RT-S Speakers

[NancysToy]

That's odd I have yet to have anyone complain about the quality of the sound. Have you checked your audio settings? I have had people who own GoldWings say the sound quality coming from the Spyder is far Superior.

I think the quality of sound stinks! That has nothing to do with the Spyder sound system, though. Wind buffeting, helmet noise, and engine and exhaust noise conspire against the rider at highway speeds, to make sound fidelity a mere dream. Add earplugs and the sytem doesn't stand a chance, since they filter different frequncies selectively. IMO, sound systems are a useless frill on motorcycles.

 

[MouthPiece]

This is more of a question than a response, but will ear plugs or head phones prevent a person from being "aware of their surroundings"? I've never worn them so I don't know. I do see people walking, riding their bicycles, etc., with them on, and I wonder whether that is prudent or not. Just a thought.

Chris PE # 0004

 

[SpyderRider]

Chris,

That is a great question. :2thumbs:

I have both the quad speakers on my aforementioned Honda Valkyrie Interstate along with the Helmet Stereo/Two Way Voice Activated Intercom System. I got the top of the line J&M system and use it sparingly as I feel from a safety aspect, it robs you of being able to hear local as well as distant sounds that may convey a warning to you. This is exactly why many municipalities ban auto drivers from wearing headphones while driving and for that matter, extremely loud car sound systems. Same issue as texting or speaking on the phone while driving and subsequent distraction follows. :shemademe_smilie:

I ride bicycles as well and have occasionally ridden with my iPod and find I cannot hear the "road" sounds and any coming dangers. So as far as being prudent it is not and you have to assume risk for yourself and those around you should you use earplugs or headphone systems. I prefer the "open air" canopy of being able to hear my tunes as well as that big GMC truck on my rear! :yikes:

 

[Lamonster]

Stock sounds pretty good to me but I do want to upgrade now.

 

[sinkhole]

video

Stock sounds pretty good to me but I do want to upgrade now.

The music sounded fine on your video, but it sure doesn't sound that good with a helmet on that covers your ears.
I agree with Jim... the RT sound system is pretty much useless except at slow speeds, or without a helmet.

 

[Prense01]

I am able to hear the stereo just fine at any legal speed on the freeway with my full face helmet. My wife on back has trouble sometimes understanding what is being said when listening to talk radio shows. It varies on which direction the wind is coming from and how high I have the windscreen set. As far as rear speaker size goes... I just had the bike apart to install the Corbin arm rests which includes removing the speakers. They appeared to be in the neighborhood of 3-4 inch in diameter (definitely not 5 1/4") from what I recall when I visually looked at them. I did not measure them though. They are coaxial.

It would take about 1 hour to remove the rear speakers and replace them. Fairly simple job requiring the following tools: T-30, T-20, 7mm, 8mm and 10mm sockets. Be careful with the nuts located in the speaker / arm rest assemblies as they can be pushed out fairly easily. They are for the six T-30 bolts inside the rear trunk facing outboard into the speaker / arm rest assemblies. Speakers have the standard spade type connections...no wiring should have to be altered to install aftermarket speakers. There is plenty of room behind the speakers to accomodate larger voice coil magnets. The factory voice coils are very small.

Removal order would be:
1) Passenger back rest (2 screws and 3 bolts)
2) Loosen back trim piece by removing the 4 bolts visible when the rear trunk is opened.
3) Remove the L/H and R/H arm rest / speaker assemblies (6 bolts inside the trunk facing outboard with three on each side). Antenna connections require the 7mm, 8mm and 10mm sockets.

From there it is just a matter of disassembling the arm rest / speaker assemblies which is fairly straight forward.


Chris :spyder:

 

[SpyderRider]

Thanks Chris,

I ordered the fronts last evening, the Polk db521's as they are relatively inexpensive on Amazon.com and I know the front speakers are a 5.25" size. I looked at the db5251 components but felt they would be overkill, especially with the Spyder HU only putting out 20 Watts. :shocked: The db521's are a coaxial with a tweeter that swivels making it directional...it is also certified for marine use!

Still waiting to hear from BRP through my dealer regarding the rear sizings. At least for now I can get some quality sound coming out and will turn the rears down so as not to continue to hear their distortions. Once I get the rear sizing information I'll pass along as I am assuming for now they are a 4.0" speaker. Should be this hard to obtain information from the manufacturer! :gaah:

 

[widowmaker2011]

Thanks Chris,

I ordered the fronts last evening, the Polk db521's as they are relatively inexpensive on Amazon.com and I know the front speakers are a 5.25" size. I looked at the db5251 components but felt they would be overkill, especially with the Spyder HU only putting out 20 Watts. :shocked: The db521's are a coaxial with a tweeter that swivels making it directional...it is also certified for marine use!

Still waiting to hear from BRP through my dealer regarding the rear sizings. At least for now I can get some quality sound coming out and will turn the rears down so as not to continue to hear their distortions. Once I get the rear sizing information I'll pass along as I am assuming for now they are a 4.0" speaker. Should be this hard to obtain information from the manufacturer! :gaah:

Couple things- Has anyone looked at the backside of the front cavities where the speakers reside? I have not (I've only had the grills off when running accessory wires) and I am wondering on how it is acoustically. (Is it a wide open area with no enclosure (bad) or does it have a chamber. If its just a wide open area the upgrade in speakers will not do anywhere near the change you are looking for unless you install baffles- Second- Most dealers I have been to have the rear speaker kit in stock (for adding to the RT Audio and convenience) Call around and have a dealer pop open the box and measure the speaker. I think it is 4" as you said.:2thumbs:

 

[Sopher]

So as not to hijake this thread, I will make a new one:
How to replace the RTS speakers. Sizes and video included.

 

[SpyderFun]

So as not to hijake this thread, I will make a new one:
How to replace the RTS speakers. Sizes and video included.

:clap: :2thumbs:

 

[SpyderRider]

Hallelujah ray: I can stop whining about this and move on with my project!

 

[SpyderRider]

Just got back from Best Buy...bought the 5.25" (Fronts) and 4.0" (Rears) Polk dxi's and canceled the order from Amazon.com. These are a little more expensive but appear to be their newest Marine Certified Speakers. Thanks Sopher for moving out and "gettin er done"!

:2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs: