Ark :D
Goblin Guru
I was thinking about audio options for the Goblin this morning and thought it might be nice to have a focal point on the forum (this thread) where we can lay out our audio options and discuss pros/cons, and maybe give each other some ideas.
Through my late teens and 20's, I was pretty into car audio solutions. I did installs for myself, friends, and clients, ranging from very simple, to more custom and complex setups. I was personally never interested in winning an SPL competition, though I did a few big installs like that for friends and clients. With that said, a few things:
MTX Audio MUDSYS31, 41, or 46
Links:
MTX MUDSYS31
MTX MUDSYS41
MTX MUDSYS46
This series of "sound bars" is more like a fully-featured head unit/amp/speaker solution for ATV's. It is Bluetooth-ready, has AM/FM radio, and AUX IN. The only functional difference between these three systems is the width of the roll bars/cage supported by each one. This setup would be great for a track frame; since I do not have a track frame, I don't know the width of the halo and thus, cannot say which one of the above models would be appropriate. Having a city frame myself, and I'd love to adapt one of these systems to mount behind the seats on the overhead roll bar, but I don't think it's possible without fabricating a new mounting system.
This would be my first choice, because it has four total 6.5" two-way speakers and would probably produce the best sound of this bunch. Anyone have any thoughts on a way to get this unit mounted to the roll bar? I'd love a 3D-printable STL file!
Pros:
MTX Audio MUD6SPBT
Link:
MTX MUD6SPBT
This is a smaller version of option #1, and less feature-rich. The amp is weaker, and the speakers are smaller, but the mounting system looks perfect for us city frame folks. It retains the Bluetooth connectivity option #1 has, so it's still fine for those of us that have no plans to install a custom dash or aftermarket head unit. This is my second choice, because I don't think this bar will be able to provide the level of sound quality that option #1 can, but should be a breeze to install without any custom mounting.
Pros:
Kenwood KAC-M1824BT 4-channel amp and Kicker 40PSM34
Links:
Kenwood KAC-M1824BT
Kicker 40PSM34
I liked this option a lot originally, because it would be well-hidden and less obvious of a target for theft. Since the amp is 4-channel, you can add a second set of Kicker speakers later if you desire, perhaps clamped to the roll bar.
Pros:
Bazooka BTA6250D 6" bass tube (or BT6014 if you go with an option like #3)
Link:
Bazooka BTA6250D
Bazooka BT6014
I like the idea of adding an external subwoofer to these cars, but for guys without the extended frame, it would be difficult. I have yet to check into whether this would work in terms of dimensions of the tubes vs. the available space above the fuel tank, but I do think it would fit.
The first link (the BTA6250D) is a self-amplified version while the second link (the BT6014) is non-amplified and would need external power amplification. You would want to use the BTA6250D with a sound-bar-style system like options #1 and #2, while you would want to use the BT6014 with a separate amp/speaker system like option #3.
Pros:
Through my late teens and 20's, I was pretty into car audio solutions. I did installs for myself, friends, and clients, ranging from very simple, to more custom and complex setups. I was personally never interested in winning an SPL competition, though I did a few big installs like that for friends and clients. With that said, a few things:
- I won't be looking at big subwoofer setups for my Goblin. I'm a standard frame, so barely any room behind the seats. With this being an open-air car, it would be tough to make it work as well as a more traditional, closed-cabin vehicle.
- I've come to trust a certain subset of brands that deliver what is, to me, quality sound. For that reason, I won't be recommending any Boss Audio, Pyle, etc. setups here.
- Some of us can fab metal, but I suspect more of us cannot. While I would love to go with a full-on DIN head-unit, I can't/won't be designing a custom dash and therefore will be looking at options that will work without that.
MTX Audio MUDSYS31, 41, or 46
Links:
MTX MUDSYS31
MTX MUDSYS41
MTX MUDSYS46
This series of "sound bars" is more like a fully-featured head unit/amp/speaker solution for ATV's. It is Bluetooth-ready, has AM/FM radio, and AUX IN. The only functional difference between these three systems is the width of the roll bars/cage supported by each one. This setup would be great for a track frame; since I do not have a track frame, I don't know the width of the halo and thus, cannot say which one of the above models would be appropriate. Having a city frame myself, and I'd love to adapt one of these systems to mount behind the seats on the overhead roll bar, but I don't think it's possible without fabricating a new mounting system.
This would be my first choice, because it has four total 6.5" two-way speakers and would probably produce the best sound of this bunch. Anyone have any thoughts on a way to get this unit mounted to the roll bar? I'd love a 3D-printable STL file!
Pros:
- Potentially the best sound of the bunch
- One-piece system, easiest setup
- Won't fit city frames properly without custom mounts
- Within plain view (so easy to identify and steal)
MTX Audio MUD6SPBT
Link:
MTX MUD6SPBT
This is a smaller version of option #1, and less feature-rich. The amp is weaker, and the speakers are smaller, but the mounting system looks perfect for us city frame folks. It retains the Bluetooth connectivity option #1 has, so it's still fine for those of us that have no plans to install a custom dash or aftermarket head unit. This is my second choice, because I don't think this bar will be able to provide the level of sound quality that option #1 can, but should be a breeze to install without any custom mounting.
Pros:
- One-piece system, easiest setup
- Appears to be a perfect fit for city frames
- Less features (no AM/FM radio, dome light, etc)
- Potentially less sound quality/output, compared to option 1
- Within plain view (so easy to identify and steal)
Kenwood KAC-M1824BT 4-channel amp and Kicker 40PSM34
Links:
Kenwood KAC-M1824BT
Kicker 40PSM34
I liked this option a lot originally, because it would be well-hidden and less obvious of a target for theft. Since the amp is 4-channel, you can add a second set of Kicker speakers later if you desire, perhaps clamped to the roll bar.
Pros:
- Will work equally fine in a city or track frame
- Easily expanded with a second set of speakers, later
- Not easily spotted, so less potential for theft
- Less features than any of the above options
- More difficult/complicated to install, since it is multiple pieces
- Potentially less sound quality/output than option #1, though should be better/equal to option #2
Bazooka BTA6250D 6" bass tube (or BT6014 if you go with an option like #3)
Link:
Bazooka BTA6250D
Bazooka BT6014
I like the idea of adding an external subwoofer to these cars, but for guys without the extended frame, it would be difficult. I have yet to check into whether this would work in terms of dimensions of the tubes vs. the available space above the fuel tank, but I do think it would fit.
The first link (the BTA6250D) is a self-amplified version while the second link (the BT6014) is non-amplified and would need external power amplification. You would want to use the BTA6250D with a sound-bar-style system like options #1 and #2, while you would want to use the BT6014 with a separate amp/speaker system like option #3.
Pros:
- Would add some level of bass to any of the above options
- While still visible to the outside world, it is still somewhat hidden and theft of this tube would be a pain in the butt and probably not worth the risk to interested parties
- Durability concerns: would the tube hold up to the engine heat?
- Fitment concerns: does it actually fit above the fuel tank? How would you mount it?
- Sound quality concerns: open-air car ... would it actually sound decent?
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