If you’ve never shopped for an ATV or UTV stereo system before, it can be hard to know where to start. We’ll give you a quick overview of what you need to know before making a purchase.
Photo by SuperATV
What’s the only thing better than an exciting weekend drive with your buddies? That same ride with a kickass sound system blaring your favorite tunes.
No matter what music you want to listen to, you can get high-quality sound from all kinds of options. Of all the types of audio equipment that you can add to your rig, some of the most popular include:
When you’re looking to get the best sound for your ATV or UTV, consider the wide variety of speakers available. Some speakers are packaged in pairs, some come in sets of four, and others are sold individually. You can also find options that are hardwired or Bluetooth® compatible, depending on your machine and where you want your speakers to be mounted.
Looking for a bit more volume from your speakers? Sound bars are basically like longer, bigger speakers, and since you have a bigger source, your music is louder. They can also contain multiple speakers and most can connect to your phone via Bluetooth. Sound bars come in a wide range of sizes, so if you’re planning on adding one to your ATV or UTV, the best option is one that sounds great and fits your machine.
The receiver and head system is the control center for your audio setup. The receiver takes the signal from your audio source (your phone, for example) and sends it to your speakers. Head units usually feature AM/FM capabilities, USB and/or auxiliary input, and Bluetooth capabilities. It also might have controls that let you adjust the balance of your audio.
A sound system is a full audio setup for your machine. These systems usually come with a receiver, multiple speakers, an amplifier, and cables. Some even include LED lights. Since there are more parts, sound systems are a little trickier to install. You get a more immersive audio experience out of it, though.
Deciding on the right sound setup for your rig can be difficult, especially with all the options that are available. First and foremost, make sure any equipment you add to your machine is going to deliver the right balance of volume, audio quality, and sound mix. Getting this right will let you keep the tunes blasting all ride long. And if you’re looking for some additional guidance for what to look for in audio gear, consider some of the following factors as you search:
Speakers and sound bars can be mounted in different locations, depending on the area you have available on your ATV or UTV. Some are designed to mount to your ATV handlebars, while others can be secured at different spots on your side-by-side’s cage.
Knowing where you want to put your speakers—and knowing the measurements of your machine’s components—can help you figure out which sound system is right for you.
You aren’t riding inside, so your speakers are going to spend a lot of time exposed to all kinds of weather and debris. Make sure whatever sound system you choose is heavy-duty and capable of withstanding water, dirt, sunlight, salt, and other elements. Most ATV and UTV speakers are weather resistant, but there are multiple levels of resistance. Don’t forget to check the materials that make up your system, as some are more durable than others.
Where is your music coming from? If you’re going to plug in your phone via USB or auxiliary cable, make sure the sound system you choose is compatible. If you’d rather go wireless and connect via Bluetooth, make sure your chosen system has the capability to do so. Luckily, most modern sound systems will have all of these options, but it’s still good to double-check and make sure you’re getting what you need.
Getting the sound (and look) just right for your sound system is what truly makes it right for you. If you’re looking for some extras, consider systems that feature subwoofers for an additional punch of bass or one that has LED lights to make sure everyone can hear and see you coming.
The language of sound systems can feel overwhelming, especially if you aren’t familiar with the terms and how they relate to what your sound system is going to sound like.
To make sure you know what you’re getting as you shop for your sound system, get familiar with these words and phrases:
An amplifier is an electronic device used to increase a signal’s power, making it possible to run more speakers. The receiver or head unit of a sound system includes an amplifier, but you may need more power than that depending on how many speakers you want.
The auxiliary (or aux) port is a standard connection point for headphones, speakers, and other types of audio equipment.
Bluetooth is a type of short-range wireless technology that can be used to connect cell phones, tablets, speakers, and other electronic devices. Sound systems with Bluetooth capabilities can connect with most cell phones or tablets without needing wires.
Amplifier output stages are broken down into classes, depending on how power is dissipated. Most ATV and UTV audio amplifiers fall into a Class D category. In the most basic terms, this means the amplifying devices operate like electronic switches, rather than in a linear manner. As a result, Class D amplifiers are more efficient than other types.
This type of speaker incorporates both a tweeter and a woofer (more on these later in this list). Coaxial speakers produce better sound quality than single-cone speakers, while also being more affordable and easier to install than other options.
Some components in a sound system, like the circuit board, might be touted as “conformal coated.” This protective coating “conforms” to the circuit board to protect important electric parts from harsh environments.
The decibel, abbreviated dB, is a unit of measurement that describes the intensity of sound.
This rating indicates how resistant a product is against various elements—think water, dust, and sand. IP stands for “Internal Protection” and the two numbers that follow represent solid and liquid resistance. This IP rating chart can help you decipher what each of those numbers mean.
For example, let’s say you find an ATV or UTV speaker that has an IP67 rating. We can tell that this speaker is protected from total dust ingress and from being submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
A tweeter is a type of loudspeaker that produces high-frequency sounds. If you guessed that the name comes from high-pitched bird sounds, you are correct!
Think of woofers and subwoofers as the opposite of tweeters. These speakers produce sound on the lower end of the audio spectrum, also known as bass. Just like tweeters were named after bird sounds, the name “woofer” comes from—you guessed it—dogs barking. The more you know!
Great news—you’ve found the best sound system in all of existence and it is perfect for your rig. Now, how do you actually get it installed on your machine?
Some speaker setups will only take you a few minutes before you’re hitting the trails with your tunes. Other options, especially full sound systems, will require some extra time and effort to install. A working knowledge of your machine’s electrical system can help during these more complicated jobs, but as long as you have some basic tools, clear instructions, and some determination, anyone should be able to install a sound system.
Already have some aftermarket accessories taking up the space your speakers need to be? Or do you want to create a unique, custom look with your sound system? Check out adding a speaker mount to your setup to give your speakers the space they need.
If you have questions about choosing the right sound system for your ATV or UTV, reach out to us at SuperATV. Our experts are happy to find the answers you’re looking for.
4 Comments
I want to mount a pair of Pyle Marine/UTV speakers in my Ranger but I don’t have a 2″ tube to do that anywhere on the ride. Do you sell a mount bar I can install?
Hey John, I’m not sure how those Pyle speakers mount up, but you could try one of these Assault tube clamps (1/4″-20: https://www.superatv.com/assault-industries-1-4-20-accessory-clamp-ai; M10: https://www.superatv.com/assault-industries-m10-accessory-clamp-ai) or a Pro-Fit clamp (https://www.superatv.com/assault-industries-m10-pro-fit-cage-clamps-fits-polaris-general-ranger-ai). If your Ranger has a tubed frame, you’ll need a 1.75″ clamp.
Not sure if these will attach easily to a Pyle system, but they will attach easily to your frame!
I have a Ds18 sound bar and 2 Ds 18 speakers but on the speakers half of the mount thing us gone can I purchase different clamps to mount them and on the sound bar there is no mouting peices what could I get to mount this
Hi Tina, thanks for reading. We don’t sell the DS18 units, so I can’t answer your question.
If you’re looking for replacement options, we’ve got a ton! https://www.superatv.com/categories/audio