Head Set Speakers Crackle at Half Volume

Harley Dude 29 · #1 05-31-2008, 10:03 AM

I have a new 2008 SE Ultra, and last weekend, the headset speakers started crackling at about half volume. External speakers are great, but both passenger and rider head sets are to the point you can't really listen to the radio at normal speeds.
I took it to the dealer and they said all the SE do the same thing and the headsets were not meant to play music through at any volume, and they can't do anything. They claim that the power booster on the radioi blows out the head speakers and that it comes from playing too loud. I never had a problem on my previous Ultra and I listened to it for 5 years.

At 36k, I can't imagine that this is normal, and that Harley has not done something about it. Has anyone had this problem, and if you did, what was the cure?

Any help would be most appreciated.

LabRat07 · #2 05-31-2008, 10:52 AM

That just doesn't sound right. I know many people have switched to J&M, because sound quality is better, but I haven't heard your problem before. will be interesting to hear the other responses.

DanB · #3 05-31-2008, 11:35 AM

I too have noticed some crackeling..but it appears to be worse if I have my bass and treble levels too high. U might try turning the levels to zero or very low and see if that helps.

DanB

Dakotazeb · #4 05-31-2008, 10:39 PM

I've had the same problem with my '06 SE Ultra. I've taken it in to the dealer but they claim they can't hear it. It only bothers when playing music. I don't wear a helmet alot but it would be nice when you pay over $30k for a bike that HD would provide a quality headset. Guess I'll just have to buy a headset from J&M.

MrSunset · #5 08-22-2008, 11:38 AM

Here is my experience so far with the same issue.
Just bought 08 Ultra. Installed headset, and just as I turn it up to hear at highway speed, it starts to crackle. Took the headset back and received exchange, which I tried right there and it seemed to be ok. Today I try it out and again, As I turn it up, it starts to crackle, this time in a different earpiece. So, I am figuring it is either poor design or maybe faulty radio (since I don't hear it in the speakers). As I continue the ride, I flip through the Bass and Treble settings, and back them both all the way down, and it appears to have stopped crackling. I could turn it way up over what I could do prior. I am thinking now that the headsets do not tolerate bass signals well. I am going to see how it sounds on my ride tonight to see if it sounds right.
Hope this helps!

KoalaCowboy · #6 08-22-2008, 01:04 PM

Here is the link to J&M Audio Headsets:

J&M Elite Series

jollie66 · #7 08-22-2008, 02:14 PM

Just take off your helmet and ride brother !!! Speakers in a helmet who, needs them ? I have the 60 watt radio on my bike, and truely just enjoy the sound of the road. It really would fix the problem...

arh1952 · #8 08-22-2008, 04:07 PM

I have the same problem with my 08 anniversary Ultra, stock headsets crackle to the point you really can not use them. I have tried a differend head set and sound is really great. I dont understand what the deal is.