In-helmet Speakers
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 177
Likes: 21
From: Southern Ontario
In-helmet Speakers
I'm using a modular helmet, and I'm looking for advice on good in-helmet speakers for listening to the stereo. I don't need the ability to make phone calls, or talk to other riders, just listen to music so I don't have to have the bike speakers cranked. Thanks!
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 399
From: Vancouver, BC
The current leaders in motorcycle wireless headsets offer upgraded in-helmet speakers as either upgrades or included in the higher end of their product lines. Sena offers Harmon Kardon, Harley (by Sena) have Rockford Fosgate, and Cardo have JBL. Personally I don't think any of the in-helmet speakers are a very good investment as the inside of a helmet is still a noisy listening environment (particularly at highway speed). Instead I would recommend in-ear monitors. These come with 3.5mm cords that can be plugged into the comm headsets which can then be connected via Bluetooth to your music device/phone. If you really don't want or need any comm functionality other than music, and if your music source is able, you could plug the monitors directly into a 3.5mm jack. These in-ear monitors come in a number of styles with the main difference being if they are custom fitted or not. I have both custom and standard styles from PlugUp. In my case I have grown to prefer the standard version with dual drivers. They sound amazing and can be worn all day long with zero discomfort. The custom fit monitors do become a little uncomfortable after a few hours. Any other ear-bud type is basically useless in my opinion as they are a pain to keep in place as you put the helmet on and always seem to contact the interior padding which makes them very uncomfortable. Again, these are my observations and YMMV. Good luck!
Last edited by hamah; Apr 18, 2023 at 04:53 PM.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 177
Likes: 21
From: Southern Ontario
Thanks for the info Hamah - would I be correct in assuming that you therefore don't listen to your music via the Boom stereo, but rather plug directly into your phone/music source?
Banned
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 4,027
Likes: 6,286
From: SoCal
I have a BT system in my modular BILT Techno 2.0 helmet.
The speakers are only slightly better than a pair of ear buds, but again, they still allow for road noise to mess with the sound quality.
While you may not want/need the full capability of a BT coms setup, you dont have to use it for anything other than music and/or navigation.
Thats all I use mine for.
The speakers are only slightly better than a pair of ear buds, but again, they still allow for road noise to mess with the sound quality.
While you may not want/need the full capability of a BT coms setup, you dont have to use it for anything other than music and/or navigation.
Thats all I use mine for.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 399
From: Vancouver, BC
no, I typically only use the in-ear monitors when doing long highway trips. I have some tinnitus and try to avoid long exposure to constant noise. The S-Plugs fit deep in the ear, seal well, and make the ride very quiet. I can listen to music at a pretty low volume all day that way. When I'm doing shorter highway rides or just around town I do listen to the speakers. In both cases the music source is the GTS radio (usually listening to Spotify from my iPhone using Bluetooth). Although I did buy the premium RF speakers for my Harley branded Sena headsets I never listen to music that way. It just sucks in comparison to either the speakers or the S-Plugs.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 1,284
From: Scotland
As above
I rarely ride without ear plugs now anyway but I always struggled with in helmet speakers . In ear monitors were the way to go.
They work for plenty though so i suppose some must be good
I rarely ride without ear plugs now anyway but I always struggled with in helmet speakers . In ear monitors were the way to go.
They work for plenty though so i suppose some must be good
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Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,729
Likes: 22,820
From: North Carolina
I have put many comms systems on many different helmets over the years. What I have learned is there is no perfect setup. You MUST be creative in most cases to make them fit well and most importantly be comfortable.
Dont be afraid to take a knife and carve out some foam to get larger speakers (JBL / Cardo) deep enough in to not create pressure points on your ears and be comfortable.
Another thing is ear plugs. If you use a true made for motorcycle quality ear plug like Alpine Moto-Safe you will actually hear the stereo better, hear your exhaust note better and block out the unwanted wind noise and valve train noise.
I really like Cardo Packtalk Bold with their premium JBL speakers. I have this setup on a Shoei 3/4, Schuberth C3 Pro modular and now on a Bell SRT modular.
I BlueTooth and listed to music as well as Waze navigation when traveling.
Ride safe
Dont be afraid to take a knife and carve out some foam to get larger speakers (JBL / Cardo) deep enough in to not create pressure points on your ears and be comfortable.
Another thing is ear plugs. If you use a true made for motorcycle quality ear plug like Alpine Moto-Safe you will actually hear the stereo better, hear your exhaust note better and block out the unwanted wind noise and valve train noise.
I really like Cardo Packtalk Bold with their premium JBL speakers. I have this setup on a Shoei 3/4, Schuberth C3 Pro modular and now on a Bell SRT modular.
I BlueTooth and listed to music as well as Waze navigation when traveling.
Ride safe
Last edited by Cosmic Razorback; Apr 19, 2023 at 12:50 PM.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 609
Likes: 101
From: Saskatchewan
I've used a J&M corded head set with my Shoei and it works nicely. I also use ear plugs ,such as Moto Pro, which work really well to keep out road noise but I can clearly listen to music. I like the corded option as I found I would run out of battery on the BT options.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,974
Likes: 5,478
From: Woodlands, MB, Canada
I'm using a set of JBL speakers that came with my Cardo Packtalk4. (The Pactalk4 is out of production now, but the speakers are still current and offered in other Cardo kits).
I only use the Cardo for listening to tunes. (The microphone is still in the box). The Packtalk gives me all-day 12h+ battery power for Bluetooth streaming. Beats earbuds hands down.
I'm using the speakers in a half helmet. (Bell Pit Boss). This helmet has speaker pockets in the flaps that come down around the ears. The only trick with the JBL speakers is that you have to make sure they're directly over the ear for the best sound.
I only use the Cardo for listening to tunes. (The microphone is still in the box). The Packtalk gives me all-day 12h+ battery power for Bluetooth streaming. Beats earbuds hands down.
I'm using the speakers in a half helmet. (Bell Pit Boss). This helmet has speaker pockets in the flaps that come down around the ears. The only trick with the JBL speakers is that you have to make sure they're directly over the ear for the best sound.