Thoughts on new audio system set up for Rushmore model?
 

Hello forum members,

I am new to this side of the forum having just purchased 2016 street glide which is at the dealers over the winter since I don't have a garage.

My first upgrade (after exhaust and stage 1) will be a new audio system, which I hope to have installed before riding season begins around April.

I have done a lot of reading here on the forum and was originally planning to go with a full Biketronics set up with the 7,1 pros and the BT 4180.14 amp along with BT 547s 5x7s in the saddlebags. My first preference is Biketronics due to the solid reviews and lifetime warrenty.

However my local installer is pushing the Soundz Customs level 4 set up (focal 165 KRCs, arc moto 600.4 amp) which was also at the top of my choice list. As for the lid speakers I still plan on ordering the BT 547s because the specs appear to be a bit better (120 RMS) than the Imagine 157-2s (100 RMS) though I thought that HAT made the BT 547s for Biketronics and that the BT 547s were essentially rebranded 157-2s?

Lastly I plan on getting the BT metal speaker brackets and mounting the focals in the brackets instead of the plastic speaker pods.

I am hoping to get some real world input from those who have had good results in upgrading their Rushmore model bikes. Thanks in advance for any information and input.

Ecolesh

Just to be clear, my primary questions are:

1. Has anyone installed the focals using the BT fairing brackets and if so, would you recommend this approach or should I just install the Focals in the plastics fairing pods?

2. Are there any significant differences between the BT 547s and the Imagine 157-2s?

Thanks!

For what its worth, I'm not a fan of the new radio. I've installed Biketronics 7.1's under the hood, Hertz hi energy 6.5's in the lowers,amp and line levelers. Better, louder, not great. My 2007 stereo setup made this sound bad. I've decided to leave good enough alone until a quality DBL Din retro fit radio comes around and save my money. I'm Ok with this and just may spend my cash on a trip.

Thanks for the input Gooey2. That maybe an option just to wait it out a bit until the after market catches up and replace the HU all together. Had not thought about that but it does make since and will save money in the long run...

Ecolesh

I have currently installed the Focal 165 KRC speakers mounted in the fairing Biketronic brackets - love the set up

We do mainly soundz equipment and it is almost 100% plug and play the only thing is that isnt is there is 1 wire for the handbar controls.. Soundz is clean crisp system..

What amp are you pushing the 7.1's with? And what bike?

Ecolesh1166, IMO the BT speaker brackets and there Line Levelers are a must no mater what you choose for equipment.

If you are going to use the stock HU then the BT 7.1 non-pros are the way to go. You really wouldn't notice much of a difference between the two.

After reading through the forum, post speaker / amp combination(s) you are interested in and I'm sure you will get good advise. There are a few people here that have most likely done real world testing on most of what you choose.

Thanks to all those who have provided feedback. From the responses it appears that the Biketronics brackets would be a good option to go with the Soundz Customz Focal 165 krc's. I think that this will be a safe combinations and again thanks to everyone for their input. Lastly, any thoughts about the biketronics 547's versus the Imagine 157-2s? Are the speakers pretty much comparable in terms of sound quality, any advantages with picking one over the other or are they pretty much on par?

If we are talking BT457 Speakers vs. the Imagine I57-2. They are the same speaker.