Best stereo upgrade options

[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.

Jimmy, since the headset plug allows for plugging in a combined headset/microphone, I'm guessing the adapter you mention would have multiple jacks on the other end, for 2-channel output as well as microphone input, correct? Just asking so I can fine a suitable adapter.

[SoCal Rich]

Jimmy, since the headset plug allows for plugging in a combined headset/microphone, I'm guessing the adapter you mention would have multiple jacks on the other end, for 2-channel output as well as microphone input, correct? Just asking so I can fine a suitable adapter.

Jimmy, check out this adapter, maybe kill two birds with one stone!:
http://www.amazon.com/Olufsen-5-pin-...+connector+din

[Jimmytee]

Jimmy, check out this adapter, maybe kill two birds with one stone!:
http://www.amazon.com/Olufsen-5-pin-...+connector+din

That would seem to be an idea, however DO NOT buy it. Seems logical doesn't it? However, 5 pin din plugs are pretty common in the audio world, but just because it is has 5 pins, does not mean those 5 pins are wired for the same purpose. Each of those pins are connected to a wire for a single purpose. In the 5 pin plug on our headset jacks, only three pins are used for the speaker portion of the headset. One pin is a shared common for both the left and right stereo signals and then there are the left and right stereo signal leads. The other two pins are for a ground and signal wire for the mic of a headset.

You need something like this http://wingstuff.com/products/21549-...?from_search=1

or here

http://www.sierra-mc.com/proddetail.asp?prod=SIE-WMA-F

and then something like this, they sell various configurations of these just about anywhere.
http://www.amazon.com/12ft-3-5mm-Ste...+3+5mm+adapter

[smokinjoe187]

Jimmy, check out this adapter, maybe kill two birds with one stone!:
http://www.amazon.com/Olufsen-5-pin-...+connector+din

been there.that plug dont work

[SoCal Rich]

been there.that plug dont work

Damn! I pushed the order button too soon! Oh well, what's another return? Thanks everyone for your help on this. I'm determined to do it right the first time!

[SoCal Rich]

Damn! I pushed the order button too soon! Oh well, what's another return? Thanks everyone for your help on this. I'm determined to do it right the first time!

Ok, all parts in and about ready to install, and, of course, I have another question for Jimmytee! Did you locate the head unit's remote turn on lead and wire it to the remote terminal on the MVPA4, or do you just let it turn on when you start the bike?

[Jimmytee]

Ok, all parts in and about ready to install, and, of course, I have another question for Jimmytee! Did you locate the head unit's remote turn on lead and wire it to the remote terminal on the MVPA4, or do you just let it turn on when you start the bike?

I didn't want to rely on the auto/signal sensing. There is a remote turn on terminal as you are aware. I believe it has to be powered either way, not sure. I used the power feed that used to power the factory amp as the remote turn on signal. You could use any 12 volt accessory voltage though. Like the 12 volts that is in the harness for the left pocket accessory power outlet. You just want to be sure it is a voltage that only comes on with the ignition or accessory key position.

[SoCal Rich]

I didn't want to rely on the auto/signal sensing. There is a remote turn on terminal as you are aware. I believe it has to be powered either way, not sure. I used the power feed that used to power the factory amp as the remote turn on signal. You could use any 12 volt accessory voltage though. Like the 12 volts that is in the harness for the left pocket accessory power outlet. You just want to be sure it is a voltage that only comes on with the ignition or accessory key position.

Got it. Thanks.

[ths61]

I didn't want to rely on the auto/signal sensing. There is a remote turn on terminal as you are aware. I believe it has to be powered either way, not sure. I used the power feed that used to power the factory amp as the remote turn on signal. You could use any 12 volt accessory voltage though. Like the 12 volts that is in the harness for the left pocket accessory power outlet. You just want to be sure it is a voltage that only comes on with the ignition or accessory key position.

FWIW, I put an accessory powered switch on my last bike so I could turn off the amplifier if needed.

[Jimmytee]

Jimmy, since the headset plug allows for plugging in a combined headset/microphone, I'm guessing the adapter you mention would have multiple jacks on the other end, for 2-channel output as well as microphone input, correct? Just asking so I can fine a suitable adapter.

If you check out the links I gave above, you'll see the adapter does only the stereo audio signal. The mic pins are essentially unused.