Helmet Audio

[TobyJug]

I bought a Sena SMH10 a while ago for listening to music while riding and was quite disgusted at the sound quality.  I found a few places on the web where people had replaced the Sena speakers with headphone speakers and I had a couple of old headphones lying around so I had a go.  The headphones I used were fairly cheap ones of different manufacturers but I don't remember which but they both improved the sound significantly.  I replaced one pair in my helmet and another pair in my wife's and they both work great - no louder but a whole lot better.

It begs the question - if it's that simple, why don't Sena do it?

[rss29]

How did you do this? I want to upgrade the speakers in my Sena headset and purchased a set of their upgraded speakers. When I cut the wires I found them to be so tiny I'm not sure how I'll splice them. They're definitely too tiny to solder.

[ITSec]

I bought a Sena SMH10 a while ago for listening to music while riding and was quite disgusted at the sound quality.  I found a few places on the web where people had replaced the Sena speakers with headphone speakers and I had a couple of old headphones lying around so I had a go.  The headphones I used were fairly cheap ones of different manufacturers but I don't remember which but they both improved the sound significantly.  I replaced one pair in my helmet and another pair in my wife's and they both work great - no louder but a whole lot better.

It begs the question - if it's that simple, why don't Sena do it?

They have a price target to meet, and the speakers are a big part of that for the in-helmet component. They already use a speaker that has a bigger and heavier magnet than most of their competitors, and subsequently better sound quality. I'm not sure that on a bike I could hear the difference at speed, particularly through earplugs. BTW, the Sena speakers actually sound better in terms of equalization when you wear earplugs - it cuts back the high-end, and leaves a more natural sound.

[beetle]

If you want good speakers, get the XSound 3 speakers. Stonkingly good.

[Bisbonian]

BTW, the Sena speakers actually sound better in terms of equalization when you wear earplugs

My experience as well.

[TobyJug]

How did you do this? I want to upgrade the speakers in my Sena headset and purchased a set of their upgraded speakers. When I cut the wires I found them to be so tiny I'm not sure how I'll splice them. They're definitely too tiny to solder.

I desoldered the wires at the speakers.

[kirb]

There are a great complement to in-helmet speakers- https://www.westone.com/store/music/index.php/hearing-protection/es49-earpiece.html

selectable db drop across the entire frequency range. I have had mine for years and they are worth the investment.

[thepittsburghguzzi]

Should've got a 10S, the speakers are far superior :) If you can exchange it for one, do that. They cost a bit more, but are improved in every way - starting with the speakers - and carry a few more features than the SMH10.

[kingoffleece]

Not long ago WebBikeWorld did a big write-up replacement speakers.  You may find some helpful info there.