I have a stock 2012 ultra classic that is loosing audio randomly. It comes back when you cycle the speaker switch. Seems to be a fairly common problem with these. I'm wondering if i should have iron cross repair it and add Bluetooth or look at a different brand of head unit like maybe the aquatic AV or something. At some point I want to add a budget minded amp and speakers for a little better sound,(i notice an increase just running my phone through an aux cord).Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as i'm kinda clueless about this audio stuff and want to start off right.

Thanks, Mike

 

you need to make sure it's not the switch first. That is as common an issue as the internal issues.

 

Ok. i'll check that out first. Would the best way be to try a new switch?
Thanks, Mike

 

Those stock HU are junk. I have had the Aquatic and Sony aftermarket HU.


Aquatic is a great option if your a audio newbie. It has lots of options with very easy install and complete plug and play


Sony (or any of the other ones guys are using) is also good with more features. Then you will have to install thumb control module (which was an easy install also).


You can easily run an amp off of either HU, both have Bluetooth and phone charging capabilities. For what you would spend on sending it in to be repaired, I would suggest going aftermarket.

 

Thanks for the reply. It looks like the Aquatic puts out a bit more power than the stock unit so maybe that and some new speakers would be enough for me.

Thanks, Mike

 

all things considered, they're really not that bad. Lacking features, hell yes, junk, hell no. Sound quality is surprisingly good but it is HK after all (not to be confused with HD). Throw a set of speaker to RCA line-levelers on them and you have the makings for a very nice system. Look at all the cars over the years that retained the pretty impressive stock headunits (made by the likes of HK, Kenwood, Sony, JVC, etc.) that us audio guys setup with great amps, crossovers, eg's, and speakers. I've had crank it up competitions with stock head units that did REALLY well taking home trophies and awards.

It's all relative but to say it's junk, maybe you should refer to AudioVox or Kraco.

 

The reference to junk is more along the lines of lifespan and durability. Seems hit or miss on when they fail. Not if but when.