Soundz FAQ: Real Answers

Got questions? You’re not alone—and we’re not here to give you the runaround. Whether you’re curious about installation, warranty coverage, compatibility, or how our systems actually sound on the road, you’ll find the straight answers here.

We built this section for riders. If your question isn’t covered, call us at 605.274.3535.

A

Will the high-output amplifier affect my FM/AM radio reception or cause interference?

Category: Audio Sources
Will the high-output amplifier affect my FM/AM radio reception or cause interference? Yes, it can—but that’s not a defect, it’s physics. Like any powerful Class-D amplifier, Soundz systems can create some electromagnetic interference—especially on bikes using internal or fairing-mounted antennas. We design our systems to minimize EMI—but if you’re sticking with FM or AM, expect some signal degradation. It’s a known trade-off with real performance.

That said, we’ll be blunt: FM, AM, and built-in SiriusXM are terrible sources. They’re heavily compressed, low-resolution, and simply can’t deliver the clarity or dynamic range our systems are built for. If you want your system to shine, start with a clean signal.

Recommended listening methods:

  • 1998–2013 (BOSS BEHDIN98): Use Bluetooth streaming from your phone.
    • iPhone: Max phone volume
    • Android: 1–2 clicks below max to avoid clipping
    • Set BOSS volume to ~75%, then adjust as needed
    • Turn off any EQ, Loudness, or Enhancer settings on your phone and apps
    • Stream from Amazon Music Ultra HD or Apple Music Lossless (source still matters even over Bluetooth)
  • 2014–2023: Use a USB connection from your phone—not Bluetooth.
    • Stream Amazon Music Ultra HD or Apple Music Lossless
    • Make sure in-app quality settings are enabled
    • Turn off Speed Volume in the Boom! radio settings
    • Avoid the built-in SiriusXM tuner—if satellite radio matters, use the SiriusXM app on your phone instead
  • 2024–2025 (Skyline OS): Use USB-C or wireless CarPlay.
    • Same streaming recommendations apply
If you still want FM-style content, use TuneIn, iHeartRadio, or Audacy—they stream traditional stations in far better quality.

We’ve done everything possible on our end to clean up signal paths and suppress interference—but no antenna fix in the world will make FM sound like streamed full resolution audio.

Bottom line: You’ve upgraded your audio. Don’t feed it garbage.
Skip FM. Skip built-in Sirius. Stream clean, high-resolution audio from your phone—and hear what your system can do.