BCD325P2/BCD996P2: Volume Output

[Chief220]

I am looking into purchasing the BCD996P2 for both a mobile and base scanner. I currently own a BCD325P2, and frequently use it for listening in the car. However, even with an external speaker, I find when I reach speeds of 50 mph+ it is rather difficult to make out what is being said over the scanner due to road noise. Hence, I am looking at purchasing the BCD996P2 for a mobile solution. So my question is, what is the volume output of the BCD996P2 and is it audible even with heavy road noise? In other words, is the internal speaker much louder than handheld scanners, specifically the BCD325P2?

For those wondering:
BCD996P2 : Internal Speaker: 8 ohm, 5W Max. 77mm (3.0 in.)
BCD325P2 : Internal Speaker: 24 ohm, 0.8W Max.

 

[jimg]

I am looking into purchasing the BCD996P2 for both a mobile and base scanner. I currently own a BCD325P2, and frequently use it for listening in the car. However, even with an external speaker, I find when I reach speeds of 50 mph+ it is rather difficult to make out what is being said over the scanner due to road noise. Hence, I am looking at purchasing the BCD996P2 for a mobile solution. So my question is, what is the volume output of the BCD996P2 and is it audible even with heavy road noise? In other words, is the internal speaker much louder than handheld scanners, specifically the BCD325P2?

For those wondering:
BCD996P2 : Internal Speaker: 8 ohm, 5W Max. 77mm (3.0 in.)
BCD325P2 : Internal Speaker: 24 ohm, 0.8W Max.

Have you considered getting an amplified speaker for the BCD325P2?

 

[ofd8001]

I'd suggest the Uniden BC23A amplified speaker. Radio Shack used to have a decent one before they went away.

I've used amplified speakers for both portable and mobile scanners with excellent results.

As you've mentioned, road noise is tough to overcome. Between personal and fire department vehicles, I've had probably ten mobile scanner applications. An amplified speaker is as important as a mobile antenna (GPS device too).

 

[Chief220]

Have you considered getting an amplified speaker for the BCD325P2?

I have considered an amplified speaker, however since space is an issue and because the 325P2 does not have the greatest battery life, I think a mobile setup would be ideal. My external speaker does not have independent volume control so listening will be limited to the amount of output the scanner can produce, which is why I was curious if the 996p2 can produce a higher volume output than the 325p2.

 

[Voyager]

Either solution should work fine - the amplified speaker (you need one anyway since the 325 has no speaker output) or the 996P2.

 

[Chief220]

Either solution should work fine - the amplified speaker (you need one anyway since the 325 has no speaker output) or the 996P2.

would you advise I purchase an amplified speaker for the 996P2 or is it not necessary?

 

[ofd8001]

I've used the 996XT (older sibling to the 996P2) in that mobile application with an amplified speaker. It fit right under the driver's seat (sound wasn't muffled).

In reference to post #3, you'll see volume control on the scanner. It will go down to nothing all the way up to real loud. (Mine is just a tad above mid way for highways in a pickup truck).

 

[darunimal]

use an amplified speaker on the bcd325p2 and it will be great, your only getting headphone volume out of it , at 32ohm, at not even a half of a watt.