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Rockford Fosgate

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate PM400X4

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Rockford Fosgate PM400X4

Contrary to how some marine audio amplifier manufacturers approach the design of their products, an amplifier designed for a boat isn’t just painted a different color. From coatings on the circuit board and the finish on the heatsink to the materials chosen for the electrical connections, a marine amp needs to be designed from the ground up for reliability. In this spotlight, we’ll look at what makes the Rockford Fosgate PM400X4 a perfect solution for your marine audio application.

Specifications of the Rockford Fosgate PM400X4

The PM400X4 is a four-channel amplifier rated to produce 50 watts of power into four 4-ohm loads and 100 watts into 2-ohm loads. Each pair of channels can be bridged to provide 200 watts of power into two 4-ohm loads. The bridged configuration would be ideal for a pair of subwoofers or wakeboard tower enclosures, such as the 10-inch Rockford Fosgate M2WL-10H.

Performance-wise, Rockford Fosgate rates the amp as having a bandwidth of 20 Hz to 20 kHz with a tolerance of 1 dB. Most companies use a 3 dB rating. This is a Class A/B amplifier, so you know the frequency response with real dynamic loads is going to be ruler-flat to well beyond where humans can hear. Distortion is specified as less than 1%. We know from our testing that these amplifiers are capable of better than 0.02%, putting them in line with the cream of the crop.

Rockford Fosgate PM400X4
The PM400X4 is a four-channel Class-AB amplifier designed for marine applications.

Design Features

The PM400X4 is based on a cast aluminum heatsink that measures 11.03 by 7.76 inches and stands 2.38 inches tall. The heatsink is finished in a light grey powder coat that’s not only durable but also resistant to fading under prolonged UV exposure.

Speaker, signal, and power connections are made along the front edge of the amp. Terminal blocks with set screws accessible from the top of the amp ensure secure and reliable connections for up to 4-AWG power and ground wires and 8-AWG speaker connections. The terminal blocks use stainless steel hardware to prevent corrosion. The amp has four RCA input jacks that are slightly recessed into the front panel.

Rockford Fosgate PM400X4
Custom-tooled terminal blocks ensure that power and speaker cables are held in place securely.

Signal Processing and Controls

As you can see from the photos, there’s a removable panel on top of the amp that provides access to the controls. Each pair of channels has a sensitivity control that’s adjustable from 150 millivolts to an impressive 12 volts. The RCA input jacks have a balanced differential circuit design. Not only does this help eliminate noise, but it means your installer can connect the output of a factory radio or small amplifier directly to the PM400X4 without the need for a line output converter.

Each pair of channels has a crossover function switch that selects between high-pass, low-pass, or full-range operation. The associated frequency control is adjustable from 50 Hz to 250 Hz, and the crossovers have a -12 dB-per-Octave slope with a Butterworth alignment.

Additionally, Rockford Fosgate included a Punch EQ2 control with each pair of channels. Your installer can dial in up to 18 dB of boost at 45 Hz and 12 dB at 12.5 kHz to give your music a little kick or sizzle. In a marine application, the added high-frequency output can be very beneficial to systems where the speakers are mounted low under the seats.

Rockford Fosgate PM400X4
All the controls and adjustments are concealed behind a removable panel on the amplifier’s top panel.

Keeping Things C.L.E.A.N.

The PM400X4 includes Rockford Fosgate’s C.L.E.A.N. distortion-detecting circuitry on each channel. The amp features an input clip indicator LED beside the RCA jacks to optimize signal-to-noise performance. Each pair of channels has an output clip indicator to let your installer know when the amp reaches maximum output. Setting up an amp with the C.L.E.A.N. circuitry saves time and eliminates clipping, which can add unwanted high-frequency content and damage tweeters.

Element Ready Design

We’ve mentioned the UV-resistant powder coat finish and the stainless-steel terminal hardware. These are just part of the Element Ready design of the PM400X4. Additionally, the circuit board has a two-part epoxy coating that helps eliminate corrosion from exposure to salt, as you’d find near the ocean. The epoxy, combined with hot melt adhesive around significant components like the power supply capacitors, ensures that vibrations and impacts won’t damage the circuit board.

Upgrade Your Marine Entertainment System Today!

If you are interested in having an audio system upgrade designed for your boat, drop by a local Rockford Fosgate retailer. They can combine speakers, subwoofers, and a source with high-quality amplifiers like the Punch PM400X4 to create a system that will sound amazing and last for years.

To find an authorized retailer near you, use the locator tool on the Rockford Fosgate website. While you are online, check out their Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube feeds to stay up to date with the latest product releases and cool event coverage.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate M2-200X2

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Rockford Fosgate M2-200X2

Having a great-sounding audio system on your boat is one of the best ways to improve your time on the lake or ocean. Rockford Fosgate is an industry leader in marine audio products. Their speakers, subwoofers, source units and amplifiers are at the heart of some of the best-sounding boats on the water. Let’s check out the Punch Series M2-200X2 amplifier in this product spotlight.

Specifications of the Rockford Fosgate M2-200X2

The M2-200X2 is a two-channel amplifier that’s rated to produce 50 watts of power per channel into four-ohm loads. When the load impedance is two ohms, power output increases to 100 watts per channel. The amp can be bridged to deliver 200 watts of power into a single four-ohm load.

From a perspective of performance, Rockford Fosgate rates the amp as having a bandwidth of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and a THD spec of < 1.0%. Having tested several Punch amplifiers in our labs, we know that they dramatically outperform these modest specifications. We’ve seen frequency response measurements that are within 3dB to well below 5 Hz, and THD numbers in the <0.02% range. Punch and Power series amplifiers not only measure well on the bench, but they also sound excellent.

Rockford Fosgate M2-200X2
The M2-200X2 is a two-channel amplifier designed to withstand the challenges of marine applications.

Marine Stereo Amplifier Features

The M2-200X2 is based on the same cast aluminum heatsink design as the Punch Series amplifiers. These high-mass heatsinks are a key component in determining reliability and thermal stability at high power levels. Indeed, there are many compact amps on the market that make similar power claims. However, we doubt they will play at full power for more than 30 minutes without overheating.

The M2-200X2 has a footprint of 6.8 by 8.1 inches and stands 1.9 inches tall. All the power, signal and speaker connections are made along the front edge of the amp to keep the installation tidy. Angled terminal blocks accept 4-AWG power and ground connections, while a smaller block accommodates at least 12-AWG speaker cables.

The amplifier has a pair of RCA input jacks that will accept up to 4 volts. Adjacent to the speaker jacks is a Molex plug for speaker-level inputs. This will take up to 12 volts of signal. The amp has an Auto Remote Turn-On feature that monitors the inputs for the presence of the BTL offset voltage from a head unit or similar amplifier. This is an excellent feature if your installer is connecting the amp to a radio that doesn’t have RCA outputs.

Rockford Fosgate M2-200X2
Power, signal and speaker connections are made via zinc-coated brass terminals along the front edge of the amp.

Signal Processing

The Rockford Fosgate M2-200X2 has a variable crossover that can be adjusted from 50 Hz to 250 Hz. The slope is -12 dB per Octave and features a Butterworth alignment. A switch on the top of the amp allows your installer to select between high-pass or low-pass operation, or to bypass the filtering completely.

The M2-200X2 features Rockford Fosgate’s C.L.E.A.N. circuit on both the input and output, allowing your installer to optimize the amplifier’s power and noise performance. The C.L.E.A.N. LED indicators illuminate when maximum power is achieved.

Element Ready Design

Rockford Fosgate rates the M2-200X2 as being Element Ready. In this application, the amp is constructed with corrosion-resistant materials like a UV-resistant powder-coated cast aluminum heatsink and corrosion-resistant zinc nickel-plated brass hardware. Where the moniker becomes more critical is the use of a conformal coating on the circuit board to prevent corrosion in environments with high salt content. Furthermore, the board and its attached components can withstand impacts and vibrations that would cause problems with lesser products. If your boat takes a pounding as you jump over waves, then this physical stability is crucial to the longevity of your marine audio system.

Rockford Fosgate M2-200X2
The M2-200X2 includes mounting hardware and a hex key to make installation straightforward.

Upgrade Your Boat with Rockford Fosgate Marine Audio

If you are shopping for a great-sounding, reliable amplifier to upgrade your marine audio system, drop by a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask about the M2-200X2. This stereo amplifier is an ideal solution for powering a few sets of speakers or a subwoofer. In fact, running two of them would make for a perfect two-way marine audio system that can play for hours and hours.

Visit the Rockford Fosgate website and use their dealer locator to find a shop near where you live. While online, be sure to follow Rockford Fosgate on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to learn about their impressive marine audio upgrade solutions.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate HD24BL69

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Rockford Fosgate HD24BL69

The latest generation of Road Glide and Street Glide touring bikes from Harley-Davidson are now ready for a high-performance audio system upgrade thanks to Rockford Fosgate. We took a look at the Stage 2 and Stage 3 kits recently. Now it’s time for a deep dive into the HD24BL69 saddlebag speaker kits. Let’s check them out!

Features of the Rockford Fosgate HD24BL69

The Rockford Fosgate HD24BL69 is a cut-in speaker kit designed for 2024 and newer Road Glide and Street Glide bikes with the Skyline infotainment system and Harley-Davidson’s ABS saddlebags. You can check fitment for your bike using the compatibility chart on the product page.

The kit includes a pair of the new TMS24-69 6×9-inch Element Ready speakers, a set of bag-lid grilles, the speaker bucket system, the lid cutting templates and a plug-and-play wire harness. The kits are compatible with the Power Lock Kit, so you can keep your gear safe.

Rockford Fosgate HD24BL69
The HD24BL69 saddlebag lid speaker kit not only sounds great, but looks right at home on your Harley-Davidson.

How the HD24BL69 Kit Works

Here’s how the Rockford Fosgate HD24BL69 kit works. Your installer will remove the lids from the factory saddlebags, then protect them with masking tape. Next, the cutting templates included with the kit are put in place, and holes are drilled to serve as a pilot for a saw. Lastly, the bag-lids are cut to make room for the speaker upgrade.

Once the lids are cut, the grille and basket assemblies are put in place. The new baskets mount from the top, providing room for a large speaker. They fasten to a self-centering backer ring for a watertight seal, and integrated O-rings help improve water resistance. Finally, with the speaker and wiring installed, a set of grilles shaped to match the bag geometry fit in place, and the Rockford Fosgate badge on the outside shows you are serious about your music.

Rockford Fosgate HD24BL69
The new kit cutting templates include reinforcing ribs to make the installation process easier.

Exploring the new TMS24-69 Speakers

While every component in the kit is vital to performance, the heart of the upgrade is the new TMS24-69 speakers. These new speakers take everything you love about Rockford Fosgate motorcycle audio and take things up a notch or two. First and foremost, the speakers are Element Ready. This means they can handle exposure to rain and prolonged UV without fear of damage. Each component in the speaker, from the high-performance coaxial tweeter and curvilinear polypropylene woofer cone to the motor components and basket, won’t fail even after thousands of hours of shocks and vibration.

The new speakers are based around a glass-fiber reinforced PA66 Nylon basket. This rigid and thermally stable design ensures motor geometry remains accurate. The carbon-impregnated woofer cone is attached to the basket using a Santoprene rubber surround that resists rot and UV degradation. The carbon doping in the cone enhances thermal stability and damping, resulting in tight bass and clear midrange performance. The new speakers have more excursion capability than their predecessors, with an Xmax specification of 4.5 millimeters in each direction.

Speaking of output, Rockford Fosgate implemented its Vertical Attach Surround Technique (VAST) geometry on the woofer surround. VAST dramatically increases the driver’s cone area, which translates to more bass and improved efficiency.

Rockford Fosgate HD24BL69
The new TMS24-69 speakers sound better and play louder than their predecessors.

Dual neodymium motor magnets ensure excellent speaker efficiency without adding a lot of weight to your bike. An integrated motor cover inside the saddlebag ensures your belongings won’t be exposed to high temperatures after a long ride with the volume cranked. Speaking of high power, the 1.5-inch Kapton voice coil is larger than previous speakers to increase power handling 50% over the 1st generation TMS69 speakers. Likewise, the tinsel leads to the coil are braided and stitched to the surround for reliable operation.

Finally, the TMS24-69 speakers feature a concealed passive crossover network that Rockford Fosgate calls their Integrated Concealed Crossover (ICC). This design eliminates the need to mount oversized external components, simplifying the installation process while ensuring maximum performance. The 4 kHz crossovers feature a second-order 12 dB/octave slope to ensure smooth performance across the entire listening range.

Power handling on the TMS24-69 is rated at 150 watts continuous, with a maximum power rating of 300 watts. The speakers are 91.4 dB efficient when measured at a distance of 1 meter and fed with 1 watt of power. That’s impressive for a speaker that still delivers bass down to 50 Hz. As with all Rockford Fosgate transducers, the specifications they provide are compliant with the ANSI/CTA-2031 standards, so you know you can trust them.

Rockford Fosgate HD24BL69
The HD24BL69 kit allows your installer to add rear saddlebag lid speakers to your 2024+ Road Glide or Street Glide.

Upgrade Your Harley-Davidson with Rockford Fosgate Today!

If you are looking to hear every word and note of your favorite music on your next ride, consider visiting a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer to learn more about the new HD24BL69 saddlebag speaker cut-in kit for 2024 and newer Harley-Davidson touring bikes. You can find an authorized retailer using the locator tool on their website.

Be sure to follow the team from Rockford Fosgate on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to stay up-to-speed on all the amazing new products they will be releasing over the next year or so.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate HD24-STG2 and HD24-STG3

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Rockford Fosgate HD24-STG2

If there were a car audio brand synonymous with motorcycle audio upgrades for Harley-Davidson Road Glide and Street Glide motorcycles, it would be Rockford Fosgate. Their upgrade kits are the benchmark for improving the audio on these touring bikes. With the introduction of new fairing and saddlebags on 2024 and later bikes, Rockford Fosgate has introduced new audio upgrade kits featuring a unique amplifier solution. Let’s check out the HD24-STG2 and HD24-STG3 audio kits for the 2024 and up bikes.

Rockford Fosgate HD24-STG2 Features

The HD24-STG2 is a high-performance two-speaker amplified audio upgrade designed for 2024 and newer Road Glide and Street Glide models. You can find exact fitment details on the product page (https://rockfordfosgate.com/products/details/hd24-stg2/). The kit includes a set of the new TMS24-65 6.5-inch Element Ready speakers, complete with grilles, and a 1,000-watt amplifier.

Rockford Fosgate HD24-STG2
The Rockford Fosgate HD24-STG2 audio upgrade kit for 2024 and up Road Glide and Street Glide bikes includes a high-power amp and new fairing speakers.

The TMS24-65 speakers are the next evolution of Rockford Fosgate’s motorcycle speakers. They feature a carbon-filled curvilinear polypropylene woofer cone and a Santoprene rubber surround. The speaker utilizes the Vertical Attach Surround Technique (VAST) design to maximize cone area, thereby increasing efficiency and bass output. The 1.5-inch Kapton voice coil is larger than that of previous models, providing improved power handling. The tweeter remains mounted in the center of the cone, delivering perfectly aligned output at all angles. The frequency response has been improved over the 1st generation by providing extended low-end response and reduced distortion for a richer, more balanced listening experience.

Rockford Fosgate HD24-STG2
The TMS24-65 speakers are impressively efficient, allowing your audio system to play loudly without straining the bike’s electrical system.

The new amplifier is a masterpiece. First, it connects directly to the A2B digital audio bus output of the Skyline OS factory radio, eliminating the need for expensive interfaces. The TMA-1000X4i amp is rated to produce up to 200 watts of power per channel into four 4-ohm or 2-ohm loads. It can be bridged to deliver 400 watts into a pair of four-ohm loads. The amplifier’s dynamic power output is 1,200 watts.

The amplifier includes an integrated digital signal processor. Your installer can configure the amp for the type of stage installed using the RF Connect app. These are DSP presets done by Rockford Fosgate with the EQ, Gain, and Crossover settings pre-configured to take the hassle out of tuning the amplifier manually.

Rockford Fosgate HD24-STG2
The TMA-1000X4i amplifier is capable of producing 200 watts of power per channel – four times the power provided by the factory amp.

The HD24-STG2 kit includes an RFK-HD24 amplifier installation kit, complete with a bracket and all necessary wiring, for your motorcycle. Best of all, everything is designed to connect directly to the factory audio system wiring, eliminating the need for cutting or splicing. This means your warranty remains intact.

Rockford Fosgate HD24-STG3 Upgrade

If you are looking for even more sound from your Harley-Davidson, then the Stage 3 kit is the way to go. The Rockford Fosgate HD24-STG3 builds upon the features of the Stage 2 kit by incorporating the HD24BL69 bag lid speaker kit. This kit includes a set of the new TMS24-69 6×9-inch Element Ready speakers, upgraded cut-in speaker grilles, and all the wiring necessary to connect to the TMA-1000X4i amplifier. It’s important to note, this system is designed for “blank” saddlebags, so if you already have color matched speaker lids, the HD24-STG2 + TMS24-69 speakers is a better choice.

Rockford Fosgate HD24-STG2
The HD24BL69 saddlebag speaker kit for 2024+ Road Glide and Street Glide adds impressive performance to the Stage 2 audio upgrade kit.

The new 2024 and later saddlebag speaker kit plays louder while occupying less cargo space. It even works with the Power Lock Kit. Being Element Ready means everything can withstand water, dust, prolonged UV exposure, and harsh vibrations —such as those experienced by Road Glide and Street Glide bikes.

Upgrade Your New Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Today!

If you have a 2024 or newer Street Glide or Road Glide, it’s time to visit a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask about the HD24-STG2 and HD24-STG3 audio system upgrade kits. They are designed to deliver a massive sound upgrade without any headaches. You can find a retailer near you using the Dealer Locator on the Rockford Fosgate website.

Be sure to follow Rockford Fosgate on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to stay up to date with new product releases and coverage of the events their team attends.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate P1-1X12

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Rockford Fosgate P1-1X12

Picking a subwoofer system for your car or SUV should be easy, right? If you’re looking at products from Rockford Fosgate, the answer is yes. With three series of amplifiers, subwoofers and enclosures to choose from, they have a solution for every budget and performance level. In this spotlight, we check out the Punch Series P1-1X12 12-inch single-voice-coil vented enclosure.

Design Elements of the Rockford Fosgate P1-1X12

The P1-1X12 is a bass reflex (vented) subwoofer enclosure loaded with a single 12-inch P1S4-12 four-ohm subwoofer. The woofer and rectangular vent face forward on the enclosure, so you don’t have to worry about the proximity of vehicle trim panels changing the tuning frequency. This is an issue that enclosures with vents on the sides can suffer from.

Rockford Fosgate P1-1X12
The wedge design of the P1-1X12 makes the best use of the available space in your car or SUV.

Rockford Fosgate includes a trim panel for the enclosure’s front panel that serves three purposes. First, it features a mesh grille over the vent, which prevents your friends from putting candy wrappers in there. In our experience, it also keeps kids from putting their Hot Wheels cars in. Second, the trim piece’s tapered shape works as a radius at the vent opening to reduce wind chuffing and distortion. Finally, the trim piece’s matte finish and Diamond-R logo look cool.

The enclosure is finished in a durable, high-density black “trunk liner”-style carpet that blends with most vehicle interiors.

Rockford Fosgate offers the P1G-12 mesh grille as an upgrade. Adding the grille is a wise choice if you carry cargo in the trunk. The woofer cone slapping into your groceries or sports equipment is a surefire way to cause damage.

P1-1X12 Subwoofer Enclosure Specifications

The Rockford Fosgate P1-1X12 enclosure measures 19.125 inches wide, 15.125 inches tall and 15.75 inches deep at the bottom. Its angled back panel fits tight against the seatbacks in your car or SUV. Wedge-style enclosures can save you several inches of storage space compared to enclosures with vertical back panels. This type of enclosure is more complicated to design and manufacture, but it’s a worthwhile investment in maximizing the usable space in your vehicle.

Rockford Fosgate P1-1X12
Rockford Fosgate P1-1X12 Dimensions.

The enclosure is constructed from 5/8-inch MDF to balance weight and panel rigidity. Speaking of weight, the enclosure comes in at just under 40 pounds.

The P1S4-12 subwoofer has a single four-ohm voice coil rated for 250 watts continuous or 500 watts maximum. This makes the enclosure ideal for use with two- and four-channel amps in a bridged configuration. A solution like the P400X4 would be perfect, as it produces up to 200 watts from a pair of bridged channels. You can use the other pair of channels to power a set of component speakers in the front of the vehicle.

Electrical connections are handled by a custom-tooled terminal cup on the left side of the enclosure. The cup accepts 10-AWG speaker wire and features spring-loaded terminals to ensure a solid connection.

Rockford Fosgate P1-1X12
The design of the P1-1X12 balances extension and output to deliver great bass.

Punch Loaded Subwoofer Enclosure Family

Rockford Fosgate offers a complete line of subwoofer enclosures in the Punch family. There’s a single 10-inch version of this enclosure called the P1-1X10 and larger models with dual 12- and 10-inch subwoofers called the P1-2X12 and P1-2X10. If you want a solution that will play louder, then the P3-1X12 with a Punch P3 subwoofer rated at 600 watts continuous is an option. There are also P2- and P3-level dual subwoofer enclosures available. Your dealer can help you choose a model that fits your vehicle, performance goals and budget.

Upgrade Your Car Audio System with Rockford Fosgate Today!

We’ve said it dozens of times, but it bears repeating. The first and best upgrade you can make to your car stereo system is to add an aftermarket subwoofer. This applies even to higher-end factory-installed systems, as few will dedicate enough space to getting that deep, impactful bass that car audio fanatics expect.

When it’s time to bring your car audio system to life, visit a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask about Punch Series loaded subwoofer enclosure solutions like this P1-1X12 and its counterparts. You can find an authorized retailer by visiting their website and using the locator tool. Be sure to check out Rockford Fosgate on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to stay up to date with their latest product releases and the events they attend.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.