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Stereo on a budget?

50K views 134 replies 41 participants last post by  Heavy Metal 
#1 ·
Picking up a new 17 Road Glide Special this weekend. I will not be able to afford a complete system right out the gate. So im interested in being able to put a kit together piece by piece, as funds allow. The idea behind this is buying stuff that is quality and can be added to later with no complications of components not working with each other. Im not looking to have the loudest on the planet. I just want some good fairing speakers and later down the road be able to add some decent saddlebag lid speakers. With that said. I know there are tons of fairing speakers other than the Boom. Id like to find some that just "bolt in". Im aware that being a cheap ass does not net good results lol.. Im willing to buy quality stuff, but can not buy it all at the same time. Im not even sure what all I would need. This is my first fairing bike so its a whole new world.
 
#3 ·
sharpshooter, I sort of am in the same boat. I love having a stereo on the bike, but the stock stuff on my '15 RGS is just not adequate on the highway. Especially with a full face helmet. Looking at some of the systems and threads people have here on the forum, it's probably waaaaaay more than I need and waaaaay too much $$$$. Also, I know NOTHING about audio stuff. I like simple solutions on a budget. If it is possible to just add a small amp (with easy DIY installation) and some plug-n-play fairing speakers for under $500, and it will get me a good ROI, then I'd be interested in making an upgrade. But looking at some of the starter packges offered, and seeing things close to $1,000 for a couple speakers and amp, has me wondering if what I want is possible.
 
#6 · (Edited)
You wont be able to really hear the speakers in the lids while going down the road. Maybe putting through town or a parking lot. But once you hit the road, their kinda useless. Better off adding speakers in a set of lowers.
 
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#10 ·
Ok after doing a little bit of reading. I think Im deciding against the lid speakers. I want to focus on the fairing speakers and an amp.. I still have no clue as to which speakers to go with or an amp for that matter.. I have talked with Karl but hes a tad north of my budget.. Any other suggestions?
 
#12 ·
Reach out to Karl, give him your desired budget and ask him to hook you up with some parts and pieces that will meet your budget target. His systems are plug and play (there are others in that category as well but Sloride gets rave feedback around here).

If you're a bit more adventurous you can piece together your own kit. On a budget you could do similar to me;

AMP
Cerwin Vega B2 Stealth Bomber (updated to B52)
https://www.amazon.com/Cerwin-Vega-B52-Stealth-Bomber-Channels/dp/B00ZAQVMJC
$119.52

Speakers
Infinity Kappa 62.11I
https://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Kappa-62-11I-6-5-Inch-Speakers/dp/B009GHQX5O
$96.85

Line Leveler
Biketronics BT355
BT355 HD Radio Line Leveler And Pre-Amp Adapter for 2014 and Up - Biketronics Inc
$79.95

Assorted power wire, ground wire, fuse terminal etc. or full plug and play wiring harness
Can run anywhere from $20 to $70
 
#46 ·
Weavsspot, I'm picking up a 17 RGS. It has the 6.5 Boom system. I read everything you and beatlesfan have writing on this setup. Just two questions.
1. How much splicing is involved? Just at the speaker? Does the Biketronics LOC eliminate splicing from the radio to the CV amp?
2. Any write up on installation of these parts or YouTube links?

Thanks
 
#13 ·
Im looking at the cerwin Vega amp and a set of AD Design CX62's that and the BT line leveler.. after that what would I need to hook this stuff up? And Im solely going off recommendations on those speakers. I have had 2 separate audio guys recommend them so Im leaning towards them.
 
#17 ·
@dozer23 Ive read on here somewhere that the biketronics speakers have kind of a funky sound to them. (like all highs and no mids or lows). Also the AD speakers do in fact look like they are paper and I questioned that too, but they are treated with something and are actually made of some type of wool. I watched a video of them being submerged for an hr and still continued to work..
 
#22 ·
Why not go with the 300x2 instead? I'm not a fan of the PBR but the 300x2 is a better amp, (I've had both). I used a cheap $10 eBay line level when I had those amps on my 10, worked fine, in fact I'm using it now with my HW amps. I don't know if it will work with the Rushmore's.
 
#23 ·
Too all of you looking for a budget set up! the components I mentioned earlier on this post are all bullet proof.
You can buy 250.00 speakers and if you power them with a 100.00 amp you are looking for trouble.
The key here is to buy quality components at a reasonable price.
Our current systems with biktronics line levler will not give any of us the bass we would all enjoy.
Regardless of speaker choice. (Just a fact)
 
#24 ·
Quick update.. I ended up going with arc 602's and a diamond audio micro amp. Based off everything I've read and after speaking with Karl.. Not to mention he made me a deal I couldn't say no to, and he's been very patient with my stupidity lol..
 
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#25 ·
And ditto..to everything you said..I wish there was someone around DC that could help me when it gets here though...I havent had the fairing off the Rushmore yet!! On my 2010 I replaced the bars myself and had an amp on it.....
 
#27 ·
Putting on a different windshield can help you hear the radio too. I couldn't hear mine. The wind buffering was right at head level. I put on a Long Ride Shield. The 10 inch Stingray. I also put in hogtunes 6.5 inch speakers. Big difference compared to stock. Waiting on harness to add PBR 300x2 amp.
 
#30 ·
I, like others, am jumping on this thread for future reference, but at the same time need to post my want/need. I informed a local shop (the owner is a certified Harley mechanic and does custom bike work) that I only want to replace the current sound system without trying to "blow anyone away in the parking lot or win any audio competitions." My only goal is to listen clear music at highway speeds. One recent addition that helped my endeavor was adding a set of lower fairings and it made a remarkable difference, and while I can now hear the radio at 80 mph, I and my wife want it more clearer. For the record we listen to country, soft rock, and rock n roll.

My guy quoted me the following:
- Diamond V2 300 Watt 2-Channel Amp: $319.00
- J&M Rocker Series Front Speakers w/ Grills (2015-Later): $380.00
- Required Install Kit: $49.00
- Labor 2 hours @ $84/hour: $168.00
Grand Total: $971.11

On a side note I asked my guy this question, "I tried to research the Diamond v2 amp 300 watt 2 channel, but only found the 4-channel version. What part number are you looking at?" His reply, "You won’t be able to find anything regarding that amp online just yet. They are only available to brick and mortar dealers, like who we buy from which is wholesale only. It is their newest product and they like to keep the information private for as long as they can." Am I in left field here or did his statement make sense to anyone?

***I'm looking to spend $500 - $700 (including install) on a system that I preferably don't have to flash. I want to stay away from the flash because of the many problems I've read on the forum; however, this isn't to say I can't be swayed...just give me valid reasons. And contrary to popular belief, in the future I will NOT be adding any other speakers in the lower fairings or saddlebags. Thus, I only want to replace my stock fairing system with a bad a$$ dependable system for $500 - $700. Is that possible and if so what's the best plug-n-play system that won't jack with my Infotainment system (gps, etc.)?

I welcome any expert advice!

Thanks in advance!
Mike
 

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#31 ·
I sure wish I had seen this earlier.

Dont know if you did anything or not but a good combo is the Infinity Kappas 60.11i that can be had for around a hundo on Amazon, and the Cerwin Vega B52 or B54(if you want a little more power by running it bridged) for either less than 150 or less than 200 on Amazon.

You can go to an audio install shop locally and get everything you need to install the amp for around 30 bucks and get the Biketronics BT355 line leveler for about 70 with the forum discount IIRC.

That puts you right 400 bucks and then to top it off you can do the install yourself and get a bit more intimate with the girl who is now your mistress. LOL

The install is really easy and can be done in a weekend if you take your time and stop for cocktails and 1 day if you plow through and just get it done.

The difference is tremendous sound wise. The single biggest piece of advise I can give anyone is stay away from the Boom!, its overpriced and sounds like shit compared to what you can do for 1/3rd the price. For what you spend on the Boom! you can go aftermarket and get WhamBamThankYouMam! but that is something that Spazz has the expertise in.

Hope I'm not too late.


Mike
 
#32 ·
BTW the above is just an example of what can be done for short money, and is not meant to be the end all be all for budget stereo. There are many other options out there both amp and speaker wise.

The example I used in the previous post is a tried and true setup that has very little downside for the money, which is why I used it.

I just wanted to clairify things a bit for people who are new to stereo upgrades on the Shark.


Mike
 
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#33 ·
The Kappa and B52 suggestion is way better than the original plan. I would pay half that for those speakers, actually wouldn't pay anything for them.
Like previous stated, this is not a difficult job at all. Basic tools, time and a little knowledge is all that is needed.
 
#34 ·
I try not to rip on anything other than the Boom! crap, but have to agree with the speaker assesment. I mean if you are going to spend that much on speakers, why wouldnt you ask Spazz what he's running right now and go with that?

If money were no objrct for me, the first thing I would do is drop Spazz a PM and get advise from him cause he has tried damn near everything and knows what works in the riding environment and what doesnt. The second person I would talk to is sloride and then Alex from BAL and weigh my options from there.

Unfortunately, I dont have the money is no object option so those guys dont have to worry about hearing from me anytime soon......

It dosent hurt to dream though.


Mike
 
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