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Should I get a new head unit or….?

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Old Jan 26, 2023 | 12:00 PM
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Default Should I get a new head unit or….?

Hi all,

It’s taken me a while but I have my audio set up *pretty* good. My stats:

2015 Road glide
stock HU, stock flash
RF TM400x2ad
Biketronics 6.5” fairing speakers
Biketronics LL

The set up is loud but bright. i suck at this audio stuff but I got a few extra bucks and was wondering if I should get the Soundstream headunit. This stock Harley head is a pain to work with and I wonder if I could get more out of my system if I switched my headunit.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2023 | 12:24 PM
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I don't have any experience with HD factory radios, but I recently installed the Sound Stream into my EGS and love it. It's pretty plain for the price tag, but much better than the Harley price tag. Easy install, Wireless Android Auto, but horrible antenna reception. Not sure if its the cheap antenna I installed or the radio yet. It has a very simple layout, and it works great with the lighted hand controls I installed. Definitely one of the easiest head unit installs I've ever installed with the exception of having to remove the speaker pods on my bike.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2023 | 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Bproctor
I don't have any experience with HD factory radios, but I recently installed the Sound Stream into my EGS and love it. It's pretty plain for the price tag, but much better than the Harley price tag. Easy install, Wireless Android Auto, but horrible antenna reception. Not sure if its the cheap antenna I installed or the radio yet. It has a very simple layout, and it works great with the lighted hand controls I installed. Definitely one of the easiest head unit installs I've ever installed with the exception of having to remove the speaker pods on my bike.
thanks for the reply. The 2 mains reasons I want to go with a new headunit is being able to adjust the EQ and having Apple Car play.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2023 | 12:46 PM
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I would suggest tuning the LL for a better sound. If apple car play is your goal you can Bluetooth your phone to the head unit. The LL is nothing more than a hpf and gain controller and it is set on the high side from biketronics to begin with. I would try to back it down so you can have the lower frequencies play and you cost is nothing.

You can adjust the LL by backing off the hpf a bit. Look at the filter and see where the default setting is at. Now if the default is considered 12 oclock (for placement purpose) then back it off to 10 oclock and that will allow lower frequencies to play better.
 

Last edited by travelingypsye; Jan 26, 2023 at 01:00 PM.
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Old Jan 26, 2023 | 02:13 PM
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Opps
 

Last edited by nocoast; Jan 26, 2023 at 02:14 PM. Reason: Double post
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Old Jan 26, 2023 | 02:17 PM
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Originally Posted by travelingypsye
I would suggest tuning the LL for a better sound. If apple car play is your goal you can Bluetooth your phone to the head unit. The LL is nothing more than a hpf and gain controller and it is set on the high side from biketronics to begin with. I would try to back it down so you can have the lower frequencies play and you cost is nothing.

You can adjust the LL by backing off the hpf a bit. Look at the filter and see where the default setting is at. Now if the default is considered 12 oclock (for placement purpose) then back it off to 10 oclock and that will allow lower frequencies to play better.
thanks man. Last season I saw previous comments you’ve made about adjusting LL’s and I followed your advice and adjusting mine. It did give me better mid bass but incrementally. I just feel to get the sound I’m looking for I need a flat EQ to start with and not a filter.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2023 | 11:55 PM
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If you are using the sluggish stock headunit still with line levers I would suggest going with the Soundstream Reserve Headunit.
Boot up time/turn on is approximately 30 seconds and connecting to the bluetooth is quick also unlike the 1.5 to 2 minutes it take for the HD GT6.5 HU.

The Sound stream has better sound quality and options out of the box with less added equipment to get it to sound good.
 
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Old Jan 27, 2023 | 05:55 AM
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Pricy but good.
 

Last edited by travelingypsye; Jan 27, 2023 at 06:25 AM.
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Old Jan 27, 2023 | 07:47 AM
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To save a penny or two, you could try out a used GTS HD radio that pops up in the Buy/Sell section before throwing down big money on aftermarket.
 
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Old Jan 27, 2023 | 07:53 AM
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Originally Posted by travelingypsye
Pricy but good.
This is true Gypsy

Considering the money some have in their audio the pricing isn't all that bad. The HU for most is the "brains" of the system.

HD 4.3/6.5GT outdated slow hardware limited functionality car play only

Sony Av5000/7000 ($700-750) has more options and better sound quality. 7 band eq Supports carplay and Android Auto but NOT water resistant

Soundstream Reserve 14+ ($860-1100)similar operating system as the Sony better Sound quality again. 13 band eq,car play & AA , water resistant.

HD GTS ($1200 -2000 used) better hardware in hu than the GT, faster boot up, but limited audio adjustments and need to be flashed

Soundstream Reserve SI ($1300- 1800). This HU has bells and whistles. It has the same features as the 14+ with the ability to display tire pressure, oil pressure, guages and control auxiliary add on systems (air ride,LEDs) when matched with the correct can bus module.

Below is a video explaining the difference more in depth

 
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