Chester Client Gets Polaris Slingshot Audio System from Extreme Audio

A client from Chester recently visited Extreme Audio in Midlothian to discuss upgrading his 2016.5 Polaris Slingshot audio system. The stock audio system simply didn’t sound good enough or play loudly enough to be audible at highway speed. We looked over the three-wheeled motorcycle and came up with a plan that included better speakers, a subwoofer, dual amplifiers and an upgraded Alpine source unit. The client liked the plan and decided to take advantage of one of our 0% interest financing options to bring it to reality.

Alpine Source Unit Upgrade

The protective cover easily hinges up and slides in, for quick access to the radio.

The Metra dash kit has a tinted cover to protect the radio.

Wireless CarPlay via the Alpine radio lets the client use his smartphone while keeping his eyes on the road.

We disassembled the dash area of the Slingshot to remove the factory source unit and tuner module. The client chose an Alpine iLX-107 multimedia receiver for its wireless Apple CarPlay capabilities. We used one of the new Metra 99-9721 dash kits to install the radio. The 99-9721 includes a tinted splash shield that flips down over the face of the radio to help keep water out. The screen of the radio remains visible through the cover so the client can see the display or backup camera without having to open it.

We added an Axxess AX-SSBACKUP adapter to the installation so that the factory backup camera would work with the new radio. Thanks to an Axxess XSVI-9701-NAV interface, the camera displays automatically when the transmission is in reverse.

As we mentioned, the Alpine iLX-107 includes wireless CarPlay. A WiFi connection between the radio and the client’s iPhone handles all of the communication required to play music and provide navigation information. The client can choose music from his phone or a streaming audio service like Tidal, Pandora, Google Play Music, IHeartRadio or Spotify.

JL Audio Speakers and System Amplifiers

Both Amplifiers were bolted to the factory bracket.

The amplifiers are mounted right behind the top of the radio.

The work required to fit the larger speakers in the pods was well worth it for their increased output.

Tucked in behind the rear seat is the enclosure for the subwoofer system.

JL Audio makes this fiberglass enclosure specifically for the Slingshot.

The front stage speakers in the Slingshot are a set of JL Audio M770-TCX-SG-TB 7.7-inch components. We mounted the speakers in a set of SSV Works SS-F65 front speaker pods. The pods are designed for 6.5-inch components, so they required extensive modifications to make the big 7.7-inch JL Audio speakers fit. After what seemed like hours of grinding and massaging, our team of technicians got the JL Audio midranges to fit into the enclosures.

To provide solid bass response in the Slingshot, we installed a JL Audio SB-POL-SLINGSUBD/10W3v3-2 enclosure behind the driver’s seat in the storage area. This JL Audio Stealthbox is made of fiberglass and is completely water resistant. A JL Audio 10W3A JL Audio 10W3v3-4 subwoofer comes with a steel mesh grille and provides the sub amp with a 2-ohm load.

Speaking of amplifiers, we installed a pair of compact JL Audio MX Series amps behind the radio to power the system. An MX280/4 four-channel amp was wired as a two-channel to provide the front components with an impressive 280 watts of power. An MX300/1 amp delivers up to 300 watts of power to the subwoofer.

We bolted the amps back-to-back around the factory tuner bracket, using stainless steel hardware so that they clamp around the plate. If you look closely, you can see a Scosche EFX power distribution block nestled down in front of the amplifiers. The block splits the 4 AWG wire and allows the power wire pigtails from the amps to connect securely. We applied heat-shrink tubing to all of the electrical connections to help ensure they will remain reliable.

Polaris Slingshot Audio System Tuning

After we installed all the equipment in the Slingshot, it was time to set up the amplifiers. We matched the input sensitivity adjustments to the preamp outputs of the Alpine radio. Next, we set the crossovers on the amplifiers to provide a smooth transition between the subwoofer and the speakers in the front pods.

We had the Slingshot at the shop for a few weeks, but the project only took a few days to complete. Once the weather cooperated, the client returned to Extreme Audio to check out his new system. He loved the way it sounds and was very impressed with how loudly it plays. If you are interested in a Polaris Slingshot audio system upgrade, drop by one of our locations in the Richmond area. Our Mechanicsville and Midlothian locations are open Tuesday through Saturday to serve you. If you can’t drop by, send us an e-mail using our contact form for more information about any of our products or services.