[nutcracker]

It's been several months since I have tried multiple solutions.
Tried the Sena 20s headset, it was lacking in bass and volume.
Tried the Sena 50s, while better than the 20s, it was still lacking in music quality.

I own a pair of Shure SE846 in-ears and its a pain to use them with the helmet. I always lose the seal when I put on the helmet, and removing the helmet with the earphones on is a torturous experience.

Same problem with the OnePlus Bullets and Apple Earpods.

What is a solution for me if I don't really want a communication device with intercom features, I just want something that can allow me to listen to music while riding. Being able to take phone calls would be a bonus, but it isnt necessary.

While I can somewhat accept the Sena 50s (₹ 25,500), it is a compromise, and what I'm really paying for is the communication and intercom features which are of no use for me.

[paragsachania]

Originally Posted by nutcracker

I just want something that can allow me to listen to music while riding. Being able to take phone calls would be a bonus, but it isnt necessary.

Isn't that a dangerous practice? With a device plugged into your ears, the external noises are nearly filtered including engine noise, honking, noise caused due to mechanical defect etc.

I am hoping that I have got your query wrong but if earphone device is what you actually meant, I would seriously not recommend that when on road - Whether driving or Riding because it simply isolates you from external noises, listening to which is very critical when you are on road to avoid any mishaps.

[Sebring]

You can google 'bone conduction headphones'. This suits your purpose

Originally Posted by nutcracker

What is a solution for me if I don't really want a communication device with intercom features, I just want something that can allow me to listen to music while riding. Being able to take phone calls would be a bonus, but it isnt necessary.

[gthang]

Originally Posted by nutcracker

While I can somewhat accept the Sena 50s (₹ 25,500), it is a compromise, and what I'm really paying for is the communication and intercom features which are of no use for me.

Using a Sena is the safer option. To improve audio quality of the device, try to cut out the extra wind noise by using soft ear plugs.

Ear plugs are recommended for use with helmets even without music to reduce wind noise ear damage.

3m disposable ear plugs are easily available everywhere.

Cheers

Ride Safe

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

I have a decent aftermarket setup in the car, so I can understand your query - but wouldn't recommend it.

Reason - Windnoise in itself is known to be extremely harsh on the ears of riders. If the internet is to be believed, many old riders seem to report loss of hearing issues. I personally can't bear wind noise at highway speeds and have to resort to earplugs to cut out the harshness.

Having audiophile quality music on top of all that - can't even imagine personally.

[Roy.S]

I tried to ride with music playing off the wired earbuds that came with my phone and realised quickly that it was a bad idea.
Road noises were somewhat muffled but I found it seriously interfering with my awareness of who was overtaking me and at what speeds. This was obviously exacerbated by the useless vibrating mirrors on my bullet but even if I had rock steady mirrors I don't think I'd be comfortable.
Then I tried listening with just one earbud but that was absolute rubbish.
If you have to have music while you are riding you should get one of those Bose bluetooth sunglasses. One of my riding buddies uses them and seems to be quite comfortable riding long distances with music on.

[aargee]

Originally Posted by paragsachania

Isn't that a dangerous practice?

Not really outside of India, especially in the Western countries, but if it's India...

I got to say just one thing - For all those driving & riding enthusiast alive today, thanks to traffic of this nation to mutate one to see through their ears & listen through the eyes when driving & riding.

[drt_rdr]

Like others said before, remember this is India. Idiots on the road would outnumber sensible people by a big margin. And you would add to their numbers.

If you still want to listen to music while riding, keep Chopin's Funeral March on loop.

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by nutcracker

While I can somewhat accept the Sena 50s (₹ 25,500), it is a compromise, and what I'm really paying for is the communication and intercom features which are of no use for me.

Cardo Packtalk Bold with the Bose speakers and ambient noise cancelation.

Audiophile sound is impossible unless you can rig in the Bose BT set up. That with noise cancelation will give you true audiophile experience or one that is closest to it. In ear sealing with your helmet is a hit or miss, if this is so important for you, get a helmet specifically that allows you to use such a system without breaking the seal.

[nutcracker]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Cardo Packtalk Bold with the Bose speakers and ambient noise cancelation.

Audiophile sound is impossible unless you can rig in the Bose BT set up. That with noise cancelation will give you true audiophile experience or one that is closest to it. In ear sealing with your helmet is a hit or miss, if this is so important for you, get a helmet specifically that allows you to use such a system without breaking the seal.

Just checked out the Cardo Packtalk Bold. Looks like a good device. How will it compare to the Sena 50s? It is about 5k more expensive than it.

I'm not really a fan of noise cancelling (reverse signals) earphones, I prefer a physical seal over active noise cancellation. Noise Cancelling can malfunction when riding due to probability of a wide array of noise. Not a fan of Bose either. I prefer a neutral sound signature compared to Bose's insanely equalised sound sig.

[Sebring]

Isn't this $500? Seems expensive to me

Originally Posted by nutcracker

Just checked out the Cardo Packtalk Bold

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by nutcracker

Just checked out the Cardo Packtalk Bold. Looks like a good device. How will it compare to the Sena 50s? It is about 5k more expensive than it.

I'm not really a fan of noise cancelling (reverse signals) earphones, I prefer a physical seal over active noise cancellation. Noise Cancelling can malfunction when riding due to probability of a wide array of noise. Not a fan of Bose either. I prefer a neutral sound signature compared to Bose's insanely equalised sound sig.

Physical seal is only possible if the device is inserted in to your ear canal.

Out of the lot, cardo is probably the device with the least negatives. It will be my choice of an all inclusive bt system on my helmet.

Something like the bose will also deflect wind noise, which is a much bigger problem for me, so i am always looking for noise cancelling to get rid of wind noise.

[ach1lles]

One answer: Apple AirPods Pro.
They’ll cancel wind noise almost completely, most of your exhaust sound, yet let in enough traffic and horn sounds to keep you mentally in the streets and they sound pretty damn good. Since you aren’t hearing any noise, you won’t need to keep the music volume high.
Added benefits: Siri works till about 50kmph or so, and can switch between nc and transparency mode on the fly.
Bonus tip: if you have an Apple Watch you can do all of this right from your wrist.
Bonus tip 2: switch on “auto answer calls”. Conversations are clear and legible on both ends.

[Deeps]

Originally Posted by nutcracker

It's been several months since I have tried multiple solutions.
I always lose the seal when I put on the helmet, and removing the helmet with the earphones on is a torturous experience.

Try wearing a balaclava under the helmet. Thats what'll solve the problem with earphones getting displaced while putting on or removing the helmet. It'll also be beneficial to absorb dust and grime. I was never able to use a helmet without a balaclava once i started using one.

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by ach1lles

One answer: Apple AirPods Pro.
They’ll cancel wind noise almost completely, most of your exhaust sound, yet let in enough traffic and horn sounds to keep you mentally in the streets and they sound pretty damn good. Since you aren’t hearing any noise, you won’t need to keep the music volume high.
Added benefits: Siri works till about 50kmph or so, and can switch between nc and transparency mode on the fly.
Bonus tip: if you have an Apple Watch you can do all of this right from your wrist.
Bonus tip 2: switch on “auto answer calls”. Conversations are clear and legible on both ends.

I am really keen on using the AirPods Pro, but I love my pixel

Wish I could get one to try on inside my helmet and see how it all works out...as opposed to blowing the money on a set and seeing it doesn’t work as I like it. This whole wearing ear blocks, and then having those speakers inside maxed out for music is getting old.