Best stereo upgrade options

[SoCal Rich]

I, too, saw the NVPA1 on Amazon but I didn't see the NVPA4. Did I miss it? Can you post the link?

No, I cannot, because like a dumb ass I ordered the wrong amp!

[Hornblower]

No, I cannot, because like a dumb ass I ordered the wrong amp!

Sorry, man! I hate it when that happens! Maybe you can still cancel the order on Amazon if it hasn't shipped already

[tommief6b]

I install 2 polk marine 6x9 in each of my saddle bags with a small amp in left bag it sounds incredible I use the rear speaker output for signal so the fader and everything works as it should I install a switch on the left panel to turn amp off if I only want to play stock stereo, and yes I ride big time I can carry luggage for myself and wife for a week. I had the bike 1 year I have just over 11,000 miles

[GiddyupF6B]

I install 2 polk marine 6x9 in each of my saddle bags with a small amp in left bag it sounds incredible I use the rear speaker output for signal so the fader and everything works as it should I install a switch on the left panel to turn amp off if I only want to play stock stereo, and yes I ride big time I can carry luggage for myself and wife for a week. I had the bike 1 year I have just over 11,000 miles

How about some pictures?

[Jimmytee]

I install 2 polk marine 6x9 in each of my saddle bags with a small amp in left bag it sounds incredible I use the rear speaker output for signal so the fader and everything works as it should I install a switch on the left panel to turn amp off if I only want to play stock stereo, and yes I ride big time I can carry luggage for myself and wife for a week. I had the bike 1 year I have just over 11,000 miles

Yes let's see some pictures.

I contemplated installing 6x9s in the saddlebags, but in the end, decided I wanted a sub.

[SoCal Rich]

Sorry, man! I hate it when that happens! Maybe you can still cancel the order on Amazon if it hasn't shipped already

Already shipped. But Amazon makes it so easy to return stuff. I'll wait for the right one!

[SoCal Rich]

Already shipped. But Amazon makes it so easy to return stuff. I'll wait for the right one!

I return now, because, the MVP4a is back in stock at Sonic Electronics and I have one on order. So, Jimmy Tee, now that you had so much fun (i.e., experience) with the sound upgrade, what do you think will be the simplest approach to the wiring, assuming the installation of the MVP4a and just the two front speaker replacements? I saw your original thread with all the things you tried, and I'd like to leverage your experience and not go through all that you did. I'm also hoping to find space for the amp in the front fairing.

Thanks in advance every much!

[Jimmytee]

I return now, because, the MVP4a is back in stock at Sonic Electronics and I have one on order. So, Jimmy Tee, now that you had so much fun (i.e., experience) with the sound upgrade, what do you think will be the simplest approach to the wiring, assuming the installation of the MVP4a and just the two front speaker replacements? I saw your original thread with all the things you tried, and I'd like to leverage your experience and not go through all that you did. I'm also hoping to find space for the amp in the front fairing.

Thanks in advance every much!

The absolutely easiest way to hook up that amp would be to get an adapter ,that is available a couple of different places, that plugs into the headset plug and gives you an 3.5 mm (1/8" jack) to then adapt using a 3.5 mm to stereo RCA plug adapter. Other than power wires, this would set you up to use the amp. This is compromised in that you have to have the headset button engaged, but it will work just fine. You could also tap into the headset harness and solder in your own RCA connectors and this would leave the headset plug vacant, but you'd still have have the headset button engaged. This set up will yield a satisfying pre amp signal to the new amp.

The way I did it, as I detailed in the mentioned thread, was to splice into the actual pre out signals that feed the factory amp. This is more involved and I ultimately removed the factory Honda amp in the process. This is the way I would do it again as it leaves the headset function to function normally. Even though I don't use the headset, I just felt more satisfied doing it that way and it also allowed me to get 4 channels of pre outs as opposed to just the two that are in the headset. Tapping into the preamp signals that feed the factory amp is not that difficult, but it does require some skill in wiring and making connections. Also , for me required removing a fair amount of rear body work. But not bad.

[SoCal Rich]

The absolutely easiest way to hook up that amp would be to get an adapter ,that is available a couple of different places, that plugs into the headset plug and gives you an 3.5 mm (1/8" jack) to then adapt using a 3.5 mm to stereo RCA plug adapter. Other than power wires, this would set you up to use the amp. This is compromised in that you have to have the headset button engaged, but it will work just fine. You could also tap into the headset harness and solder in your own RCA connectors and this would leave the headset plug vacant, but you'd still have have the headset button engaged. This set up will yield a satisfying pre amp signal to the new amp.

The way I did it, as I detailed in the mentioned thread, was to splice into the actual pre out signals that feed the factory amp. This is more involved and I ultimately removed the factory Honda amp in the process. This is the way I would do it again as it leaves the headset function to function normally. Even though I don't use the headset, I just felt more satisfied doing it that way and it also allowed me to get 4 channels of pre outs as opposed to just the two that are in the headset. Tapping into the preamp signals that feed the factory amp is not that difficult, but it does require some skill in wiring and making connections. Also , for me required removing a fair amount of rear body work. But not bad.

Thanks, Jimmy. I don't use the headset, so I'm gonna do it as you suggest. Many, many thanks!

[jimsol1]

would using the passenger headset pigtail wiring be a neater, out of the way place to tap in? Everything could be hidden under the seat. Jim