Poor AM/FM/WB reception after Amp install
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,654
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From: Mansfield Texas
Poor AM/FM/WB reception after Amp install
Installed RF 300x2 amp and Kicker Speakers...sounds awesome but now my radio reception is terrible. I have the HD hidden antenna, also have tried relocating it further from the amp... Before the amp installation i had excellent reception. The BT and USB are not affected. Power light for the antenna is still on, Any Thoughts???
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 94
From: Massachusetts
I had this problem too.
I'm no audiophile, just wanted a less distorted clearer sound at higher volume.
For those of us not "in the know" the less expensive amps do that job, but you sacrifice your FM radio reception in the process.
My set up sounds perfect playing CD's.
I used ferrite clips on the wires, and a 1/4" piece of plywood between the radio and the amp to help reduce the interference between the amp and head unit.
This helped, but I still have problems with FM reception.
Next, I going to replace the piece of plywood with a piece of lead roofing flashing. I'm hoping the lead will block the interference completely.
Had I known, and it's my fault for not researching this better, I would have bought a better amp up front, so as to not sacrifice FM reception.
But who knew, it never even entered my mind, until I experienced the issue.
(I don't think it has much to do with the antenna, but a stock whip type antenna might work a little better)
Forgot to mention that I have the Hogtunes NCA 70.2 amp and Hogtunes 902.2 front fairing speakers.
I'm no audiophile, just wanted a less distorted clearer sound at higher volume.
For those of us not "in the know" the less expensive amps do that job, but you sacrifice your FM radio reception in the process.
My set up sounds perfect playing CD's.
I used ferrite clips on the wires, and a 1/4" piece of plywood between the radio and the amp to help reduce the interference between the amp and head unit.
This helped, but I still have problems with FM reception.
Next, I going to replace the piece of plywood with a piece of lead roofing flashing. I'm hoping the lead will block the interference completely.
Had I known, and it's my fault for not researching this better, I would have bought a better amp up front, so as to not sacrifice FM reception.
But who knew, it never even entered my mind, until I experienced the issue.
(I don't think it has much to do with the antenna, but a stock whip type antenna might work a little better)
Forgot to mention that I have the Hogtunes NCA 70.2 amp and Hogtunes 902.2 front fairing speakers.
Last edited by ElectraGlideSteve; Feb 19, 2014 at 11:39 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,843
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
I had this problem too.
I'm no audiophile, just wanted a less distorted clearer sound at higher volume.
For those of us not "in the know" the less expensive amps do that job, but you sacrifice your FM radio reception in the process.
My set up sounds perfect playing CD's.
I used ferrite clips on the wires, and a 1/4" piece of plywood between the radio and the amp to help reduce the interference between the amp and head unit.
This helped, but I still have problems with FM reception.
Next, I going to replace the piece of plywood with a piece of lead roofing flashing. I'm hoping the lead will block the interference completely.
Had I known, and it's my fault for not researching this better, I would have bought a better amp up front, so as to not sacrifice FM reception.
But who knew, it never even entered my mind, until I experienced the issue.
(I don't think it has much to do with the antenna, but a stock whip type antenna might work a little better)
I'm no audiophile, just wanted a less distorted clearer sound at higher volume.
For those of us not "in the know" the less expensive amps do that job, but you sacrifice your FM radio reception in the process.
My set up sounds perfect playing CD's.
I used ferrite clips on the wires, and a 1/4" piece of plywood between the radio and the amp to help reduce the interference between the amp and head unit.
This helped, but I still have problems with FM reception.
Next, I going to replace the piece of plywood with a piece of lead roofing flashing. I'm hoping the lead will block the interference completely.
Had I known, and it's my fault for not researching this better, I would have bought a better amp up front, so as to not sacrifice FM reception.
But who knew, it never even entered my mind, until I experienced the issue.
(I don't think it has much to do with the antenna, but a stock whip type antenna might work a little better)
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 94
From: Massachusetts
Forgot to mention that I have the Hogtunes NCA 70.2 amp and Hogtunes 902.2 front fairing speakers.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
I doubt very seriously that this particular PBR300x2 is causing FM interference. Go back and double check everything you did. Make sure if that HD antenna is a powered antenna that is has proper power and ground to it. Make sure the connection plugged into the back of the radio is fully seated and not broken.
Last edited by UltraNutZ; Feb 19, 2014 at 12:08 PM.
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 362
From: Mansfield Texas
I doubt very seriously that this particular PBR300x2 is causing FM interference. Go back and double check everything you did. Make sure if that HD antenna is a powered antenna that is has proper power and ground to it. Make sure the connection plugged into the back of the radio is fully seated and not broken.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Michigan
I thought I read somewhere that Pez was replacing amps that had FM issues like yours. Maybe give him a call.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
Checked every thing you mentioned, tried moving it farther from the amp last night and made sure the wires were all good , same problem on the way in to work this morning. And yes it is the New version of the Boom Antenna, connected to the power accessory wires in the fairing. Guess I will try the stock antenna and see if the problem is still there.
did you check actual voltages on the wires for the antenna close to where they go into the antenna? you could have voltage on the accessory circuit but not on the antenna itself.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 94
From: Massachusetts
Had the issue 2 years ago on my '08 with the first purchase.
Got it replaced once and had the same issue.
I then traded my bike for a new '13 FLHTC. They told me to hang onto the amp and they'd replace it with a new revised edition when it was released, which was supposed to correct the issue.
Put the revised amp in my new bike last spring, it was slightly better, but still had very annoying FM reception issues, I finally gave up replacing it.
Great company and great customer service, can't say enough about them.
They just couldn't resolve my FM reception issues.
Sorry Barry for stomping on your thread.