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View Full Version : Weak Audio Output on 2018 Spyder's w/newly designed digital display models



Seattle
07-16-2018, 10:50 PM
Has anyone specifically only with the '18 model Spyder's (RT or F3's) that utilises the new digital display cluster notice if:
1) ALL their speakers clip on music's bass points, even while at low volume
2) the radio signal seems to have a harder time locking onto a station signal or is quite staticky and
3) volume output has to be turned up nearly 80%+ in order to hear it at speeds above 50mph/80kph?

I compared my '18 F3 LTD radio volume output against a 2017 F3-LTD. On the 2017 I set the volume output (tuned to the same radio station AND using a music streaming device playing the same song) at 30% and then adjusted the 2018 to an equal level output. My Spyder had to be set at 60% to be equal to the 2017. I've tried this also with the 2018 models with my dealer's new floor models against the 2017's and reproduced the same results.

Why would BRP reduce the volume output so significantly for the newly designed 2018 digital display Spyders' where we need to crank the volume output up so high? I've noticed even the bass and mid-range tones in the new models are no where as rich and deep as it was in the former Spyder model year sound systems. BRP has told my dealer they have no intentions of fixing this issue.


Crossposting from 2018 Audio System SUCKS! (http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?114114-2018-RT-AUDIO-SYSTEM-SUCKS!!!&highlight=2018+radio)

Ex Winger
07-17-2018, 06:02 AM
Did you get the latest update done yet?I know now my auto volume works much better and only have to turn the volume up approx 60% of what I had to before.
Bill

Bob Denman
07-17-2018, 06:41 AM
It's probably my fault... :banghead: With eight years of riding with the volume at MAX (and a blown-out speaker...): somebody must have complained to the engineers... :gaah:

Seattle
07-19-2018, 06:19 PM
I did but unfortunately after the update it created the noticeable popping/clipping in all speakers and sort of fixed the attenuating ambient volume control which didn't work prior to the update. However on the latter it still doesn't work very well nor did it improve the volume output any differently.

I don't know if I have a defective audio system since the only thing that's consistent on the other new 2018 F3 models on the dealer floor is the volume output. I don't know if the other issues exist in them nor does anyone else there. :sour:


Did you get the latest update done yet?I know now my auto volume works much better and only have to turn the volume up approx 60% of what I had to before.
Bill

Flamewinger
07-19-2018, 10:02 PM
I would consider going to the dealer and comparing yours to another one on the showroom floor. If they're the same then something changed but if yours is not as sound then get the dealer to fix it.

Seattle
07-19-2018, 11:06 PM
I did the comparison against a brand new identical models of the 2018 F3 Limited and a 2017 F3 Limited a couple months ago after my audio system was updated. Both 2018's were identical. However the 2017's volume output was significantly far less to produce the same level of output. BRP has stated to the dealer owner they do not see any reason to fix this issue.


I would consider going to the dealer and comparing yours to another one on the showroom floor. If they're the same then something changed but if yours is not as sound then get the dealer to fix it.

Seattle
08-23-2018, 07:48 PM
After the latest software update was performed awhile ago, I've noticed in addition to the aforementioned issues that anytime the steering bar is turned left/right, static noise emanates from the speakers while in FM station is broadcasting. I brought in my '18 F3 Ltd to have the dealer service department take a look at this issue plus a few other things of concern. In the meantime I have a brand new '18 RT Ltd on loan which also makes the same identical staticky noise through the speakers when the steering is turned left/right. I've asked the dealer to relay this to BRP because I'm betting more '18 Spyders with the new digital dash cluster likely has this same issue.



Has anyone specifically only with the '18 model Spyder's (RT or F3's) that utilises the new digital display cluster notice if:
1) ALL their speakers clip on music's bass points, even while at low volume
2) the radio signal seems to have a harder time locking onto a station signal or is quite staticky and
3) volume output has to be turned up nearly 80%+ in order to hear it at speeds above 50mph/80kph?

I compared my '18 F3 LTD radio volume output against a 2017 F3-LTD. On the 2017 I set the volume output (tuned to the same radio station AND using a music streaming device playing the same song) at 30% and then adjusted the 2018 to an equal level output. My Spyder had to be set at 60% to be equal to the 2017. I've tried this also with the 2018 models with my dealer's new floor models against the 2017's and reproduced the same results.

Why would BRP reduce the volume output so significantly for the newly designed 2018 digital display Spyders' where we need to crank the volume output up so high? I've noticed even the bass and mid-range tones in the new models are no where as rich and deep as it was in the former Spyder model year sound systems. BRP has told my dealer they have no intentions of fixing this issue.


Crossposting from 2018 Audio System SUCKS! (http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?114114-2018-RT-AUDIO-SYSTEM-SUCKS!!!&highlight=2018+radio)

BLUEKNIGHT911
08-23-2018, 10:38 PM
A month or so ago this topic was discussed in depth ..... from all that has been written about the 2018 F-3 radio system ...... I think the same BRP engineer who SCREWED UP THE 2014 & later DESS MODULE :gaah:was also assigned to FIX the... NOT BROKEN ... 2016 & 2017 F-3 radio .....because now the 2018 doesn't work to well ..... I have a 2014 RT which I up-graded to JBL 2-ohm speakers, and they will blow me off the bike at full volume ..... I am familiar with the radio's on the 2016 F-3 and imho it was almost as good as mine ..... But like I said BRP has a BAD habit of FIXING things that aren't broke ....maybe it's a Canadian thing :dontknow: ( PS I like Canadians but call a spade a spade, sorry BRP ) ..... Mike :thumbup:

tennhillbilly
08-23-2018, 10:44 PM
I am have the same issues with my 2018 RT after the software upgrade. Turning either left or right causing loud popping in speakers in FM radio mode. 2017 audio much better and better sounding.:yes:

billybovine
08-24-2018, 04:41 PM
My experience on my 2018 F3L.

FM radio. When parked and engine not running. The audio is good for a motorcycle. Start the engine and the reception gets worse. Depending on how strong the station is. It could be just static. Driving down the road the station just fades in and out. The FM radio is just unusable while riding. Complained to the dealer at first service. They where unable to make any improvement. They did try wrapping the antenna wire in foil tape for extra shielding. To me it did not help.

BT audio from my phone. Output on the Spyder speakers. That works very well for the most part. Sounds good when parked. Sounds good when riding. Some mp3 tracks have a higher volume than others so I have adjust the volume for that sometimes. I have the auto volume set to high. But it would be better if the auto volume at speed was a little more yet. When the usb cable is plugged into the phone and the BRP connect app has started up. The audio cuts out for milliseconds at a time. But if the phone is not plugged in it does not seem to do that.

BLUEKNIGHT911
08-24-2018, 06:01 PM
My experience on my 2018 F3L.

FM radio. When parked and engine not running. The audio is good for a motorcycle. Start the engine and the reception gets worse. Depending on how strong the station is. It could be just static. Driving down the road the station just fades in and out. The FM radio is just unusable while riding. Complained to the dealer at first service. They where unable to make any improvement. They did try wrapping the antenna wire in foil tape for extra shielding. To me it did not help.

BT audio from my phone. Output on the Spyder speakers. That works very well for the most part. Sounds good when parked. Sounds good when riding. Some mp3 tracks have a higher volume than others so I have adjust the volume for that sometimes. I have the auto volume set to high. But it would be better if the auto volume at speed was a little more yet. When the usb cable is plugged into the phone and the BRP connect app has started up. The audio cuts out for milliseconds at a time. But if the phone is not plugged in it does not seem to do that.
If you now have LED headlites , this could be your problem ......Mike :thumbup:

Seattle
08-28-2018, 08:22 PM
Followed up with this tidbit to see if it in fact it was my upgraded LED lighting causing the static; it's not. I have on loan a brand new '18 RT Limited with a stock setup that's not using LED lighting and it makes the exact identical static noises through the audio system whenever the steering is turned left/right and occasionally has popping in all the speakers just like my '18 F3 Limited. This particular issue occurred immediately following the recent software update so my dealer is bringing this info to BRP's in hopes they'll resolve it in future software updates. However the software update may or may not resolve the low volume output issue which may require a different amp.


If you now have LED headlites , this could be your problem ......Mike :thumbup:

Seattle
08-28-2018, 08:26 PM
My experience with the output is quite similar to yours through the Spyder's speakers. Sounds good while engine is off but barely audible at cruise above 40mph. The ambient setting is a hit or miss; sometimes it works and other times not at all. The second software update supposedly was to address this issue but it isn't quite fine tuned well enough to be functionally notable. The BRP Connect feature stopped working on my F3 after the update so I hope this is resolved in a future software update.

Thanks for sharing your experience so that I can forward this onward to BRP via my dealer. Please if you can, do the same with your local dealer. The more people bring this to BRP's attention the more they will address it rather than from one squeaky wheel. We need a lot of squeakers out there.


My experience on my 2018 F3L.

FM radio. When parked and engine not running. The audio is good for a motorcycle. Start the engine and the reception gets worse. Depending on how strong the station is. It could be just static. Driving down the road the station just fades in and out. The FM radio is just unusable while riding. Complained to the dealer at first service. They where unable to make any improvement. They did try wrapping the antenna wire in foil tape for extra shielding. To me it did not help.

BT audio from my phone. Output on the Spyder speakers. That works very well for the most part. Sounds good when parked. Sounds good when riding. Some mp3 tracks have a higher volume than others so I have adjust the volume for that sometimes. I have the auto volume set to high. But it would be better if the auto volume at speed was a little more yet. When the usb cable is plugged into the phone and the BRP connect app has started up. The audio cuts out for milliseconds at a time. But if the phone is not plugged in it does not seem to do that.

billybovine
08-28-2018, 08:47 PM
My experience with the output is quite similar to yours through the Spyder's speakers. Sounds good while engine is off but barely audible at cruise above 40mph. The ambient setting is a hit or miss; sometimes it works and other times not at all. The second software update supposedly was to address this issue but it isn't quite fine tuned well enough to be functionally notable. The BRP Connect feature stopped working on my F3 after the update so I hope this is resolved in a future software update.

Thanks for sharing your experience so that I can forward this onward to BRP via my dealer. Please if you can, do the same with your local dealer. The more people bring this to BRP's attention the more they will address it rather than from one squeaky wheel. We need a lot of squeakers out there.

The FM radio is my issue. Basically useless. Dealer looked at it 2 weeks ago. Tried some stuff. Wrapped the antenna cable in aluminum foil tape for extra shielding. No better. Funny thing is I can unscrew my antenna and the reception is no better or worse. I found this out because on older models, bad reception was caused by too much loctite on the antenna threads. So I checked. Yes way too much on mine. But after wire brushing it off. Reception is no better.

I am up the dash firmware of 13.20. Connect app still works. Not sure why yours does not. I don't use the connect app very often. If I lock my phone before plugging in the usb cable. The connect app won't run. The BT audio then plays perfect. Without any cutouts. Travel down the highway at 60 with the volume at about 70%. Works great. Have to manually lower the volume to 50% at traffic lights or slow speeds. Because the auto volume does not give enough difference.

stmike 1800
08-29-2018, 06:30 AM
The radio receptions sucks ,have to be almost under a tower to get stations .Why is it so poor ,i can take my truck or jeep way back in God's country and still have great reception .Is there a way to fix this .
Bike is a 2018 RTL.:sour:

Seattle
08-30-2018, 01:08 PM
While riding the loaner '18 RT Limited on errands in stop and go traffic yesterday, anytime the engine fan activated the same staticky noise would emanate through the audio system speakers similarly when the steering handlebar was turned hard over left or right. Dealer has been notified and will relay this to BRP engineers.

When attempting to contact BRP direct, the party I spoke to stated that if anyone has any problems they must tell their dealers representation who will relay this information through the proper channels back to BRP engineering. They will not document this info unless it's via the dealer.
:gaah:
So far from what I understand, there doesn't appear that enough people have contacted their dealers so BRP engineering can resolve this issue for the affected Spyder units.

NuttyBuckeye
09-03-2018, 12:20 PM
Volume seems ok on my 2018 rt limited, but i have volume indicator at approx. 70%. Have no comparison to give opinion. I have noticed that at stops while idling, the audio gets distorted. Maybe from vibration?

IgoFar2
09-03-2018, 05:33 PM
This is beginning to sound like a grounding issue to me; but what do I know.

Seattle
04-10-2019, 08:40 PM
Now that winter hibernation has ended, I'd like to revive this discussion thread in hopes someone has found a solution to the issue quoted which appears to be occurring in all of the 2018 model Spyders. I've yet had a chance to check the 2019 models to see if BRP fixed it to chase that solution. At least the weak volume output seems to have, for the most part, resolved itself after hitting 1200 miles last year. The output still not as loud compared to the former model year Spyders but at least I don't have to crank the volume output to 80% to barely hear it.


While riding the loaner '18 RT Limited on errands in stop and go traffic yesterday, anytime the engine fan activated the same staticky noise would emanate through the audio system speakers similarly when the steering handlebar was turned hard over left or right. Dealer has been notified and will relay this to BRP engineers.

When attempting to contact BRP direct, the party I spoke to stated that if anyone has any problems they must tell their dealers representation who will relay this information through the proper channels back to BRP engineering. They will not document this info unless it's via the dealer.
:gaah:
So far from what I understand, there doesn't appear that enough people have contacted their dealers so BRP engineering can resolve this issue for the affected Spyder units.

Flamewinger
04-10-2019, 10:08 PM
Last weekend I was having phone cable issues and the phone wouldn't connect so I used FM radio all the way down I-5 in the central California valley into Bakersfield and the radio was great and the outside speakers are loud. Getting close to Bakersfield I had to change stations and got another nice one all the way through and up into Tehachapi. For some reason my FM works great. Figured out the broken cable and the dash with 20.8 update, is really nice. If your headset isn't connected to the dash the system will put out through the outside speakers and the GPS is so loud I muted it so as not to tell the world where I was going. Gonna have to work on that.

QuadRAGIN
04-10-2019, 11:07 PM
I just purchased my F3 Limited and agree the output sux and I all so have clipping.
I’m going to take it to dealer cause the trunk lids is misaligned and the hook on back side left does not engage unless I push it in. I will complain about the audio. Not sure what firmware I have but will post tomorrow.
I was going to research better speakers but I see a trend here...

Seattle
04-10-2019, 11:27 PM
I hope you get more answers than I've been able to in this year-long quest. We need as many people to report this issue to their dealers so BRP will hopefully address it. Unfortunately the latest software update failed to resolve the issue for me and for the 'brand new 18 RT Limited loaner I had borrowed for a couple weeks.

If your dealer will allow, would you check the new F3's to see if they produce the identical issues I've shared in my original post. The low volume output and bass clipping are two issues (you can distinguish audibly how much quieter it is next to a '17 and older F3). I wonder if your Spyder also suffers from the static issue as I've found in all the new Spyders with the digital dash cluster as well.

Edit to add: Congrats on your new ride! Looks gorgeous!


I just purchased my F3 Limited and agree the output sux and I all so have clipping.
I’m going to take it to dealer cause the trunk lids is misaligned and the hook on back side left does not engage unless I push it in. I will complain about the audio. Not sure what firmware I have but will post tomorrow.
I was going to research better speakers but I see a trend here...

QuadRAGIN
04-12-2019, 02:57 PM
I just purchased my F3 Limited and agree the output sux and I all so have clipping.
I’m going to take it to dealer cause the trunk lids is misaligned and the hook on back side left does not engage unless I push it in. I will complain about the audio. Not sure what firmware I have but will post tomorrow.
I was going to research better speakers but I see a trend here...

Here are m version numbers
BRP SW v710006589
GSS SW v013.20 CSS SW v013.20
HW Version: G06

TheCajun1957
04-12-2019, 03:22 PM
You have version 13.20, in your dash. You need to get it updated to 20.8.

Spyder Insyder
04-12-2019, 11:41 PM
I just purchased my F3 Limited and agree the output sux and I all so have clipping.
I’m going to take it to dealer cause the trunk lids is misaligned and the hook on back side left does not engage unless I push it in. I will complain about the audio. Not sure what firmware I have but will post tomorrow.
I was going to research better speakers but I see a trend here...

I have a 2018 RTL with V20.8. I recently installed an XM satellite receiver in the glove box. Although the audio quality is very good, I have to run it at maximum to be able to hear it at speeds above 50 mph.

Seattle
08-03-2019, 08:01 PM
Curious how many others have noticed these issues and if you found a resolution to what's noted below. I'd like your help so I can forward this to BRP so that they can create a service bulletin to address this for all who are affected.


After the latest software update was performed awhile ago, I've noticed in addition to the aforementioned issues that anytime the steering bar is turned left/right, static noise emanates from the speakers while in FM station is broadcasting. I brought in my '18 F3 Ltd to have the dealer service department take a look at this issue plus a few other things of concern. In the meantime I have a brand new '18 RT Ltd on loan which also makes the same identical staticky noise through the speakers when the steering is turned left/right. I've asked the dealer to relay this to BRP because I'm betting more '18 Spyders with the new digital dash cluster likely has this same issue.

>Has anyone specifically only with the '18 model Spyder's (RT or F3's) that utilises the new digital display cluster notice if:
1) ALL their speakers clip on music's bass points, even while at low volume
2) the FM tuner signal seem is quite staticky and
3) volume output has to be turned up nearly 80%+ in order to hear it at speeds above 50mph/80kph?

I compared my '18 F3 LTD radio volume output against a 2017 F3-LTD. On the 2017 I set the volume output (tuned to the same radio station AND using a music streaming device playing the same song) at 30% and then adjusted the 2018 to an equal level output. My Spyder had to be set at 60% to be equal to the 2017. I've tried this also with the 2018 models with my dealer's new floor models against the 2017's and reproduced the same results.

Why would BRP reduce the volume output so significantly for the newly designed 2018 digital display Spyders' where we need to crank the volume output up so high? I've noticed even the bass and mid-range tones in the new models are no where as rich and deep as it was in the former Spyder model year sound systems. BRP has told my dealer they have no intentions of fixing this issue.

QuadRAGIN
10-04-2019, 01:56 PM
I got the update done and the speakers still pop and such.
I'm going to take it to dealer and complain get them covered under warranty. maybe if CanAm has to start replacing speaker they will fix the issue.
I though about upgrade but the price of these machines the radios should be awesome.

JoshHefnerX
10-04-2019, 03:08 PM
Has anyone compared the part numbers for the 17-18 amplifiers?

Seattle
10-05-2019, 12:00 PM
As I understand the ‘17 model year Spyders have two amps but the ‘18/‘19 model Spyders only has one. They’re not the same nor are interchangeable. I’ve looked into this extensively. The newer Spyders also cannot use aftermarket amps as they can damage the head unit which is part of the new digital display dash cluster.

There’s an entire discussion thread over here about the speaker crackling issue (https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?118610-Speakers-crackling&goto=newpost) that you might also find of interest.


Has anyone compared the part numbers for the 17-18 amplifiers?

Seattle
10-05-2019, 12:07 PM
Speakers unfortunately aren’t likely the culprit of the crackling you’re hearing if all of them are popping. If it’s anything similarly you’re experiencing that’s being actively discussed like many of us have been describing in another thread over here it’s a bit more complex. (https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?118610-Speakers-crackling&goto=newpost). Depending on what your Spyder is doing, an amp replacement could resolve the issue if it’s similar to what owner Skups shared in the other thread. If it’s different and like what I and many others are experiencing, this is far more complicated to resolve. I have included two videos in the other thread for owners to view to see if this is what their Spyders are producing. If you’re is doing exactly the same whenever you turn your handblebar/steering or the engine fan kicks on, then it’s a bigger issue. I’ve found multiple Spyders I’ve ridden that do exactly the same.

JoshHefnerX
10-07-2019, 02:50 PM
Wonder if using an aftermarket amp using speaker level inputs would work. So you pick up the signal after the factory amp and before the speakers. Shouldn't hurt anything on the bike. Would allow you to run the volume low enough to keep the stock amp clean - and pass on a clean signal to the speakers.

There are products that do similar on cars but w/ more features, but space is an issue on these. (mosconi, rockford 360 ect)

Has anyone measured the output of the amps as far as wattage, and/or used an o-scope on them to see if there's something visible on the waveform? I've used a cheap o-scope on audio installs that seems to work well - jye tech 112a https://accudiy.com/products/dso112a-oscilloscope-with-touch-panel

BLUEKNIGHT911
10-07-2019, 04:48 PM
Wonder if using an aftermarket amp using speaker level inputs would work. So you pick up the signal after the factory amp and before the speakers. Shouldn't hurt anything on the bike. Would allow you to run the volume low enough to keep the stock amp clean - and pass on a clean signal to the speakers.

There are products that do similar on cars but w/ more features, but space is an issue on these. (mosconi, rockford 360 ect)

Has anyone measured the output of the amps as far as wattage, and/or used an o-scope on them to see if there's something visible on the waveform? I've used a cheap o-scope on audio installs that seems to work well - jye tech 112a https://accudiy.com/products/dso112a-oscilloscope-with-touch-panel

YOU SHOULD READ POST #29 ABOVE …… It's very important ….. Mike :ohyea:

stmike 1800
10-08-2019, 04:24 AM
I have not notice the crackling ,but the station reception sucks .

JoshHefnerX
10-08-2019, 12:41 PM
YOU SHOULD READ POST #29 ABOVE …… It's very important ….. Mike :ohyea:

I did read it, and not sure what you're getting at. If it's about the amps causing damage - they will not cause damage if they are run at the speaker level - rather than trying to replace the factory ones. The factory equipment would have no notice of any change.

Factory HU => factory amp => aftermarket amp => speaker... Most aftermarket amps do have 'speaker level' inputs and can be run that way. It would allow a softer use of the factory equipment (lower volume control) which should then feed a cleaner signal to the aftermarket unit.

There are some extremely small aftermarket amps that would fit well in a motorcycle - some around the size of a pack of cigarettes due to the newer efficient topologies.

BLUEKNIGHT911
10-08-2019, 01:34 PM
I did read it, and not sure what you're getting at. If it's about the amps causing damage - they will not cause damage if they are run at the speaker level - rather than trying to replace the factory ones. The factory equipment would have no notice of any change.

Factory HU => factory amp => aftermarket amp => speaker... Most aftermarket amps do have 'speaker level' inputs and can be run that way. It would allow a softer use of the factory equipment (lower volume control) which should then feed a cleaner signal to the aftermarket unit.

There are some extremely small aftermarket amps that would fit well in a motorcycle - some around the size of a pack of cigarettes due to the newer efficient topologies.

OK, good luck …. if the OEM radio fries …. that aren't that expensive …. about a $ 1000.0 or so ….. Mike :ohyea:

Seattle
11-12-2019, 10:14 PM
After my '18 Spyder F3L spending nearly the past four months at the dealer, my Spyder’s audio system is mostly fixed. I'll explain in more detail below.

For any 2018 (and possibly some 2019) Spyder owners who are affected and seeking a resolution for this audio system flaw here’s how this was resolved.

BRP finally authorised and shipped to my dealer a new amplifier and an EMI (electro magnetic interference) ferrite filter. My service tech clamped the EMI ferrite filter onto the amp’s wire “A” which is the main power and ground wire leading into the new amp. This prevents the power and ground wire from leaking any electrical interference out of the amplifier and to the adjacent speaker output wire “B”. Not once did the speakers emit any crackling on the 100 mile ride home from the dealer last Friday. That's finally fixed!

This was a two year battle for me against BRP who refused to address the issue no matter the list of facts I had presented. BRP stated to me this was normal design since all 2018 Spyder models perform similarly. I can attest to this fact with the four brand new 2018 RTL loaners I had which also produced the identical crackling noise. Some of the owners here in the forums have corroborated they've heard this also within their own machines. However, BRP also stated that the 2019 Spyders were no different than the 2018 year models aside from some trim and colour changes. Yet the one brand new F3L I took out for a test drive didn’t produce any crackling noise but still suffered from low volume output. Unfortunately, the latter is still present from my Spyder.

Anyhow, I’m truly grateful my dealer team was empathetic to my plight. They fought on my behalf (not without me being annoyingly but diplomatically persistent) for these past two years to get this audio system flaw mostly resolved. They made sure I could continue enjoy riding while I was without my Spyder by supplying me with four brand new Spyder RTL's for use. That showed me they truly care about their customers not only being happy but will go to bat for them as well.