I am planing a new audio system for a 2008 SG
The will be a two speakers in the fairing system, but we all know how that turns out.

The BT2180 amp just arrived.

There will be three pairs of speakers on hand to choose form:
BT6.5 - Arc Moto 602 - Hertz MPX 165.3 PRO
So I think I have the speakers covered.

I will most likely be using a BT retro kit with hand controls.

Ok, I know little to nothing about these new HU's and would like suggestion and opinions. And someone who will be able to guide me through the setup after purchase.

HU Features I'm interested in:
A HU that will help compensate for the lack of gain setting on the BT2180
Good viewable display for a batwing fairing
Hidden USB rather than just on the face. I will be using USB memory stick for music.
Minimum 4v preamp
Weather resistance
CD not necessary

These are the HU suggested made so far by Gann, Haze & Cameron form Badd Azz Bikes
Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X998
Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X898
Sony MEX-M70BT
Sony DSX-S310BTX - Discontinued by manufacturer
Alpine CDE-HD149BT

 

For the price the Sony 310 is hard to to take a extra look at. BTW I bought the Kenwood 998 about a month ago waiting for the last pair of speakers to come in.

 

I should have added the Sony 310 has been discontinued by manufacturer.
My biggest concern is compensating for the lack of settings on the BT amp.
What made you move to to the Kenwood 998?

 

Throw the Apline 149 in the mix too.

 

Always been a Kenwood fan. To be honest the wife had been on me for a Xmas gift idea. She pinned me down and said I need one now kenwood 998 came spitting out. Amazon did the rest. Here is my list of goodies
Kenwood 998
ss pn4.1000d
kappa's (front)
Kickers (rear)
Speaker adapters front
Biketronics Retro Radio (mute)
Boss 8ga install kit

 

998... has customizable screen colors and - even better - reversible. so black font on f.e. green background.
got all you need including 10+ band EQ and LPF/HPF, 2 usb's. and if you use the kenwood music editor, a fast working usb music search
I still need to test my 32GB full written thumb drive after I created the index on it with the music editor but I am pretty hopeful looking at the 4GB thumb performance.

 

Listening to my friends AAWAV and Haze to whom I have the utmost trust. I think the Kenwood 998 is going to be your best bet with the BT4180. It has more options to control the sound than the other HU's. They both run the 998 and love em. I know for fact that HAZE has had a few HU's and always went back to the 998. Me. I'm a Sony man. I like the MEX and the 310.

 

In have spent the day researching HU's, and my head hurts.
The customizaable screen is definitely a plus.

I like these options also.

This is interesting. Is this something like a play list, but in folder form?

 

I had been leaning toward the 998 because I thought with all the tuning features to help with the BT amp. Not that is wouldn't have sounded very good but have to have some way to tweaking the setup.

I have the utmost trust in all three of you. And the big reason why I have chosen the 998.

This is very important because I will need guidance in setting it up. Haze can probably do this in his sleep.

And this is why I seriously considered a Sony HU.

 

I think that is a good choice. I will be lurking for set up pointers.