A client from San Jose recently visited California Car Sounds and Tint in Campbell to inquire about a Harley-Davidson Road Glide audio system upgrade. He liked the features of the radio, but didn’t like the way it sounded. We demonstrated our late-model Harley-Davidson audio upgrade solution to the client. He loved it and scheduled an appointment right away.
ARC Audio DSP Source Unit Integration
Newer Harley radios have unique audio system tuning built into them. While this strange equalization is intended to make the factory system sound better, it works against us when we install high-quality speakers. We use an ARC Audio PSM digital signal processor to undo the factory tuning and provide a smooth signal for the new amplifier. The PSM also lets us fine-tune the new speakers once the system is installed.
Motorcycle-Specific Speaker Upgrade
We started by removing the seat, fuel tank and fairing cover, then storing them on our parts cart to keep them safe while we work on the bike. Next, we removed the factory-installed Boom! Audio speakers to replace them with a set of ARC Audio Moto 602 coaxial speakers. ARC Audio has designed these speakers specifically for motorcycle and powersports upgrades. The speakers use UV-resistant materials to ensure they can handle long-term sun exposure. The speakers are also weather-resistant thanks to a secondary rubber seal around the tweeter post. The new speakers bolt right into the factory speaker locations and don’t require any modifications to the bike.
High-Power System Amplifier
The last component of the upgrade is the new amplifier. The factory radio on a Harley runs out of power quite quickly, so the music starts to distort as the volume is turned up. We installed an ARC Audio Moto 600.4 amplifier to provide up to 300 watts to each speaker. While this is more than the speakers can handle, we configured the system to maintain reasonable power delivery when the radio is cranked. We bolted the Moto 600.4 to the frame inside the front fairing. ARC includes a beveled front edge on the amp to allow it to fit comfortably.
Harley-Davidson Road Glide Audio System Upgrades
With everything installed and the system tuned, it was time to turn this Harley-Davidson Road Glide audio upgrade back over to the client. He was amazed that a single pair of speakers could sound this amazing! Everything was smooth, natural and well-balanced. The system also played much louder than he ever expected! If you are in the marking for an audio system upgrade from your motorcycle, drop by California Car Sounds and Tint in Campbell and speak with a member of our sales team. You can also reach us by e-mail using our contact form.
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