Why Change Head Units During a Harley Sound System Upgrade

• When upgrading your Harley’s head unit, it’s highly recommended to also upgrade your amp and speakers to get the best sound quality and system balance. This prevents distortion and ensures that your new head unit’s power and features are fully utilized.
• Common concerns about upgrading, such as cost or installation complexity, can be addressed. A full system upgrade is a worthwhile and long-term investment, and you may choose to employ professional installation services to assist you in doing it properly.
• Additional considerations for a complete sound system upgrade include a radio flash for software compatibility, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for fine-tuning, and speaker sensitivity to ensure system efficiency.

Thinking about getting a new head unit for your Harley? Maybe your old one is busted, or you just want an upgrade. You might be wondering if you also need to change your amp and speakers. You don’t have to, but it can be a great idea if you want to bring out the maximum capabilities of your Harley’s sound system upgrade.

This article will discuss why upgrading your amp and speakers is a smart move when you change your head unit.

Why You Should Upgrade Your Amp & Speakers When Changing Head Units

Changing your head unit is a big step, but pairing it with new amps and speakers can make a huge difference in your audio quality. Here are some reasons to consider the full upgrade.

1. To Get a Better Sound Quality

A new head unit can send a cleaner, stronger signal to your audio system. Meanwhile, old amps and speakers might not be able to handle this improved signal. Upgrading them allows you to hear the full benefits of your new head unit. The result is a much clearer, fuller sound that makes your music more enjoyable.

2. To Match Your Head Unit’s Output

A new head unit might be more powerful than your old one. Your old amp might not be able to handle the new signal properly, leading to distortion or even damage. Matching your amp’s gain to the head unit is crucial for preventing distortion and getting the best audio performance.

3. For Better Power Handling

Stock speakers are often designed for low power. A new head unit and amp can be more powerful, which could damage your old speakers. Upgrading to speakers that can handle more power will give you a louder and clearer sound without the risk of blowing them out. You can turn up the volume and still have clean audio.

4. For a More Modern Setup

Audio technology has come a long way. Modern amps and speakers are smaller, more efficient, and offer better sound quality than older models. Upgrading everything at once gives you a completely modern audio setup that’s built to last and perform well.

5. For Overall System Balance

A high-quality head unit paired with old, low-quality speakers and an amp creates an unbalanced system. The weakest part of your system will limit the performance of the entire setup. Upgrading all the components together ensures everything works in harmony, from the head unit to the speakers.

Reasons That Might Be Holding You Back

It’s normal to have some doubts about doing a full sound system upgrade. So, we’re here to help dispel some of your concerns and provide you with reasons why a full upgrade can still be a good idea.

1. The Cost of a Full Upgrade

While upgrading everything at once is a bigger investment upfront, it can potentially still be a cost-effective decision in the long run. 

When you upgrade your amps and speakers alongside your heat unit, you can avoid paying for labor multiple times. You also won’t have to buy a new part later when your old one fails. A complete system upgrade is designed to work together and will last longer, making it a worthy investment.

We could also arrange flexible payment terms when you purchase your aftermarket Harley sound system at Lifestyle Cycles, which allows you to go for a full upgrade without breaking the bank.

2. My Old Speakers and Amp Are Still Working

Just because they work doesn’t mean they are working well. Old speakers can get damaged from vibration and age, which hurts the sound quality. Your new head unit can only perform as well as the weakest part of your system. A full upgrade ensures you get the full value from your new head unit.

3. The Installation is Too Complicated

We understand that it can feel daunting to do a full system upgrade because a full system installation is more complex than a simple head unit swap. However, getting it all done at once means you only have to go through the process one time. 

The good news is that you may leave the installation to our experienced technicians at Lifestyle Cycles. Visit us at our shop and get the peace of mind that the full system installation is done right the first time.

4. It will Change the Look of my Bike

Many modern audio components, including amps and speakers, are specifically designed to fit discreetly. We can help you find products from brands like Cicada Audio and Soundstream that fit your bike perfectly. You can get superior sound without changing your bike’s style.

5. I Don’t Need the Best Sound

You might need the loudest sound system, but a clean, clear sound makes riding more enjoyable. A full upgrade prevents distortion and damage while giving you a better listening experience at any volume.

And most importantly, trust us when we say that a sound system that is loud and with a clean, crisp sound really pumps up the mood! It especially does wonders during long rides.

Other Important Considerations for Harley Sound System Upgrades

When you upgrade your Harley’s sound system, there are a few other things to keep in mind to get the best results. Here are some of them:

• Radio Flash: A radio flash is a software update for your head unit that changes its settings to work better with aftermarket amps and speakers. It’s a necessary step for many upgrades. It tells your head unit what kind of audio components it’s now working with.
• Digital Signal Processor (DSP): A DSP gives you full control over your audio signal. It can be used to tune your system and get the best possible sound from your speakers. It helps to correct for the unique audio environment of a motorcycle.
• Speaker Sensitivity: Speaker sensitivity is a measure of how loud a speaker is with a given amount of power. Speakers with higher sensitivity require less power from your amp to get loud. Choosing speakers with high sensitivity can make your system more efficient.

Experience Superior Sound Quality During Your Rides With Lifestyle Cycles

A simple sound system upgrade can dramatically improve your motorcycle rides. Choosing the right components and having them installed correctly makes all the difference. 

At Lifestyle Cycle, we’re committed to providing you with high-quality Harley sound system upgrades. Our team knows how to get the most out of trusted brands like Diamond Audio and Aquatic AV. We can also help you pick the right components and ensure that they’re installed properly. 

Stop by our shop or browse online to look for the parts for an upgrade that could perfectly show your unique style and enhance your riding experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Harley Sound System Upgrade

1. How important is it to match my amp’s gain to the new head unit?

Matching your amp’s gain to the head unit is very important. Failing to do so can lead to distortion and may even damage your new speakers. It’s a crucial step for achieving the best audio performance.

2. Do I have to replace my amp and speakers when I get a new head unit?

You don’t have to, but it’s highly recommended. Your old amp and speakers may not be able to handle the cleaner, more powerful signal from a new head unit. Upgrading all the components at once ensures you get the best sound quality and system balance.

3. Will a new sound system change the look of my Harley?

Many modern audio components, including amps and speakers, are designed to fit discreetly. You can find products that fit perfectly and provide superior sound without altering your bike’s style.