2012 Street Glide. Looking at some options to get the most bang for my buck. I'm wanting a complete upgrade to my stereo system when I get back home. I've done some searching around and of course there are TONS of options, but I want some input from the audio guru's here. I'm looking at about a $1K budget and want speakers, amp (of course), and head unit. I've looked into the BT kits that are plug and play, but not sure if that's the way to go or not. I currently just have the Hogtunes upgraded speakers in the fairing...and they suck bad with lots of distortion and absolutely zero bass, even worse distortion if I kick up the bass 1 notch. I like my music loud and clear (like everyone else I reckon), and I realize it's a bike but I would like to have a little bass. Thanks for whatever insight you can provide.

 

help us help you...

looking for 2 speaker (fairing) only?

indeed, many options.
real bass you will not get without lids (6x9) and even then at 70mph it will not be there. gotta live with that
Assuming 2 speakers:

Head unit: whatever you like (~150)

rain cover: BT has one for around 20 or so

handlebar control: ASWC-1 / Metra set (~80; see sticky thread) or PAC (similar price I Think) or BT100x series (around 200; only one supporting A(utomatic) V(olume) C(ontrol)).

Powerline: f.e. RF 10G set (believe around 25 on ebay)

speaker rings (20+; look on ebay and see if you can find easterperformance
seller; they work fine - keep in mind that I believe if you go with BT speakers they might come including the adapter rings)

Amp: f.e. BT2180 (upper price range), or RF PBR300x2 (160-200) or (fairly new) Cerwin Vega B2 (prices seem to fluctuate - I have seen it on ebay for 150! other known vendors are - way- higher).

Speakers: BT 7.1 / Pro (life time warranty!), Infinity 6.11i, Kicker, too many options. you preferably want 2 ohm (not required!), high efficiency (means "louder").

others like Gannicus will chime in here for sure...

 

Thanks for the reply, and yes just the fairing speakers is what I'm looking for. Maybe down the road, get some lid speakers sometime. I understand the bass thing...it is what it is. There are soooo many options to go with, almost like selecting a cam...you won't know if you'll be satisfied until you spend the coin.

 

I'll add that 2ohm speakers get really important if you go the PBR300x2 route, that amp at 4ohm is not the same animal.


BT 7.1's do come with the rings

 

I understand your confusion. I just ordered some 7.1s and a 4180 amp from BT. I will order lids and speakers from them this winter to complete my system. If there is one thing to learn here, everyone of these guys always suggest to spend as much as you can afford on the speakers. There are countless amps on the market that will work.

 

AAWAV pretty much laid it out for you with the information he had to work with. I have a couple questions as well. 1. Do you listen to FM radio? 2. Are you planning on lids in the future? These two questions will determine what kind of amp you will use. 2 channel or 4 channel. Class D or not. If you are looking at a 2 speaker system the most important thing here obviously are the speakers. You want to get the BEST speakers you can afford! Hint: If you are into bass that is going to be a huge 4 ohm speaker with a lot of power pushing it. IMO here are your choices:


1. BT7.1's from Biketronics.
2. BT Proline speakers from Biketronics.
3. JL C5-650X


I've been through a ton of speakers and been doing installs all summer long and these are the speakers I've been the most impressed with for bass in the fairing.


There are all expensive but that's what it takes unless you want to go through the "HOG TUNES" buyers remorse drill again. . .lol.

 

HAHA, no thanks...I'm done with buyers remorse. I would like to think I'll install lid speakers in the future...but in all reality I probably won't. I'll probably find something else shiny and start that venture. I do listen to FM radio on occasion, but mostly I throw in a CD or plug in the phone for tunes.

 

That said.. . I'd go with the Biketronics 7.1's or the Biketronics proline series with the Biketronics 2180 amp. I don't think there's a better two speaker system out there unless you go with the Focal 165KRC speakers and they lack the bass you are looking for. Not to mention very expensive.

 

Thanks a ton for your input, I have been eyeing the BT setup with speakers, amp and head unit...just didn't know if that was the best bang for the buck even though I have read many great reviews. Thanks again

 

call Bill at BT... tell you are from HDForums. He will help you out...
believe they run Sony HU. not sure, but those are probably used the most on this forum.

the one option you should consider is not taking the BT100x if you do not care about AVC... you can save some money there by going with the ASWC-1/Metra combo... that might mean you need to part the "BT" system together instead of buying a complete set...