The impossible audio solution
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 719
Likes: 69
From: Waxhaw NC
The impossible audio solution
Some of you may have read another recent post of mine about which way to go with an audio upgrade on my 02 Ultra - things just changed again today. Good news is I got to do a 6 hour round trip to Raleigh NC today. Bad news: I usually listen to my iPod or Droid via an audio cable into my old fashioned cassette deck with the CD input. (This makes no sense to me - did anyone ever carry some type of portable CD player on their bike??!!).
Right after I left the house the stereo starting sounding funny. Seems the input connector got pushed up into the radio, and only one speaker was on (radio was fine). No way to fix this.
I have been doing a lot of reading on the forum and on vendor websites. Here are the facts as I understand them:
*My bike has 8 ohm speakers so no matter what these need to be changed
*I would like to put in a 3rd party head unit with USB and Aux input. I understand the way to go with this is the Biketronix unit so I can use the hand controls.
*My wife and I use the hardwired Harley headsets to talk on long rides. She always wears full face, I prefer shorty unless it is too cold.
*If I go with an aftermarket unit we lose the intercom option? (think the answer is yes).
*Most of my riding is solo and I like to listen through the speakers
*To begin with I will probably not buy and amp due to $$$ but will eventually add one.
*Something like a Scala rider (even more $$$ in the mix) would give us the intercom function but she would have to plug in her own music source while I could Bluetooth my phone into my headset for tunes. I would need a regular unit for my full face and the half helmet unit as well.
SO - is there any cost effective way to add a new head unit/speakers but also have intercom or do I need a new head unit, speakers AND an intercom system?
My brain is revolting over thinking about this. Someone has already figured this out I am sure.
Right after I left the house the stereo starting sounding funny. Seems the input connector got pushed up into the radio, and only one speaker was on (radio was fine). No way to fix this.
I have been doing a lot of reading on the forum and on vendor websites. Here are the facts as I understand them:
*My bike has 8 ohm speakers so no matter what these need to be changed
*I would like to put in a 3rd party head unit with USB and Aux input. I understand the way to go with this is the Biketronix unit so I can use the hand controls.
*My wife and I use the hardwired Harley headsets to talk on long rides. She always wears full face, I prefer shorty unless it is too cold.
*If I go with an aftermarket unit we lose the intercom option? (think the answer is yes).
*Most of my riding is solo and I like to listen through the speakers
*To begin with I will probably not buy and amp due to $$$ but will eventually add one.
*Something like a Scala rider (even more $$$ in the mix) would give us the intercom function but she would have to plug in her own music source while I could Bluetooth my phone into my headset for tunes. I would need a regular unit for my full face and the half helmet unit as well.
SO - is there any cost effective way to add a new head unit/speakers but also have intercom or do I need a new head unit, speakers AND an intercom system?
My brain is revolting over thinking about this. Someone has already figured this out I am sure.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 858
Likes: 20
From: USA
Many head units available on the market, ebay, craigslist, google is your best friend. Also, used "HD radios" head unit w an AUX input can be found on ebay, etc. I suggest you get the Biketronics Titan 2's Speakers $250, Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 amp $144 "DO NOT" buy a 2 ch amp, you want to future proof your bike for future added sound upgrades so get a 4 channel amp. The amp above is more than whats needed. For $394 plus a decent head unit you'll be completely happy! Trust me that I have purchased J&M audio, Hogtunes, etc etc and what you get its just noise and not "Quality" audio. Don't listen to the hype and do your research~ good luck
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
If you and your gal are content with what you had, call Radio Sound who made made the unit--they can help you--502-267-6768.
No aftermarket radio will provide intercom.
Carl
No aftermarket radio will provide intercom.
Carl
Last edited by Harleypingman; Apr 11, 2013 at 12:29 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi
As far as the intercom I don't know where to help you. but there is a lot of stuff on the Rockford fostate PBR 300x4 amp in the audio section about problems with it. Might want to check the audio section out and do a bunch of reading before spending your coin lot of different systems people running and lot of good info. But biketronics is a very good company with outstanding customer service if you wanting to do a full upgrade they can help you out as they offer a wide variety of quality products.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
If ya have been happy with the sound of your head unit ya may think about sending it to Iron cross to get fixed and add usb. Maybe get newer Harmon Kardon unit? That way ya keep your intercom. Then add amp (soundstream nano?) and speakers (Polk mm561?).
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 13
From: Creston, Iowa
I highly recommend Iron Cross if you want to keep your intercom. They are about your best bet with that.
If you want an aftermarket head unit, then The "UltraNutz System" (pending trademark
) is the way to go! It is what I am running on my '08 Ultra and it is fantastic. Plenty of advice and reading in the audio section. Check it out and if you have any questions the guys there are awesome at helping you...AND not making you feel like a friggin moron!
Rax
.................................................
If you want an aftermarket head unit, then The "UltraNutz System" (pending trademark
) is the way to go! It is what I am running on my '08 Ultra and it is fantastic. Plenty of advice and reading in the audio section. Check it out and if you have any questions the guys there are awesome at helping you...AND not making you feel like a friggin moron!Rax
.................................................
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 719
Likes: 69
From: Waxhaw NC
Thanks for all the advice. Ithink a whole new radio/speakers/amp is the way to go and I will work out the intercoms later. Anyone know exactly which Soundstream 4 channel amp?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Santa Cruz
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