Headset Issues
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 1
From: Tucson, AZ
Headset Issues
I've got a 2010 FLHTK that came with one headset and I got another one at around $200 for my wife. The stock headset was returned because the housing cracked after 1 month and now the extra one needs to be replaced because the headset/cable connection is intermittent. What's more, I'm not getting enough volume out of either one to hear the radio...intercom volume seems to be fine. Is anyone else experiencing the same problems and are there better headsets on the market. I'm not impressed with what the MOCO is putting out.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,011
Likes: 143
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
my experience is it all has to do with the mounting placement. if you dont have the speakers centered over your ear and spaced up tightly sound quality is greatly degraded. if you have to turn up the volume very far to compensate for them being too far from your ear they will break up badly sounding like a bad connection. My wife and I have put on 16k miles in one year with very excellent music sound quality with proper installation. I did go through what you went through right at the beginning until I figured out the need to install them correctly, spaced up tight against your ears. Give it a try you'll be very surprised!
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 759
Likes: 34
From: Virginia
Amen! If you get the chance before you install your headset speakers in your helmet, hook them up to your stereo and just hold the speakers over your ears. You will be amazed at how good they sound ... and then how much worse they sound after installation unless you get them placed just right. I've noticed this with every set of helmet speakers I've ever installed.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,519
Likes: 5
From: Slidell, LA
Harley headsets are crap. I have had a set of J&M Audio Elite series for 3 years and they sound great. Little expensive but great head phones!
http://www.jmcorp.com/SeeProducts.asp?PF=08
http://www.jmcorp.com/SeeProducts.asp?PF=08
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX - Some call it heaven.
Another vote for J&M, I was blown away by the difference. It's like listening to a good quality home stereo vs. a cheap battery powered radio. Also the cord would come loose from my HD headset at the helmet connection all the time, and the J&M completely solves that problem.
But as mentioned above, you must get them placed correctly in the helmet. Half an inch can make a big difference. My next helmet will most likely be the Arai with the built in headset from J&M. They are not cheap, but you get an excellent helmet with the best quality headset that's been properly installed.
But as mentioned above, you must get them placed correctly in the helmet. Half an inch can make a big difference. My next helmet will most likely be the Arai with the built in headset from J&M. They are not cheap, but you get an excellent helmet with the best quality headset that's been properly installed.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena, Maryland
my experience is it all has to do with the mounting placement. if you dont have the speakers centered over your ear and spaced up tightly sound quality is greatly degraded. if you have to turn up the volume very far to compensate for them being too far from your ear they will break up badly sounding like a bad connection. My wife and I have put on 16k miles in one year with very excellent music sound quality with proper installation. I did go through what you went through right at the beginning until I figured out the need to install them correctly, spaced up tight against your ears. Give it a try you'll be very surprised!
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 759
Likes: 34
From: Virginia
You don't say what type of helmet you wear, but I have had better luck hearing my stereo thru the headset if I wear earplugs. I know that doesn't seem right, but if you wear a 3/4 or full face helmet, the earplugs will mask out the wind noise but you will still be able to hear the stereo and intercom. Earplugs are relatively inexpensive and maybe worth a try before spending $$$ for premium headsets.