[Rocketsled]

I replaced the rear speakers (thanks to the forum) a few weeks back, and will replace the fronts while I take the tupperwear off for the 36k service in a few weeks.

Do I have to worry about blowing the speakers? At 80 mph, on a windy day, it seems like I've gotta REALLY turn the volume up to hear the radio...like puke your speaker's guts out loud.

Is the radio designed for 50 mph cruising, or is it something I can set and get loud enough to hear in all conditions?

 

[Sit]

Don't really know the answer to your question, but I know on my 05, once sound is set, I don't have to mess with it later, regardless of speed. Is your speed control turned all the way up? I have mine turned to max and can hear my radio just as easy at 65+ as I can at 35.

 

[BecketMa]

Your amp will go into distortion well before anything could happen to your speakers.

Bob

 

[Rocketsled]

Yeah, but clipping is what nukes speakers. Course, at $20 a pair, it's not like the experiement would cost much...Especially since I get most of my music piped to the helmet.

 

[kk610lt]

Is the radio designed for 50 mph cruising, or is it something I can set and get loud enough to hear in all conditions?

Think about it......80 mph on the interstate, wind, buffeting, earplugs. That is a tall order for a motorcycle sound system. The speaker system on the LT really works best around town or commuting to work up to moderate speeds.

If your bike has an intercom system, you will be able to hear music much better through speakers in your helmet.

 

[Rocketsled]

That was kinda what I was thinking.

 

[RonKMiller]

You can mess around with different (read: more expensive) speakers, etc. but I don't think you'll have much of an improvement. As others have pointed out you're competing with lots of ambient noise, and the faster you go the amount increases exponentially.

The only way you'll have decent music on board is to mount some quality headphone speakers in your helmet and boost them with an aux amp.

I seem to remember some have had good results with a radio shack set that was dissected and installed - you may want to search for that.

As far as a portable amp you get what you pay for, and the E-17 ($140.00) is the best, period:

FIIO-Amplifier

I frequently listen to music with my I-pod and Bose headphones - and while it sounds *decent* - adding this amp makes a HUGE difference. The battery lasts up to 15 hours which is a huge benefit, I usually go a week before recharging.

 

[wa1200lt]

Maybe not the ONLY way. I am still a proponent for in ear earphones. With this method you don't need any additional amplification at all. You will never need more than half the amplification that your ipod already possesses.

I just got back from Phoenix yesterday and while there I had a set of earphones custom molded by an audiologist. I should have them in 2 weeks. I will try them out and let everyone know how they work. The price was very reasonable.

Loren

Loren

You can mess around with different (read: more expensive) speakers, etc. but I don't think you'll have much of an improvement. As others have pointed out you're competing with lots of ambient noise, and the faster you go the amount increases exponentially.

The only way you'll have decent music on board is to mount some quality headphone speakers in your helmet and boost them with an aux amp.

I seem to remember some have had good results with a radio shack set that was dissected and installed - you may want to search for that.

As far as a portable amp you get what you pay for, and the E-17 ($140.00) is the best, period:

FIIO-Amplifier

I frequently listen to music with my I-pod and Bose headphones - and while it sounds *decent* - adding this amp makes a HUGE difference. The battery lasts up to 15 hours which is a huge benefit, I usually go a week before recharging.

 

[RonKMiller]

Maybe not the ONLY way. I am still a proponent for in ear earphones. With this method you don't need any additional amplification at all. You will never need more than half the amplification that your ipod already possesses.

I just got back from Phoenix yesterday and while there I had a set of earphones custom molded by an audiologist. I should have them in 2 weeks. I will try them out and let everyone know how they work. The price was very reasonable.

Loren

Loren

I've got custom made in ear phones, (had them since CCR 2005) and they work well but the issue I have is that I can only stand them for an hour or so. I tried a little mineral oil smeared on them before insertion and that helped A LOT.... I guess it depends on your individual tolerance - they kind of "bug" me still.

The amp really changes the dynamics of the in ear phones - you can listen at half volume and still hear more definition. There's no loss of bass either. One of the things I'm really tuned into (that was a pun) is hearing protection.... less db's is good. I can't describe exactly how it works but it just has more "presence".

Once those little Stereocilia break off you don't get a chance to grow any more.

Hey, you talkin' to me? :yeah:

 

[Rocketsled]

I've got a set (a pair, actually) of Scala Rider Teamset bluetooth headsets for my helmets. Due to an oddball incompatibility with iPhone 4s, I've sent the base+mic+speakers back to the manufacturer.

I have a good set of passive sound canceling headphones.

I've run across a how-to where the guy snipped the speakers on the base and wired in a stereo headphone jack. That's on my list of things to do when the stars align.

 

[dfinazzo]

I have been riding for 10 years with custom molded ear plugs with transducers built in!!
These do not require you to set up your radio to increase volume as speed increases!!
You can clearly hear music, GPS, phone and intercom at any speed and wind condition!

There are many brands out there but the key to success is having your original molds made
properly and then when you send your molds in for making the monitors make sure the
monitors are made exactly the same - I have some made improperly and they hurt my ears.
I have sent them back for remolding and the good companies will do this.

I can wear my in music monitors for over 12 hours without any issues day after day.
Again the key hear is having them molded properly.

I get mine from: http://www.earinc.com/p2-iplugz.php

Their prices have been going up and up lately. I have 2 pair and riding with your ears sealed
reduces fatigue and in my opinion improves your concentration and riding style as the noise
is less and less a factor and your can feel the bike etter - hard to explain!!

Anyway that's my 2 cents . . .

 

[wa1200lt]

If you are referring to over the ear headphones I tried to do this without success. I could not get the over the ear speakers to nestle close enough to my ear flappers to block the noise while still allowing me to get my helmet on.

If you are referring to in the ear earbuds and a CardoScala system I am likely the one who wrote the how to. I still stand by the system. It is flawless, and very versatile as anyone who rides gets hearing protection............ And tunes to boot!

Loren

I've got a set (a pair, actually) of Scala Rider Teamset bluetooth headsets for my helmets. Due to an oddball incompatibility with iPhone 4s, I've sent the base+mic+speakers back to the manufacturer.

I have a good set of passive sound canceling headphones.

I've run across a how-to where the guy snipped the speakers on the base and wired in a stereo headphone jack. That's on my list of things to do when the stars align.

 

[Rocketsled]

If you are referring to over the ear headphones I tried to do this without success. I could not get the over the ear speakers to nestle close enough to my ear flappers to block the noise while still allowing me to get my helmet on.

If you are referring to in the ear earbuds and a CardoScala system I am likely the one who wrote the how to. I still stand by the system. It is flawless, and very versatile as anyone who rides gets hearing protection............ And tunes to boot!

Loren

I can't find the exact link, but it was VERY similar to this: http://www.netrider.net.au/forums/showthread.php?t=122595#.T14fO3JSRv0

dfinazzo Do you find it blocks important sound? (cars nearby, sirens, etc.)

Mentioned here or elsewhere was a process where you used an inexpensive hunting earplug moulding kit and a normal set of in-ear headphones to make a DIY set of custom moulded headphones. I've been pretty happy with my $20 headphones, and at $15 for the kit, the price is right for experimentation.

 

[hschisler]

I use custom-molded earplugs, also - and I think are from Ear, Inc. as Dan mentioned.
They do not in any way block sounds you want to hear (or need to hear); for me and my wife they block wind noise, especially that low-frequency rumbling sound that is created by air turbulence. They also make intercom conversation and music (via helmet headsets) more clear.

It sounds counterintuitive to have ear plugs and speakers over your ears, but it works. I'm sure Dan's solution of custom ear plugs with the electronics built into them is even better, but we needed a microphone for the intercom.

They were $100/person about 2 years ago. Not cheap, but well worth it. As an added benefit I use these for outside work involving noisy equipment (chain saw, tractor, etc.).

 

[wa1200lt]

I can't find the exact link, but it was VERY similar to this: http://www.netrider.net.au/forums/showthread.php?t=122595#.T14fO3JSRv0

dfinazzo Do you find it blocks important sound? (cars nearby, sirens, etc.)

Mentioned here or elsewhere was a process where you used an inexpensive hunting earplug moulding kit and a normal set of in-ear headphones to make a DIY set of custom moulded headphones. I've been pretty happy with my $20 headphones, and at $15 for the kit, the price is right for experimentation.

Here is the "How to" link for converting Cardo Scala to use ear buds: http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52455

Do not pay any attention to the fat man in the pictures. He's harmless.

Howard, good to hear you like the molded ear plugs you bought. I just ordered a pair of the same brand for myself last week. Mine will arrive drilled and cut to allow me to use my own ear buds. I also asked them to leave the part that goes into the ear canal long. I figure if I don't like it I can Dremel them off.

Loren

 

[deputy5211]

+1 for custom molded in-ear monitors.

I use a set of Shure monitors and the custom molds by Now Hear This (Marilyn Navia). IIRC, she was at several CCRs and is mentioned in multiple threads.

I paid about $100 several years ago (much more now) for the molds. I sent my monitors in with the impressions and she put it all together. I have since upgraded monitors and they still fit the same plugs.