SounDigital Amp issues, Common Ground noise that SoundStream has concurred in their Harley Radios!

[@vonmcmullen619]

Love my HD14Si: Thank you Jay for keeping customers and viewers Informed and updated with changes!Volunteer Audio!! 💪🏾

[@volunteeraudio]

Thank you for watching!

[@danbledsoe7582]

Great video. Thank you guys at Volunteer Audio and Soundstream. Y'all are wonderful. Have a blessed day Jay.

[@volunteeraudio]

Thank you so much!

[@floydkemp3134]

Thanks for the info Jay, you always keep us informed on technical issues!

[@volunteeraudio]

Thank you for watching!

[@Kenn1969]

Great video Jay!! I love when you get into the technical side of things! God Bless!!

[@volunteeraudio]

Thank you Ken! God bless!

[@HvyMetal4Ever]

Just got my Si on Wednesday. I cannot wait to install it this weekend. I'm looking forward to the difference with the rest of my stage IV.

[@volunteeraudio]

Thank you!

[@Mike_Oliver55]

It’s crazy how much better the SI is over the factory flashed radio.

[@volunteeraudio]

@@Mike_Oliver55 it is audibly better in sound and then it’s faster too

[@HvyMetal4Ever]

@@Mike_Oliver55that’s what I’ve been told. Faster boot nd actual tunable eq More data from the bike Let the good times roll!

[@King-ChiTown]

I had an noise issue after a few weeks and tried all kind of trouble shooting , check batteries connections ,etc. Fix was unplug main radio harness and replug it back in.

[@volunteeraudio]

This was a software noise from changing filters in the eq and causing a loop, simply do a reset on the radio menu if this occurs and it will fix it without disconnecting the radio

[@BT-ih6kr]

as always Jay, good information

[@volunteeraudio]

Thank you

[@Huntan1]

Also - I installed the ThunderMax ECM and I need TMax to fix the relationship between their tuner and the maestro so I can see all my gauges again :)

[@volunteeraudio]

I agree

[@sherminl1284]

I noticed first part you took ur mic to your hand and put it close to the speakers, then second part you just leaned over about 2feet from the speakers. I'd be interested what the sound sounds like doing the second part exactly like the first part.

[@volunteeraudio]

I was unsure how loud the problem would sound so I did move my mic, but because I had no issue after radio swap I had no need to move the mic as I could not hear any noise

[@cliffproulx5940]

First I’d like to say this was a good video on explaining the noise issue. But I would have to agree with @sherminl1284 a that you should have moved your mic to the speaker the same way you did on the first part. I see you replied that you did not feel the need to do that for the second part as you did not hear any noise. For the first part I could not hear the noise until you moved your mic to the speaker. So It would have been nice to hear what the noise sounded like with your mic placed up to the speaker in the second part as well.

[@volunteeraudio]

@@cliffproulx5940 there was no noise after

[@skippyg4]

I had one of the issues with the first radios and VA had me swapped out in no time.

[@volunteeraudio]

Thank you!

[@flatlinerflashify]

I purchased mine this past summer and have the same noise issue. I take it that mine doesn't have the new board in it.

[@volunteeraudio]

Go high level input

[@TonyDL]

Good to see you dive a little deeper into why you don't like SounDigital amps. I was hoping to see some proof on a scope or other tester showing the distortion you are talking about with these amps. To me, they have very similar specs as other name brand amps. So where does the distortion come into play? Any chance you can do a comparo of SounDigital vs Hertz?

[@volunteeraudio]

I’m doing an install currently for a customer that is on his 3rd soundigital amp that has failed, we are upgrading him to a hertz amplifier so he can no longer worry about perpetual failures. Soundigital only warranties their amp for 1 year and hertz covers theirs for 3. There are many factors that come to play when choosing an amplifiers and we see all the problems on a regular basis with soundigital. I can’t have someone drive from California or Canada for an install and use an amp I know will likely fail within a year

[@TonyDL]

@@volunteeraudio Thanks for explaining Jay. I completely understand your thoughts on failures and why you choose not to use them. What I don't understand is the distortion you mention regarding SounDigital amps. Can you clarify what you're stating about the excessive distortion or other artifacts that negatively affect sound quality?

[@volunteeraudio]

@@TonyDL to get there rated power you must test one channel and you will get the rated power at about 30 percent distortion, where as the industry standard is less than 1 percent, with the tools I own I can not show distortion in this manner but I have friends in the industry that posses these tools but chose not to burn bridges as most move from company to company for work

[@TonyDL]

@@volunteeraudio Thanks for your input Jay. I guess it will remain a mystery... so many advocates for SounDigital amps on Harleys out there touting their small size and good power output at a reasonable price. I would love to see someone demonstrate the distortion you refer to. I am using their 400.2 EVOX amp driving a pair of Hertz SX165 Neo's and it sounds good but not great and I have no way of knowing where the weak link might be. I trust your experience and appreciate your input!

[@frederickhodgens5392]

Is this technology also in the 98-13 SG radio as I use soundigtal have installed my radio yet but will be soon

[@volunteeraudio]

Yes the hdhu9813sg has the new board also, when available we still recommend high level inputs be used when possible

[@LoboLoco67]

I just purchased a HD14+ in December ’23 and planned on getting a SD 800.4. Should I look for a different amp? You mentioned the update to the Si but wondering if it’s fixed in the newer 14+ as well. TIA

[@volunteeraudio]

I never suggest using SoundDigital Amps, we have much higher quality amps available

[@arnoldali7911]

So how do you get rid of it without changing radio. I have an older pioneer and just added an older evox and have this issue? thanks

[@volunteeraudio]

If your amp does not have high level inputs there is no fix

[@randallpyles6656]

Will Soundstream have a update coming soon that I can use my iPod classic because I have a lot of music stored on it that I can play because it won’t recognize my older iPod

[@volunteeraudio]

No, apple is who blocks the old iPods, any CarPlay capable radio will not support iPod, move the music to an iPhone to use the music in apple CarPlay

[@RobSilva-uy6ys]

Did they also make changes to the 14+ board for the ground noise ? I just ordered mines last week from your site

[@volunteeraudio]

No the 14+ is being discontinued so the board was not updated

[@RobSilva-uy6ys]

@@volunteeraudio thank you for the response. I am running 2 4 channel amps would it be ok to do the hi level input like you mentioned on both amps? Would I just jump from one plug to the other?

[@PkwyDrive13]

I have 6.5 gt in 2018 rgs with SD 400.4 and have a constant static noise. Can’t figure it out, already ran hi level input to amp. Also sounds horrible and needs flashed

[@volunteeraudio]

There are many factors to having noise, the sd amps have a high floor noise / static already but flash your radio first, if it is still there after flash and proper amp adjustment replace the amp

[@Agh-s7z]

Hey there I placed an order with you 2 days ago and still waiting for the shipping

[@volunteeraudio]

Ok, you can call 1-844-30AUDIO to check order status, thank you

[@Skully724ya]

How do I know if I gave the newer board on my si model?

[@volunteeraudio]

When did you purchase it and from what dealer?

[@Skully724ya]

@@volunteeraudio last year volunteer audio.

[@RealStevenBanks]

When do you think the V2 will be available? Great video.

[@volunteeraudio]

We will be release more info in the next few weeks with preorder launch and ship dates

[@moemoney1353]

I got the 14+ about 7 months ago, with the 800.4 sound digital amp is the only way to get rid of the noise is to upgrade to the si?

[@volunteeraudio]

Use the high level inputs of your amp instead of rca, this is always the best way

[@MoBetta_The_Deciple]

So in watching this video which was very informative on the problem it didn’t say exactly how to fix it other than purchasing a new radio or finding another amplifier. I have a Sound Digital Evo 800.4 and purchased a Sound stream reserve RG9813. The 800.4 doesn’t have high input connectors just RCA inputs. But when I turn it on I have a high pitched static sound that drive me bananas. Is there a way to fix this problem without having to buy new components? Thanks

[@volunteeraudio]

So the 800.4 evox2 has high level inputs but sometime people purchase a cheaper version that was meant for the Brazilian market. You can use a set of line output converters and it will stop the shorting issue, I don’t like this solution either and even with a proper install your amp may make terrible noises just because you have the lowest quality version of their amplifier. I would highly suggest a better amplifier. I have a bike i’m working on today that has had 3 sound digital amplifiers fail and he is finally over the garbage and we are upgrading to a hertz amplifier

[@Realtree1560]

2012 RG with soundstream radio … absolutely love the radio … I’ve got that ground noise/ buzzing even at vol 1 …. Mute it goes away … any suggestions…. I have snakeskin on all power wires and speaker wires are isolated from power wires … please help …. It’s more annoying that anything

[@volunteeraudio]

What amp are you using? Your gains could be too high

[@Realtree1560]

@@volunteeraudio JL audio XD400/4v2 6.5 in front 6x9 in bags

[@volunteeraudio]

@@Realtree1560 for sure run high level into the amplifier, it is likely common ground and the RG radio does not have the updated board yet, only the hdhu14si and hdhu9813sg have the new board so far. Running high level inputs also fixes the problem and I prefer high level over rca on Harley in every install no matter what amp you are using

[@Realtree1560]

@@volunteeraudio will have to try that … still super puzzled when I had Sony xav8000 no buzzing …. But not water proof either so pros and cons

[@volunteeraudio]

@@Realtree1560 Sony sold radios in between common ground and differential ground amps, they also addressed the issue

[@wendalmaxwell9384]

How can I tell if my sound stream stero was made n 2021

[@volunteeraudio]

By serial number, it has a build date on the tag, they did not all have the issue, one of the 6 molds had an issue

[@charlesthomas2586]

Any updates for the 9813 sg

[@volunteeraudio]

Circuit board has been updated on all current radios

[@charlesthomas2586]

@volunteeraudio Thanks j , I'm order one. from. In a. week or so

[@Huntan1]

How do I check to see if my soundstream needs an update?

[@volunteeraudio]

The si radio has no updates

[@wadewms2192]

I have the hdhu14+ unit and the sound digital 800 watt and this is my third amp. Do you have any recommendations on a better amp.

[@volunteeraudio]

The hertz amplifiers are much cleaner and last much longer while still being very powerful, we offer them completely plug n play and preset for your radio

[@wadewms2192]

@@volunteeraudio I’d be interested in a 500 watt. I think a 1000 watt may be to powerful. Would that be available on your site?

[@volunteeraudio]

@@wadewms2192 we offer 1000 watt rms or 600 watt rms on our site

[@MrHillard1979]

Hey Jay, my issue is... i have a 21rg, with the Si radio and hertz 900 amp kit. 4 speakers. Only been installed about 3 weeks ago. Ok, my sound issue is that i can hear my bike cranking sound through my speakers. Sounds pretty horrible. Any suggestions?

[@volunteeraudio]

If voltage drops below 11 volts during crank you will hear a noise as voltage climbs back up to 14 volts, your battery is weak so you hear this noise, you can turn on the amp turn on delay in the settings menu, then start the bike before the radio has sound. If you are listening to the radio and then start the bike you will hear that noise but realistically the sound is for about 1 second and not very loud

[@MrHillard1979]

@volunteeraudio copy that. I'll do that. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't a major issue. You guys rock!! I've recommended you evert time I see someone ask about a radio. I've even done installs for a few people, thanks to your easy videos!! 🙏

[@volunteeraudio]

@@MrHillard1979 thank you so much!

[@timnevitt2993]

i had those noises and put in a inline filter and poof there gone

[@volunteeraudio]

You can use a loc or ground loop isolator and the noise will be better but it does hurt lower bass response

[@derfskittlers6125]

I purposely bought an electra glide with no radio to add this type of set-up.

[@volunteeraudio]

The radio is great, I do suggest buying a better amp than sound digital, we have many great plug n play options at Volunteer Audio

[@extensiveinc2603]

Jay i ordered a hdhu14+ with precision power horn loaded 6.5s for my 17 road glide. they sounded great, however i wanted more. so within a week i ordered the matching 6x9s for the bag lids and the hertz lid kit as i like the look of it better. my question is would the amp settings for the rear channels have been set to match the front channels at the time it was purchased with just the 2 front speakers? the 6x9s sound a bit flat right now

[@volunteeraudio]

Yes they were set even though you bought only 2 speakers, test your polarity

[@extensiveinc2603]

@@volunteeraudio thank you !!!

[@cmazz...]

Waiting for the wireless car play to be built into the radio with Bluetooth connectivity

[@volunteeraudio]

This is called v2, coming soon

[@I_ammm_mojojojo]

Ssooo basically, the solution is an equipment change. not quite the cost effective solution I was looking for.

[@volunteeraudio]

The solution is high level input to your sd amp, newer si radio if your going rca or a higher quality amplifier. We always suggest quality over quantity and with that we will never sell these amplifiers from sound digital, way to much distortion and too high of failure rate on top of crazy ground noise issues due to bad design

[@freedom6919741]

The problems with the radio, not the sound digital amplifier. You should redact this video. Wish I would have known this before I bought the original Soundstream. Why would you make it sound like it is the sound digital app causing the problem?

[@volunteeraudio]

It’s a low quality amp using old common ground tech that causes the issue, the radio has differential rca inputs that work great with most modern amps that use differential inputs. Every major company changed to differential inputs in the 90’s and all the ground loop noise left with common ground amps

[@freedom6919741]

@@volunteeraudio the. Why did they redesign the radio to work with those so called low quality amps?

[@samrotolo7303]

SounDigital Amps I am not impressed. I do not understand how it got so hyped up.

[@volunteeraudio]

I don’t get it either, I think a lot of people are just cheap at all costs

[@supakamario]

not impressed y? I love mine

[@volunteeraudio]

@@RanGer-498 made in china, then relabel in Brazil to get around tariffs

[@supakamario]

@volunteeraudio so. my 1200.(1 or 2 don't remember ) 2 wdxmoto 6.5, 2wdxmoto 8, 2wdx 6x9 fosgate dsp makes my ears hurt at 100mph, at 34, and smd2 says I don't distort til 45..... it's dumb trust me