2021 Electra Glide Standard Sound System
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Stage IV
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 4
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From: AZ
2021 Electra Glide Standard Sound System
Hey guys, I see a lot of threads about upgrading existing sound systems but I don't see much in the way of starting 100% from scratch, as in the case with a FLHT. That means I need everything from the head unit to an amp to speakers.
Just a few parameters:
Just a few parameters:
- For a head unit, I found a used Boom Box GTS for a very good price that I'm probably going to stick with. I'd strongly considered a Sony AX7000 unit, but in the end there were a few things that made me decide against it (only partial integration of the hand controls, for example).
- To give you an idea of what kind of wind noise I'll be encountering in my particular case, the speed of traffic on city highways regularly goes around ~80MPH (I call it the AZ autobahn). Interstates are even higher, of course, and people are usually moving over 95MPH+ on rural sections.
- For now, I'm only planning on putting in the two fairing speakers
- How much pre-wiring does Harley do on this bike from the factory as far as getting the boom box to work?
- Which amplifier should I go with?
- At first I figured I'd just grab a used Harley Boom amp (like this https://www.ebay.com/itm/124804075525) on the cheap, but I don't mind spending more if it's worth it
- Which speakers should I go with?
- Again, don't mind spending more for better... I'm not an audiophile but I want the best bang for my buck I can get, basically.
- If I do use non-Harley parts that isn't going to be "plug and play", what is involved in getting it to work? Basic wiring is okay, but I'm not looking to do a ton of splicing and over-the-top wire routing through the bike.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 7,618
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From: Des moines IA
The GTS is a fine head unit and it will plug into the factory wiring already in the fairing. The bike however does not come with the thumb controls on the handlebars, so figure those into the equation.
Plug and play is nothing more than a sales pitch for audio sellers. Whatever amp you install will require additional wiring to power the amp. No amp you choose will require cutting of the factory wiring.
Plug and play is nothing more than a sales pitch for audio sellers. Whatever amp you install will require additional wiring to power the amp. No amp you choose will require cutting of the factory wiring.
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Stage IV
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: AZ
I guess the answer to your question is "yes, there's a chance, but probably not a super immediate chance"
The GTS is a fine head unit and it will plug into the factory wiring already in the fairing. The bike however does not come with the thumb controls on the handlebars, so figure those into the equation.
Plug and play is nothing more than a sales pitch for audio sellers. Whatever amp you install will require additional wiring to power the amp. No amp you choose will require cutting of the factory wiring.
Plug and play is nothing more than a sales pitch for audio sellers. Whatever amp you install will require additional wiring to power the amp. No amp you choose will require cutting of the factory wiring.
I see-- is there any allure to the Harley amps then, or is it all just hot air? There are quite a few of them on the used market for not a lot of money, but definitely not married to the idea. What would you recommend as an alternative?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 6,446
Likes: 873
From: TEXAS
Since there is a chance for speaker growth the target the Sound Digital 1200.4. I would target the 2 ohm version at first but don't purchase it until u identify the speakers that will be in play.
T
T
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 683
Likes: 85
From: Ohio
As for cutting and splicing, you will need something that goes from the boom head unit to the amp. In mine (ultra so not sure wiring on yours) I bought some molex plugs from vtwin audio that prevented me from cutting into the stock harness. From there, I ran a pac/sni-35 to convert the signal to RCA cables which goes into the amp. As for speakers, numerous out there that perform well. I'm running a GZ yellow basket in my fairing and am pretty happy. I think Tailwind prefers PRV though.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,854
Likes: 1,002
From: Southern Virginia
Frequency I'll just toss in a thought for you. Do you like listening to the FM radio? If so your amp choices will narrow down quick. The SD amps will severely limit the range of your FM reception. The Arc and Stinger amps are not as powerful as some of the SDs but are shielded properly to keep FM interference to a minimum.
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Stage IV
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 4
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From: AZ
Frequency I'll just toss in a thought for you. Do you like listening to the FM radio? If so your amp choices will narrow down quick. The SD amps will severely limit the range of your FM reception. The Arc and Stinger amps are not as powerful as some of the SDs but are shielded properly to keep FM interference to a minimum.
Are there any kits that have a solid amp/solid speakers/all required harness pieces/mounting hardware/etc.? I'm not knowledgeable enough in this exceedingly esoteric subject to navigate a whole lot of variables. I'm really just looking to plug stuff in that someone else did all of the legwork on putting together, LOL.
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 7,618
Likes: 10,437
From: Des moines IA
Frequency, if you're looking to get a kit of quality components may I suggest Aggressive Audio. He can supply the parts, pre wire connectors and make it as painless as possible. If you have FB, you can find him there.
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Stage IV
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: AZ
I've heard about him. I'll check it out, thanks!