Qualitly of stock Interstate Audio

[NighthawkVTX]

Just curious what folks thought of the stock Interstate audio system, and is it easily upgradable?

[gordonv]

Liked it. Saves your stations, then when traveling, you can scan and have the channels to choose from.

The auto volume increase (forgot the word for this) to match your speed.

As for easy of upgrade, it can't be. But you can add an aux input (mp3 player, cell, CD, sat radio, etc) devise for things like that.

Now with the GW, I've seen someone add a car radio onto the front shelter and remove the OEM radio. Wasn't easy. Then none of the factory controls work.

[Jess from VA]

It's OK but hardly Carnegie Hall.  

I have read a score of posts here and elsewhere with people adding amps and/or upgrade speakers (Polk).  It seemed that many were not very happy with the amp (some were), but most thought the better speakers helped some.  For instance the prior owner of my IS had done a big post with pics on adding an amp inside the fairing.  When I went to buy it two years later I asked about it, and he said he was not happy with it and taken it out.  

Whether it's the quality of the amp or the quality of the installation, I do not know.

It may be that the best upgrade to sound quality is helmet speakers or earbuds (the latter may not be legal or safe).

[Steel cowboy]

Let's not forget the I/S has a wired intercom and stereo thru the helmet head phones if you choose that option on the dash. The sound in your helmet I think is great no wind or traffic noise. BUT BE CAUTIOUS. The intercom has its own volume setting. The AWC only works with the fairing speakers. The dash has an option to enhance the sound for stations that are coming in nice and clear. One more thing you have the option to install a C B, not to talk to truckers (but you could) but to talk to another fellow I/S rider or G/W rider.

[Paladin528]

I upgraded the front Speakers with the Polk audio.  Huge difference in sound quality.  Rear speakers are scheduled for winter time and hopefully a Clarion Amp under the tree.

[allanbegg]

In my experiences with the I/S audio system, I completely agree that the system is rather dismal if you use the factory speakers, but is also pretty darn good if you use a wired headset. I have been wearing a helmet mounted J&M headset for years and also have the CB option (which requires the headset mounted microphone) so I rarely use the fairing mounted speakers.

The difference is night and day.

Allan

[The emperor has no clothes]

Let's not forget the I/S has a wired intercom and stereo thru the helmet head phones if you choose that option on the dash. The sound in your helmet I think is great no wind or traffic noise. BUT BE CAUTIOUS. The intercom has its own volume setting. The AWC only works with the fairing speakers. The dash has an option to enhance the sound for stations that are coming in nice and clear. One more thing you have the option to install a C B, not to talk to truckers (but you could) but to talk to another fellow I/S rider or G/W rider.

My AVC works with the headset. In my opinion the sound quality sucks out of the speakers but is good with a headset.

[mark81]

I have found that if i ride with earplugs i can actually hear the radio when I'm at high speeds. Without them i could barely hear above 45mph. I do have a shorter windshield installed by the po which may be causing the horrible wind noise. I also always wear a helmet which does block some of the sound from the radio

[Steel cowboy]

Hey Meathead, last night I tried using my headset and radio and the AVC did not work. It does work with the external speakers.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Hey Meathead, last night I tried using my headset and radio and the AVC did not work. It does work with the external speakers.

I might be mistaken. But it seems when mine is on the volume goes up with the speed. I'm off today (finally), and have to replace tires on our truck. Tomorrow I will do a scientific experiment. 

[wiggydotcom]

I had 2 Interstates and I'd rate the stereo system as abysmal.
The system on the F6b is light years better.

[gordonv]

Hey Meathead, last night I tried using my headset and radio and the AVC did not work. It does work with the external speakers.

I don't believe the AVC goes up when using the headset, not needed. But I've never tried it.

But I pulled out the owners manual, and it doesn't say. Just how to turn it on. But there is a Hi and a Low setting, so maybe you have it on Low?

[cookiedough]

Hey Meathead, last night I tried using my headset and radio and the AVC did not work. It does work with the external speakers.

I don't believe the AVC goes up when using the headset, not needed. But I've never tried it.

But I pulled out the owners manual, and it doesn't say. Just how to turn it on. But there is a Hi and a Low setting, so maybe you have it on Low?

YES,   use the auto volume control (AVC)  on HIGH since on LOW is pretty much useless at hwy. speeds on the I/S with stock speakers.  I had AVC turned off and if so, the stock speakers are pretty much useless even cranking my mp3 player and volume control on left handlebar switch up higher. 

I find AVC on HIgh works pretty well with stock speakers at hwy. speeds with stock I/S windshield.  NOT great, but tolerable, definitely could be better. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Hey Meathead, last night I tried using my headset and radio and the AVC did not work. It does work with the external speakers.

I might be mistaken. But it seems when mine is on the volume goes up with the speed. I'm off today (finally), and have to replace tires on our truck. Tomorrow I will do a scientific experiment. 

Well, I was wrong again. Evidently it was just my imagination that AC/DC got louder with more speed. 

[PharmBoy]

As it comes the audio on the interstate is sure nothing to brag about.  The first thing I did was to "upgrade" to J&M speakers to no avail.  Then I was told to call Kennedy Technology Group in Lawrence, Kansas, tell the lady that answers the phone what I had and what I wanted to accomplish.  I was told that it wouldn't be cheap before I called.  It wasn't and I didn't buy at that time, but called back the next day and bought everything that was recommended.  That was seven years ago and that has been the best money that I have spent on my Interstate.  After the installation was finished I turned it on and was astonished.  My wife promptly appeared in the garage door and the first words out of her mouth were, "That sounds better than the Bose system in my car!"  And it does.  Sometimes out in the shop I'll turn the radio off and play my favorite tunes from the Interstate speakers.  I would imagine that a lot of people will not want to spend that much on a stereo system for a motorcycle, but it has been worth every penny to me...Jim

[Paladin528]

so elaborate... What exactly did they do for all this money?

[PharmBoy]

They sent me all these packages in a nice little box, I installed them as directed by printed instructions, and I have been very pleased.