Maximizing fairing acoustics?
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 18
Likes: 2
From: Virginina
Maximizing fairing acoustics?
Hello audiophiles! As stated in the title, I'm looking for some experienced feedback on how to get the best sound from Rushmore fairing Amp/Speakers setup. I have the Boom Stage 2 speaker/amp upgrade, in a 2018 SG. I realize it's not a well-liked system, but I don't have the means to do an entire system replacement, currently. I don't think it sounds terrible, but I'm confident it could sound better. So in the meantime, I'd like to make the most out of what I have. Please resist the urge to just bash the Boom 2, vs offering suggestions to exploit it's potential.
First off, the speaker pods. I've done some reading up, and there's a mixture of ideas between porting, sealing, polyfill, and even eliminating them for BT brackets. Seems speaker dependent, but from what I gather- the Boom 2's are coaxial (yes?). If so, which pod solution should I start with? I'm not opposed to paying the $269 for the BT brackets (eliminating pods altogether), if it'll make a substantial difference. Or, does the port better suit my setup? Polyfill?
Secondly, is sound mat. I've read up on people putting Dynamat (or equivalent) on the inside of the outer fairing. Kuryaken makes a pre-cut kit for $189, does warrant the results? Also, would this cause the Amp to overheat, by further insulating the fairing? Does the fairing vent heat out, somewhere that I'm missing? Or is it water-tight?
Summed up, I know ($269 + $189 = ) $458 isn't cheap, but its still more cost effective than overhauling the entire system... just yet. Would there be a justifiable improvement in sound, with those mods? ....OR are there better/cheaper ways to extract better sound from Boom Stage 2?
Thank you in advance for any constructive advice!
First off, the speaker pods. I've done some reading up, and there's a mixture of ideas between porting, sealing, polyfill, and even eliminating them for BT brackets. Seems speaker dependent, but from what I gather- the Boom 2's are coaxial (yes?). If so, which pod solution should I start with? I'm not opposed to paying the $269 for the BT brackets (eliminating pods altogether), if it'll make a substantial difference. Or, does the port better suit my setup? Polyfill?
Secondly, is sound mat. I've read up on people putting Dynamat (or equivalent) on the inside of the outer fairing. Kuryaken makes a pre-cut kit for $189, does warrant the results? Also, would this cause the Amp to overheat, by further insulating the fairing? Does the fairing vent heat out, somewhere that I'm missing? Or is it water-tight?
Summed up, I know ($269 + $189 = ) $458 isn't cheap, but its still more cost effective than overhauling the entire system... just yet. Would there be a justifiable improvement in sound, with those mods? ....OR are there better/cheaper ways to extract better sound from Boom Stage 2?
Thank you in advance for any constructive advice!
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 353
From: Tyler Tx
If you aren't against cutting it yourself, you can find Rockville sound deadening materiel on eBay for MUCH cheaper, it's the route I'm going as I have to do fairing, pods, bags, etc.
I will let others clue you in on Rushmore Boom opinions as I haven't tinkered with them at all. I did ride a rental RG with Boom and it wasn't terrible, can't compete with full blown 8 speaker systems someone built from scratch but compared to what my 07 had stock, it's ain't bad but I'm sure plenty here have creatively improved them.
I will let others clue you in on Rushmore Boom opinions as I haven't tinkered with them at all. I did ride a rental RG with Boom and it wasn't terrible, can't compete with full blown 8 speaker systems someone built from scratch but compared to what my 07 had stock, it's ain't bad but I'm sure plenty here have creatively improved them.
Novice
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 19
Likes: 2
From: Carlisle, PA, USA
I feel your pain...lol. See my post "Speaker Pod Basics", 140 views/ZERO replies. If you ask about an amplifier, pair of speakers or DSP everyone wants their opinion heard. Ask how to optimize your enclosure....crickets.
Found this article on AHB.
https://www.americanhardbag.com/page...iring-speakers
AHB says you need to seal the pod for best sound....might be true for your Boom speakers. I can't help but think with bigger speakers/magnets you would need to provide more air space behind the speaker. The BT bracket is a good example. Unfortunately, BT doesn't make a bracket for my RG.
As for Dynamat, I don't know. I asked the same question.... Is it needed or just icing on the cake for competitors?
Would be nice to get some more experienced input .....
Found this article on AHB.
https://www.americanhardbag.com/page...iring-speakers
AHB says you need to seal the pod for best sound....might be true for your Boom speakers. I can't help but think with bigger speakers/magnets you would need to provide more air space behind the speaker. The BT bracket is a good example. Unfortunately, BT doesn't make a bracket for my RG.
As for Dynamat, I don't know. I asked the same question.... Is it needed or just icing on the cake for competitors?
Would be nice to get some more experienced input .....
Last edited by JohnnyBagger; Mar 18, 2019 at 07:36 PM. Reason: typo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 239
From: Minnesota
I have zero experience with boom stuff but on my system I have found that most speakers do well with a port in the pods. Some benefit from a port and a handful of polyfil. Just depends on the speaker and the sound you like. Its all trial and error.
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Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 18
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From: Virginina
I'm not trying to stir the pot, I'm just looking for guidance. I know the masses hate Boom, but I have a hard time believing that NOTHING can be done to improve the stock acoustics?! For exmaple, I can take a bluetooth speaker, set it in a bookshelf while playing, and it changes the sound drastically. There has to be tips/tricks that make the Boom-stage2-setup sound better than just bolting them into the stock speaker pods.......or am I being naive?
Last edited by JackRick; Mar 18, 2019 at 07:58 PM. Reason: Specify stage 2
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