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2018 RGU audio upgrade recommendations

6K views 34 replies 14 participants last post by  Capt.winkie 
#1 ·
I want get a few opinions and I’m sure it’s been asked for my specific bike. I have a 2018 RGU. Looking for opinions on upgrading the sound system as I ride pretty hard and in large packs. I have Apple phone and would like to replace the head unit to have the car play feature. Listen to a wide variety of music including country and metal. Not interested in pounding bass, more highs and mids. Would like to keep the factory stereo controls on the bars. Want quality products and would prefer plug n play if possible but can do minor re-wiring if needed. I will install myself. I have no problem purchasing specific components to make a bad ass system but would also consider kits. Give me some suggestions please.
 
#2 ·
#3 ·
I too just decided to upgrade the system in my ’18 RGS, and after a ton of research I just ordered the Biketronics plug and play amp and speaker package. I am not an audiophile type, but I did want something that sounded decent while cruising down the road and that I could actually hear at highway speeds. I also wanted an easy install that didn’t require a bunch of tweaking to make it work right and the Biketronics kits seemed to fit the bill perfectly. As for the head unit, I decided to stay with my original, but the one everyone seems to be going with is the Sony XAV-AX5000. I do know that Biketronics offers it in a plug and play kit as well, so if you decide to go the kit route I high recommend that you give Donna a call, I have found their customer service to be some of the best I have ever dealt with. Good luck with your project!
 
#4 ·
And I also discovered when I placed my order that if you buy your amp from them, they have a device that you can either rent or buy from them that will allow you to self-perform the “flash” to the stock head unit. I thought that was a pretty cool service they offer, but obviously it is not needed if you go the aftermarket head unit route.
 
#24 ·
Check out Soundz Customz. They have great speaker and amp combos but also can install the Sony XAV-AX5000 that has Apple Carplay. Contact Forum member @Spazz and he can tell you everything you need to know about it.





https://soundzbaggeraudio.com/
There are a number of discussions regarding that the XAV-AX5000 is not waterproof and has failed after a rain. Currently only Biketronic has added waterproofing for their XAV-AX5000


Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
 
#7 ·
Not saying soundz is not a good system, but dam look at the price. For that money I would give my bike to Alex and let him go crazy.
Look at the Soundz amp, look familiar?
 
#10 ·
Not saying soundz is not a good system, but dam look at the price. For that money I would give my bike to Alex and let him go crazy.

Look at the Soundz amp, look familiar?
What you want will dictate price... a great 2 speaker system that rocks you can get for under $1100... plus install.
Iron 65's and SS2.150 amp

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
 
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#13 ·
Research Research Research. Listen to a bunch of systems and find one you like. Ask questions.

Other forum has a best 2 speaker system setup thread by Alex.

Audio is like seats what works for one doesn't work for the next guy so do your research, and spend wisely.
 
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#15 ·
Good point Wev. Im not in the know with the rushmore models dealing with the pods. Alex's thread is on his RG though.
I was almost at that point this morning though. I was real close trading in my money sucking RG this morning. Not going to derail the thread though.
 
#17 ·
After hundreds of hours of research, I finally pulled the trigger on my setup for my 2016 RGU. I went with the Sony 5000 radio, Mmats 4110 amp, and 4 Mmats 601.4cx speakers. I have not installed it yet (not everything has been delivered) but I will report back when I do.
 
#29 ·
Just food for thought...

If you get the right speakers and AMP you could easily just do the 2 in the fairing and be done with it for $1100 or even less. Yes I went with Soundz and I am happy with what I got but from the post here maybe I cold have spent less money, I don't know. All I know is that I had plans to do the 2 fairing speakers and add 2 more to the lowers later on. I now feel that I am not going to add any more as the 2 in the fairing are plenty for me to hear my music running 80, 90, or even 100+ mph. Another system you should look at is Sinister Audio. Stopped by his booth at Bikeweek and was impressed by the 2 speakers in his Road Glide. If you want to add more that's up to you as it's all in what you want from your system. I just want to hear my music clearly and don't plan to enter any sound system competitions or rock the bike nights. Good luck with your search.
 
#31 ·
Well I can tell you that these MMats 601.4cx DO NOT just drop into the fairing pods. At least not on my 2016 RGU. Lucky for me I don’t have a problem cutting stuff up to make the fit. Picture attached.

The MMats 4110 amp on the other hand fit great up on top of the headlight secured with a little Velcro.

I only have one set of 601cx on hand (another set is in transit) so I am currently running the tour pack with the stock speakers run off the Sony.

I am not going to do a full review until I get the other set of speakers installed but I can tell you that I will not be having a problem hearing my music even at “go to jail” speeds even with just the two fronts running.

I will give a more thorough review and probably a video once it is all completed.
 

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#33 ·
I installed a Soundstream ST4 1000D amp and lost almost all FM reception with severe distortion. I have a hidden Harley antenna. I knew what to expect with D-class amp but had to try. Everything was done as well as possible. After one drive I stripped the amp away.
 
#34 ·
I just recently installed the Arc Audio MPAK kit in my 2018 and can't be more happy. I bought the lower fairings from hogworkz and installed a second set of 61/2s sounds great and can totally hear the music at 80mph in pack rides.
Just food for thought it was put together here in Modesto CA with the help of Mitchell's HD. I Don't work for either just know that Arc Audio is built by the old Zapco engineer named Zeff
 
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