Auxiliary Audio Options for Motorcycles

Compare CD, MP3 and Satellite Radio for Bikers

CD Player Considerations

Overview

CD players offer static free, high quality audio reproduction without the need for supporting computer programs or other devices than the CD player. CD's purchased in a store may be immediately played in any CD player by simply inserting the media. CD's have become the de facto standard for home music reproduction - although they may not be as well suited for motorcycle use.

Many CD players today are also capable of playing MP3 encoded files - so you can get a very large amount of selections on one disk. If you plan to use MP3 compression and wish to purchase a CD player, make SURE the player is MP3 compatible; if it does not say MP3 compatible, it probably is not compatible with MP3 encoded CD's!

 

Pros

• CD players have excellent audio quality
• CD players do not require additional hardware such as a computer or software to set up and play.
• No 'dropout' due to antenna obstructions or extreme weather conditions.

 

Cons

• CD players do not lend themselves to motorcycle application for various reasons
• CD players for motorcycles are typically very expensive - unless you can adapt a 'walk' type unit.
• With few exceptions, integration of the controls is difficult unless the CD player has a remote that can be installed in a useful place for the rider to use.
  (One notable exception is the Honda Gold Wing GL1800 which has fully integrated CD capability - albeit a very expensive option.)
• CD players are not typically tolerant to the shock and vibration environment encountered in motorcycle usage - although some units are fairly immune.
• CD players are limited to a maximum of about 6 CD's - which represents only about 6 hours of music.
  (An exception is a CD player that is capable of playing MP3 formatted CD's.)
• CD's are not very tolerant of the extreme heat and vibration/shock conditions typically encountered in motorcycle applications.

  Summary

• Higher Cost
• Less Playing Time
• Media not suited to motorcycle environment

Of the three options presented here, the CD Player is arguably the least desirable alternative for motorcycle use.

MP3 Player Considerations

Overview

The term "MP3" is derived from the acronym "MPG" - which stands for 'Motion Picture Group'. The MPG file format was first created for compressing motion pictures data for storage and use on computers. Because of the very large amount of information required for motion pictures - or video as it appears on a computer - a compression method was required for practicality. Since audio is part of most video - this was also compressed to a more computer-friendly format. MP3 is a Layer 3 derivative of the MPG file format - which allows us to store and play audio in a compressed format. Because it is compressed, we get the benefit of a lot of data - which translates to many hours of music listening - with less storage room requirements and without sacrificing audio quality to a human noticeable extent for practical purposes.

MP3 players allow the storage and retrieval of music files in this compressed MP3 format. A typical audio CD can hold about 60 to 70 minutes of music data - which is about enough for a typical 'album'. With each CD representing only about 1 hours of music, a large quantity would be required to provide many hours of music without repeat. This would take a lot of physical room just to store the CD's and also require handling of the CD's to load and unload the CD player.

Thus the compressed format of the MP3 player allows us to store HOURS of data on a single device and play it back with pushbutton ease. As with almost all electronic devices, the price of the typical MP3 player is constantly decreasing while the capacity is increasing.

The table below lists a few typical MP3 players along with their price as of this writing. This data changes almost daily, but this will give you an idea of what is available and what the capabilities are.

Unit Description	Approximate Capacity*	Approx. Cost as-of-writing
128 Megabyte MP3 Player	4 hours
512 Megabyte MP3 Player	17 hours
5 Gigabyte Micro Size	2,500 songs
20 Gigabyte MP3 Player	5,000 MP3/ 10,000 WMA
40 Gigabyte MP3 Player	10,000 MP3/ 20,000 WMA

* Capacity specified by manufacturer - this was gathered by a quick web search for MP3 devices at Sam's Club. Other options and vendors are available - and some improvements are being done - be sure to make your own search.

NOTE: Many manufactures offer combination MP3/AM/FM units, in dash, portable, and more.

 

Pros

• MP3 Player has excellent audio quality (but not as high as a CD / although not normally detectable)
• MP3 Players are typically less expensive than CD Players - especially for motorcycle use. (Home units are cheap.)
• MP3 Player can hold MANY HOURS of custom selected audio files.
• MP3 Players smaller than CD Players.
• MP3 Players relatively immune to shock and vibration - although the larger capacity units do have hard drives.

Cons

• MP3 players require computer and software to 'capture' audio files from CD's or other sources and convert them to MP3 file format and upload them to the MP3 Player.
• Even with the very high capacity available, still not the impressive amount offered by Satellite Radio.
• High capacity MP3 units are generally more expensive than Satellite Radio units.

Of the three options presented here, the MP3 player is arguably the second best alternative for motorcycle use.

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Satellite Radio Considerations

Overview

Moderately priced, typically small physical size, good audio quality (FM) and a virtually unlimited supply of genera make Satellite Radio one of the fastest growing sources of entertainment, information and music today.

The major 'down' side of Satellite Radio is that it requires a subscription fee - much like cable TV or Satellite TV. Whether it is worth the price or not depends upon the user. Monthly subscriptions are about $10 to $12 with discounts often offered when paying for an entire year. Multiple units in a family plan also may be discounted.

 

Sirius versus XM Satellite Radio - Which Service?

There are two major suppliers of Satellite Radio Service - Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio. They both have strong similarities, and both have differences. Both offer a wide selection of music, comedy, information, talk and news outlets. Each service offers 'theme' stations, such as music from the 50's, 60's, etc. through the 90's - along with country, blue grass, rock, alternative, urban, rap and more.

But there are some differences. For example, XM Radio broadcasts all MLB games, while Sirius broadcasts NFL games. Also, XM seems to have more 'talk' on their some of their stations, emulating old-time broadcasts and even retro commercials at times. Sirius is more just plain music and is totally commercial free. XM is commercial free on music stations, but they do a considerable amount of promo for their own services and programs. It really amounts to 'commercials' and does get to be a nuisance. Also, the comedy channels on XM have a lot of commercials - an annoying amount. The choice is yours - but do take a hard look. Programming pamphlets for both services are available at suppliers.

Radios for both services are available at most all major retailers and discount houses - including such places as Best Buy, Wal Mart and many more. There is a wide variety to choose from. There are models that can be easily unplugged and taken in the home, and units that even allow for personal portability as 'walk' type units with batteries. The choice is yours.

 

Pros

• Satellite Radio has good audio quality
• Satellite Radio does not require additional hardware such as a computer or software to set up and play.
• Satellite Radio does not require you carry any media around.
• Satellite Radio is typically a small physical size - smaller than large capacity MP3 players.

Cons

• Satellite Radio requires monthly (or yearly) recurring subscription required for XM or Sirius Service.
• Satellite Radio usually requires a contract term to get a better yearly price.
• Satellite Radio requires antenna (included with unit) must be free of obstructions.
• Satellite Radio reception may 'drop out' in certain conditions - tunnels, indoors, during extreme weather conditions, etc. *
  (* Note: The 'drop out' we have noticed occurs under mansards and awnings such as in gas stations, in garages, car ports and in tunnels and sometimes in and around tall buildings. It is generally not a problem.)

• Summary - most important points

• Lower initial cost
• Recurring subscription price (con)
• Virtually unlimited selections
• Standalone - no media required, no computer hardware/software required.
• Commercial free on Sirius - not so 'commercial free' on XM.

Of the three options presented here, the Satellite Radio is arguably the best alternative for motorcycle use. Although the author currently has XM - we would strongly suggest looking into Sirius before making your decision.

No matter which option you chose, we recommend using an AUX (auxiliary) input, if available. The GL1800 Gold Wing, for example, has a plug in the left side fairing pocket. Most MP3 players and XM/Sirius Satellite radio have an FM modulator, where you can 'transmit' the program information to your FM radio. It sounds good in theory, but in practice there is generally too much interference and other problems that make the FM modulator method undesirable.