I just bought a new EVO to replace a 20S I've had for a few years. The max volume of the EVO is quite a bit lower than the old 20S to the extent that I can't hear music plainly over it with earplugs on the freeway. I spoke at length with SENA and they decided to replace it but the replacement is the same so I'm assuming that for whatever reason SENA opted to lower the EVO's max volume. I'm wondering if anyone else who has gone from a 20S to an EVO has noticed the same thing.
Thanks,
Marc
Marc - Did you check to see if your phone volume is turned all the way up?
Sure did. I checked everything like audio boost, etc including the phone's volume setting which is at max. I can swap headsets back and forth and the difference is obvious. Is your experience different?
The only other thing I can think of is the mount as the audio passes through it from the Evo to the speakers. Have you tried switching out the mount with another one? I had an old 20s and went to the Evo I swapped all the 20s stuff out including the speakers and microphone. My volume with the Evo is more than sufficient by the way.
Got to thinking - did you delete the old 20s bluetooth connection on your phone? Assuming it's an iPhone selecting "forget this device" then re-pairing the Evo to the phone. Not sure how this is done with Android
So I just tried them again sitting here at my desk playing the same song over and over. I can switch back and forth between the new EVO and my old 20S and there is no doubt that the EVO is quieter. I had the same issue with a 30K I eventually sold. I don't know if its a lawyer issue worrying about blowing people's eardrums out they're concerned with or maybe speakers blowing out, who knows what the issue is but they definitely muted these new ones down a bit. I'm wearing earplugs so I have to run the volume at max on the freeway to hear music. The 20S is not a problem and actually requires lowering the volume in town. Not so with the EVO. Anyway, I just set up a return with Amazon (they make it so easy) and ordered a pair of 20S's which they'll deliver tomorrow. That way I'll have a backup. Thanks for the help but the 20S will fix it. If it doesn't I'll let you know.
Marc
Sounds good. Hopefully it will work out for you.
Hi Marc - This message may be too late; however, it may be important information for those who may read at some point. I just purchased a set of EVO 20S. Installation and set up was easy. Sound volume was substantial. So much so that I did not reach high level before it was uncomfortable. However, when demonstrating for my wife, I found her helmet was way too low at max volume. After some brief troubleshooting I found I had failed to removed the protective plastic from the ear pieces. Doh! Problem solved! So, the question: Did you happen to remove the plastic protective film after assembly?
Hi Mike,
Yes, there is no covering on the speakers. I compared the 20S to the EVO with three different EVO headsets. The test was on the same helmet with the same phone with identical settings. I played the same song each time and simply switched the headset units from one to the other. The 20S is obviously louder, no question. The issue for me is due to the fact that I wear earplugs and maybe you don't. Without earplugs either unit would be loud enough but with earplugs that extra volume makes all the difference. The 20S I bought after returning the EVO is working great. Thanks for responding.
Marc
I'm surprised that you havn't been asked about your setting or told us about them.
Have you enabled Audio Boost?
Also Smart Volume can affect your sound level too. If Smart Volume is enabled, it may be reducing your level based on ambient noise.
Of course your firmware should also be up to date. My 20s is current with
FW 2.0.1
Marc, I too wear plugs with the helmet (a habit since my aviation days). Glad you found a solution that works for you. Safe travels!
Hi Marc, I have the same problem, old 20S volume much louder than 20 EVO. But the 20S model is not available anymore, at least new. I believe Sena is limiting volume control on all new Bluetooth headsets. My Sena smh 10 cranked the volume when needed. 20 EVO and 30K not so much. I heard the 50 also has low volume. Firmware does not change volume issues, nor does HD speakers. With earplugs at 45 mph the 20 EVO and 30k can barely be heard. This is not acceptable!
Looks like Amazon has a few left.
Marc
Thanks Marc, great find.
My 20s EVO with /HD speakers works great with earplugs. I do notice that speaker placement is critical in that the center of the speaker needs to be directly over the ear canal. The upgraded Sena utility app with the HD speakers has equalization options that the original speakers don't have. Much better quality especially for music.