Headsets

eKim. · Post by **eKim.** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 7:26 pm

Hey guys, I was just curious on what a good pair of headsets would be to buy for myself eventually. I had my eye on the David Clark H10-13X Headset (battery powered). I sort of know what "battery powered" means but could you clarify exacly what the point of that is, and the pros and cons, etc... I would like more information on what to look for and if that headset would be good or what else is there out there that may just be as good if not better. My budget is about the price of this headset, I know the Bose headset or w.e its called is very expensive. The link for this headset is http://www.sportys.com/acb/showdetl.cfm ... 2&DETAIL=1

Thanks.

Burner · Post by **Burner** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 8:35 pm

I got the 13.4s a few years ago and am very happy with them, the gel inserts are just great. To answer your question, the battery pack is the ENC circuitry- Electronic Noise Cancellation. I've never used a headset with that feature but I've heard that it works well. Oh yeah and if you can get together a few more $ the Bose are just hands down the best- as is the case with everything Bose.

eKim. · Post by **eKim.** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 7:55 am

Sweet, thanks. I still have a while to decide anyways. I wasn't planning on getting headsets until I at least get my private pilot license, if not later. They said they would put some money down towards them as a "graduation gift" for earning my private. So, we will see. Once again thanks for the help.

Post by **Lawndart** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 10:43 am

My favorite headset is still the DC 13.4s. Only passive noise reduction (PNR), but very comfortable, especially with the gel ear seals and cloth covers. I've tried a few ANRs (active noise reduction) before and most are very good. Instead of just dempening the noise, they cancel a wide range of frequencies electronically, so it's usually very quiet. The biggest drawback is the constant use of power either from a power outlet (cigarette lighter in some cases, but varies from airplane to airplane) or a battery pack. You'll be switching batteries quite often in between flights. I'd go with DCs in a heartbeat for any kind of headset. It's kind of like buying a Volvo. Not very exciting or flashy, but highly dependable, gets the job done, comfortable and durable for a long time. However, if you really want the best, there's only one word (Burner said it already): BOSE!

Active Noise Reduction
There are three elements present in all ANR headsets: a microphone that measures the sound level present, electronics that process this information and relay it to the anti-noise speaker, and a speaker known as an ANR driver that "adds" this sound to the ambient sound. This "added" sound combines with the existing ambient noise to reduce the overall noise level. It's the "summing" of those signals that represents the active cancellation.

ANR Headsets can be powered one of two ways:
Battery Powered - Either integrated into the headset or part of a separate battery module. Good for renters or pilots who use multiple airplanes.
Panel Powered - Uses the aircraft's electrical system for its power source.

Total Noise Reduction
Most headsets reduce ambient noise without active electronics. This is called Passive Noise Reduction. Total Noise Reduction is the sum of Passive Noise Reduction and Active Noise Reduction. In cases where headsets do not have Active Noise Reduction, Total Noise Reduction equals Passive Noise Reduction.

eKim. · Post by **eKim.** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 1:32 pm

Yea, right now it sounds like the battery powered doesnt sound appealing but I will have to do some more research. Bose does sound the best but is it really worth $995? Of course these products are considered investments so I guess it doesnt really matter as long as you are planning on using them

Post by **Lawndart** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 1:58 pm

Is anything Bose really worth the price? However, if you have the "doh to blow" they never disappoint!

I'm sure the DCs with ANR are very good!

LD

eKim. · Post by **eKim.** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 1:59 pm

Sorry 1 more question. For the Bose headsets, do you also need a battery or so some kind of power supply for the ANR? The H10-13X (battery powered) requires it but does BOSE also? Thanks

Post by **Lawndart** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 2:05 pm

Yep, it's battery powered. The hand control module has the battery.

eKim. · Post by **eKim.** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 2:28 pm

If you had about $500 give or take and you had a year to save up your money, would you get the BOSE or get another kind? This is in your opinion if you were in my shoes. Thanks

Post by **Lawndart** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 2:39 pm

I would look for the best headset within your current budget. I wouldn't buy a Bose unless I had an "extra" $500 to burn without it being felt at all in the bank or through having to save up for it. That's a lot of money to save up with the benefit not bringing enough bang per additional $1 IMHO. I'd look at the DCs or Telex headsets in your shoes. Compare and weigh the pros/cons of different models along with the price.

Lawndart

P.S. I've worked professionally as a pilot for 5 years, give or take and I still haven't been able to justify buying a Bose headset. It has crossed my mind and I could easily afford them. I've tried 'em and love 'em, but I just can't swallow paying that much! Not for a headset.

eKim. · Post by **eKim.** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 4:09 pm

Aight man, thanks.

Airshow fan · Post by **Airshow fan** » Sat May 20, 2006 7:27 pm

Sorry to bring this to the top, Does any body know a headset that is battery powered and smaller than what LD put above? It does not have to be "anti-noise"

Thanks
AF

Burner · Post by **Burner** » Sat May 20, 2006 11:46 pm

The battery powered part is the active noise reduction. Passive systems have no batteries. Out of those types of headsets I like the DC 13.4s.

Post by **Lawndart** » Sun May 21, 2006 12:50 pm

Best headset ever: http://www.anrheadsets.com/products-Mach1.asp

I've had mine for a few months now and nothing beats it! Bose can bite me...

LD

Funky · Post by **Funky** » Tue May 23, 2006 4:03 am

Lawndart wrote:Best headset ever: http://www.anrheadsets.com/products-Mach1.asp

I've had mine for a few months now and nothing beats it! Bose can bite me...

LD

I agree, you cant go wrong with LightSpeed. I tried another model of their ANR headsets a few months ago, and I loved it.
Right now I have an H-10-13S and I also like it alot, but I would definitely like to step up to an ANR one.

Hey LD, what do you do with those spongy ear pieces? Are they disposable? And if so, do you have to keep BUYING the replacements?

Funky