified audio signal with the desired channels used, so it may be properly produced in an externally mounted amplifier.

Alternate corrective action- the use of inline load levelers, such as, DSL Magic box. This device is installed inline between the Boom HD unit and your speakers, it is capable of removing or reversing the amplified signal produced by the HD unit sending a clean un-amp'd signal to your externally mounted Amp. This little device cost about $65 and will allow to use any Amp component you like. No HD flash required and one device will take care of two channels.

 

[Slimboybinz]

As far as I know there are amps that take a high level input as given out by the Boom 6.5 unit to the speakers.
In these cases you don't need either a flash or a magic box.

Please correct me if I am wrong.