Cardo JBL 45mm Audio Set Product Review
Cycle News Staff | May 9, 2020
We did a review on the Cardo Packtalk Bold Communications system back in November 2018 and we were very impressed with the performance, especially with the Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) technology used to connect multiple users. It is a big improvement over Bluetooth connectivity. Last year, Cardo released new speakers that were developed in partnership with JBL, one of the world’s leading audio companies, to improve the sound quality of their communication systems. Although the new 45mm Audio Set speakers come with several of the Cardo systems, the standard 3.5mm jack makes them compatible with most motorcycle communication systems on the market.
Standout Feature: Improved sound quality for any motorcycle helmet communication system.
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Improved sound quality even for people that are not big-time music lovers. |
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Compatible with nearly all motorcycle helmet communication systems. |
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Makes the really great Packtalk Bold system even better. |
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In original test with the Packtalk Bold, we noted that the speakers can be difficult to fit into some helmets. That is still the case with the JBL Speakers although most newer helmets do have pockets that will accept them. |
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List Price: $89.95 for the speaker set (also standard with the Cardo Packtalk Bold, Packtalk Slim and Freecom 4+ communication systems).
Cardo JBL 45mm Audio Set Rider Analysis
If you don’t already use a communication system in your helmet, you don’t know what you are missing. I am not really into listening to music, but I now enjoy having some background music while riding on the street. And the ability to communicate with my wife when we ride together or use the system to listen to my GPS is great. I rarely go anywhere without a communication system for street riding and have found them to be useful for off-road riding, as well. The Cardo/JBL speakers just make all of that better.
The Packtalk Bold, Packtalk Slim and Freecom 4+ communication systems all utilize JBL sound processing to maximize the benefits available with the JBL speakers. This is a difference that is noticeable even to somebody like me that does not have a great ear for music. The quality of the sound is better for both music and rider-to-rider communications. We tested them with another brand of helmet that had much smaller speakers and noticed a big improvement on that system.
We have been using the Cardo Packtalk Bold communication system for almost two years now and continue to be happy with how well it works and the addition of the new JBL Speakers only makes that even better.CN
For more information, visit www.cardosystems.com