Wasted my $$ on Cardo Packtalk Bold - just wanted decent sounding Music, but it sounds like ****!

[Rdrnr]

I am so upset I wasted $400 on the Cardo Packtalk Bold. I really just wanted decent sounding music. Sounds like crap. Zero bass, sounds like none. Tried a bunch of things and nothing seems to play nice with Sirius Satellite radio as well as Apple Music. Total waste of money.

 

[RogerC60]

The speakers need to be pressed pretty snug against your ears for you to get any bass. I'm more about comfort than good sound, so I set mine back a bit into the helmet's speaker pockets and just listen to music at home.

 

[troop]

I am so upset I wasted $400 on the Cardo Packtalk Bold. I really just wanted decent sounding music. Sounds like crap. Zero bass, sounds like none. Tried a bunch of things and nothing seems to play nice with Sirius Satellite radio as well as Apple Music. Total waste of money.

Then don't buy a Sena!

The Cardo JBL speakers sound much better than the Sena Harmon Kardon speakers.

 

[McClendons]

What are you using as a music source (e.g. is the headset paired to the bike, or directly to the phone)? My Cardo Headset sounds terrible paired to the bike, MUCH better when paired just to the phone. You will never get great sound from a motorcycle headset, but the Cardo with the 40mm JBL speakers is as good as I've found. I've tried multiple brands, Sena is way worse.

 

[rayeade]

I have had good experience with the Sena but have no experience with the Cardo units. But McClendons is right about pairing with the phone for good results.

 

[kbirdsong]

My Cardo Edge with the 40mm speakers sounds good. I even have the half helmet kit with some speaker pockets from Amazon added with the JBL 45mm separate speakers they sell that sounds good. Nothing I would call amazing, but good. As was previously suggested, try moving the speakers around in the helmet pockets. I bet that's where the problem is, it took some fiddling with mine.

 

[Rdrnr]

Thanks for the replies. I have tried moving the speakers. Even put them on top of the helmet foam above the speaker pocket to get tight against ears (annoying) didn’t hear any difference!?

What are you using as a music source (e.g. is the headset paired to the bike, or directly to the phone)? My Cardo Headset sounds terrible paired to the bike, MUCH better when paired just to the phone. You will never get great sound from a motorcycle headset, but the Cardo with the 40mm JBL speakers is as good as I've found. I've tried multiple brands, Sena is way worse.

I'm connecting directly to the phone, via Sirius, which I can’t find any equalizer to work with; and Apple Music, which does have an equalizer, but it is just pre-made profiles or filters, with no real adjustment.

 

[RayBJ]

The Cardo Bold is arguably the best helmet sound system out there. Even the latest Sena is no match for overall performance.
Battery life, volume, clarity, wind cancelation, are all better with the Cardo.

 

[Jetfixer]

Thanks for the replies. I have tried moving the speakers. Even put them on top of the helmet foam above the speaker pocket to get tight against ears (annoying) didn’t hear any difference!?


I'm connecting directly to the phone, via Sirius, which I can’t find any equalizer to work with; and Apple Music, which does have an equalizer, but it is just pre-made profiles or filters, with no real adjustment.

You didn't mention whether or not you have the upgraded JBL larger speakers or not. Also, if you do, make sure you have the updated JBL profile loaded in the Cardo App to take full advantage of them.

 

[Rdrnr]

You didn't mention whether or not you have the upgraded JBL larger speakers or not. Also, if you do, make sure you have the updated JBL profile loaded in the Cardo App to take full advantage of them.

Wow! I have not found that, thanks.