Q. Headset advice please

cstarkey <cstarkey@REMOVETHISOziPilotsOnline.com.au> wrote:
> I would welcome advice/discussion re Noise attenuation vs Electronic
> noise reduction/cancellation.

ANR (Active Noise Reduction) is wonderful. The downside is that it's
expensive and needs power. The power bit generally implies some kind of
battery box in-line with the cord (which is annoying) and you need to
keep changing batteries.

> I would also really appreciate any advice on brands to buy or avoid.

No question, buy a David Clark. I own three headsets. I've had a
DC-13.4 for about 10 years. It still works perfectly and I expect I'll
get another 10 years out of it. They have a reputation for ruggedness
that can't be beat. Basically, you're getting military quality
hardware, because that's their main line of business and where they
started.

A long time ago I bought a Sigtronics. What a piece of garbage. More
recently, I splurged and bought a Telex ANR set. Right now, it's back
at Telex getting fixed after less than 6 months of use. I wish I hadn't
fallen for Telex's nifty feature set (digital noise reduction) and gone
for another DC.

I just bought a Lightspeed QFRXCc. From my research it has (one of)
the highest level of passive noise attenuation and a moderate range of
ANR at a reasonable price. I am very conscious of protecting my
hearing, and this seemed to be the best headset for the price point at
which it sells. List is 379-375, but if you shop around the WWW you
can find them as low as 275. But if you contact Lightspeed they might
have some cosmetic blems or refurbs for a lot less.

My .02/YMMV

GWP

While David Clarks are extremely well built, their actual strong point
is their customer Service.

Three data points I am specifically aware of.

Friend had a 5 hear old set of DC that developed a short in the wiring,
He sent them in for service, They completely rebuilt the headset
to basically new condition and returned them. No Charge.

Another Set was sent in for a leaking ear seal, again they
reconditioned the unit for No Charge, even though he had given them his
Credit Card Number.

My Ear Seal developed a leak I called them and they Sent me two new
ones at No Charge.

As Long as I keep hearing stories like the ones above I will continue
to Buy and Recommend DC Headsets.

Brian
CFIIG/ASEL

For a first pair of headsets, I think you should get one with no active
noise reduction. Just plain old headsets. Can't go wrong with Dave
Clark. I bought some Sigtronics 6 years ago and still have them. Best
to try some on, and get a good fit. Later on you can buy noise
cancelling, and you will have a spare headset for your passengers or in
case yours break.

general question to the group: can it get too quiet? tried an
expensive ($1000+) anr set inside a baron the other day and i'm not
sure it's that quiet inside my refrigerator. spooky quiet. ( i think
i heard a mouse pi....oh well, you get the idea). shouldn't i be
listening to the motor ? at least a little bit??
dan...better gps, then the plane then new headsets...that's a plan.