Ok...It's about time to start upgrading my stereo on my '13 SG. It's bone stock right now.

I've been doing some reading, and I'm interested in the Aquatic AV HU (AQ-MP-5UBT-HS). They want 650.00 bucks for this unit from Aquatic AV.

Questions: Anyone using this HU? Pro's Cons? Is it worth the cheddar over a Jensen or Sony unit? Or the Alpine unit?
Is it plug and play as far as being able to use my handle bar controls? Or do I need to buy a kit for that?

Also looking at the Alpine unit (CDE-HD149BT). Same questions.....is it plug and play with my handle bar controls? If not..what do I need to make them work? Also....how sensitive to moisture is the Alpine unit?

For my speakers up front...I'm looking at the Polk MM651's. I don't know about running an amp up front yet. I would like to but don't know how much it would help. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Eventually I am going to get the HT speaker lids for the back. Haven't gotten far enough to start researching speakers/amp combo's for back there.

If I can get my front end set up on this deployment, make it sound better/louder I'll be pretty content for now.

If you guys can think of anything else I will need to do this install hit me with it.
Thanks...
SMASH

 

I'm running that Aquatic AV stereo and my Hog Tunes amp with Boom audio fairing & tourpack speakers and Hog Tunes Speakers & lids. Eastern Performance has the stereo for $549

 

well. my 2cents worth...i just took out an aquatic av, and replaced it with a kenwood kmrd765bt with a metra 99-9800 hinged cover mounting kit and a handlebar interface kit to maintain thumb controls.
im still in the process of install as im waiting for lids from paint
i do believe the kenwood will definately give better sound quality and with a built in equalizer, you can tailor to your amp and speakers, and im sure the sony and alpine will deliver the same
i guess it boils down to your budget, but you definately want an amp if your doing any upgrades, keep reading threads and asking questions, the old pros here have tried damn near every combination of head unit, amp and speaker you can think of

 

Thanks for the tip about Eastern Performance. I'll check them out.

Yooperdog....you're right about the amp. I definitely want an amp, I just don't know which one to get. Haven't done enough reading yet. There's soooo much! It's not like when I was a kid putting stereo crap in my pickup!

Yooper...also, where did you get that kenwood at? And did you get the entire kit from the same place?

 

I just installed the AQ-HS in my 13 SG I like it but the screen you can barley see it in day light
You have full controls and it does have a EQ were you can adjust the bass, mids, treble and it is plug and play
Alex with Bagger audio can hook you up with what you need, I would contact him first before making a purchase.

 

the kenwood i found on amazon along with the handlebar interface and the metra adapter, although that particular hinged faceplate adapter isnt on amazon anymore, now i think its part of a kit
and i would also mention Alex at Bagger Audio Lab. that guy has forgotten more about audio than most of us will ever learn

 

Right on...I emailed Alex and told him everything I'm interested in and asked his opinion. I'm assuming he works for Bagger Audio, and Bagger Audio sells audio equipment? Been a bit since I've been to the forums so I don't really know who's who anymore....

 

yes. he used to go be the name haze. and you would be surprized at what good audio can be put together compared to buying mediocre components and not being happy with them

 

Hey Smash, the HU is what I been jamming for 4-5 years now with no hiccups..period.... Solid. Everything else running is Biketronics, again, solid. Handlebars controls is with BT...no issues, P&P. I did spoil myself with the mighty BT 4180 for future lid speaks if needed, as for now the bride hears it LOUD and Proud....
Oh, no issues on inclement weather if using the BT waterproof cover. Good luck and happy jamming.

 

So I see confusion as there are multiple Aquatic units.

Just for Harley alone the H in the P/N, there are 3.

One B&W display, then the AQ-MP-5UBT-H and the AQ-MP-5UBT-HS

So what is the difference with the newest one with the S on the end?
$100 more has gotta have something important be different, right?