Opinions please

[g.lantern]

Hello All,

Forgive me in advance if I'm posting this in the wrong section, but I'm hoping to gather some feedback of a couple of audio choices and which is the better way to go. I currently own a motorcycle and am adding a stereo and amp to be paired up with a pair of 6inch 200Watt/ 100RMS speakers that are mounted to a fairing for listening while on the road. My options are as followed:

Option 1 - Philips CEM2100; max power output 50Watts x 4 Channels, Continuous power output 22Watts x 4RMS (CD Player/AM/FM/USB Port)

Option 2 - Pioneer MVH-X380BT; 50Watts x 4 Channels, power output 14Watts x 4 Channels (Bluetooth/AM/FM/USB Port)

Regardless of the option, I will also be adding an Alpine Mini Amp, KTP-445U; 45Watts RMS x 4

Does the addition of the amp override the original output by the head units or is my total power output a combination of the two? Should I have gone with a stronger amp or is this good enough for the speakers I currently have?

Thank you in advance.
Vic

 

[XEagleDriver]

Lantern,
Welcome to the forum.
Up front disclaimer, I do not ride motorcycles (only fast cars with solid audio systems), so I can only comment theoretically on 2-wheeled audio.

To answer your direct question, the Alpine amp will replace (override) the head unit output. Total power output is solely a function of the Alpine. Your speakers will receive a maximum of 45W/ch RMS independent of the head unit's power output capability.
- The Alpine can either accept line-level (pre-amp output) or speaker level inputs (Pioneer has line-level output, Philips unknown).

To decide between the two head units, the power capability of each is NOT important because you are adding the separate amplifier. The important head unit aspects are user interface, ease of use (aka button size, since you might be wearing gloves), and feature sets.
Some ideas on these aspects:
1) I am not confident in the value of a CD player on a motorcyle (not sure how well it would work in relation to motorcycle suspension and/or ejecting/inserting CDs while at speed)
- If not going to use the CD, then it only adds a mechanical component subject to failure.
2) If BT from your smart phone is more useful/safer than popping in CDs (i.e. Pandora, Spotify, etc.), then the Pioneer becomes the lead dog.
3) Is the detachable face plate important to inhibit theives? If so the Philips has it, the Pioneer appears not to.

Hope that helps a bit,
XEagleDriver

 

[Cosmic Char]

Lantern,
Welcome to the forum.
Up front disclaimer, I do not ride motorcycles (only fast cars with solid audio systems), so I can only comment theoretically on 2-wheeled audio.

To answer your direct question, the Alpine amp will replace (override) the head unit output. Total power output is solely a function of the Alpine. Your speakers will receive a maximum of 45W/ch RMS independent of the head unit's power output capability.
- The Alpine can either accept line-level (pre-amp output) or speaker level inputs (Pioneer has line-level output, Philips unknown).

To decide between the two head units, the power capability of each is NOT important because you are adding the separate amplifier. The important head unit aspects are user interface, ease of use (aka button size, since you might be wearing gloves), and feature sets.
Some ideas on these aspects:
1) I am not confident in the value of a CD player on a motorcyle (not sure how well it would work in relation to motorcycle suspension and/or ejecting/inserting CDs while at speed)
- If not going to use the CD, then it only adds a mechanical component subject to failure.
2) If BT from your smart phone is more useful/safer than popping in CDs (i.e. Pandora, Spotify, etc.), then the Pioneer becomes the lead dog.
3) Is the detachable face plate important to inhibit theives? If so the Philips has it, the Pioneer appears not to.

Hope that helps a bit,
XEagleDriver

I agree with much of what was said. Again, pick the radio which gives you the best features. I have a 2009 Harley Davidson Road Glide CVO, and I have owned it since it was new. The CD has never skipped on me, but that head unit was designed for motorcycles. I use the CD player very little, as I have satellite radio and an MP3 player. It is a pain in the ass to change CDs. (Hope that doesn't offend the sensors, but it emphasizes some of my point.) If you want a CD route, I recommend getting a changer for your bag. I upgraded my speakers, and it sounds "better". I use quotes there, as nothing will sound great, as you will be broadcasting sound out of 6" speakers to the world. The bass will be significantly lost. The highs will be distorted. But the music will still be enjoyed. Keep in mind, you have the noise of not only the engine, but also the deafening sound of the wind whipping in your ears as you ride. This is especially true at higher speeds. If you wear a full helmet, which I rarely do, you will have the reduction of all the volume. What I am saying is, don't break your bank expecting earth shattering sound, but you will be able to enjoy the music more. Hope this helps, and ride safe!

 

[g.lantern]

Great answers!!! Thank you both so very much. I decided to go with the Pioneer as I prefer to be able to pair my phone via Bluetooth and the head unit is smaller which will allow more room for the amp in my fairing. Both units have a detachable face, so that's also a good safety feature to deter potential thieves.