HARLEY-DAVIDSON BOOM! AUDIO STAGE II vs. ROCKFORD FOSGATE STAGE II KIT | Bagger Audio Showdown

[@davidpaige124]

I've had the Rockford Fosgate stage 2 on my 07 street glide about a year and love it. I had it at a local dealership and the service manager sold someone a Fosgste system over a Boom stage 2 system from letting them hear mine compaired to a boom 2 they had.

[@thanosetsitty1896]

I called my local dealership once I heard the difference and asked the service what type of stage two systems he’s installing on my street glide and was so happy when he said the RF and not the Boom audio. Thank you for making this video.

[@Hhhhhgggihgdd]

My buddy has Rockford stage 3 on his 15 street glide and couldn't notice it being any louder than stock at hwy speeds and yes he had his radio flashed.

[@WalkerTexasplumber]

The RF definitely sounds clearer

[@tax905972]

To bad you don’t have the lower fairings on it

[@j.drolandrolandinvestigati1945]

I got Rockfords on my CVO Electra Glide already, and am surely planning on installing them into my new CVO Road Glide within the next few months.

[@curtisck813]

Wowwww...dope ass video!!!! The Fosgate did sound crisp...cleaner...I can only imagine what it sounds like in person!!! And the price difference, I thought the Fosgate would be higher..wowww..thanks, I got the same bike, vivid black.

[@johnh3306]

Just received my Rockford system yesterday can’t wait to install this weekend on my 09 street glide. Fosgate much clearer I made the right choice. Great video thnx

[@fastgaragedoorrepair6131]

Amazing sounds comparison video 👏 👍 went with rockford today because of this very video and dropped bike off to shop for install.

[@keith27ro]

how much was the install?

[@paullatino1462]

In the process of updating… Your video was a big help

[@pepellopis]

The RF amplifier is always mounted into the saddlebag? You cannot mount it in the fairing or under the tourpak? thanks in advance.

[@CBH238]

Depends on the bike I have a street glide amp fits on top of head unit.

[@poundthatpavement652]

I'm definitely gonna go with the Rockford fosgate when I get my RGS this year! Appreciate the information

[@TAMPAHARLEYGROUP]

Awesome!

[@mikelaz1328]

Pound That Pavement it is cleaner

[@sportwillie8134]

Why did you not test Rockford fosgate stage 3?

[@sheepdoglogic]

HD carry's Rockford Fosgate now, with the HD brand of course... For my 2020 SGS, the two replacement speakers and the amp, less than $1K but with them installing it, a little over.

[@danpell1891]

Can you compare the Soundz Bagger Audio?

[@Ultra1527]

I would like to hear the difference between the HD powered by Rockford vs the Rockford system

[@MrMe1280]

Helped my buddy put the RF kit on his 23 RG sounds great and he says he can actually hear it at highway speed now. Price is a bit crazy but if you want the best you gotta pay

[@jetpilot111]

Great video!

[@TAMPAHARLEYGROUP]

Thanks!

[@diesel11679]

Rockford mids and highs sound cleaner and more forward to me. Thanks for posting. Going this route.

[@TAMPAHARLEYGROUP]

Enjoy!

[@davidrosenblum2178]

Glad I chose the Rockford-Fosgate!

[@timsstereosystems3544]

now do the same thing with a soundz bagger audio set up next to that rockford system

[@PokerFaceEsq]

+1

[@derekb5749]

The only thing I ask and what matters...what sounds better/ clear while riding.

[@Mariodupree]

With the eq set to neutral, yes the RF system has more high end clarity. In my opinion, the Boom Audio has more mid range and low end at the same setting. That’s more valuable to me because I know If you boost the highs it will clean up A LOT! I haven’t played with the RF system but it sounds a bit thin to me. I’d rather have the Boom Audio system.

[@cedric717]

The HD Boom has more bass, Rockford Fosgate is clearer, so it really depends on how you like to listen to your music.

[@detroitsurvivor4989]

Hip hop probably sounds better on the boom. Everything else on RF.

[@gwilkins024]

Great job setting up a great comparison - Well Done! I will be adding an upgrade to my 17 FLHXS. I am guessing you may be a Rockford Fosgate approved retailer. I am looking at Soundz Customz stage 3 - if you have the opportunity I would love to compare that to Boom

[@pastorwilburmedley1124]

Check out John Maxwell's channel he has a video on the soundz system.

[@OamLesPaul]

How about Rockford with Kicker ?

[@bryaneast9813]

I’m happy with my Rockford Fosgate system

[@valdemarguzman2636]

I just got a quote for the Fosgate stage 2 system for a 2021 Street Glide and it came out to 4200 dollars!

[@PROATV13rb]

I have a set if boom audio 6.5s and if you look close where you plug the wires in there is a small rockford fosgate emblem on them!

[@davidazichek5377]

You are correct!

[@marvinr5054]

I didn't hear any mention of having the flash the radio like the boom audio upgrade. Is this plug & Play using high-level input and the factory tune?

[@rbljackson]

Im looking at a 19 road glide special that has the Boom 2 upgrade. Instead of speakers in the saddlebag lids, he bought the enclosed lowers kit (ironically in the Burnt orange) and installed Boom 2 speakers/has his second set of speakers in there. I believe he put the second amp in one of the saddlebags. He does not have any speakers on the lids of the saddlebags though. IF i was interested in adding a third set of Boom 2 speakers, could i add them to the saddlebag lids and use the existing amp in the saddlebag, or would I need a third amp and mount it in the other saddle bag?

[@dmartyair]

Excellent video! I wish I would have only seen it before I got the boom 2 on my streetglide.

[@rodericksaunders5887]

Facts bro... i wish I would've seen this before i installed boom 2! And they cost the same!

[@rodericksaunders5887]

🤦‍♂️

[@cheyennegory6814]

Will the fosgate saddle bag speakers work in the per cut lids

[@superduty131]

I would have to agree. The Rockfords were brighter but the HD Booms were fuller. Coming down to the listeners preference. How about SOUNDZ out of Daytona beach? I have heard great reviews on there stuff.... My 17 RG had the Boom 2 system and I liked it. However for my 19 I'm not sure what to go with.

[@sw00pable]

SOUNDZ are better yet!

[@JPPerformance360]

I have a Rockford fosgate system in my 2017 Streetglide, and I am installing a Soundz amplifier 817 watts and iron 65’s in the fairing and iron 69’s in speaker lids definitely a huge upgrade and I am also running a DSP.....

[@rush48192]

what about the labor cost ?

[@jiggawuhhjiggawho]

First off: This was some dope perfectly edited cut overs between systems. You should DJ on the side lol I’d love to hear this comparison done with songs like Astronaut in the Ocean by Masked Wolf or It’s a Feast by Shawn Anthony. I’m going with the HD9813RG-STAGE2 for now into my ‘08 Road Glide. Thank you.

[@TAMPAHARLEYGROUP]

DJing sounds fun but I think I'll stick to video editing lol thank you - Josh

[@orgullomexicano64]

Hello, I have the RG Limited and would just want to upgrade the speakers without adding an Amp. Stage 2 would work out ok?

[@CrayzJohnny]

Will you be doing another video with the newer harley davidson audio powered by rockford fosgate Stage 2? This has the custom speakers (3-way) and the bag speakers that fit into the Harley bag lids. I'm wondering if you notice a difference with that system? Thanks for this video, Fosgate did sound a lot "cleaner".

[@djmaxxhtx]

It would have been something to also record them while riding down the road. The extra 200W may have come in handy. Until then...Fosgate for the win.

[@RoosterDidIt]

Did you guys do the Rockford Flash, or was this still running the default HD Flash?

[@billdaggett7911]

Sounds like it wasn't flashed. The RF system would sound fuller if it was flashed. The H-D stock DSP settings have exaggerated highs that make their crap speakers sound better but is no good for aftermarket stuff.

[@lvyper876]

I have fosgate now after a boom audio, and i find its WAY cleaner and louder. I'd pay the extra all over again.

[@tax905972]

Rockford needs more bass.

[@thegodkingmanifest]

Outstanding job bro bro

[@sokodad]

My Boom 2 sucks. Have fairing speakers, saddle bag speakers, and tour pack speakers. Have never been able to figure out why speakers cut out or for no reason out of the blue speakers start to distort at low volume even. I think it’s power to amps problem. I’ve had it since my 2017 is new and have hated it. Have had it my local incompetent Harley dealer. Another dealer couple hundred miles away said they’d look at it. I just picked up a 2017 Road Glide I’ll more than likely put Rockford Fosgate on. Been looking for color matched saddle bag lids. I’ve had Rockford Fosgate in my Chevelle since 1990 and still sounds good.

[@lunchbox5072]

What's the price difference between the two?

[@TAMPAHARLEYGROUP]

A full cost breakdown is at the end of the video.

[@tax905972]

it would have helped if you adjusted the bass and tremble. Who listens to the radio with everything flat like that?

[@TAMPAHARLEYGROUP]

I left it all flat so that the interface wasn't changing the characteristics of the sound. I wanted the comparison to be between the different speakers and amps and do that as directly as possible. -Josh

[@tax905972]

@@TAMPAHARLEYGROUP I have the 6 speakers boom2 setup, it sounds much better when the EQ is adjusted.

[@jarmankohlheim6743]

That’s the system I’m going with the Rockford. I would love to hear what the bass sounds like between the two. Thanks

[@dccycler3554]

Great vid. I just ordered a set of Rockford Fosgates.

[@studioward9416]

2019 RGS with the RF kit with the 4 channel 400w. Trying to push 6 speakers, doesn't sound good. I think I am upgrading again. Trying to figure out how to add another amp for the rears and switching to Diamond or Hertz

[@TENN12]

So more tweeters and more power = brighter sound.

[@SpitFire01]

Im glad i switched over to the rockford fosgate. I previously installed a Stage 2 Boom audio Fairing speakers with amp on my Street glide and it was nothing with problems or quality was garbage.

[@tax905972]

I have the 6 speakers 3 amp setup, no problems, just want more adjustments or better speakers.

[@brianingram7441]

2014 cvo ultra limited fhltkse . I have boom stage two factory installed. Rear speaker blown. Does these speakers drop and replace? I have 75 watts per channel do I have to another amp?

[@tobygeorge3653]

I just finished installing Rockford Fosgate HD14U Stage 3 system T on my 2019 FLTRU. my dealer said to complete the install prior to "flash" so I did. now they say they do not perform flash for this Kit. Nonetheless I found a shop that will do it. My question is, the BLUE "amp Turn-On wire" is currently unplugged so that the sound system temporarily works; will this work plugged in after the FLASH ?

[@Rob.D.]

Remember the head unit is boosted 6bd across from 60hz up with the boom system and you should flash the head unit for a flat signal with RF system. Hence the muddy sound vs crisp at volume. I say add a audio control mini amp and a 8 inch sub to take it to the next level, but that's me.

[@jarmankohlheim6743]

I guess you answered my question. I’m getting the Rockford but when I turn up the bass can they hear me coming?

[@markcrook1292]

You forgot the money spent when replacing the blown boom speakers, dealer bought two and after I bought two I shit canned the boom and went with RF. Now I can hear my stereo at highway speeds and don’t even have it turned up half way. Wish I would have fit my Roadglide with Rockford when I bought it new. Rockford Fosgate for the WIN!!!!!

[@user-ng1ol2ny7o]

Rockford Fosgate has the clearer sound and bass. I got mine installed... Stage 3 Rockford Fosgate on my 2018 road glide.. it's freaking awesone

[@LuisRodriguez-rv5lq]

What advice you can give me on what type of speaker/Amp for a Freewheeler 2016...

[@KILGORE24244]

I have a 2010 HD tri glide and I wanted to have a better sound but still able to use my factory deck can u do this with rockford

[@jamessimpson64]

Not sure if it's me but the harley Speakers seem to have more low end bass then the Rockfords do. But the Rockford Speakers seem to be more crisp and better with high notes I think the Rockfords were intended to have a sub and the harley Speakers were ment to sound good even without a sub

[@DamnitDave]

Sound is very similar to me... I tend to stick to MoCo stuff just because it ALWAYS integrates properly Did you find any technical/install preferences with one or the other?

[@TAMPAHARLEYGROUP]

The Fosgate kit was a simpler install so says our techs.

[@Random-bm7ho]

Fosgate all day. When you buy the RF Power Amp they come with a birth sheet with all the testing info and what it actually puts out for power. Mine actually puts out 559 watts but it's advertised at 400.

[@homiesmotorcycletherapy2573]

Question? I already upgraded my front fairing with boom audio stage 2 speakers and amp. Now I want to upgrade my saddle bags with speakers, do I have to stick with Harley boom audio in the saddle bags, or if I wanted to can I do Rockford Fosgate in the rear. Mix the 2 together.. Are they compatible? Will this idea work to save money?

[@shawnmayo556]

how CAN i wire the remote turn on for the amp on a 2011 road glide ultra cvo with a rockford fosgate PMX-HD9813 source unit with a TM400X4ad amp ?

[@FishmacFLTRU]

The Boom2 is just too muddy. Now I think a better test would be to optimize the sound based on preference (turn down the bass, bump the treble if you're into that sorta thing) and run it again. Additionally, anybody have feelings about the J&M Rokker XXR?

[@paivasteveable]

So what would be a good price point of the installation of the RF system/ on a street Glide special asking for a friend .

[@kc2giw]

I think that’s about 2k give or take

[@Mowk86]

Awesome Video! Curious, I see that Harley now sells a Rockford Fosgate system in their catalogue. Is this a bastardized RF system (like General motors with Bose, they pay for the name) or is it a true Rockford Fosgate system? I'd love to see a comparison of the two new system you folks are offering. Thanks a ton!

[@timmoore6074]

is the wiring easier for 2015 tri glides? rockford?

[@prostreetgsxr]

The Rockford Fosgate is definitely the best bang for the buck. I have J&M 700 watt amp and J&M 7.25” up front with rockford Fosgate 6 x 9‘s in the saddle bags. Love it!!

[@adrianoveloso6655]

The Fosgate sounds much better, does it fit street glide 2019? Thanks

[@TAMPAHARLEYGROUP]

RF has kits for most late model H-D's. For your 2019 there's actually a few different kits available based on what you're looking to get out of your system. Give us a call at 888-293-1517 and we'll go through the options with you.

[@azmike3572]

But maybe some of us DO want further adieus! Speakers assume and we're always bypassed! (Smiley here)

[@antoniobrown3219]

Would the Fosgate system (properly/professionally installed) give us ANY warranty or mechanical issues down the road with Harley? I know anything is possible but have you guys had any issues with that? Also, the Fosgate System sounds clearer and more crisp. The Boom II System has a deeper, more full sound. Conclusion: For $900-1000 (installed) price difference, I'll take the Fosgate.

[@TAMPAHARLEYGROUP]

Potentially yes. If you have the kit installed at an H-D Dealer they would be able to walk you through the potential warranty implications.

[@CarlosRodriguez-oq4hq]

Where you can buy the Rockford kit for a ultra classic?

[@TAMPAHARLEYGROUP]

Give us a call - 813-740-9898

[@littlestomper9493]

Call eastern performance you wont pay full retail like you would at the harley stealership

[@caseyjones7750]

How would you set up speakers in the lower fairings? I just bought this set up(4 speakers). How would I make it a 6 speaker system?

[@scwillie]

I had the four speaker set up in front of my 17 RGS. It was load and clear. Once after a long trip my ears were ringing. You could clearly hear the music at any speed.

[@billdaggett7911]

I have the same RF setup with added lower pods/speakers. The fronts are in parallel (same L+ R channel on the amp). You don't gain much volume since the 400w amp is what it is, but you do gain clarity and punch. One thing to remember, Rockford Fosgate uses a true RMS clean power rating (no distortion). They are underrated to allow plenty of clean power. The amp you get will factory test at a much higher rating. Mine tested at 575 watts true RMS.

[@fingers215]

Rockford much clearer but boom ain't bad. Are the Rockford water proof?

[@TAMPAHARLEYGROUP]

They absolutely are.

[@fingers215]

@@TAMPAHARLEYGROUP I know what I'd by than

[@lorentzinvariant7348]

To really emphasize the clarity I would really have liked to hear something that was more musically subtle and less booming Like maybe Eric Clapton unplugged or something like James Taylor’s Fire and rain, our maybe a rock ballad like Poison’s Every rose has its thorn. An alternative to loud and booming Rock and Roll or Hip Hop. I expect with music like that the Rockford Fosgate would really shine.

[@sw00pable]

I've had both and the Rockford Fosgate does sound better!

[@davidazichek5377]

Hands down rockford!

[@gilbertsevdays]

i love rf audio

[@tax905972]

bass is still distorted . It needs better speakers and EQ for midrange adjustments. It also needs lower fairing speakers.

[@cwheremonster8870]

Dumb question: let's assume I have a stage 2 boom system on my RG (front speakers only with the boom installed amp). Could I just swap out the speakers for the Rockford Fosgate someday? I mean will they work with the boom amp? Would I need another "flash"? Anyone out there done such a thing?

[@mrwilljones3015]

I just had my Rockford Fosgate stage 2 install in my 2015 RG special with lid speakers cut in. $800 for installation. I was told that you only have to flash the system is when you’re adding additional speakers.

[@davidsartin5708]

That is not a test. The problem with my 2023 is the radio while riding down the road. It is a total shame that after spending that kind of money on a bike and it has a shit stereo. My 2011 bike had a great radio. Why was it ever changed?

[@tax905972]

boom clearly has more power, but Rockford is more crisp.

[@iabsoriw433]

Why does no one talk about the bass...?

[@jamesfitch1]

I have the Rockford stage 3 kit on my 2020 RG and it sounds pretty hurt not very loud after the flash. In this side by side comparison you can hear just how close they really. Rockford has weak mids and “tinny” highs. Yet the Boom 2 had flatter highs but a richer and fuller sound.

[@brianjohnston2490]

Can Stage II Speakers Be Ran With The Fosgate Amp

[@brianjohnston2490]

I Already Have The Fosgate Amp Installed Still Using Stock Speakers

[@neano62]

R/F ... yeah imo is better than HD's in volume overall clarity, but R/F amps are not as good as others. Hard-Wired amps imo are the difference I hear in ur video comparing hd's to r/f. So if this head unit will warrant two amps do ur research people and buy accordingly. Jm2c

[@neano62]

Hawg Wired not hard wired😬

[@MotoNorseman]

Sometimes “close enough” isn’t close enough.

[@vaughnfontenot4535]

He's a dealer. He can't just rag on harley products... the RF system sounds better in everyway in real life

[@elplebehdsg4060]

HD Boom sucks. Fosgate better in all aspects. Awesome video. 👍

[@davidazichek5377]

It surpassed it!

[@derfskittlers6125]

Power is good but quality speakers make the biggest difference.

[@heritige]

you say the Boom is almost 200 watts more than the rockford...but the rockford 400 amp, is actually rated at 557 watts! "per tech sheet'...

[@306jah]

Fosgate All day

[@jayvee0020]

Rockford is clean!!!!!

[@newyorkhardcore3353]

I don’t hear a difference. Only thing if you have a road king special only Rockford offer a blue tooth set up

[@gixxermoon29]

Mmats only way to go

[@williamcolon5393]

Fosgate

[@anthonyrosati8707]

Can I be completely honest to anyone reading this I'm a stereo junkie I have an insane amount of fire power on my bike 3 audison amps 12 hertz speakers 3 in each bag 6 in my fairing almost 2300 watts 8 inch herts mids in the bag facing the rear tire with 4 st25 tweeters but honestly it's never enough u will grow out of how loud it is every season and want more I guarantee you plus when it comes to bass I feel like it isn't as good as it seems although people put subs inside ur rear bags ur bike will rattle like a tin can ur bag latches will aggravate the he'll out of u I promise therfore I chose to go with mids and not sub bass on the bike and more of highs then lows and at 120mph I can only here radio no wind noise at all so think about what u really want out of a stereo before u start drilling holes in bags and bag lids u will regret it if ur not all in I promise u I'm into my stereo for almost 7300 in product and labor from a shop

[@horsefeathersmcclipclopert5659]

RF definitely has better highs therefore probably translates way better during a ride. (I've no clue what I'm talking about. I drive a Nissan Versa. Lmfao)

[@chromedome4243]

Rockford sounds more clear. Boom audio has much more bass

[@djbigmigulmeyers56ace78]

Me2 in that one