Polaris Slingshot Audio System for Gainesville Client

A repeat client from here in Gainesville recently visited Sound Depot and Performance to inquire about upgrading his 2015 Polaris Slingshot audio system. The factory-installed audio system simply didn’t play loud enough to overcome wind and road noise while he was on the interstate. After inspecting the vehicle and auditioning several speaker solutions for him in our showroom, our team put together a proposal that would give the client the performance he wanted.

The client took advantage of the MESA Money Card financing program we offer to upgrade the system in a single visit. Depending on the amount a client spends, we can typically arrange for 12- to 18-month terms to pay off the upgrade.

JL Audio Speaker Upgrade

The front stage consisted of a JL Audio coaxial speaker and an additional tweeter.

Tucked neatly in the frame, the SSV Works pods take up almost no cabin space.

The extra tweeter we added helps maintain a lively level of high frequency sound, even at highway speeds.

JL Audio offers a wide range of clamps so fitting this roll cage was no problem.

The small size of the VeX pods made them the perfect choice for this Slingshot.

Our crew was able to mount the VeX pods back far enough so they didn’t interfere with driving.

Our plan for the Polaris Slingshot audio system upgrade included two sets of JL Audio speakers and an extra set of tweeters to help overcome wind noise. We started the project by installing a set of SSV Works SS-F65-U front speaker pods. These fiberglass enclosures are designed specifically for the 2016 and 2017 Polaris Slingshot and mount inside the external tubular frame using existing mounting hardware.

We loaded a set of JL Audio MX650-CCX-SG-TB 6.5-inch coaxial speakers into the enclosures and drilled mounting holes for 1-inch JL Audio M10-CT-SG-TB tweeters in the upper corners. As we mentioned, the extra tweeters ensure that the client’s music is audible, even at 70 miles per hour. The fiberglass enclosures fit perfectly around the chassis and provide ample space for the speakers to perform magnificently without taking up much leg room.

For rear speakers, we turned to the JL Audio VeX speaker pods. We mounted a set of PS650-VeX-SG-TMB speaker pods to the roll cage the client had added to his three-wheeler. We mounted the VeX pods between the headrests to ensure all the music is easy to hear. Each pod features 6.5-inch coaxial speaker designed specifically for the air volume the enclosures provide. This optimization helps improve bass output from the relatively small speaker system.

Polaris Slingshot Audio System Amplifier

The speaker wires were covered with loom tubing to protect them.

There was just enough room under the driver’s seat for the JL Audio amplifier.

The stock radio was retained for this audio system.

A key part of ensuring the client would be able to enjoy his music was a suitable amplifier. At our suggestion, the client chose a JL Audio M600/6 six-channel amp to power the system. The amplifier is mounted to the floor of the Slingshot under the driver’s seat. Four AWG power and ground wiring run to the battery in the rear of the Slingshot to provide the juice the amp needs to perform.

We connected the amp to the factory source unit using MESA interconnect cables. The front speakers are wired to the amp in a bridged configuration to provide them with a healthy 200 watts of power. The rear speaker pods are wired in stereo to channels five and six and receive 75 watts of power each. Given the proximity of the rear speakers to the driver and passenger, the extra power to the front speakers balances the system nicely.

Audio System Configuration and Tuning

With the equipment mounted and wired, the last step in this system installation was to configure the amp for the head unit and speakers the client chose. This process is an important part of the installation process and is fundamental to the performance and long-term reliability of the sound system.

The project required about two days of work to complete. Once the Polaris was ready to go, the client returned to Sound Depot and Performance to audition his new stereo system for the first time. He was thrilled with the way it sounded and loved the neat and tidy installation. He was able to crank the volume up without the system distorting – exactly what he needed to listen to his music while on the road.

If you are in the Gainesville area and looking for assistance in upgrading the sound system in your car, truck, boat, motorcycle or powersports vehicle, drop by our store and speak with a member of our sales team. They’d be happy to work with you to design an upgrade that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. For more information about our audio system upgrades and vehicle accessories, give us a call at 352-374-7700 or send us an e-mail using our online contact page. We look forward to assisting you.