Mini Amp loud enough for helmet speakers:

thewarrior53 · 09-28-2010, 03:10 PM

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.

lhendrik · 09-28-2010, 03:52 PM

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.

Dan Alexander · 09-28-2010, 04:11 PM

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.

thewarrior53 · 09-28-2010, 05:36 PM

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!

Dan Alexander · 09-28-2010, 06:08 PM

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

Ah the good old days

SgtDuster · 09-28-2010, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thewarrior53

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.

Nice, small, cheap and good: Fiio amplifiers

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

thewarrior53 · 09-29-2010, 03:45 AM

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

SgtDuster · 09-29-2010, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thewarrior53

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

azmuth · 09-29-2010, 11:30 AM

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-a...al-airhead.php

Dan Alexander · 09-29-2010, 11:45 AM

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?

SgtDuster · 09-29-2010, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azmuth

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-a...al-airhead.php

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.

usafe7ret · 09-29-2010, 12:50 PM

I have one of these: http://cgi.ebay.com/2CH-500W-MOTORCY...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.....

SgtDuster · 09-29-2010, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usafe7ret

I have one of these: http://cgi.ebay.com/2CH-500W-MOTORCY...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?

thewarrior53 · 09-29-2010, 03:26 PM

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.

thewarrior53 · 09-29-2010, 03:32 PM

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.

09-28-2010, 03:10 PM	#1
thewarrior53 ^OP Arise, Goforth, Conquer Joined: Dec 2007 Location: North Carolina, USA Oddometer: 86	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.

09-28-2010, 03:52 PM	#2
lhendrik Truffle Rustler Joined: Dec 2008 Location: New York and Floridoodie Oddometer: 1,947	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. __________________ Normal is just a setting on the dryer. Armageddon was yesterday - Today we have a serious problem. 2009 R1200GS Adventure 2008 K1200GT

09-28-2010, 04:11 PM	#3
Dan Alexander Ride Far - Ride Fast Joined: Nov 2003 Location: Ottawa and Montreal Oddometer: 4,777	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. __________________ Beemers Past and Present: 74 R90S, 77 R100RS, 85 K100RS, 2x 87 K100RS, 96 R1100GS, 99 R1100S, 2002 R1150GS, 2005 F650 Dakar Plus the occasional Triumph, BSA, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and KTM but who's counting

09-28-2010, 05:36 PM	#4
thewarrior53 ^OP Arise, Goforth, Conquer Joined: Dec 2007 Location: North Carolina, USA Oddometer: 86	Good to about 60: 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! thewarrior53 screwed with this post 12-04-2010 at 07:39 AM

09-28-2010, 06:08 PM	#5
Dan Alexander Ride Far - Ride Fast Joined: Nov 2003 Location: Ottawa and Montreal Oddometer: 4,777	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyF5J7au1jE Ah the good old days __________________ Beemers Past and Present: 74 R90S, 77 R100RS, 85 K100RS, 2x 87 K100RS, 96 R1100GS, 99 R1100S, 2002 R1150GS, 2005 F650 Dakar Plus the occasional Triumph, BSA, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and KTM but who's counting

09-29-2010, 03:45 AM	#7
thewarrior53 ^OP Arise, Goforth, Conquer Joined: Dec 2007 Location: North Carolina, USA Oddometer: 86	Fiio E7 How about this one? Anybody have any experience with it?

09-29-2010, 11:30 AM	#9
azmuth Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern North Carolina Oddometer: 120	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-a...al-airhead.php

09-29-2010, 11:45 AM	#10
Dan Alexander Ride Far - Ride Fast Joined: Nov 2003 Location: Ottawa and Montreal Oddometer: 4,777	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? __________________ Beemers Past and Present: 74 R90S, 77 R100RS, 85 K100RS, 2x 87 K100RS, 96 R1100GS, 99 R1100S, 2002 R1150GS, 2005 F650 Dakar Plus the occasional Triumph, BSA, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and KTM but who's counting

09-29-2010, 12:50 PM	#12
usafe7ret Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2010 Location: Illinois Oddometer: 250	I have one of these: http://cgi.ebay.com/2CH-500W-MOTORCY...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.....

09-29-2010, 03:26 PM	#14
thewarrior53 ^OP Arise, Goforth, Conquer Joined: Dec 2007 Location: North Carolina, USA Oddometer: 86	Ebay, Fiio & Boostaroo: 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.

09-29-2010, 03:32 PM	#15
thewarrior53 ^OP Arise, Goforth, Conquer Joined: Dec 2007 Location: North Carolina, USA Oddometer: 86	Idea of using headphones: 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.

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