Frustrated HD Boom Audio - Looking for Biketronics Feedback
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,432
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From: FL
Frustrated HD Boom Audio - Looking for Biketronics Feedback
Looking for some feedback from some experienced audio geeks / wizards / grand poobas.
Long story short, I have a 2015 FLHTK with 32,000 miles. Upgraded the sound system to the HD Boom amplifier and stage one speakers about a year ago, it's been working fine until last week when the amplifier died on me. Since I made the install, HD won't warranty the failed component. Lets not get into the flashing of the headunit and such, it was done correctly.
Been hearing good feedback about Biketronics and their products and was thinking of pulling the trigger on the 2 channel amplifier (BT2180.14) and the Proline 7.1" speakers for the front fairing. I understand most put speakers in the tourpak, saddlebags or lower fairings but I'm not interested in that as I usually ride without the tourpak. I'm seriously considering removing the HD headunit all together and installing the Sony MEX-GS610BT. I believe the only benefit I'd lose from removing the HD headunit is the GPS. Considering HD hasn't updated their maps database since the unit's inception and I have a Garmin from previously with lifetime map updates, I believe I'd come out ahead.
Has anyone else already done something similar and if so, what we your experience?? Any regrets?? How happy were you with your decision?? Would I be better of just staying with the HD headunit?? Looking for all feedback, positive or negative. I have thick skin. Thanks in advance.
Long story short, I have a 2015 FLHTK with 32,000 miles. Upgraded the sound system to the HD Boom amplifier and stage one speakers about a year ago, it's been working fine until last week when the amplifier died on me. Since I made the install, HD won't warranty the failed component. Lets not get into the flashing of the headunit and such, it was done correctly.
Been hearing good feedback about Biketronics and their products and was thinking of pulling the trigger on the 2 channel amplifier (BT2180.14) and the Proline 7.1" speakers for the front fairing. I understand most put speakers in the tourpak, saddlebags or lower fairings but I'm not interested in that as I usually ride without the tourpak. I'm seriously considering removing the HD headunit all together and installing the Sony MEX-GS610BT. I believe the only benefit I'd lose from removing the HD headunit is the GPS. Considering HD hasn't updated their maps database since the unit's inception and I have a Garmin from previously with lifetime map updates, I believe I'd come out ahead.
Has anyone else already done something similar and if so, what we your experience?? Any regrets?? How happy were you with your decision?? Would I be better of just staying with the HD headunit?? Looking for all feedback, positive or negative. I have thick skin. Thanks in advance.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 6,446
Likes: 873
From: TEXAS
The HU is not the closest alligator to the boat.
Get a good amp w good speaks and roll on down the road with damn good sound!!!
Not a fan of the BT speaks, or coax in general in the fairing based on far too many trials and errors, so if u can get some good components pushed by the BT2180 ur done w this project.
T
Get a good amp w good speaks and roll on down the road with damn good sound!!!
Not a fan of the BT speaks, or coax in general in the fairing based on far too many trials and errors, so if u can get some good components pushed by the BT2180 ur done w this project.
T
Former Sponsor
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 142
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From: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
At the shop we have pulled several stock HU and replaced with either the sony or the new Kenwood. It takes away some of the annoyance that the stock gives you. As far as the speakers go.. Eh.. I am with Tailwind. I am not a fan. For the money I feel like you can do better. But thats just my ears. Theres a good amount of guys on here that will swear by them. Depends the guy I guess.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 582
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At the shop we have pulled several stock HU and replaced with either the sony or the new Kenwood. It takes away some of the annoyance that the stock gives you. As far as the speakers go.. Eh.. I am with Tailwind. I am not a fan. For the money I feel like you can do better. But thats just my ears. Theres a good amount of guys on here that will swear by them. Depends the guy I guess.
Lifetime warranty man, it just can't be beat.... Knowing I never have to spend another dollar to maintain my sound if awesome. That fact that I love the clarity is just the icing on my 103 cubic inch cake!. Thanks for everybody's input and advice on the audio in this section. You guys are great!
Last edited by Fatherwayne; Sep 20, 2016 at 07:52 PM. Reason: Spelling
Former Sponsor
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 142
Likes: 6
From: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Yea you are right Father! The warranty is def a Very good selling point for sure! Haha But I don't usually keep a speaker setup for very long unless I LOVE it.. so unfortunately the warranty doesn't do much for me. But hey! As long as you like it.. thats all that matters!
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 582
Likes: 21
I think so too. We are the only ones that have to be happy with our setup in the end (Well.... Us and maybe the real boss...insert her name here lol). There are so many types and brands out there I see why you guys change up so much and it kinda makes the warranty less of a selling point for you in that case. I'm really glad y'all do though because the knowledge base that had resulted from the experimentation has proved invaluable to the rest of us. I'm one of the guys that can't wait to put the fairing back on and never take it of off again lol. Thanks again!
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: FL
I appreciate everyone's input. Can someone tell me comparatively how BT stacks up against the HD setup? I already have some hearing loss and constant ringing in my ears so I'm not looking for something award winning, I just want good sounding music I can hear scooting along at 80 mph.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 6,446
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From: TEXAS
Originally Posted by CSMHOG
I appreciate everyone's input. Can someone tell me comparatively how BT stacks up against the HD setup? I already have some hearing loss and constant ringing in my ears so I'm not looking for something award winning, I just want good sounding music I can hear scooting along at 80 mph.
With your hearing concerns, do ur ears like a warmer sound or brighter?
Plenty of options to get ur happy as can be so take ur time.
T.
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Well said, the main complaint I've heard is them sounding too 'bright'. Admittedly I'm a fan of everything Biketronics except the speakers. MUCH better than anything Boom audio though!
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