A client from South Chesterfield recently contacted Extreme Audio to discuss the options for adding a stereo system to his new 2019 Yamaha YXZ 1000R SS SE side-by-side. Since the vehicle didn’t come with an audio system, he wanted something that would sound great, play loud and look cool at the same time. After inspecting the vehicle and auditioning several amplifier, speaker and source unit options with him in our store, we proposed a system design that would meet his needs. The client loved the plan and gave us the go-ahead to schedule an appointment.
JL Audio Powersports Speaker Upgrade
The plan for this sporty side-by-side was to install two sets of the new JL Audio M6-Series M6-650X-S-GwGw-I 6.5-inch marine-grade coaxial speakers in the front of the vehicle. These speakers feature JL Audio’s Transflective LED lighting system that illuminates the woofer cone to add some style. Unlike some marine speakers that are just painted car speakers, JL Audio designed the M6 series from the ground up to withstand long-term exposure to the elements. Seals around the base of the woofer cone prevent water, dirt or dust from entering the motor assembly, and UV-resistant materials for the basket, grille and speaker cones ensure that the driver can withstand long-term exposure without fading, yellowing, chalking or cracking.
Because there aren’t many options for speaker mounting solutions for the YXZ, we ordered a set of the Rockford Fosgate RFYXZ-FSE lower and RFYXZ-FSEU upper pods for the vehicle. We removed the speakers that came with the pods to make way for the JL Audio speakers. The pods bolt to the chassis and dash with minimal modifications.
Rockford Fosgate constructs the pods from a fiberglass-reinforced polymer using a compression molding process. The result is a strong and durable enclosure that doesn’t buzz or vibrate when the volume is cranked up. The pods have a gloss-black UV finish that will look great for years and years. The upper pods mount in a similar fashion to side-view mirrors on the outer corners of the dash, and the lower pods mount under the dash just above the footrests.
You may have noticed there’s no roll cage on this YXZ. Fear not: The client had a new cage on order and wanted us to complete the audio installation while he wouldn’t be using the vehicle.
Marine-Grade Powersports Amplifier
Our technicians mounted a JL Audio MX500/4 amplifier just behind the instrument cluster to power the four speakers in the vehicle. This four-channel amp is rated to produce up to 70 watts of power per channel and features an IPX-6 water intrusion specification so even dust, dirt and mud won’t affect its performance or reliability. As you can see, all the wiring to and from the amp is bundled nicely to prevent buzzes and rattles while running down the trails.
Yamaha YXZ Stereo System Upgrade
The last part of the project was to mount a JL Audio MM100s MediaMaster digital media radio in the dash of the Yamaha. Our team created an ABS mounting plate for the radio that bolts into the center of the dash for easy access to all the controls. This radio includes an AM/FM tuner with weather band and a USB port to play digital media files from a USB memory stick or an iPhone. Bluetooth audio streaming with aptX is included and allows for high-quality audio streaming from any smartphone or a compatible portable media player. The 3.5-inch color display makes it easy to see what song is playing and make adjustments to the stereo system.
Richmond’s Powersports Audio Specialists
With all of the audio equipment installed and dialed in, the client returned to Extreme Audio to listen to his new Yamaha YXZ stereo system. He was thrilled with the sound and loved the way the illuminated speakers look in their mounts. If you are interested in upgrading your Yamaha YXZ, Viking or Wolverine side-by-side with a new stereo system or lighting upgrades, drop by our store in Midlothian or Mechanicsville. You can also reach us by phone or by e-mail using our contact page for more information about any of our products or services.
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