how much does sound quality improve when you replace the stereo HU?
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 25
From: Texas
how much does sound quality improve when you replace the stereo HU?
I've heard mixed reports from people saying that replacing the HK stereo with an aftermarket one can drastically improve sound quality. is there any truth to that?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
How much money do you have?
On my 03 cop bike, I have a Biketronics install kit, 2 car speakers in the fairing and the HogTunes tweeter pod... no amps, and it sounds OK... it is a low buck give me just enough noise to keep me from getting bored on long rides system
my 13 Ultra has 2 amps 6 speakers, and the tweeter pod, when it is at 40% volume it makes your ears bleed, but the FM tuner sucks, if I want it loud and clean I have to use the MP3 player, CD, or the Droid device .... and then it will sound just fine.
It is a motorcycle, it has limitations, it will never sound as good as you want it to, but you can drop a ton of money and try to.
On my 03 cop bike, I have a Biketronics install kit, 2 car speakers in the fairing and the HogTunes tweeter pod... no amps, and it sounds OK... it is a low buck give me just enough noise to keep me from getting bored on long rides system
my 13 Ultra has 2 amps 6 speakers, and the tweeter pod, when it is at 40% volume it makes your ears bleed, but the FM tuner sucks, if I want it loud and clean I have to use the MP3 player, CD, or the Droid device .... and then it will sound just fine.
It is a motorcycle, it has limitations, it will never sound as good as you want it to, but you can drop a ton of money and try to.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 14
From: Seattle
Save your money and get some decent headphones.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
To answer the question...absolutely makes a difference. Add an amp and speakers and you'll wonder why you waited to upgrade.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,720
Likes: 1,835
From: In a house
Night and day difference, don't have to be an audio fanatic to hear it. Even if you already have aftermarket speakers and amp it will be noticeable. When it comes to sound quality the stock stuff is junk.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 86
From: Centeral Coast, California
I'm definitely with Hausguy. I have In Ear Monitors made by Westone, with the molds done by my local audiologist. I think I spent $500 on dual driver IEM's, and the sound quality is FAR batter than my buddy's after market system that cost him 3 times as much. I know, because when I don't have music playing, I hear all of his 65-70 mph wind distorted music while riding next to him. Like one other poster said, "it's a motorcycle", and the influence of wind WILL have a negative impact on sound quality. If of course that's where you most want to hear your music blaring! Once we've stopped rolling to take a break, I love his system, but that's not where it matters to me. We ride far more than we break.
When I have worn out or broken what I currently have, I fully intend to do it all over again, and upgrade to a triple driver set of IEM's. I like them that much, though it'll cost me another $250-$350.
If you're a true music lover, and don't care about people hearing your music within a quarter mile of you while sitting at stop lights, then spending $1500-$2000+ makes no sense to me. But each to his own because after all, I have my IEM's and won't hear "that guy" any way.
BUT....that's not what the OP asked to begin with, so carry on.....!!
When I have worn out or broken what I currently have, I fully intend to do it all over again, and upgrade to a triple driver set of IEM's. I like them that much, though it'll cost me another $250-$350.
If you're a true music lover, and don't care about people hearing your music within a quarter mile of you while sitting at stop lights, then spending $1500-$2000+ makes no sense to me. But each to his own because after all, I have my IEM's and won't hear "that guy" any way.
BUT....that's not what the OP asked to begin with, so carry on.....!!
Last edited by gipper; Feb 17, 2016 at 04:25 PM.
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I am totally happy with my 14 sgs with boom upgrade I can't do anything without music. Yes there are better systems out there and always will be. I just wanted a plug and play system and at the time this was what I decided on. If I had to I would do it all over again.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
I'm definitely with Hausguy. I have In Ear Monitors made by Westone, with the molds done by my local audiologist. I think I spent $500 on dual driver IEM's, and the sound quality is FAR batter than my buddy's after market system that cost him 3 times as much. I know, because when I don't have music playing, I hear all of his 65-70 mph wind distorted music while riding next to him. Like one other poster said, "it's a motorcycle", and the influence of wind WILL have a negative impact on sound quality. If of course that's where you most want to hear your music blaring! Once we've stopped rolling to take a break, I love his system, but that's not where it matters to me. We ride far more than we break. When I have worn out or broken what I currently have, I fully intend to do it all over again, and upgrade to a triple driver set of IEM's. I like them that much, though it'll cost me another $250-$350. If you're a true music lover, and don't care about people hearing your music within a quarter mile of you while sitting at stop lights, then spending $1500-$2000+ makes no sense to me. But each to his own because after all, I have my IEM's and won't hear "that guy" any way. BUT....that's not what the OP asked to begin with, so carry on.....!!
