[email protected]! 0
Rockford Fosgate RZR14-STG4 vs RZR14-STG5
{{ display.text }}
Free Shipping*
*Lower 48. Most Orders over $100.
Financing Available
Buy now, Pay later.
Expert Support
Here to Help M-F 8A-4P PST
Shopping Cart
Your cart is currently empty.

Blog

Rockford Fosgate RZR14-STG4 vs RZR14-STG5


The Stage 4 is the most popular RZR stereo kit that Rockford Fosgate offers and probably our "go-to" if you want a high quality stereo system, but Stage 5 and up is just too much. In 2021, Rockford Fosgate updated the RZR14-STG4 stereo package to include their M1-65B speakers, the M1 10 inch subwoofer, and their new M5-800X4 amplifier. In addition, they also upgraded the head unit to the PMX-3, they added their Color Optix RGB LED controller, and they updated the harness to allow you to plug-and-play the RGB LEDs. The most noticeable difference is the speakers with the RGB LEDs. With Rockford Fosgate's Color Optix RGB LEDs, you can control the lights via an app on your phone. Like all of the Rockford RZR stereo kits, everything is designed to be installed without any cutting, splicing, crimping or drilling. The enclosures mount to factory attachment points and the harness is play and play to the head unit, amplifier, speakers, and subwoofer.

The RZR14-STG4 includes the following:
  • PMX-2 Head Unit
  • Dash Kit
  • Front Speaker Pods
  • M1-65B 6.5" Speakers
  • M1 6.5" Mini Tower Speakers with Clamps
  • (1) M1 10" Subwoofer
  • RZR 10" Subwoofer Enclosure
  • M5-800X4 800 Watt 4 Channel Amplifier
  • Color Optix RGB LED Controller
  • Plug & Play Wiring Harness to Connect Everything Together

The RZR14-STG5 would have been the top of the line Rockford stereo kit for RZRs, but Rockford came out with the RZR14-STG6. The RZR14-STG5 now comes with LEDs in the speakers and the subwoofer, and it also includes an upgraded, IPX6 rated amplifier with the M5-1500X5. The big difference between the new and old Stage 5 is the M2 speakers and the M2 subwoofer. The M2-65B speakers not only come with Rockford's Color Optix RGB LEDs, but they now have a new tweeter material, increased power handling, and better efficiency. Simply put, these speakers can take more power, they play louder, and they sound better than the previous versions, PM2652B speakers. The subwoofer in the RZR14-STG5 is the M2D4-10IB which is now a true, marine grade subwoofer and it also has the Color Optix RGB LEDs. The M5-1500X5 amplifier is similar to the old TM1000X5ad amplifier but it is now IPX6 rated (It can get wet, just don't submerge it) and it has "Preset" switches that are specifically designed for these UTV kits. The rear tower speakers use 6.5" M2 speakers and the back of the can now has LEDs that will match the front color and a "Diamond R" Rockford Fosgate logo that can be rotated 360-degress to make sure the logo is straight, regardless of the mounting angle.

The RZR14-STG5 includes the following:
  • PMX-3 Head Unit
  • Dash Kit
  • Front Speaker Pods
  • M2-65B 6.5" Speakers
  • M2 8" Horn Tweeter Tower Speakers with Clamps
  • (1) M2 10" Subwoofer
  • RZR 10" Subwoofer Enclosure
  • M5-1500X5 1500 Watt 5 Channel Amplifier
  • Color Optix RGB LED Controller
  • Plug & Play Wiring Harness to Connect Everything Together
Speakers
RZR14-STG4
M1-65B
75W RMS/300W Peak
1" LCP Dome Tweeter
90dB @ 1W/1M
Open Style Grilles Only
RZR14-STG5
M2-65B
150W RMS/600W Peak
1" PXNX Tweeter
91.8dB @ 1W/1M
Both 6-Spoke and Stainless Mesh Grilles Included

The M1-65B spekaers that come in the RZR14-STG4 are virtually the same speakers than came in the previous generations. The M1-65B speakers have the Color Optix RGB LEDs and an open-style, dual 6-spoke grille. The M1-65B speakers are not offered with the stainless steel, mesh grilles. The power handling, tweeter material, and tweeter size are still the same. The M1-65B handle 75 watts RMS and have a 1" LCP dome tweeter to deliver a crisp, clear, and bright sound profile that will cut through the ambient noise you get while out riding.

The RZR14-STG5 has the new M2-65B speakers. The M2 speakers are a significant upgrade over the M1. Rockford Fosgate completely redesigned their premium marine speaker line and it has a proprietary, new tweeter material they call "PXNX". This new tweeter isn't a soft dome tweeter, but it isn't a hard dome tweeter either. It is designed to give you the volume and brightness you expect from an aluminum or titanium dome tweeter while also delivering the fidelity you would expect from a silk-dome tweeter, giving you the best of both worlds. The M2-65B speakers come with the Color Optix RGB LEDs and they include two styles of grilles. You have the option to use the open-style, dual six-spoke grilles, or you can use the stainless steel mesh grilles that are a symbol for Rockford Fosgate marine. If you like the stainless, go with the stainless. If you don't like the stainless, you can go with the more traditional, open-style marine speaker grilles.

Amplifier
RZR14-STG4
M5-800X4
125W x 4 @ 4 Ohms
200W x 4 @ 2 Ohms
400W x 2 @ 4 Ohms Bridged
UTV Kit Specific Preset Switches
RZR14-STG5
M5-1500X5
125W x 4 + 400W x 1 @ 4 Ohms
200W x 4 + 700W x 1 @ 2 Ohms
400W x 2 + N/A @ 4 Ohms Bridged
UTV Kit Specific Preset Switches

The RZR14-STG4 amplifier is an 800 watt, 4 channel amplifier from Rockford's M5 line. This amp is IPX6 rated which means that you can spray it with a hose and some pressure, but you can't submerge it. The M5-800X4 is very compact yet delivers tons of power. It is rated at 100 watts per channel at 4 ohms, 200 watts per channel at 2 ohms, and 400 watts when bridged. With the RZR14-STG4, the speakers are wired in parallel to a 2 ohm load off of the front channels, and the rear channel is bridged to power the subwoofer. Each speaker gets 100W RMS and the subwoofer gets 400W RMS. One of the new features of the M5-800X4 is the "Preset" switch which is specifically designed for these UTV stereo kits. The Rockford product development and engineering teams determined the optimal settings for these kits to make tuning as simple as possible When you set the M5-800X4 preset switch to on, and select the correct filters, the gains and crossovers are automatically set to ensure you get maximum performance without clipping or distortion.

The RZR14-STG5 comes with the M5-1500X5 amplifier which delivers 125 watts per channel to each speaker at 4 ohms and 600 watts to the subwoofer at 2 ohms. Like the M5-800X4, the M5-1500X5 is also IPX6 rated so that you can hose it down and it comes with the same "Preset" functionality which will allow you to quickly and easily tune the system to the optimal settings. The M5-1500X5 is extremely compact given it's output and doesn't draw a ton of current, making it ideal for a UTV. The M5-1500X5 uses a more traditional wiring setup with the front speakers wired to the front channels, the rear speakers wired to the rear channels, and the subwoofer wired to the subwoofer channel.

Subwoofer
RZR14-STG4
M1D2-10B
300W RMS/1200W Peak
1 Ohm or 4 Ohm Switchable Impedance
6-Spoke Style Grilles Only
RZR14-STG5
M2D4-10IB
400W RMS/1600W Peak
2 Ohm or 8 Ohm Switchable Impedance
Both 6-Spoke and Stainless Mesh Grilles Included

The RZR14-STG4 comes with a 10 inch, M1D2-10B subwoofer. The 10 inch M1 subwoofer offers more power handling than the previous generation and it now has the Color Optix RGB LEDs and an open-style, 6 spoke grille to match the speakers. The M1D2-10B subwoofer has a selectable impedance switch that allows you to quickly and easily set it at either 1 ohm or 4 ohms. With this setup on the RZR14-STG4, you want to make sure you set it at 4 ohms. Since you are bridging the amplifier, you will either cook the amplifier or send it into protect mode if you set it at 1 ohm and try to get more power from it. Don't do it. The single 10", M1 subwoofer will withstand everything nature has to throw at it and will deliver good, decent bass in your RZR. Please keep in mind that bass in an open air vehicle like a RZR is not the same as bass, in a closed environment like a car or truck.

The RZR14-STG5 comes with a 10 inch, M2D4-10IB subwoofer. Like the M1, the M2 subwoofers come with Rockford's Color Optix RGB LEDs and they come with both the open style, 6 spoke grille and the stainless steel mesh grilles. The M2 subwoofers can handle 400 watts RMS and are among the better marine grade subwoofers you can buy. There aren't that many 500W RMS marine subwoofers like there are for cars. The M2 subwoofer is an ideal match for the M5-1500X5 amplifier with some extra power in reserve from the amplifier to ensure that it doesn't distort. Just turn the preset switches to "On" and don't try to get cute with the settings. You will blow the subwoofer. The M2 is going to deliver better bass than the M1, but also remember that it is a UTV and not a car. You don't get the "Cabin Boost" you get with a car or truck in an open-air vehicle like RZR.

Tower Speakers
RZR14-STG4
M1WL-65MB
75W RMS/300W Peak
Illuminited 360-Degree Rotable "Diamond R" Logo on the Back
Only 6-Spoke Grilles Included
RZR14-STG5
M2WL-65MB
150W RMS/600W Peak
Illuminited 360-Degree Rotable "Diamond R" Logo on the Back
Both 6-Spoke and Stainless Mesh Grilles Included

The RZR14-STG4 comes with M1 6.5" speakers in the mini tower cans to match the front speakers. The mini tower cans are ideal for UTVs because they aren't as deep as traditional, boat tower cans. This provides a better appearance than these super-deep cans hanging off the back of your RZR. Like the front speakers, the M1WL-65MB tower speakers are virtually the same as the speakers that were in the previous generations, but there are cosmetic differences. The tower speakers now have the Color Optix RGB LEDs and an open-style 6 spoke grille to match the front speakers. In addition, the rear of the can now illuminates with RGB LEDs to match the color on the front of the speaker and there is a "Diamond R" Rockford Fosgate logo on the back that also lights up. The "Diamond R" logo can spin 360-degrees to make sure that it is the right direction, regardless of the angle that the speaker cans are mounted. The connections for both the speaker wire and the Color Optix RGB LEDs are plug and play and connect on the back of the can while still ensuring that they withstand the elements. The mounting clamps are included and will mount to both factory and aftermarket cages.

The RZR14-STG5 comes M2 speakers, mounted in the same enclosures that are used on the the RZR14-STG4. The M2, 6.5" speakers match the front speakers and also include both grille styles. These tower speakers will mount to both stock and aftermarket cages (1.75" tubing) and they are more compact than traditional boat tower speakers for an improved appearance when installed on a UTV. The RZR14-STG5 tower speakers come with the M2-65B speakers installed in them. These are the same speakers that are used in the front kick pods. The M2-65B speakers handle up to 150 watts RMS and have Color Optix RGB LEDs. In addition to the LEDs on the speaker cone itself, the rear of the tower speakers also lights up to match the front color and has an illuminated, "Diamond R" Rockford Fosgate logo that can be indexed or rotated 360-degrees to the position that you want, regardless of the angle that the speaker is mounted at. The cans that come with the RZR14-STG5 include 360-degree rotating clamps which allow you to aim your speaker pods at the precise angle for the best listening experience, regardless of your roll cage.

Head Unit
PMX-2
AM/FM/WB Tuner
Bluetooth, USB, AUX, Pandora Control
2 Zone Output w/ Selectable Rear/Sub
Not Sirius XM Ready
No Camera Input w/ Reverse Trigger Wire
PMX-3
AM/FM/WB Tuner
Bluetooth, USB, AUX, Pandora Control
2 Zone Output w/ Selectable Rear/Sub
Sirius XM Ready (Tuner Sold Separately)
Camera Input w/ Reverse Trigger Wire

Harness

The wiring harness that is included with the RZR14-STG5 and RZR14-STG6 now has the connections for the Color Optix RGB LEDs and the overmolded connections for the M5-1500X5 amplifier. Everything with these Rockford Fosgate RZR stereo kits is plug and play. You don't need to cut, splice, crimp, solder, or anything like that. The harness works on both 2 and 4 seat vehicles as it is zip tied with a loop. Cut the zip tie for a 4 seater, leave it there for a 2 seater. The rear harness for the tower speakers plugs into the main harness and you don't need to worry about the connections on the cans themselves. There are plug integrated into the cans with the appropriate sealing and covers to ensure that they will withstand the elements.

Price Points
RZR14-STG4
$3099.99
RZR14-STG5
$3999.99

The price difference is all in the speakers and the amplifier. The RZR14-STG5 has the M2 speakers and the more powerful amplifier. It is a pretty significant price jump. In my opinion, if the RZR14-STG5 is in your budget, so is the RZR14-STG6. If you can afford the Stage 5, go with the Stage 6. If the Stage 6 is too much money, just go with the Stage 4.

Our Recommendation

The RZR14-STG4 is the most popular stereo kit for a good reason. The sound quality is going to be great for most people. You don't get crazy bass because of the open air environment, but you still get enough bottom end for true, full-range output. In the previous generation, the Stage 5 wasn't worth it in my opinion other than to show those stainless steel grilles so that those that know, know that you have a Stage 5.

The RZR14-STG5 has the M2 speakers and the better amplifier to just straight-up, sound better than the RZR14-STG4. The M2-65B speakers are significantly better than the previous generation PM2652B speakers. They handle more power, they are more efficient, and the sound quality is significantly better. However, the improvement doesn't come without the price.

Personally, I think the RZR14-STG5 is an "In-betweener". Rockford Fosgate now has a RZR14-STG6 which has the same components of the RZR14-STG5, but instead of the 6.5" cans in the back, it has 8" horn tweeter cans in the back. If you want a great, 5 speaker stereo system with 4 speakers, an amp, and a subwoofer, the RZR14-STG4 is amazing. If you want to show off and step up your game, the RZR14-STG5 will definitely do that, but for $500 more, you get the 8" horn tweeter tower speakers. If it's in between the RZR14-STG4 and the RZR14-STG5, in my opinion, it's really between the RZR14-STG4 and the RZR14-STG6.

Between the RZR14-STG4 and the RZR14-STG6, there is almost a $1500 price difference. You either want to spend the extra money on a stereo system or you don't. There's not much nuance to it. The RZR14-STG6 is on a whole other level compared to the RZR14-STG4, but so is the price point. If you want to go, go big!

Copyright © 2023 SideBySideUTVParts.com. | All Rights Reserved. Not Responsible for Typographical Errors. Pricing Subject to Change without Notice