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Can Am X3 Stereo Buyer's Guides
Rockford Fosgate has released new UTV stereo kits for the Can-Am X3 side by sides. Rockford Fosgate has become the de-facto leader in UTV audio and has continued to build upon its success with product improvements. In 2021, the improvements include more power, easy tuning, and the most obvious, their Color Optix RGB LEDs. We will break down the new kits by stage, tell you what's new, and go over the new technologies used in the different kits.
What’s New?
Subwoofers = Better Subs + Easier Install
The under-the-seat subwoofers that come in the new Can Am X3 stereo kits still feature a down-firing design, but they now come pre-loaded, and they are loaded with better subwoofers than before. The M1 subwoofers that come in X317-STG3 and X317-STG4 use the new M1D2-10B. This subwoofer now handles 300 watts compared with the 200 watts in the prior model. When you step up to X317-STG5 and X317-STG6, the stereo kits include the M2D2-10IB subwoofer. The M2 subwoofers handle up to 400 watts RMS instead of the 200 watts in the last generation.
Before, when you purchased an X317-STAGE3, X317-STAGE4, OR X317-STAGE5, you had to install the subwoofer yourself and make sure you wired it correctly to get the maximum power from the amplifier. Now, the guesswork has been taken out. The amplifiers are plug and play with the harness. Bolt them in, plug them in, and you are good to go. These enclosures allow you to use the full and up and down travel of the seat adjustment.
New Speakers
The X317 STG kits (no vowels) compared to the previous X317 STAGE kits include their new M series speakers. Rockford Fosgate updated and upgraded its element-ready speaker line, and it is now M0, M1, and M2. The grilles are now more of an open-style grille and M1 and M2 now come with Rockford Fosgate's Color Optix RGB LEDs.
Rockford Fosgate M0 Speakers
The Rockford Fosgate M0 speakers are very similar to the previous model, the RM0. The difference is the 6 spoke, open-style grille versus the closed style grille of the RM0. The RM0 speakers are perfect for deck power and the ideal speakers for STG1 and STG2.
Rockford Fosgate M1 Speakers
The Rockford Fosgate M1 speakers and subwoofer are used in the STG3 and STG4 packages. The M1 speakers are very similar to the previous generation RM1 that came in the older UTV kits. The M1 speakers, however, come with Rockford's Color Optix RGB LEDs And they have the 6 spoke, open-style speaker grilles. The big difference is the RGB LEDs and the grilles. The M1 speakers look 100x better than the RM1, in our opinion.
Rockford Fosgate M2 Speakers
The Rockford Fosgate M2 speakers did not just add lights and change the grille compared to the previous Punch PM speakers. The M2 speakers have been re-designed and feature a proprietary material called PXNX for the tweeter. Rockford Fosgate doesn't say much about what PXNX actually is. But, the sensitivity of these tweeters and the power handling are significantly higher than before. The PXNX tweeter delivers the volume, distance, and brightness you expect from an aluminum or titanium tweeter but with the smoothness and musicality of a soft dome tweeter. The M2 speakers included in the STG5 and STG6 kits are next level when compared to the previous speakers. They handle more power. They play louder, and they have RGB LEDs. Also, the M2 speakers come with the iconic stainless steel mesh grilles that distinguish a Rockford marine speaker from all the others. But, if you don't like it, you can remove the stainless mesh for a more standard, 6-spoke, open grille design.
Color Optix RGB LEDs
Rockford Fosgate's Color Optix integrates RGB LEDs into their speakers in a plug-and-play format that hasn't been seen. The speakers have plug harnesses for the RGB LEDs, and when used with their Color Optix RGB controller, it makes installation easy, straightforward, and painless. No cutting, no stripping, no crimping, no soldering. You plug one end of the harness into the PMX-RGB LED controller and the other end of the harness into the speakers. Your connections are made, and you are good to go!
The PMX-RGB LED controller included in STG3, STG4, STG5, and STG6 is controlled using Rockford's Color Optix phone app. When you download the app to your phone, it will connect via Bluetooth to the LED controller. You can then change colors and modes from the app on your phone quickly and easily.
New M5 Amplifiers
The newly released Rockford Fosgate M5 amplifiers are similar to the previous amplifiers, but they are now waterproof with an IPX6 rating. They are not submersible, but they are splash-proof with a water jet. You can hose them down without having to worry. The other game-changer is the tuning switch. The Rockford Fosgate M5 amplifiers are equipped with a "UTV" switch, if you will. Turning the switch into "UTV" mode takes away the need to tune or set any gains, crossovers, or anything. When you set the switch to the appropriate setting, the controls are overwritten with the perfect tune, direct from Rockford's engineers. No tinkering, no nothing. Set it and forget it knowing that your system is optimized.
- M5-800X4 - IPX6 Rated. Kit Mode. More power.
- M5-1500X5 - IPX6 Rated. Kit Mode. More Power.
More Appropriate Head Units
With the older X3 and X3 Stage kits, they came with a PMX-2. Well, for some of the lower-end kits, it made them unnecessarily expensive. If you are installing a pair of speakers and a head unit, you don't need a $300+ head unit. A full-color TFT display is overkill. So, Rockford updated STG1 and STG2 with the lower-cost but still value-packed PMX-1. The PMX-1 has many of the same features as the PMX-2, including AM/FM/WB tuner, Bluetooth, USB, and AUX. The main difference is the screen and the PMX-1 does not have Pandora control as the PMX-2 does.
Updated Wiring Harnesses
Rockford updated the wiring harnesses to work with the new Color Optix RGB LED speakers. The harness includes everything you need to power the LEDs in the speakers and the connections to the PMX-RGB LED controller. Like all of the other Rockford Fosgate stereo packages, the new STG kits are designed to be plug and play and install to factory mounting locations without having to cut or drill.
Horn Loaded Tower Speakers in X317-STG6
For 2021, Rockford Fosgate now offers a STG6 product for both X3 and X3. The STG6 takes the volume of the STG5 to a ridiculous level. Like 19 out of 10. Not just 11 out of 10. The Rockford Fosgate X317-STG6 and X317-STG6 packages come with 8" wake tower speakers with horn-loaded compression drivers. These speakers are insanely loud. Like, make your ears hurt loud!
Horn-loaded compression drivers are the type of tweeters used in pro audio applications. Think concert halls, stadiums, arenas, night clubs. These are the applications where things need to be loud, but on a whole other level than a traditional speaker. The 8" horn-loaded rear speakers are the same speakers used on the top of the loudest wakeboard boats, and these put "Standard" coaxial speakers to shame.
If you want to be as loud as possible, the STG6 is going to deliver.
X3-STG Kit Breakdown
Rockford Fosgate X317-STG1

- Head Unit
- Dash Kit
- Front Speaker Pods
- Front Speakers
- Everything Needed for Installation
What Changed?
Head Unit
The previous model used to come with a PMX-2. It now comes with a PMX-1. What is the difference between them? The screen. The PMX-2 has a full-color LCD display, while the PMX-1 has a simpler, white/black dot matrix LCD display.


Speakers
The X317-STG1 switched the speakers from the RM1652B to M0. The speaker change really makes sense. If you aren't going to add an amplifier, there is no reason to pay up for the improved speakers. The M0 speakers are perfect for deck power. The previous models probably had too much speaker for the head unit. Changing to the M0 allows Rockford Fosgate to make their lower-end product more affordable without sacrificing real-world sound quality.


Recommended For
- Those that want decent sound with an OEM look
- Those that don't travel at high speeds and don't need loud music
- Budget minded X3 owners
Not Recommended For
- Those that want crystal clear sound without distortion
- Those that want some bass
- Those that want RGB LEDs
Rockford Fosgate X317-STG2

- PMX-1 Head Unit
- Dash Kit
- Front Speaker Pods
- M0 Front Speakers
- M0 Rear Cage Mounted Speaker Pods
- Everything Needed for Installation
What Changed?
Head Unit
Like the STG1, the STG2 now comes with a PMX-1 instead of a PMX-2. The X317-STG2 is ideal for the customer that wants both front and rear speakers, but they don't need their stereo to be super loud. If you aren't spending money on the amplifier, no sense paying extra for the head unit when the only difference is the display.


Speakers
The X317-STG2 comes with the M0 speakers like the STG1. These are perfect for deck power and a better option than the previous RM1 when not using an amplifier.


Recommended For
- Those that want decent sound with a 4 seat X3
- Those that don't travel at high speeds and don't need loud music
- Budget minded X3 owners that want a 4 speaker stereo system.
Not Recommended For
- Those that want crystal clear sound without distortion
- Those that want some bass
- Those that want RGB LEDs
Rockford Fosgate X317-STG3

- PMX-2 Head Unit
- Dash Kit
- Front Speaker Pods
- M1 Front Speakers w/ RGB LEDs
- (1) 10" M1 Loaded Subwoofer Enclosure
- Color Optix RGB LED Controller
- M5-800X4 800W 4 Channel Amplifier
- Everything Needed for Installation
What Changed?
Speakers
The M1 speakers are virtually the same as the previous, RM1652B. The main difference is the Color Optix RGB LEDs and the styling of the grille. From a performance standpoint, they are virtually the same.


Amplifier
The M5-800x4 amplifier is very similar to the previous TM400x4ad. The M5 is now IPX6 rated and it has more power at 2 ohms. The TM400x4ad used to give you 100 watts at 2 ohms. The M5-800x4 gives you 200 watts at 2 ohms, ensuring that you're speakers get all of the power they need.


Subwoofer


Subwoofer Enclosure
The X3 under-seat subwoofer enclosure now comes pre-loaded. This makes installation faster and easier. You no longer need to wire the subwoofer to the correct impedance, install it, and make sure there are no air gaps. Instead, you bolt the enclosure down. Connect it with the harness, and you are good to go. The same enclosure works on both the driver and passenger sides, and it allows for full up and down travel for the seat adjustment.


Harness
The harness on the X317-STG3 has been updated. It now includes all of the connections for the amplifier to ensure that they meet the IPX6 rating and it now has the connections for the Color Optix speakers. Like all of the Rockford Fosgate X3 stereo kits, everything is plug and play.
Recommended For
- Those that want a nice stereo system on a budget
- Those that don't want or need rear speakers
- Those that want RGB LEDs at a lower price point
Not Recommended For
- Those that want crystal clear sound without distortion
- Those that want some bass
- Those that want RGB LEDs
Rockford Fosgate X317-STG4

- PMX-2 Head Unit
- Dash Kit
- Front Speaker Pods
- M1 Front Speakers w/ RGB LEDs
- M1 6.5" Cage Mounted Speakers w/ RGB LEDs
- (1) 10" M1 Loaded Subwoofer Enclosure
- Color Optix RGB LED Controller
- M5-800X4 800W 4 Channel Amplifier
- Everything Needed for Installation
What Changed?
Speakers
The M1 speakers are the same as the previous RM1 6.5” speakers, but they now included Rockford’s Color Optix RGB LEDs and they have a 6 spoke, open-style grille.


Amplifier
The M5-800X4 is going to deliver more power to your speakers than the previous model, the TM400X4ad. Also, the M5-800X4 is now IPX6 rated to better withstand moisture. The most significant difference is the UTV specific pre-set switches. With these set to "On," the amplifier bypasses the signal processing controls on the amplifier. It uses the default settings from Rockford, set by the Rockford engineers, to maximize the performance of your X317-STG4 kit.


Subwoofer
The new M1 subwoofer handles more power than the previous model, has Rockford's Color Optix RGB LEDs, and an open-style, 6-spoke grille. The subwoofer also has a selectable switch that allows you to easily switch it from 4 ohms to 1 ohm without wiring the voice coils in series or parallel. However, with this kit, it is crucial you set it at 4 ohms. This ensures you don't cook the amplifier.


Subwoofer Enclosure
The X3 under-seat subwoofer enclosure now comes pre-loaded. This makes installation faster and easier. You no longer need to wire the subwoofer to the correct impedance, install it, and make sure there are no air gaps. Instead, you bolt the enclosure down. Connect it with the harness, and you are good to go. The same enclosure works on both the driver and passenger sides, and it allows for full up and down travel for the seat adjustment.
Harness
The harness on the X317-STG3 has been updated. It now includes all of the connections for the amplifier to ensure that they meet the IPX6 rating and it now has the connections for the Color Optix speakers. The difference between the STG4 harness and the STG3 harness is the add-on harness for the rear tower speakers. The X317-STG4 includes it, the X317-STG3 does not. Like all of the Rockford Fosgate X3 stereo kits, everything is plug and play.
Recommended For
- Those that want the best value among the Rockford X3 stereo kits
- Those that want a complete sound system with 4 speakers and a subwoofer
- Those that want it loud and clear, but don't want to spend for X317-STG5
Not Recommended For
- Those that want the absolute best Rockford stereo system for their X3
- Those that want the best sound quality
- Those that are looking for a budget stereo system for their X3
Rockford Fosgate X317-STG5

- PMX-3 Head Unit
- Dash Kit
- Front Speaker Pods
- M2 Front Speakers w/ RGB LEDs
- M2 6.5" Cage Mounted Speakers w/ RGB LEDs
- (2) M2 10" Pre-Loaded Subwoofer Enclosures
- Color Optix RGB LED Controller
- M5-1500X5ad 1500W 5 Channel Amplifier
- Everything Needed for Installation
What Changed?
Head Unit
Like the X317-STG4, the X317-STG5 comes with the PMX-3 instead of hte PMX-2. The addition of the video input and SiriusXM ready make it ideal for UTVs. You can now listen to your favorite SiriusXM channels when you add a SiriusXM tuner (Sold Separately) and add a backup camera to for a safer and better driving experience when you need to go in reverse.


Speakers
The X317-STG5 comes with the new M2-65B speakers. These speakers are incredible and significantly better than the previous PM2 speakers. The new PXNX tweeter is louder, more efficient, cleaner, and simply sounds better. The M2-65B speakers have Rockford's Color Optix RGB LEDs and come with both the open style, split 6-spoke grilles, and the stainless steel mesh grilles that are iconic to Rockford Fosgate marine.


Amplifier
The M5-1500X5 amplifier is now IPX6 rated with overmolded wiring connections and a cover plate for the controls. Compared to the previous TM1000X5ad, the M5-1500X5 will deliver more power to both the speakers and the subwoofer. The last generation amplifier was rated at 100 watts per channel at 2 ohms with a constant power circuit, and it is now rated at 200 watts per channel at 2 ohms. Rockford has simplified the amplifier tuning process for their UTV kits. Instead of setting the gains and crossovers, it now has pre-sets designed specifically for the UTV STG kits. When you set the pre-set switched to "On," the amplifier bypasses the settings on the amplifier itself. It sets the tone controls to a factory default, tested and optimized by the engineers and product development team at Rockford.


Subwoofer
The new M2D2-10B subwoofer is an clear upgrade over the previous RM110D2B. The old subwoofer was element ready, but it handled half the power of the new M2. When it comes to bass in an open environment like an X3, there's no substitute for power. Before the subwoofer could handle 200 watts. Now, it handles 400 watts and it comes pre-loaded to ensure proper sealing for the best possible response. Typically, the M2 10 inch subwoofers use Rockford's Color Optix RGB LEDs. However, it these applications where teh subwoofer is downfiring, the grille is not used and therefore there are no RGB LEDs. You would never be able to see them so it shouldn't matter.


Subwoofer Enclosure
The X3 under-seat subwoofer enclosure now comes pre-loaded. This makes installation faster and easier. You no longer need to wire the subwoofer to the correct impedance, install it, and make sure there are no air gaps. Instead, you bolt the enclosure down. Connect it with the harness, and you are good to go. The same enclosure works on both the driver and passenger sides, and it allows for full up and down travel for the seat adjustment.
Harness
The harness that comes in the X317-STG5 is the same one used in the X317-STG4 and the X317-STG6. The biggest change is the addition of the Color Optix RGB LED cables and the over-molded connections for the M5 amplifier. The harness is still designed to be plug-and-play. No cutting, splicing, taping, crimping, or other connections are required.
Recommended For
- Those that want an incredible stereo system, but don't need "melt your face off" loud from the rear towers
- Those that want both volume and sound quality
- Those that want the best, but don't care about broadcasting to everyone else with their music
Not Recommended For
- Those that want to be as loud as possible
- Those that want to show off with the best Rockford has to offer
- Budget minded X3 owners
Rockford Fosgate X317-STG6

- PMX-3 Head Unit
- Dash Kit
- Front Speaker Pods
- M2 Front Speakers w/ RGB LEDs
- M2 8" Horn Tweeter Cage Mounted Speakers w/ RGB LEDs
- (2) M2 10" Pre-Loaded Subwoofer Enclosures
- Color Optix RGB LED Controller
- M5-1500X5ad 1500W 5 Channel Amplifier
- Everything Needed for Installation
What Changed?
Head Unit
Like the X317-STG4 and X317-STG5, the X317-STG6 comes with the PMX-3 instead of the PMX-2. The addition of the video input and SiriusXM ready make it ideal for UTVs. You can now listen to your favorite SiriusXM channels when you add a SiriusXM tuner (Sold Separately) and add a backup camera for a safer and better driving experience when you need to go in reverse.


Speakers
Like the X317-STG5, the X317-STG6 comes with the new M2-65B speakers. These speakers are incredible and significantly better than the previous PM2 speakers. The new PXNX tweeter is louder, more efficient, cleaner, and simply sounds better. The M2-65B speakers have Rockford's Color Optix RGB LEDs and come with both the open style, split 6-spoke grilles, and the stainless steel mesh grilles that are iconic to Rockford Fosgate marine.


Amplifier
The M5-1500X5 amplifier is now IPX6 rated with overmolded wiring connections and a cover plate for the controls. Compared to the previous TM1000X5ad, the M5-1500X5 will deliver more power to both the speakers and the subwoofer. The last amplifier was rated at 100 watts per channel at 2 ohms with a constant power circuit, and it is now rated at 200 watts per channel at 2 ohms. Rockford has simplified the amplifier tuning process for their UTV kits. Instead of setting the gains and crossovers, it now has pre-sets designed specifically for the UTV STG kits. When you set the pre-set switch to "On," the amplifier bypasses the amplifier's tone settings. It puts them at the factory default level, which has been tested and optimized by the engineers and product development team at Rockford.


Subwoofer
The X317-STG6 includes two, 10-inch subwoofer enclosures that come pre-loaded with the M2D2-10IB subwoofers. These subwoofers handle twice the power of the old, X3 Stage 5, they are easier to install, and you don't have to worry about making sure the enclosure is sealed up properly. There is no substitute for power for bass response in an X3. With twice the power handling, a downfiring design, and a perfect seal between the subwoofer and the box, you should hear definite improvement in the bass output of your Can-Am.


Harness
The harness that comes in the X317-STG6 is the same one used in the X317-STG4 and the X317-STG5. The biggest change is the addition of the Color Optix RGB LED cables and the overmolded connections for the M5 amplifier. The harness is still designed to be plug-and-play. No cutting, splicing, taping, crimping, or other connections are required.
Tower Speakers
Horn Tweeters = Melt your face off loud.
This is the biggest difference between the X317-STG5 and the X317-STG6. The STG6 comes with 8" M2 horn tweeter, tower speakers. These are melt face-off loud when compared to the 6.5" M2 speakers that come in the X317-STG5. Yes, the 6.5" speakers are lower profile and not as big, but they are also in the minor leagues when it comes to volume. These tower speakers are insanely loud. If you want the best and loudest stereo kit that Rockford Fosgate offers for an X3, this is it. The M2WL-8H tower speakers have both the open style and stainless steel mesh grilles that will allow you to match them to your speakers. The towers have Rockford Fosgate's Color Optix RGB LEDs and will mount to both factory and aftermarket cages. The rear of the tower can features an illuminated, rotating "Diamond R" Rockford Fosgate logo. The logo lights up the same color as the LEDs at the front of the speaker, and both the logo and the speaker can itself can be rotated 360 degrees.


Recommended For
- Those that want the best Rockford stereo system for their X3
- Those that want "Melt your face off" loud
- Those that want to broadcast and have others hear their music
Not Recommended For
- Those that are budget minded
- Those that don't like it loud
- Those that want sound quality over volume