Need Audio: MP3 and GPS but nothing else.....

[Deek]

I'm starting to narrow down what I want in a new 2009 or 2010 R1200RT. The one I get will probably NOT have BMW's radio option.

 

As far as audio goes, I don't need intercom, AM/FM, CB, CD, XM, or phone audio......I only need something to produce decent audio levels in my helmet speakers (I wear ear plugs). I don't want or need speakers on the bike; I only need audio from my Garmin StreetPilot and my MP3 player.

 

Addiltionally, I'd like the GPS to have priority to the helmet, and I'd like the stereo amp unit to be hardwired to the bike's 12dvc system (no little batteries), and I'd like the amp unit to be permanently mounted to the dash, accessible so I can change the volume easily. The MP3 audio needs to be stereo, the GPS does not.

 

Most of the audio solutions I've been researching have far more capability than I need, or want. Has anyone else found something like what I want? Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[EddyQ]

I too don't need much for audio. I have a Zumo 550 with earbuds. That is it. I get GPS and MP3. At the moment, the zumo gets bike power through the accessory port. I plan to add another power connector closer to the unit sometime this summer.

 

If you do not have an mp3 option with your GPS, you will likely need to get something more complicated since you want the GPS sound to be detected, cutting the volume of the music.

[Deek]

I too don't need much for audio. I have a Zumo 550 with earbuds. That is it. I get GPS and MP3. At the moment, the zumo gets bike power through the accessory port. I plan to add another power connector closer to the unit sometime this summer.

 

If you do not have an mp3 option with your GPS, you will likely need to get something more complicated since you want the GPS sound to be detected, cutting the volume of the music.

 

Thanks, Eddy. Is the volume with the ear buds directly from the Zumo okay? Do you use ear plugs? I'm assuming you just plug the 2.5mm headphone/ear bud cable into the Zumo then the other end into your ears? . In other words, there is no additional amp between the Zumo and your ears?

 

Roger than on the GPS taking priority over music. I've looking at a number of units that do just that, but most have much more capability than I need. I need something simple.

[Quinn]

On my Zumo 550 cradle is an earbud jack that does everything you're asking. It will also bluetooth to your phone if you're not careful and disable that feature at either the phone or the Garmin. Volume is adjustable just fine using either the rubberized buttons on the left side or by getting into the speaker icon on the touch screen. The music stops when the GPS wants to talk and then resumes. MP3 requires adding a standard SD memory card.

 

Personally, I'd leave the bluetooth active with the phone. You don't have to answer it, but at least you'll know that someone called and can sort it out at your next stop.

 

There are several discussions about wiring the cradle for power that you can seach for. Some prefer hot all the time, others only when the bike is running.

 

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[EddyQ]

Is the volume with the ear buds directly from the Zumo okay? Do you use ear plugs? I'm assuming you just plug the 2.5mm headphone/ear bud cable into the Zumo then the other end into your ears? . In other words, there is no additional amp between the Zumo and your ears?

 

The zumo cradle has the amp. The volume is adjustable with plenty of volume, provided you have in-ear earbuds. The earbud must double as a earplug or noise will be too high. The only issue I have is that standard earbuds have rather short cables which makes it difficult to move a lot on the bike without pulling the cable and knocking the bud out of my ears while riding. I plan to buy an extension cable which will allow me to route the wire though my jacket.

[LeftCoastMan]

I like using earbuds from my Zumo 550 for several reasons:

 

1. Bluetooth uses batteries, and inevitably, it will die halfway through my ride.

2. Bluetooth sound quality is just terrible.

3. A well designed earbud will transmit excellent audio while blocking external noise, which is good for your hearing. I actually had a mold of my ear canal made, sent it with my headset to a specialist to create perfect earbuds. It was expensive, and I recently lost it (oh does that piss me off), so I'm going to get a new one.

 

If you use an earbud, you don't have to go with the audiologist designed buds, because it is expensive. But get a good one that has removable buds that can be changed out to get a good fit. Also, get a sports version, because it's waterproof, good for preventing destruction from rain and/or sweat. Also, ass EddyQ mentioned, get an extension cable.

[cali_beemer]

+1 on earbuds. I can wear them all day long, they act as earplugs to wind noise and the sound is great. I cant imagine anythign else. Plus its easy just to plug right ionto the GPS. I run a 2730 and it has XM radio and an mp3 player built in so its all in 1 unit.

[Froggy]

:thumbsup:I use Sony "In EarCanal" ear buds sometimes with music on sometimes on mute.Either way a lot quieter.

[Deek]

Well, I ended up with a 2009 RT without the radio option. I had the dealer move the NavIII GPS from my 2006 to the 2009 R1200RT. Of course I no longer have audio, but the GPS works fine otherwise.

 

I am considering adding a J&M Integratr so I can hear the GPS and also listen to my MP3 player. I already have J&M headsets in my helmets. I don't use or need phone, intercomm or anything other than MP3 and GPS. I want the GPS audio to mute the MP3 audio.

 

I'd love to hear from anyone using an integratr with any GPS, but in particular the NavIII or I think the closest match to a standard Garmin GPS is the 28xx with audio out plug.

[Bullett]

I run mine (Garmin Zumo 550 and Creative Zen) though a Starcom1.

 

I know you can listen to XM radio through the Zumo, but I don't know if it can handle "audio in" for listening other than loading the memory card with tunes.

[kdoddrell]

Desk, I use the JM Corp 2003 CB hooked to my Zumo. I bought the BMW branded one. I have satellite radio and GPS and MP3 and weather on the Zumo. It works really sweet. I have considered Bluetooth but every time I do, once I have done a bit of research, I stay cabled up!

[kdoddrell]

Sorry about your name Deek. The auto spell check.

[rx35285]

I use the Amplirider amp. http://www.electric-avenues.com/amplirider.html. I have the amp in the tankbag and the volume control attached with velcro on the outside. I see there is now an option to have the volume control mounted in the amp. I'm happy with the product and the product support. YMMV. Dave in Cedar Falls, IA

[bobbybob]

It may be more cost effective AND simpler to just get a new GPS that has an MP3 player built in. "Integrated"---so you don't have to mess with all the extra wiring and cost of a "mixer" (i.e. Autocom).