Mini Amp loud enough for helmet speakers:

I'm going nuts trying to put together a sound system for my Ipod. I've tried the Iasus speakers with no success. I've tried the MixIt2 mini amp. But when I turn up the volume it distorts. I tried to call the guy at their website, but he hasn't returned my call. I took a pair of Sony Headphones, broke the headband off. & fitted them in my helmet. (took that idea from another thread) and they sound very good, but not loud enough. I've bought a couple of mini amps of Ebay. Going to try them when they arrive.
I'm not a fan of "in the ear" phones. I don't want to have to stop, take my helmet off & adjust them. I use them a lot on my job & I know how they are.
Anybody out there tried amplifiers? I know people talk about this a lot.

I use the Mix'it amp in my helmet with bluetooth wireless connection in a Shoei X11 with Camos BTS 200 headset for Zumo GPS and iPod and Valentine 1. Works great, lots of volume, good for me up to 60 mph on GS and GT then wind noise takes the fun out of it. I like to keep all the volume controls at 75% to minimize distortion.

Speaker positioning in helmet is most critical. Off a little bit or too far away and low volume results.

I have also used it to amplify and integrate multiple inputs for in ear custom fitted speakers, obviously no volume/distortion issues there.

I would spend some time experimenting with in ear solutions if you are serious about fidelity and volume.....only way to go IMNSHO.

I'd second the idea to try different positions with the speakers first. Autocom users had this issue a lot and when they got it spot on it was perfect.

Yeah I agree. At low speeds I'm good. But I need more power! Not worried about too much. I paid the price many years ago at a "Grand Funk Railroad" concert. I couldn't hear for 3 days. My ears are still ringing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyF5J7au1jE

Ah the good old days :stoned

Nice, small, cheap and good: Fiio amplifiers

http://www.dealextreme.com/search.dx/search.fiio

How about this one? Anybody have any experience with it?

I didn't try this latest model yet but I don't think it's the way to go for this kind of use since it's kinda bulkier than the E5 because it also has an integrated soundcard.

Very useful when it's needed but too big, IMO, to carry around on a motorcycle if it only acts as an amplifier.

You better go with the E5

For $99.00 you can have a headphone amplifier that's audiophile quality, runs on batteries, and fits nicely into a corner of your tank bag.
Take a look: http://www.headphone.com/headphone-amps/headroom-total-airhead.php

I just bought one of these

http://www.boostaroo.com/store_detail.php4?id=114

Not sure if it's as high end sounding but I guess over the wind noise it won't matter?

Try the Fiio E5 for under 20$ before...you may be very surprised.

It will not just fit in a corner of your tank bag but may be velcroed to the side of your helmet or you can clip it somewhere in/on your jacket.

I have one of these: http://cgi.ebay.com/2CH-500W-MOTORCYCLE-SPEAKERS-MP3-ATV-AMPLIFIER-AMP-AMPS-/360293894606?pt=Car_Amplifiers&hash=item53e33089ce, on my AA500 with some 4 inch marine speakers that I mounted in the oem spaces for speakers. I use the mp3 cable and attach my iPhone to it and listen to my tunes and I have a realplayer tuneable AM/FM radio with presets as well. I didn't pay this much for it and mine didn't come with the extra tweeters, but everything else was there. IIRC, it was under $20 + the shipping. I have one on my X9 as well and I haven't had one problem with either one for the last 3 years.

Some may laugh at cheap fleabay items, but even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and then.....

Welll, it's not what the OP is talking about. This is a car (or motorcycle if you prefer) speaker amplifier but the OP talks about a mini-amp for a headset.



Hey thewarrior53...I'm wondering...am I the guy you took the idea from?

How loud is the one from Ebay ? Are you getting any distortion?
The Fiio looks interesting, but I'm concerned about the output.
The Boostaroo I've tried, couldn't tell any difference at all.

Not sure SgtDuster, but it was a good idea. I was searching sites for helmet speakers, read your thread, looked up & there was the set of Sony headphones sitting idle on my desk.

The Boostaroo battery powered one I have works really well, pumps the volume maybe 200% or more.

That's crazy man, I couldn't tell much of any change!

http://www.trustedreviews.com/mp3/review/2009/03/15/FiiO-E5-Headphone-Amplifier/p1

I found a mini / booster amp for Ipods and iphones

http://www.bikeintercom.com/homepage/tork-booster.html

Happy hunting :)

Linky no worky.

Try this one.