Front stage first...lids maybe
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 32
From: Phoenix, AZ
Front stage first...lids maybe
So I am now looking at going back in and rethinking my audio which I didn't think I would do.
Challenges:
1. My own ability to tune the system.
2. Adding catless exhaust with mufflers, ac, fuel management so exhaust may be louder.
I am going to start with the HU. Thinking Sony MEX series unit. Any suggestions on model?
Speakers: BT speakers are a bit bright for my liking. It could be my own limitations on tuning. I'd like a bit of warmth if possible.
Amp: Undecided. But have considered bridging to the BT 7.1's (got nervous and didn't pursue due to concerns voiced on the forum).
I'd love to go in and do it all at once, but if it makes sense could add HU; then try bridging amp then add/swap if it isn't working. I am also not opposed to a full system swap.
When I do HU I can switch to low level inputs if I understand things correctly.
Just wondering what suggestions y'all might have.
Thanks in advance!
- Bike: 2012 Street Glide
- Current set-up:. PA RZ4 2000D amp, stock HU, and Biketronics 7.1 non-pro speakers.
- Goals:
- Great sounding front stage only system I can hear while riding. (97% likelihood this will be front stage only. Maybe a 3% chance of adding lid or lower speaks in the future).
- Reliable, water-resistant system.
- Something I can install and tune (see challenges #1)
Challenges:
1. My own ability to tune the system.
2. Adding catless exhaust with mufflers, ac, fuel management so exhaust may be louder.
I am going to start with the HU. Thinking Sony MEX series unit. Any suggestions on model?
Speakers: BT speakers are a bit bright for my liking. It could be my own limitations on tuning. I'd like a bit of warmth if possible.
Amp: Undecided. But have considered bridging to the BT 7.1's (got nervous and didn't pursue due to concerns voiced on the forum).
I'd love to go in and do it all at once, but if it makes sense could add HU; then try bridging amp then add/swap if it isn't working. I am also not opposed to a full system swap.
When I do HU I can switch to low level inputs if I understand things correctly.
Just wondering what suggestions y'all might have.
Thanks in advance!
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 32
From: Phoenix, AZ
Does it matter which controller I use or does picking controller depend on which HU I pick? For example does Metra work better with Sony and Biketronics better with Kenwood or vice versa?
Also wondering if there is anything else I should mess with while I'm inside (change speaks or amp)? I can't imagine those BT 7.1's getting much warmer though, will they?
Last edited by Cheesehead_13; Apr 5, 2017 at 09:44 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
Originally Posted by Cheesehead_13
Shannon, thanks for the response. I know I should have done it at first, but I am still intimidated by the HU install especially hooking up handlebar controls.
Does it matter which controller I use or does picking controller depend on which HU I pick? For example does Metra work better with Sony and Biketronics better with Kenwood or vice versa?
Also wondering if there is anything else I should mess with while I'm inside (change speaks or amp)? I can't imagine those BT 7.1's getting much warmer though, will they?
Does it matter which controller I use or does picking controller depend on which HU I pick? For example does Metra work better with Sony and Biketronics better with Kenwood or vice versa?
Also wondering if there is anything else I should mess with while I'm inside (change speaks or amp)? I can't imagine those BT 7.1's getting much warmer though, will they?
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 32
From: Phoenix, AZ
Doesn't really matter on the controller. They all work as intended but the cheaper ones are a lil more work to install but it's nothing that you can't be coached through. I would first try bridging the amp after the new HU install and see if it was to your liking or not. If not then maybe just a speaker change and keep the amp bridged. Several ways you could go but I'd start with the HU.
I know I need rca's, splash cover, and controller...anything obvious I am missing?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
Originally Posted by Cheesehead_13
Now the fun questions...Sony, Alpine, or Aquatic HU?
I know I need rca's, splash cover, and controller...anything obvious I am missing?
I know I need rca's, splash cover, and controller...anything obvious I am missing?
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 32
From: Phoenix, AZ
HU is really just a personal choice. I happen to like the Sony's but the next guy may be nothing but Kenwood. Alpines are good too. But from personal choices I'll never recommend the Aquatic. I fully realize a lot goes into R&D but the price is way outta wack on those units.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
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HU is really just a personal choice. I happen to like the Sony's but the next guy may be nothing but Kenwood. Alpines are good too. But from personal choices I'll never recommend the Aquatic. I fully realize a lot goes into R&D but the price is way outta wack on those units.
-FW
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 32
From: Phoenix, AZ
If you use the Aquatic do you still have to buy a handlebar install kit? If not I was thinking $299 was a pretty good deal for the Aquatic unit. My thinking was... You don't have to use a splash cover because it's waterproof, perfect dry place to store and charge your phone or ipod and I was thinking because it says plug and play that it didn't need that $200 Biketronics install kit. I've never installed one though so I don't know what else you need besides what's in the box. Does it need anything else? I'm not recommending it at all. Like I said I've never installed one. I'm just wanting to be educated. Teach me Bates lol.
-FW
-FW
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 582
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-FW