Good morning all...

I need input from some experienced people who know more about radios than me.

​​​​​​Looking at one of these.
Kenwood kdc-x501
I like that no inputs are on the face so my thought is less places for water to get in. Rms output is 22watts. Peak output is 50 watts. Rms power bandwidth is 20-20. Preamp outputs 6 channel. Preamp voltage 5 volts. 2 year warranty. Price is 120.

Sony mex-gs620bt
Bike tonics says this is their most popular radio.
Everything is the same as the Kenwood except. Rms output 17 watts. Peak output 55 watts. 3 year warranty. Price 170.

As of now I'm sold on the bike tonic install kit. I really like keeping my auto volume control. And lifetime warranty on the module.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

The most important spec on the radio is the pre-out voltage. The peak output is meaningless if you are going to amp your system. My personal preference is the Sony but the Kenwood is a nice stereo as well. Can't go wrong with either. Your most important decision is gonna be the speakers and amp you choose. What bike are you installing this system on?

 

what amp are you going to use? Doesn't matter what the output wattage is on the radio....you'll want/need an amp with your upgrade.

 

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The bike is a 2007 ultra classic electra glide. It does not look much like the original anymore but that's what it started out as. I am only using the speakers in the fairing. It had speakers and amp already when I bought it. I don't remember what amp but the speakers are bike tonic titans.

 

I will have to take the fairing off to see. I don't remember what the amp is.

 

I would pick the one with the features and look you like the best. They will sound virtually the same.

 

I was wrong guys. Thought I had an amp and do not. I do have bike tronics titan-hertz speakers model BT447. 100 watts rms 200 watts peak.

One question I do have. Why do I need to add an amp when I upgrade the head unit?

 

You don't. You can install a radio without an amp. You can also jump out of a plane with no parachute. Point being. It makes absolutely no sense to install a radio without an amp. The prior owner was clueless installing 4 ohm biketronics speakers on a two ohm system with no amp. Don't make the same mistakes he made. I'd say he probably had an amp in there and took it out before he sold the bike to you.

 

SHOTS FIRED!!!!!!!



T

 

OK point made. Thanks for the help.