Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site watcgl.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!watnot!watcgl!dmmartindale From: dmmartindale@watcgl.UUCP (Dave Martindale) Newsgroups: net.aviation Subject: Re: Looking for Headset Recommendations Message-ID: <2299@watcgl.UUCP> Date: Sat, 3-Aug-85 21:41:13 EDT Article-I.D.: watcgl.2299 Posted: Sat Aug 3 21:41:13 1985 Date-Received: Sun, 4-Aug-85 09:38:45 EDT References: <749@infopro.UUCP> <2540@sun.uucp> Reply-To: dmmartindale@watcgl.UUCP (Dave Martindale) Distribution: net Organization: U of Waterloo, Ontario Lines: 48 I own one David Clark H10-30 and one Telex DBM-1010; both are EPA-rated as noise-attenuating headsets and both have dynamic mics. The David Clark does seem to be better built, but is heavier. It has 3dB more attenuation than the Telex; I suspect the reason is that the entire ear dome of the Clarks is stuffed with sound-absorbing foam while the Telex just has a thin layer around the inside of the dome with the rest of the volume remaining just air. In any case, there isn't that much perceptible difference in attenuation. In comparison, I've worn a Telex D-950 (lighter than the DBM-1010, less pressure on the head) and it provided noticeably less attenuation; I felt that the noise was still too loud (and I was in the back seat at the time). However, the D-950 plus earplugs might work just fine if you can get enough audio out of the headphones without distorting. The David Clarks had the better audio quality - the frequency range that they reproduce seems much wider (the Telex sound "tinny"). Both headsets are FAR better than the typical Cessna cabin speaker - you can actually hear what ATC is saying! The Telex seemed to have the better microphone though - more natural sounding voice, and less apparent sensitivity to picking up wind noise. The David Clarks seem a bit more comfortable to me, even though they are heavier - the squarish ear cushion on the Telex presses on my jawbone no matter how I adjust them, while the rounded cushion of the Clarks avoids it. The Telex is the ideal passenger headset - all adjustments are friction (the David Clarks need a wrench to adjust the headband) and the mic is much easier to position. But my choice for myself is the David Clark. Someone mentioned unplugging their headset from the intercom and connecting it direct to the audio panel in times of heavy ATC activity. Several intercoms have a switch that performs just that function without unplugging anything - Telex and Oregon Avionics come to mind. I've done a lot of looking at intercoms in the past few months and eventually bought one; I can make comparisons if anyone's interested. Some questions: Two people have mentioned liquid-filled ear cushions for the David Clarks. Are those sold by David Clark? I've never seen them in their ads or brochure. Does anyone have experience with both dynamic and electret mikes? How much difference in sound quality is there? Are they worth the price difference? (Electret-mike versions of all three headsets I mentioned are available). Dave Martindale watmath!watcgl!onfcanim!dave