So ...
As some of you know, Hybrid Audio Technologies has been working on a new set of speakers for the H-D factory saddlebag lids. These i57-2 speakers are part of their "Imagine" series and I managed to get a set of "production-ready" speakers to install, test, and break if possible. I got them installed on Sunday and have been pounding on them ever since. All I can say is they were WELL worth the wait! I'll hit what I consider as important points in this post, then will follow-up with the install of the speakers, as well as comparing them to my JL-Audio CX-570 component set that I have been running for about a year. All ratings are my personal opinion, scaled from 1-5 out of 5, based on what I consider to be a pretty good ear for quality speakers. However, ALWAYS try and audition any speaker you are thinking of buying if you can.
One more caveat - as with any quality speaker, they deserve some juice to make them sing. Trying to run these 4-ohm speakers with any of the H-D factory (stock) amps will clearly limit the enjoyment of owning them. My test setup was using the rear channels of a Rockford PBR-300/4 amp, which is rated at 75w/ch at 4-ohms. This is the same amp and wiring that was used for the JL-Audio speakers in order to do a direct comparison.
INSTALLATION - 5/5
HAT really hit this one out of the park. A direct replacement for either the stock speakers on those H-D models so equipped (FLHXSE2/3, FLTRXSE. etc) - or as original speakers if you are thinking of adding the H-D factory saddlebag lids designed for speakers. ALL FACTORY MOUNTING CAN BE USED. Mount holes are a direct match, the speaker frame will cover the funky cut-out in the lid, even the factory protective baskets can be used (although they must be cut to make room for the larger magnets). The only steps required to use these speakers instead of factory speakers is to add gaskets to the HAT speakers, and cut the factory protective basket to allow for the larger HAT magnet. Keep in mind that the factory protective baskets are not required - simply obtain 4 screws and bolts of appropriate size and ditch the baskets altogether if you want. Either way, these speakers are the easiest of any speaker I've encountered to mount in the factory H-D lids. Great job to HAT on this!
SOUND - 4.8/5
These speakers sound good - REALLY good. I have been hammering them with everything I can think of and they just continue to impress. On first install, I left the JL-Audio CX570 speaker installed in the right bag so I could do an exact comparison. Keep in mind that the JL-Audio CX570 component set (MSRP $499/pr) is easily one of the best 5x7" speaker on the market, and has been proven sonically over and over again. The HAT i57-2 (MSRP $349.95/pr) is easily as good to my ears. This has been my experience across the entire HAT line - within each of their speaker lines - their speakers will perform on par with the next higher "class" of speaker. The only reason I don't rate the i57-2 a 5/5 for sound is because the JLs seemed to have a tad more bass extension (though the HATS were very close). Keep in mind that he JLs have seen some SERIOUS bass time and the HATs are brand new. Once I get 50 or so hours on the HATS I'm sure that bass extension will improve to match the JL-Audio speakers (yes - speakers need to be "broken in" to sound their best). Regardless, the fact that a $350 set of speakers can be so close in SQ to a $500 set of speakers speaks volumes (pun intended
) Once the HATs break in I am sure the lower extension will be there. I could not discern much if any difference in midrange or highs between the HATs or the JLs (JL crossovers were set on 0db [flat]) - both speakers do a fantastic job of reproducing nuances in any given track without ever sounding harsh, brash, or "tinny". One of my favorite tracks to test with is Fleetwood Mac "Never Going Back Again" - the guitars on the HATs were reproduced with a very natural, warm sound - never sounding "mechanical" as some speakers can. Again - very impressed here with this $350/pr speaker.
VALUE - 5/5
This is a no brainer. Great sounding speaker even if it cost $500. Couple that with how easily these are integrated into factory HD lids, the fact that they are 4-ohm (allows easier design with aftermarket amps), are a bridged tweeter design so they won't leak, do not require external cross-overs .... the list just goes on and on an on. Anyone looking to add some serious sound quality to a Harley Bagger would do well to listen to a set of HAT i57-2 Imagine 5x7 drop-ins. They are available for pre-order now and estimated to start shipping in approximately 60 days.
Pre-order here:
http://hybrid-audio.com/i572preorder/Hope this review helped ...
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Topic: My Install/Review - Hybrid Audio i57-2 Drop-in Lid Speakers for H-D lids (Read 15746 times)