A client from Midlothian dropped by Extreme Audio to pick up some 2017 Polaris Ranger RZR audio system components he had purchased through JL Audio’s website. Extreme Audio happened to be close to where the client lived, so when we saw the order come through, we invited him to the shop to pick up the parts rather than pay for shipping. Once he was here, he decided to upgrade the system a little more and have us complete the installation for him.
Polaris RZR Audio System Source Unit
The audio system is based on JL Audio’s MBT-CRX Bluetooth controller/receiver. We mounted the control in the dash of the RZR to the right of the of the speedometer. The MBT-CRX uses the Bluetooth V4 and the A2DP protocol with aptX to stream music from the client’s smartphone. The tracking and pause buttons on the unit use the AVRCP protocol to send control commands back to the phone.
While we were working in the dash, we added a pair of weather-resistant illuminated pushbuttons to the dash. We’ll explain their function later.
Power Delivery and System Amplifiers
The client had a plan to install an awesome audio system in his Ranger even before he took delivery. As part of the project, he upgraded the vehicle with an Odyssey PC1200 AGM battery to run the factory electrical system and starter and added a PC925 battery that would be dedicated to the audio system. The batteries are isolated from each other when the vehicle isn’t running so he’ll never be left stranded with a dead starting battery. A True Amalgamated UTV-SBI-15 isolator handles switching.
The client chose a pair of JL Audio MX-Series amps to power his new audio system. We created an ABS plastic amp rack that mounts securely under the hood of the vehicle. An MX500/4 amplifier powers the front and rear speakers while an MX300/1 powers the system subwoofer. We installed a pair of stainless steel bolts to the mounting bracket to serve as power distribution posts for the amplifiers, battery connections and source unit.
The upper switch we added to the dash controls power to the MBT-CRX receiver. With the dual-battery system, the client can operate the audio system independently of the rest of the vehicle.
JL Audio Stealthbox Speaker Upgrades
The client chose JL Audio speakers for this Polaris RZR audio system – specifically, the JL Audio Stealthbox front speaker pods for 2014 and newer Polaris RZR 4 900, 900XC, XP 1000 and XP4 1000 vehicles. The fiberglass enclosures mount in each kick panel and are located off the floor, so they are out of harm’s way. Each enclosure is home to an MX650-CCX-SGTLD-B 6.5-inch marine-grade coaxial speaker. The sport series grilles include blue LED illumination to add a little extra style to the installation.
The client chose a set of JL Audio PS650-VeX-SG-TMB-LDB VeX Series rear speaker pods for the RZR. The compact VeX Pods include matching 6.5-inch coaxial speakers and also include blue LED illumination. We ordered a set of swivel-style mounting brackets to secure the pods to the rear roll bar brackets.
The second switch on the dash controls the LED illumination for the speakers.
Polaris RZR Subwoofer System
Rounding out the audio system upgrade is a JL Audio SB-POL-RZG2R/10TW3 subwoofer enclosure system that is designed specifically for 2014 and newer Polaris RZR 4 900, 900XC, XP 1000 and XP4 1000 vehicles. The weatherproof fiberglass enclosure features a forward-firing 10TW3-D4 subwoofer and mounts behind the rear firewall. JL includes a grille that replaces the center access panel in the rear firewall.
RZR Sound System Tuning
The last step of the installation process was to configure the crossover and sensitivity controls on the amplifiers to ensure the sound system would perform to the expectations of the client. With the installation complete, the client returned to Extreme Audio to hear his Polaris RZR audio system for the first time. He loved the way it sounds and was very impressed with the installation. If you are in the Richmond area and are looking for an audio system for your side-by-side, drop by our store in Mechanicsville or Midlothian and speak with a member of our sales team. You can also reach us by e-mail using the contact page on our website.
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