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[hverbakel]

I am pretty much a dunce when it comes to stereo equipment. I have a Sony CDX-GT820IP replacement unit in my 01 Screamin Eagle Road Glide, and I assume it has the factory front speakers only, and nothing in the lowers or rear.. I am looking for a bit more clarity and volume in just the two front speakers. What specs should I be looking for in a good set of replacement speakers to get the best bang for the buck?

[Puzzled]

Look at a small amp and pair of speakers that are closely matched.

I try to use stuff with as much power as possible. I like a small amp with a crossover when possible as this allows some tuning. With that said I recently used a radio that had a cross over of sorts built in to the radio which really helped with tuning the speakers. Since you are only running one set of speakers look for something that has a tweeter built into them. There is plenty of room in your 01's fairing for an amp or two!

As for brands there will be multiple recommendations. I have drifted away from the commercially available "Motorcycle" specific speakers. IMO speakers shouldn't cost $500 plus dollars. 

[Dan_Lockwood]

I have an '09 SERG and it has only front speakers.

I did the first upgrade about four years ago to J&M 7.25" fronts for I think around $215.00.  They made a huge improvement in sound quality and volume are cruising speed.  But still lacked a bit when it came to the bass setting, I had to ride with about half on the bass setting or they would distort somewhat.

Then last year I went to the J&M trailer at Rapid City HD during Sturgis week.  I bought a stereo front only amp for the two 7.25" speakers.  I paid just over $300 for their kit.  It had all the correct wiring and brackets to bolt right in.  I would have never thought to mount it the way they did with the kit brackets.

That amp with the 7.25" speakers is the bomb.  I'm sure there are many other combos out there as Puzzled has stated, but since I already had the J&M fronts, the amp was a no brainer.

I can now listen with more "hearable" bass while riding at freeway speeds.  My BSR has a lot better sound quality too.  She can make out the words rather than just hearing a beat and mumbling.

I think you could be happy with just fronts and an amp.  Would I like to have bag lid speakers and lowers with speakers, probably, but I am very happy with my minimalist approach.

One thing to keep in mind is that the impedance from different head units are not all the same.  I think in '05 or '06 they went to 2Ω speakers.  I think most car units are 4Ω, so just make sure that you buy the appropriate speaker for the head unit.  I know the J&M offers their speakers in multiple ohm options.

[hverbakel]

I am pretty sure I read in the Sony literature it was rated at 4 ohms. I was hoping to just change out speakers to keep the cost down and this is a second bike.

[cyco1450]

I agree with Puzzled although I have gone with an expensive system...however, IMO, J&M is just  plain crap.  Been there, done that. Find a good marine grade speaker. Sony, Pioneer, Focal, etc.

J&M is pure junk.

[hverbakel]

and what would the specs need to be on a better speaker to work with the sony head unit?

[TIF2]

J&M is pure junk.

And it's surprising how he sells the hell out of it!!
Agreed 100%

[Gnarl78]

I looked up the specs for your head unit but did not find the speaker impedance. (It does have 4V pre-outs, though). I'm guessing that it is 2 ohm stable. If you can fit 6.5" speakers in, I'd look at the Infinity 62.11i's for your front speakers. They should be a nice improvement over the stock speakers. They are very efficient and have good clarity. Personally, I'd install an amp while you're in there!

[hverbakel]

Thanks for all your advice so far. NOt sure if this helps but found this info under specs  "Amplifier Section: The head-unit's amplifier is CEA-2006 compliant and rated at 17 watts RMS x 4 channels at 4 Ohms and 1% THD. The unit is also rated at 23.2 watts per channel minimum continuous average power into 4 ohms, 4 channels driven from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more than 5% THD. Peak power is rated at 52 watts per channel." I believe it also has a built in amp. Not sure what all that means but does it make any difference in your recommendations?

[Gnarl78]

If you want more volume, you need to add another amplifier to your system. Your head unit is only putting out 17 watts per channel which is not enough for a loud system. The Audio forum in hdforums.com is pretty active and you can find some good insight there.

[DJA]

The head unit and amp is wide open for your choice. Jensen has a very nice unit but no cd. Sony, Kenwood, Pioneer, etc all make good units. Speakers? Try calling and talking to Kicker Audio! I installed a Hawa wired system on my CVO 8 years ago and no problems except the rear speakers. Vibrations separated the cones. Hawgwired recommended Kicker Audio. Bingo right on target! Talk to Hawa wired. They are not afraid to recommend other products if what they have won't work for you!
DJ

[FlaHeatWave]

I'm a big fan of the J&M stuff, 'have their Rokkers in the fairing / lowers and 500w amp in the fairing of the '09 SERG, and some of their older $99.00 speakers with the stock stereo in the '05 SEEG, for a total of well over 100k mi. The J&M sounds Great to me, and has stood the test of time / miles...

Audio is subjective, I've had some IASCA caliber systems in some of my cages, and prefer Klipsch speakers in my home, after a certain point, it's all what you prefer, sorta like seats on a motorcycle..

I prefer J&M