Best sounding head unit
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 87,565
From: Western South Dakota
I recently purchased the Sony mex-GS 610-BT and have it coupled with BT 2180 and BT 7.1 speakers, and running a tweeter pod.
It is ok, but sheesh $1200 bucks to get there?
It is also somewhat lacking in what I would like.
Now if I could get the sound of my Kicker IK501 iPod Iphone Dual 5" Speakers 6" Sub Powered Audio Dock Ikick Stereo I would be most happy!!!
It is ok, but sheesh $1200 bucks to get there?
It is also somewhat lacking in what I would like.
Now if I could get the sound of my Kicker IK501 iPod Iphone Dual 5" Speakers 6" Sub Powered Audio Dock Ikick Stereo I would be most happy!!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 122
From: Joliet IL.
Gan, AAWAV, thanks for the input. I really liked my Alpine 9886 till recently (rca problem and now it skips more on new cds) maybe the head units take a beating on the bike but I would think they should last more than 3 yrs. I always liked Alpine (and Eclipse) in the past in my vehicles, but the bike is a different beast! I was leary of the Kenwood because of the Exel I had(can't remember which model) but the 998 looks good. Anybody play cd's in their 998.
Last edited by Moto Mike; Aug 5, 2015 at 09:53 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 6,621
Likes: 412
From: Indianapolis IN.
I thought that I had read that an amp is only as good as the quality of the sound. Good sound in, good sound out. When I researched this set up, the PBR was the craze with the Infinity speakers. I just can seem to find that sweet spot with any of the equalizer settings that the amp has. Maybe it is the little bass that I can find. The treble actually hurts the eardrums. It is certainly loud enough.
What amp would you suggest for that "quality" sound ? I do want to add speakers to the pods now so what 4 channel amp would you suggest for the quality and power ?
What amp would you suggest for that "quality" sound ? I do want to add speakers to the pods now so what 4 channel amp would you suggest for the quality and power ?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,150
Likes: 459
From: S. FL
I thought that I had read that an amp is only as good as the quality of the sound. Good sound in, good sound out. When I researched this set up, the PBR was the craze with the Infinity speakers. I just can seem to find that sweet spot with any of the equalizer settings that the amp has. Maybe it is the little bass that I can find. The treble actually hurts the eardrums. It is certainly loud enough.
What amp would you suggest for that "quality" sound ? I do want to add speakers to the pods now so what 4 channel amp would you suggest for the quality and power ?
What amp would you suggest for that "quality" sound ? I do want to add speakers to the pods now so what 4 channel amp would you suggest for the quality and power ?
Cruiser
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
I have the RF pbr300 and as my older post from last year states I hate it..I was told I need more amp to power my BT7P1's and a new HU...I too am thinking the Kenwood X998 (since I still have the horrid stock HU) and the BT2180 amp for my ultra limited... OK dumb question...Do I need a 4CH amp ??? I guess at some point I would upgrade the rear pods but for now just have the BT7P1 up front.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,150
Likes: 459
From: S. FL
I have the RF pbr300 and as my older post from last year states I hate it..I was told I need more amp to power my BT7P1's and a new HU...I too am thinking the Kenwood X998 (since I still have the horrid stock HU) and the BT2180 amp for my ultra limited... OK dumb question...Do I need a 4CH amp ??? I guess at some point I would upgrade the rear pods but for now just have the BT7P1 up front.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
I have the RF pbr300 and as my older post from last year states I hate it..I was told I need more amp to power my BT7P1's and a new HU...I too am thinking the Kenwood X998 (since I still have the horrid stock HU) and the BT2180 amp for my ultra limited... OK dumb question...Do I need a 4CH amp ??? I guess at some point I would upgrade the rear pods but for now just have the BT7P1 up front.
2010 Limited with some stuff
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 117
Likes: 38
From: Moultonborough, NH
Not married to Fm
Gan, no I am not married to FM radio. I think the last time I had FM was with my stock HU. I pretty much only use my Ipod. I don't understand why or how the AMP changes the sound. I mean I know it amplifies the sound, but if the quality from the head unit isn't the best how can an AMP make it better or worse ? What is interesting though, I feel like it sounded better last year. I just don't recall having the need to constantly adjust the stereo looking for the sound. So what would the choice when you say that there are many powerful options available for a 4 channel amp? Thank you.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 6,621
Likes: 412
From: Indianapolis IN.
Good stuff 98! You want the Soundstream 1000D or the Power Acoustik 3000D. Both fit in the fairing. Tight but they fit. Both have plenty of power to run what ever speakers you choose. Just make sure you have quality speakers. The Biketronics 7.1's, The Infinity Kappa 62.11i's or the Moto 602's All excellent speakers that sound awesome with these amps. Kenwood 998 with one of the above amps and one of the above speakers will pretty much blow anything else away. Add some 6x9's to the mix and you're golden!!
Novice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Central N.C.
Gannicus, I wanted to Pm you and have read for a few weeks alot of posts from you, UN, and Haze along with others. As of now I am all Stock on my 2011FLHTK and it has to change. I know you tested the Moto 602s and the Kappas and highly recommend the BT7.1s. I am going to get a 4ch and head unit and go ahead with the batwings for now. I saw you liked the 602s in the lowers but what about all 4 or would you still go with the BT7.1s in the fairing over all others . I cant afford the Pros, but know that this location is key. I plan on lids and 6x9s later down the road and will drop a set of 6.5 kickers in the rear pods. Any thought and recommendations from all are welcome.