HarleyTechTalk

Is the new offering from HD of the Rockford Fosgate amp and speakers any better than the Boom Audio. If so, is it significant?

Yes. They finally realized their stuff was junk. I have yet to install one that the customer was not disappointed if they wanted real sound.

Thanks.

I had read a review online right after I made my original post and they said it was clearer sounding, but Boom had more bass. Any thoughts on that?

I have heard the new 2021 CVO road glide with the Factory Rockford Fosgate.  Parked my 19 CVO Road glide next to it to do a comparison.

It does sound a little better than the Boom 2.  I would not say its significant.  However the real tests would be is it better and clear at 75mph.  Also how long until you blow speakers.  Boom 2 I have had two replaced by warranty on my 19.  My 18 had 2 replaced, and my 17 had four replaced.

Cost to update my bike to the Rockford Fosgate would be 1500 dollars.  Not worth that much at all, I would add 500 and go with Soundz. 

I think I would rather put the money towards two speakers in the lids of my saddlebags.

Will the boom stage 2 speakers work with Fosgate Rockford four channel amp? Maybe I'll keep the boom stage two speakers in my faring, and the Fosgate Rockford speakers in the lids.

Not sure if you can mix and match Boom and Rockford Fosgate through Harley branded units.

That said before you spend money on bag speakers, I suggest you ride a bike with them.  My last several CVO's have had them, sound great parked.  Good up to 30 mph, fair up to 45 mph, can't hear them above 50 mph or so depending on windshield. 

With the windshield it should be fine. With the stock windshield it was passable. When I put a Freedom Shields 13" on, it sounded great. Everything was quiet around me. So I think with the saddle speakers it should be OK. I had a 2012 ultra classic and I was able to hear the rear speakers without any issue.

Question was asked if Rockford speakers are plug and play compatible with H-D Boom 2 system. I would still like to know since one of my Boom 2 speakers just blew up on my 2014 TG. H-D speaker is going to take 3 weeks to get from Harley. I'm gong to assume that getting replacement Boom 2 speakers in the future will be impossible. I may end up buying  4 new speakers if that is the case.  Bummer - typical H-D.

BTW. my Boom 2 system sounds great at 80mph and I wear E.A.R ear plugs - which helps cut down on the wind noise. Engine and audio sound great ..... and saves your hearing.

After contacting H-D, I decided on buying a complete set (front & back) of speakers while I could. Harley said replacement Boom 2 speakers are not being made anymore and their inventory is almost gone. It took a while to find the speakers, but eventually I found a set. Hopefully I'll get 8+ years out of these when it comes time to replace the OEM speakers. That's if I'll still be riding (hope so) since I'll be at least 85 by then.

Quote from: ken6217 on February 14, 2021, 04:10:06 PM
I think I would rather put the money towards two speakers in the lids of my saddlebags.

How much sound will the rider hear from the saddlebag speakers at 70 MPH? Very little I would imagine. Great for cruising around town.

Quote from: PoorUB on June 18, 2021, 10:10:53 AM

Quote from: ken6217 on February 14, 2021, 04:10:06 PM
I think I would rather put the money towards two speakers in the lids of my saddlebags.

How much sound will the rider hear from the saddlebag speakers at 70 MPH? Very little I would imagine. Great for cruising around town.

I can hear my bag speakers up to about 45 maybe 50 mph.  They come on a CVO, sure would not add them to a non CVO