Iasus Xsound 3 High Def Helmet Speakers Review
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Iasus XSound iii Speakers Review Summary
Iasus XSound 3 Speakers Image Gallery
The Iasus XSound 3 speakers have an aluminum machined chassis, Kevlar reinforced speaker wires and phenomenal audio quality.
The XSound 3 speakers can take higher volumes with less distortion than well-nigh standard intercom speakers.
The bass response is as well outstanding; yous tin actually "feel" the bass as you lot listen.
The quality of the sound seems much "wider", with both mid-range and bass "opening upwardly" compared to standard intercom speakers.
In fact, I wish Iasus made a clip-on headband for the XSound iii speakers, because I could hands see wearing these every bit a high-quality headset for off-the-bike listening.
The proper noun Iasus should be familiar to webBikeWorld readers and the visitor makes a variety of interesting electronic products we have reviewed in the past, such as the Iasus throat mic reviewand the Iasus Diablo mobile amplifier review.
Introduction
Nosotros in a golden age of motorcycle communications systems. Smartphones, Bluetooth 4.x, the pending arrival of mesh networks along with vocalism control, "boomless" microphones, congenital-in FM radio and multiple rider connectivity is the stuff we couldn't even imagine just a few years agone.
webBikeWorld was there when the first Bluetooth intercoms hit the market (Cardo Systems was first) and over the by 15 years we've followed the evolution of this technology every stride of the way.
Just webBikeWorld readers are the almost discriminating moto tech users in the world and if at that place has been i consequent ask, information technology'due south been for better speakers.
To a sure extent, that request has been answered with the latest crop of intercoms — pardon, I mean "motorcycle communication systems" — like the Interphone F5MC (review), the Cardo Scala Rider Q1/Q3 (review), the Sena 20S (review) and the UClear HBC200 (review).
The competition is white hot and that has resulted in much improved sound quality compared to the old days of scratchy mono speakers that sounded like the proverbial can cans on the end of a string.
Accompaniment HiPo Speakers
It wasn't until fairly recently when the intercom manufacturers finally relented and allowed third-party accessory speakers to connect to their systems. That brought u.s.a. high-fidelity, high-performance (HiPo in 'fifty'south gearhead slang) speaker systems like the Tork XPro X2 Speakers (review), the Interphone Pro Sound speakers (review) and various earbuds (non actually recommended for motorcycle riding).
I'k non a sound engineer…but I am an audiophile, which is divers as a "how-do-you-do-fi enthusiast". Anyone looking for better intercom speakers tin probably say the same.
And then other than published specs for the XSound 3 speakers, I can only relate to you my subjective and personal impressions.
Specs
The trunk of an Iasus XSound iii speaker is CNC-machined from aluminum. Each speaker measures 10 mm thick by 45 mm beyond and weighs about xi grams. The speakers wait different from normal intercom speakers; they accept a (relatively) large coil in back and cone in front end, surrounded past metal.
Iasus lists the maximum power rating as 500 mW; the frequency range as the typical 20kHz to 22kHz; the impedance at 60 Ohm and a sensitivity of 125dB, simply those basic specs don't really tell you much nearly the audio quality the speakers put out, which is, equally always, subjective.
Mounting and Balancing
Manifestly, the XSound 3 speakers may not fit in every helmet, just with some fettling you lot can usually get 'em squeezed in the ear pocket of but well-nigh whatever helmet that has them.
Annotation also that as with any intercom speaker, the closer you tin can get information technology to your ear, the better. Moving the speakers even v mm away from your ear volition dramatically subtract both the volume and the apparent sound quality.
Thus, Iasus throws in a handful of spacers you can use to move the speakers out towards your head when mounted in the ear pocket of a helmet. Also included are a pair of foam "socks" that act as speaker covers and another pair of vinyl/foam covers that requite a slightly more slippery surface.
Iasus says that the speaker cord is reinforced with Kevlar for forcefulness and information technology can withstand a 4.5 kg (10 lb.) pull. The input jack is gold-plated although it's bigger, longer and L-shaped, which can affect the input on some motorcycle intercoms.
On the Road With the Iasus XSound 3 Speakers
I've been using the speakers with the new Cardo Scala Rider Qz "Personal Communications Organisation" (review coming next) when riding.
The Cardo Qz is not an intercom; in fact, information technology does not have intercom capabilities. It is designed solely to connect to a Bluetooth or hard-wired music player, GPS and to talk on the phone. Information technology's very like shooting fish in a barrel to use, relatively inexpensive and it has fantabulous audio quality.
I use an HTC One (Google Edition) smartphone for streaming music and (hopefully not) taking calls. Hither's a tip: I also have the Poweramp app installed on the telephone, something I tin can enthusiastically recommend, especially if yous own a Bluetooth shelf speaker arrangement.
I accept the total paid version of Poweramp ($3.99 in Google Play) and information technology's worth every penny. It not only has an excellent music cataloging system, it includes a customizable blaster that allow'southward you squeeze every concluding drop of goodness left in a poor .mp3 file later it's been pummeled to dust later going through the various pinch algorithms.
The Poweramp blaster works and so well, I actually accept to be careful because I can hands overwhelm Bluetooth-connected external speakers, specially if I set the bass levels too high.
There are ii things I've noticed when using the XSound iii speakers. Commencement, if I dare, I can max out the book on the smartphone and using the Poweramp equalizer and the XSound 3 speakers tin can take it. Actually, I only did this for evaluation purposes, because the sound can get besides loud — something you lot can't often say about stock intercom speakers. And if y'all exercise this, brand sure you reset the Poweramp app back to normal or you'll adventure bravado out your phone's cheeseball speakers.
Second, the audio quality is "wider", "deeper" and more "open up" with the Iasus XSound 3 speakers. That is, the XSound 3 speakers sound more like existent high-functioning stereo headset speakers, non the cheap biscuits they give you lot with an intercom arrangement.
In fact, I'd bet Iasus could sell an accessory headband and ear cups where you could plop in the XSound 3 speakers and you'd have i heckuva stereo headset speaker system.
The bass response is probably the first matter you lot'll notice (particularly if y'all kick information technology upward in the Poweramp equalizer); in fact, it may very well be the first time yous actually realize there's a bass line in your favorite tune. I tin can actually "feel" the bass, particularly once the XSound 3 speakers are encased in a helmet. I'd say the bass is ameliorate fifty-fifty than the Interphone Pro Audio speakers (review), with the highs and mids running about equal betwixt the two brands.
All I tin say is that using the XSound 3 speakers I tin can hear stuff in the music that I didn't know or didn't remember was there, fifty-fifty when listening through earbuds off-the-bike.
Cost
OK, you knew there was a take hold of, correct? The XSound iii speakers list for $99.00 for the kit, which in addition to the speaker pair and the helmet speaker stickies, includes an extension cable. 99 bucks is pretty steep, considering the Cardo Qz lists for $129.95 and can be found for around $124.00.
But, the Iasus XSound 3 speakers are very well made and they merely may be the terminal fix of intercom speakers you'll need for quite some time. And don't forget, y'all can swap 'em between intercoms besides.
Conclusion
Many webBikeWorld readers accept been asking virtually replacing their stock intercom speakers with something better. The Iasus XSound 3 is the answer. Remember to go along 'em every bit shut as possible to your ears and you'll be rewarded with deep, rich sound.
You'll have to pay for the privilege, but these things are congenital to final and they should keep you happy for a long time. And who knows — perchance Iasus will come out with a modular headset where you can plug in your XSound 3 speakers to make them even more than useful.
See Also:
▪iASUS XSound 3 HD Speaker Review
▪iASUS Diablo Mobile Amp Review
▪Tork XPro X2 Speakers Review
▪iASUS Throat Mic Review
▪iASUS EAR3 Amplifier and XSound ii.1 Speaker Review
Moreweb BikeWorld:
west BW Review: Cardo Scala Passenger Qz
List Toll (2014): $99.00 USD
Review Date: December 2014
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Owner Comments and Feedback
From "H.Southward." (Feb 2015): "I agree completely with (the comment from S.C. below 'I could non notice a definite increment in volume over the stock speakers that came with my Sena SMH10 unit.'), as applied to the Iasus instead of the Tork speakers.
I have a Sena SMH5, so when the replacement speakers cost as much as the whole stock unit, I was very disappointed to take wasted the coin on a useless 'upgrade'."
Rick's Reply: Information technology's possible that the SMH5 doesn't accept enough power to drive the speakers, I don't know, nosotros didn't try them with the SMH5. So it may depend on the output of the intercom and also probably on the device you're using for streaming the music. It's possible as well that your sound actor/phone is maxed out in volume and you won't get whatever more volume with the Iasus or other speakers.
All I know is when I apply the Iasus speakers with my HTC One M7, in that location is a noticeable difference in the amount of volume I tin can get. Modern intercom speakers are much better than they were in the past, so the differences with some combinations of intercom systems and audio players may/will vary.
From "Due south.C." (December 2014): "I previously purchased a pair of Tork XPro X2 Speakers (review)based on your review and although I thought they were fine speakers audio quality-wise, I could non observe a definite increment in book over the stock speakers that came with my Sena SMH10 unit of measurement.
What I did notice is that my Sena started merely lasting about iv hours or less on a charge compared to the usual 7-eight hours listening fourth dimension. I went back to the stock Sena speakers needless to say.
Which brings me to my question virtually your review of the Iasus XSound 3 Speakers. Have you noticed a decrease in bombardment life of the intercom systems yous take tested them with?"
Rick's Reply: Some of the OE speakers are pretty adept recently compared to a few years ago. Interesting point about the battery life vs. speakers, I oasis't noticed anything simply didn't fifty-fifty think that this might be an upshot so I haven't tried annihilation to determine if battery life changes with the speakers.
Not sure if information technology would exist the speakers per se or perchance a skillful prepare tends to accept the owner pump up the volume more than usual? There would have to be some type of controlled test at set book levels I judge to check.
Perhaps one of our readers tin annotate on this?
From "B.Northward." (Dec 2014): "Give thanks you for another extremely informative product review. Your review couldn't have come more timely. I was just looking to supervene upon the Tork XPro X2 speakers (review) I've been using, and then I saw your article. I went out and bought a pair of the Iasus XSound 3 speakers right subsequently reading your article.
I but finished installing them in my Shoei RF-1100 helmet (review) this evening. These speakers are in act as good equally you say they are! They are manner improve than the XPro X2 they just replaced. I always trust your reviews, and your unbiased opinions is 1 of my main sources for product information."
From "B.S." (December 2014): "As e'er, a very informative review. For the first time I'm thinking of trying helmet speakers. I've been riding with Etymotic in-ear monitors for many years.
I know you're a big proponent of ear plugs. My question is, did you lot article of clothing ear plugs while testing these and if so what kind did you use that allowed music to be heard properly while blocking out current of air noise, etc.? I ride with a SCHUBERTH C3 Pro (review) purchased in big office because of your review."
Rick's Respond: A couple of u.s.a. rode with the speakers, I wore ear plugs, I ordinarily wear either the Moldex Pura-Fit 6800 or the discontinued EARsoft Grippers (I bought a couple of boxes before they discontinued the private paired version; see Six Disposable Ear Plugs Reviewed).
Of course, the volume is lower when wearing ear plugs just it'south all relative, since we ever use ear plugs when evaluating the intercom systems. So louder is generally amend to get through the ear plugs.
Also, as always, there'southward always background dissonance from the bike, wind, etc. even when wearing ear plugs, so the results are goose egg like listening to the speakers in the business firm, off the bike. Over again, it's all relative!
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