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Now that I have a nice big motor I am keeping this bike for a long while. I decided to go ahead and update the sound system as well. After much research I have decided on the Biketronics 2180 Amp and 7.1 speakers.
For the head unit I am leaning towards the Aquatic AV 5UBT, and also considering either the JVC KD-R97MBS Marine or Sony MEX-GS610BT. With the units that are not the Aquatic AV I would be using the retro radio kit so I can retain the factory handlebar controls so price either way is similar.
One of the items I learned in my research was to look for the pre amp voltage to be 4V or 5V so for that reason I ruled out the less expensive Aquatic AV radio. It is only 2V. I plan to use my I-pod for the music play thru the unit.
The JVC has a black & white display that makes the display visible in bright sun which is nice. I don't know much about Sony but I have had their units in vehicles and always liked. The Aquatic AV has great features and is waterproof. My only reservation is they have not been on the market very long and I lose the CD player that might get occasional use.
What do you guys think? Any other units you would recommend?
The Kenwood 998 is popular on the forum. It sound better than the Alpine 9886 it replaced on my bike! It also has a Pro Section where you can set X-over for front and rear speakers. I've heard the Alpine 149bt is a good HU also. The Jvc you mentioned also looks like a nice unit. I see BT has that on their website along with the Kenwood 898 (use to have the 998 but I don't see it any more). If you can see the display on the JVC in daylight that would be a plus! Call BT ask them their opinion.
The Hu's mike mentioned are excellent! I have several friends with the Kenwood 998 and they love it! Since you are using your Ipod to play your tunes I have not found a better HU to play the Ipod than the Sony DSX-S310BTX This HU was originally $279 and Sonic has it on sale for $129.99. Great radio for the price! Same one I use and it has performed flawlessly. I use the V-twin radio cover to keep it dry!
Now that I have a nice big motor I am keeping this bike for a long while. I decided to go ahead and update the sound system as well. After much research I have decided on the Biketronics 2180 Amp and 7.1 speakers.
For the head unit I am leaning towards the Aquatic AV 5UBT, and also considering either the JVC KD-R97MBS Marine or Sony MEX-GS610BT. With the units that are not the Aquatic AV I would be using the retro radio kit so I can retain the factory handlebar controls so price either way is similar.
One of the items I learned in my research was to look for the pre amp voltage to be 4V or 5V so for that reason I ruled out the less expensive Aquatic AV radio. It is only 2V. I plan to use my I-pod for the music play thru the unit.
The JVC has a black & white display that makes the display visible in bright sun which is nice. I don't know much about Sony but I have had their units in vehicles and always liked. The Aquatic AV has great features and is waterproof. My only reservation is they have not been on the market very long and I lose the CD player that might get occasional use.
What do you guys think? Any other units you would recommend?
After going through 5 Harley Harmon Karmon radios over 8 years I decide to try after market. I went with a Kenwood KMR-M312BT unit with a J&M CB for communications and Garmin 665 for Navigation and XM receiver. Use the Garmin for out put to Aux input on the JMCB for headset audio and navigation. Use a mini usb drive in the Kenwood for my complete MP3 library. The Kenwood is Marine grade and for extra measures I use a Waterproof radio cover during bike washing and rain riding. Only thing I miss is the automatic volume control that work very well with the Harmon Karmon. I was able to use the built in Headset jack in the center console for my headset hook up for the JMCB and use my assortment of Harley Headsets in the helmets or headphone style for when using half helmet.
After Market Audio, Navigation and Communication: Kenwood KMR-M312BT; J&M JMCB & Garmin Zumo 665
I have a Kenwood 798 in my RoadGlide and love it EXCEPT you can't read it until the sun goes down. I know its the same screen as a 998 so know you won't be able to read it during daylight hours. The angle of a RG's mount may suck for all after markets, I don't know, but the kenwood I can't read at all.
i just ordered a JVC KDR-85MBS Marine head unit. it had all the features of the high end sonys for half the cost ($90 on amazon right now, the marine sony CD players w usb and bluetooth cost $190+)
I had the sony mex-m70bt and it was a great HU...until it got wet. Didn't take much now I find myself looking to buy a new HU. I plan on going with the Aquatic AV since it is waterproof and I spend a lot more time in the rain than most. Really don't feel like having to buy a new one every time it gets a soaking.
With the JVC KDR-85MBS, you can purchase an optional Hardwired REMOTE for boats. But if you cut off the Remote Buttons assembly off, you can hardwire the Radios Remote Functions into the Hand Grip Switches. I have this setup on my '12 Electra Glide. NOTE: I did not install the JVC KDR-85MBS W/Remote wiring, I had it done at a Local Audio Shop.
Help me decide on a Head Unit
