Boom Stage 1 Speaker Without Amp
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,150
Likes: 459
From: S. FL
1. The Boom stuff isn't that good to begin with, and very overpriced for what they offer
2. To really notice an upgrade while on the road you need an amp
3. For not much you could do speaker and amp that would be worth the upgrade
2. To really notice an upgrade while on the road you need an amp
3. For not much you could do speaker and amp that would be worth the upgrade
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,357
Likes: 91
From: Michigan
The reason I ask, a gentleman I work with mentioned that he changed out his speakers on a new FLHX and reported improved sound quality, and the speaker covers are much nicer to boot.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
Don't waste your hard earned dollars on those Boom speakers. Not a substantial difference between stock and the Booms w/ built-in tweeters. I have just a little over $300 in Infinity Kappa speakers and a Rockford Fosgate amp. Not the top of the line setup but a helluva lot better than Boom. Strictly my opinion but I suspect others will agree.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,357
Likes: 91
From: Michigan
Don't waste your hard earned dollars on those Boom speakers. Not a substantial difference between stock and the Booms w/ built-in tweeters. I have just a little over $300 in Infinity Kappa speakers and a Rockford Fosgate amp. Not the top of the line setup but a helluva lot better than Boom. Strictly my opinion but I suspect others will agree.
How is the amp switched? does the stock boom head unit have a switching connection?
I presume that power for a new amp would have to be wired directly to the battery on a new fused line.
I assume that the existing cabling to the stock speakers may be reused?
Does an added aftermarket amp require a reflash via digital tech?
How is an aftermarket amp mounted? are there Harley specific mounting brackets?
I presume the outputs of the stock head unit become the inputs to the aftermarket amp?
I would prefer a single (4) channel amp to drive (4) speakers.
At what wattage output does one have to consider the bike charging system, something I definitely do not want to get into.
I am sure that I will have more questions but here is a good start, if I were to set a budget it would be in the $800 range, thanks all for your input and suggestions.
Last edited by HardRider1; Apr 8, 2016 at 07:50 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 679
Likes: 109
From: Minnesota
I have read many times that the Boom audio components are grossly overpriced, I have a few questions regarding adding an aftermarket system, I know there are some very knowledgeable gents on this forum.
How is the amp switched? does the stock boom head unit have a switching connection? Some use the 12 volt outlet in the right pod or there is a small two wire harness on the left side with switched power.
I presume that power for a new amp would have to be wired directly to the battery on a new fused line. Along with a ground, that is the best way.
I assume that the existing cabling to the stock speakers may be reused? See answer on next question.
Does an added aftermarket amp require a reflash via digital tech? Best way for this is to use a Biketronics BT355 line level converter which uses stock high level outputs-speaker leads-and converts it to low level outputs.
How is an aftermarket amp mounted? are there Harley specific mounting brackets? Depending on the amp, their is a perfect place right on top of the stereo.
I presume the outputs of the stock head unit become the inputs to the aftermarket amp? See above answer.
I would prefer a single (4) channel amp to drive (4) speakers.
At what wattage output does one have to consider the bike charging system, something I definitely do not want to get into. That's going to depend on just how crazy you get. Most of the time, nothing is needed.
I am sure that I will have more questions but here is a good start, if I were to set a budget it would be in the $800 range, thanks all for your input and suggestions.
How is the amp switched? does the stock boom head unit have a switching connection? Some use the 12 volt outlet in the right pod or there is a small two wire harness on the left side with switched power.
I presume that power for a new amp would have to be wired directly to the battery on a new fused line. Along with a ground, that is the best way.
I assume that the existing cabling to the stock speakers may be reused? See answer on next question.
Does an added aftermarket amp require a reflash via digital tech? Best way for this is to use a Biketronics BT355 line level converter which uses stock high level outputs-speaker leads-and converts it to low level outputs.
How is an aftermarket amp mounted? are there Harley specific mounting brackets? Depending on the amp, their is a perfect place right on top of the stereo.
I presume the outputs of the stock head unit become the inputs to the aftermarket amp? See above answer.
I would prefer a single (4) channel amp to drive (4) speakers.
At what wattage output does one have to consider the bike charging system, something I definitely do not want to get into. That's going to depend on just how crazy you get. Most of the time, nothing is needed.
I am sure that I will have more questions but here is a good start, if I were to set a budget it would be in the $800 range, thanks all for your input and suggestions.
Last edited by Covert Olds; Apr 8, 2016 at 08:31 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 236
Likes: 1
From: los angeles
I had the Boom speaker only upgrade on a 14 Streetglide and it sucked. Took them out and went back to stock. I know everyone here likes to dump on Hogtunes - BUT - I installed just their speakers, no amp, and left everything else stock and the sound is a lot better. Its definitely not at the level of a full upgrade with an amp, but noticeably better than stock. And pretty cheap - about $150 or so.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,357
Likes: 91
From: Michigan
Thanks for the input, that Biketronics has what looks like some real nice equipment. I have read sometime ago that they run special for the forum members, wonder if there is anything like that going on now or in the near future. Looks like their setup of the 2014's and up are currently out of stock. Any comments on their speaker combinations? What would be best for front fairing and back pods?
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 904
Likes: 62
From: Denver Colorado
Originally Posted by HardRider1
Thanks for the input, that Biketronics has what looks like some real nice equipment. I have read sometime ago that they run special for the forum members, wonder if there is anything like that going on now or in the near future. Looks like their setup of the 2014's and up are currently out of stock. Any comments on their speaker combinations? What would be best for front fairing and back pods?