Where you’ll get around 50-100 watts of power through a stock audio system, an aftermarket side-by-side audio setup from our selection will crank up those rookie numbers by three to four times or even more. But don’t worry: fidelity is just as important as raw power in our selection of side-by-side audio hardware.
The practical difference is night and day. With a proper audio setup, you can actually hear your music clearly at 40 MPH with the windows down. Passengers in rear seats can carry on conversations via intercom systems. Better still, ranchers and property managers report that good audio systems significantly improve employee satisfaction and retention for UTV-based work roles.
Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never set up an aftermarket audio system before. Yes, there are several moving parts, but once you’ve got your bearings, it’s surprisingly simple. Speakers are your starting point. Go with tower speakers to broadcast around your vehicle, or in-cab options (usually mounted on the door or dash) for a more private experience. Subwoofers are always a great option if you want that punchy, rich bass, and you can install them in a surprising number of places.
The next thing you’ll need is an amplifier. The more powerful your speakers, the more powerful your dedicated amp will have to be. Finally, your controller is going to do just that: put you in control of what you play and from where. Piece-by-piece or all-in-one, we’ve got all of the above covered.
Now, this is where we separate generic hardware from UTV-grade audio gear. You don’t have to be a veteran trail shredder to know that UTV electronics are routinely exposed to conditions that would absolutely wreck standard automotive audio gear within weeks, if not days. The steady deluge of water, dust and dirt, the hard impacts and constant vibration, the temperature extremes, you name it: it’s rough out there.
If you want audio hardware that can hang, look for speakers that are fully sealed, and don’t forget solid mounting hardware. Perhaps most importantly, install securely. You don’t want to learn the hard way what happens when water is allowed to pool around the mounting location!
How much power does audio gear consume?
As you might expect, the answer depends on your hardware. Most aftermarket audio gear takes up around 35 amps or so, which shouldn’t require a replacement alternator unless you jump up into higher output levels.
Will I have to drill holes to install tower speakers?
You sure won’t! Welcome to clamp-on mounting.
Can waterproof speakers actually go underwater?
It’s definitely not a good idea for a prolonged period of time, but waterproof speakers can handle a few seconds (like when crossing through water).