Ampli-rider or Tesseract Xma3

[ramses355]

Hey everyone I don't post much, just like to lurk and get great info. I have a
question though about amplifiers for my '05 st1300. Just installed the sirius starmate replay and an escort x50 radar detector. Not enough volume from the starmate so I'm thinking an amp is needed. I would also like to feed the mono output of the escort into my earphones (shure e2c's). Looking at both amplifier websites, what has anyone else run? Ground loop problems, special patch cords? At 200.00 for the xma3 vs 60.00 for the Ampli-rider which has a volume control but no mono input I know the better deal.
Oh yeah, I run no com system just wired directly into the starmate and when both were plugged into a y-cord got a background hum, so I pulled the radar detector audio and just look at the lights which isn't the greatest way to stay alert. Recommendations? Thanks

[sherob]

look @ radio shack. they have an aa battry amp that puts out about 12 watts 4 $20. has 4 input leads... www.radioshack.com

[crazykz]

I'm not sure about your whole setup but looks like you're trying to get three devices into your headset and the radar detector is causing an issue with buzz.

The radar detector is a issue because the Escort needs an isolator cable.

I would recommend the Mix-It2 over the Ampli-Rider. The reason is that the Mix-It2 now has an isolated priority mono circuit for your radar detector and will mute the music when it goes off. So you don't have to worry about the ground loop isolator (which will run about $20-$30 dollars) because it's built into the Mix-It2. The Mix-It2 also has one other mono isolated input and then 2 stereo non-isolated inputs.

The Mix-It2 doesn't offer a remote volume knob like the Ampli-Rider (which I wish John would offer, at Mix-It Products but I know how that stuff goes). If the remote knob is a priority then maybe the Ampli-Rider is for you. If not then the Mix-It2 is worth the money to me because it includes everything you need as far as ground isolation and a priority circuit.

If you want to continue with what you have you could consider adding a GLI inline with your radar detector. Here's one that I use:
P/N 03205 http://www.electricalconnection.com/audio/noise-filters.htm

The Mix-It can be battery powered (9V) or bike powered. It's $180 which is a major purchase but if you're going to continue having multiple bike powered accessories then I think it's worth the investment.

John Brown is a one man show and manufacturers the Mix-It. He is also a great source of technical support and backs-up his product 1000%. Best person I've ever dealt with for product support and he's helped me an awful lot in wiring two different bikes now with the Mix-It.

Mix-It Products (http://www.mixitproducts.com/)

Any more questions just ask.

Curt

[Blue STreak]

I think there's a realtively easy way to get remote volume with (or without) the Mix-It. Put one of these between the output of your device and your headphones or speakers. I've got mine mounted on top of my left side handlebar (ST1100 with helibars) just in front of the clutch reservoir. I can adjust it easily with my left thumb while riding.

http://www.proporta.com/F02/PPF02P05.php?t_id=1194&t_mode=des

I got the same thing at Radio Shack for $6.95, IIRC, but I can't find it on their website at the moment.