Product Comparison · Speakers
Cicada Audio's CX range and Precision Power's MAS range are two speaker lines we install often in Harley fairing and saddlebag positions. The short answer: the Precision Power MAS.654 package includes a midrange tuning/notch module intended for the applicable previous-generation Harley sealed fairing pod and matches Cicada on the 6.5-inch price, with the MAS 6×9 coming in lower, while Cicada's CX models carry higher published RMS power handling and a larger voice coil. Both ranges are commonly used in Harley Touring systems, but neither nominal speaker size guarantees direct fitment in every year and position: the Precision Power fairing package adds a Harley-specific tuning module, while the Cicada CX speakers are general motorcycle coaxials that must be matched to the actual enclosure and mounting arrangement.
How do Cicada CX and Precision Power MAS speakers compare on paper?
| Speaker | Size / Position | Notable Feature | Price (pair) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Power MAS.654 | 6.5", fairing | MAA package adds tuning/notch modules for previous-generation sealed fairing pods; 75W RMS, 92 dB (1W/1m), 4Ω | $565 |
| Cicada CX65.4 | 6.5", fairing | 100W RMS, 1.4" voice coil, 94 dB (Cicada references 2.83V/1m), 4Ω | $565 |
| Precision Power MAS.694 | 6×9", saddlebag | Inverted-magnet thermal design, 100W RMS, 92 dB (1W/1m), 6×9 lid kit required, 4Ω | $520 |
| Cicada CX69.4 | 6×9", saddlebag | 125W RMS, 1.4" voice coil, 95.5 dB (Cicada references 2.83V/1m), 4Ω | $685 |
On paper the Cicada CX pair carries higher published RMS power handling and a larger voice coil at each size: the CX65.4 is 100W RMS against the MAS.654's 75W, and the CX69.4 is 125W RMS against the MAS.694's 100W, both on a 1.4-inch voice coil against the MAS 1.25-inch. The manufacturers publish sensitivity using different reference methods (Cicada references 2.83V/1m, Precision Power references 1W/1m), so the published sensitivity figures should not be treated as a direct efficiency comparison. Manufacturer power-handling figures are also not necessarily tested under an identical industry-standard method, so they are useful for system planning but should not be treated as a laboratory-controlled head-to-head result. All four models compared here are 4Ω; each also comes in a 2Ω version (Precision Power MAS.652 and MAS.692, Cicada CX65.2 and CX69.2).
A note on the saddlebag position: on standard previous-generation Harley Touring lids, the factory saddlebag size is generally 5×7, and a 6×9 needs aftermarket 6×9 lids, a cut-in kit or a conversion first. The redesigned lids used on 2023-later CVO and 2024-later standard Street Glide and Road Glide models are an exception and support model-specific factory 6×9 upgrades. For the 5×7 position, the Precision Power MAS.572 is a single-input 5×7 coaxial for compatible 5×7 lid openings: it is not universally drop-in for every factory lid, and it is not directly compatible with Boom! Stage II or CVO dual-input (bi-amp) wiring, which would need rewiring to a suitable conventional amplifier channel or a speaker designed for that bi-amplified architecture. A bike with solid lids still needs a lid or cut-in system either way. Confirm your lids and wiring before choosing a saddlebag speaker.
Value, fitment and impedance: what to match first
On price, the two 6.5-inch models are the same at $565, while the Precision Power MAS.694 is the less expensive 6×9 option ($520 against $685 for the CX69.4). The MAS.654 package offered by MAA also includes a midrange tuning/notch module intended for the applicable original Harley sealed fairing pod; it should not automatically be used in an open, ported or different-volume enclosure. On impedance, choose based on the radio or amplifier actually driving the speaker rather than a “factory versus amplified” rule: a 2Ω speaker (MAS.652, MAS.692, CX65.2 or CX69.2) may produce more output from a source that is designed and stable for a 2Ω load, while a 4Ω speaker presents a lighter current load and is commonly required for bridged amplifier operation, but only where the amplifier's bridged minimum impedance and output are appropriate. Confirm the model year, radio, factory amplifier, channel wiring and amplifier minimum load before choosing.
6.5" fairing speaker package with a Harley OE-pod tuning module, 75W RMS, 4Ω. 2Ω MAS.652 also available; confirm connector and mounting for your bike.
Which speakers suit a build with a dedicated amplifier?
With a dedicated amplifier, thermal power handling becomes more important, and the CX models' higher published RMS ratings give them more thermal capacity. That does not by itself guarantee more output or mechanical safety: cone excursion depends on frequency, enclosure, crossover and gain, so a high-pass filter and sensible gain structure still matter. Like the MAS range, the CX comes in 4Ω (the CX65.4 and CX69.4 here, for amplifiers and configurations requiring a 4Ω load, including many bridged applications) and 2Ω (CX65.2 and CX69.2) for more output from a 2Ω-stable amplifier running in stereo. The CX65.4 fairing coaxial can also be driven by a compatible Boom! Box GTS speaker output, although the corresponding 2Ω version may receive more power from that source if the radio is designed and stable for the lower load; confirm the connector, mounting and polarity rather than assuming plug-and-play. The CX69.4 is best suited to a dedicated amplified rear stage, where its higher published RMS capability can be used effectively.
6.5" fairing coaxial, 100W RMS, 4Ω, Rain or Shine all-weather build. Can be driven from a Boom! Box GTS output; confirm connector and mounting.
What if I want to go further than either of these?
Both brands also offer more specialised options. Cicada's CXX and CHX ranges add upgraded cone, motor and horn-loaded designs. Precision Power's HTW range adds weather-resistant horn-loaded coaxials rated around 100W RMS, so that step is mainly horn projection and construction rather than raw thermal power. The MAS HT horn models move higher again: the MAS.652HT is rated at 150W RMS and the MAS.692HT at 200W RMS. Both include separate tweeter terminals for optional bi-amplified operation, plus a jumper for conventional single-input operation; their integrated 12 dB network high-passes the tweeter, but it does not replace the system high-pass needed to protect the woofer at the bottom of its range. These are alternatives for riders prioritising highway projection or greater output, not simply more expensive versions of the basic speakers.
What are the real-world pros and cons of each brand?
Precision Power MAS, pros: Harley tuning module in the fairing package, lower price on the 6×9 saddlebag option, patent-pending inverted-magnet thermal design on the saddlebag speakers, and both 2Ω and 4Ω variants.
Precision Power MAS, cons: lower published RMS power handling than the equivalent Cicada CX, so less thermal headroom once a higher-power amplifier is added later.
Cicada CX, pros: higher published RMS handling for the same footprint, larger 1.4-inch voice coil, Rain or Shine all-weather construction (waterproof IMPP cone, moisture-resistant surround), grilles and mounting hardware included, and both 2Ω and 4Ω variants.
Cicada CX, cons: the 6×9 saddlebag option costs more than the Precision Power equivalent.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an amplifier to use Cicada CX speakers?
The CX65.4 fairing coaxial can be driven by a compatible Boom! Box GTS speaker output, though it shows its full advantage on an amplifier. On that source, the corresponding 2Ω version may receive more power if the radio is designed and stable for the lower load. Confirm the connector, mounting and polarity rather than assuming it is plug-and-play. The CX69.4 is best suited to a dedicated amplified rear stage. If you are staying fully factory-powered, a 2Ω version may receive more power from a compatible head unit or amplifier than the corresponding 4Ω version, but only when the source is designed and stable for that load.
Are Cicada and Precision Power speakers a direct fit for my Harley?
Front fairing: previous-generation Street Glide fairings generally use nominal 6.5-inch speakers from 2014 to 2023, and the comparable Road Glide fairing from 2015 to 2023. The redesigned fairings began with the 2023 CVO models and expanded to standard Street Glide and Road Glide for 2024, retaining a nominal 6.5-inch size but with different enclosures and mounting, so earlier-product fitment should not be assumed. Selected 1998 to 2013 bikes also have model-specific direct-fit 6.5-inch systems, so those years are not universally restricted to 5.25-inch. Nominal diameter alone does not confirm basket, grille, depth or connector fitment, and the MAS.654 tuning module is intended for the applicable previous-generation sealed pod only.
Standard saddlebag lids: previous-generation factory speaker lids generally take a 5×7; a 6×9 needs aftermarket lids, a cut-in kit or a conversion. The Precision Power MAS.572 is a single-input 5×7 for compatible 5×7 openings, not a universal drop-in and not directly compatible with Boom! Stage II or CVO dual-input wiring.
Redesigned lids: the 2023-later CVO and 2024-later standard Street Glide and Road Glide lids are an exception and support model-specific factory 6×9 upgrades.
Check the exact year, model and lids on the product page before buying.
Can I mix brands, like Cicada fairing speakers with Precision Power saddlebag speakers?
Yes. There is no inherent compatibility problem simply because the speakers are different brands. Match each speaker to the amplifier channel for impedance and power, then account for differences in sensitivity, frequency response and crossover requirements. Level adjustment, EQ or DSP tuning may be needed to balance unlike front and rear speakers.
What's the difference between the 2Ω and 4Ω versions of the same speaker?
It comes down to the radio or amplifier actually driving the speaker. A 2Ω speaker may produce more output from a source that is designed and stable for a 2Ω load, while a 4Ω speaker presents a lighter current load and is commonly required when an amplifier is bridged, but only where the amplifier's bridged minimum impedance and output are appropriate. Do not choose from “factory” versus “amplified” alone: confirm the model year, radio, factory amplifier, channel wiring and amplifier minimum load. For the full explanation, see our guide to Impedance Explained: 2Ω vs 4Ω in Motorcycle Audio.
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