Bose A20 V Lightspeed Zulu
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Join Date: Aug 2010
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Interesting discussion. Well I already have the lightspeeds and been pretty happy with them. Have had to get them repaired twice and just contacting lightspeed through their website was easy. I havent treated my headset very well so cant blame lightspeed completely for the required repairs. I purchased them from the states when the $$ was strong and was not an issue for warranty.
Was interested to see if Bose have managed to finally better the lightspeeds but by the sound of things they havnt. I guess the extra price tag is for the Bose brand name.
Was interested to see if Bose have managed to finally better the lightspeeds but by the sound of things they havnt. I guess the extra price tag is for the Bose brand name.
Join Date: Feb 2010
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I'm in New York at the moment and I walked into the Bose store in Manhattan today to check out the new A20 but they told me that Bose has stopped selling the A20 and recalled them. The lady behind the counter said that there's an issue with the "volume." I'm wanting a new headset, looks like I'll have to settle for the Zulus when I get back to Australia. If anyone owns one are they aware that there's been a recall?
Join Date: Jun 2010
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Warbling
Does any one else's Zulus warble? I have found this generally occuring only if there is a small air gap between the head and the cussion? I.e: the gap where the sunnies usually go over the ear.
Or is it just my miss shaped head?
Or is it just my miss shaped head?
Join Date: Oct 2002
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I'm about to make a decision on the Bose A20 or the Zulu. I'm currently flying a bloody noisy twin turboprop.
Can anyone say whether they have tried both? And can you say that noise cancelling on the bose is any better than the zulu. Bluetooth and music etc is not a worry to me, would rather the quieter product.
Also interested in what the noise insulation is like on these sets with ANR switched off. I have read as much as i can about noise cancelling. However regardless of ANR i think it is important to still have the best passive reduction as well. I think at the end of a long days flying this will still be a factor.
My current DC 10-30 with Headset Inc conversion is now nowhere near as quiet without ANR as it was before i did the conversion. and even though i have the ANR switched on, i think i am still being affected by whatever bands are still getting through the now poorer passive insulation.
Cheers
Can anyone say whether they have tried both? And can you say that noise cancelling on the bose is any better than the zulu. Bluetooth and music etc is not a worry to me, would rather the quieter product.
Also interested in what the noise insulation is like on these sets with ANR switched off. I have read as much as i can about noise cancelling. However regardless of ANR i think it is important to still have the best passive reduction as well. I think at the end of a long days flying this will still be a factor.
My current DC 10-30 with Headset Inc conversion is now nowhere near as quiet without ANR as it was before i did the conversion. and even though i have the ANR switched on, i think i am still being affected by whatever bands are still getting through the now poorer passive insulation.
Cheers
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This article was posted elsewhere on PPRuNe.
It is a review article, including passive attenuation of various headsetsm including earlier Bose and Zulu. Possibly still of use.
http://www.headsetsinc.com/fly01.pg58-63%20copy.pdf
John
It is a review article, including passive attenuation of various headsetsm including earlier Bose and Zulu. Possibly still of use.
http://www.headsetsinc.com/fly01.pg58-63%20copy.pdf
John
Join Date: May 2008
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Had the passive DC 13.4s. Had a set also converted with Headsets Inc. The conversion failed on me several times to the point where I have basically discarded them. My original 13.4's go strong still.
Tried Zulu (not extensively). Good headset- they actually made a Bongo somewhat quiet!
Managed to score a try with the A20s. Love them, bought them. Very comfortable and quiet. Passive, not wonderful, but tolerable. Cannot comment on Zulu passive as its been a couple years since i tried them- however an ANR's passive is nowhere near as good as a straight passive headset.
Bluetooth on the A20 is wonderful, it is as good as speaking on the phone itself in a normal room.
ANR on the A20 is fantastic, to the point where on one aircraft I fly I have to turn it off whilst taxying just to make sure i hear the props going to beta and i don't pull it back too far!
Get about 60hrs flying off standard alkaline (including leaving it on over some turnarounds that might be 20-30mins).
They are even great for music when at home, other than the cables when sitting on the couch (I'd like a wireless pair of Bose headphones for this purpose!)
I doubt anyone would be disappointed in either the Zulu or A20. I however prefer the Bose.
Tried Zulu (not extensively). Good headset- they actually made a Bongo somewhat quiet!
Managed to score a try with the A20s. Love them, bought them. Very comfortable and quiet. Passive, not wonderful, but tolerable. Cannot comment on Zulu passive as its been a couple years since i tried them- however an ANR's passive is nowhere near as good as a straight passive headset.
Bluetooth on the A20 is wonderful, it is as good as speaking on the phone itself in a normal room.
ANR on the A20 is fantastic, to the point where on one aircraft I fly I have to turn it off whilst taxying just to make sure i hear the props going to beta and i don't pull it back too far!
Get about 60hrs flying off standard alkaline (including leaving it on over some turnarounds that might be 20-30mins).
They are even great for music when at home, other than the cables when sitting on the couch (I'd like a wireless pair of Bose headphones for this purpose!)
I doubt anyone would be disappointed in either the Zulu or A20. I however prefer the Bose.
Lightspeed have an attractive buyback scheme running at the moment, you get good money for your old headset. On the negative side, the microphone and cord are on the left side of the headset. You can't wear a Zulu with the mike on the right side, so if you are instructing or an FO you have to have the mike on the left with the cord running across your chest.
I loved my Bose too....until I got my Zulus.
One really good thing about Lightspeed is that you get great technical support. I've had a problem with microphone side-tone, the response when I emailed Lightspeed has been prompt, comprehensive and very helpful.
One really good thing about Lightspeed is that you get great technical support. I've had a problem with microphone side-tone, the response when I emailed Lightspeed has been prompt, comprehensive and very helpful.
Join Date: Mar 2009
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Have tried them both in an aircraft, the Zulu's are lighter and I feel more comfortable (much better than Bose). The noise cancelling is very good on them both and I could be imagining things but I think slightly better on the Zulu's versus the Sierra. Not a huge difference in price so I went the Zulu.
Join Date: Jun 2011
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I can't compare the two but I do like my Zulus. Seem to do a very good job and the company service is fantastic if you ever have an issue.
ALWAYS carry spare batteries with you! I once didn't notice the the low battery light and lost ANR when in a Bongo.
That was bad enough but lucky I had spares and my ears only bleed for about 30 seconds.
Would be interesting to compare the A20 to the New Zulu which I believe is coming out soon. No doubt some magazine will do a comparison.
Do any other brands even match these two?
ALWAYS carry spare batteries with you! I once didn't notice the the low battery light and lost ANR when in a Bongo.
That was bad enough but lucky I had spares and my ears only bleed for about 30 seconds.Would be interesting to compare the A20 to the New Zulu which I believe is coming out soon. No doubt some magazine will do a comparison.
Do any other brands even match these two?
Join Date: May 2006
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I have the A20's and can't fault them. Bought them at OSH last year.
I have 2 mates with Zulus and each has had to send them back for repair at some stage.
Here is a couple of points
If Zulu are so good, why are they bringing out a new model?
This whole forum is about how good Zulu service is.
My Bose's don't need service.
I have 2 mates with Zulus and each has had to send them back for repair at some stage.
Here is a couple of points
If Zulu are so good, why are they bringing out a new model?
This whole forum is about how good Zulu service is.
My Bose's don't need service.
Try before you "buy".
Bose have a scheme where you pay upfront for the A20's and, within 21 days you decide you don't like them, then you can send them back
(in good order and in the box, of course) for a full refund - no questions asked.
Did that, didn't need the return option though.
Bose have a scheme where you pay upfront for the A20's and, within 21 days you decide you don't like them, then you can send them back
(in good order and in the box, of course) for a full refund - no questions asked.
Did that, didn't need the return option though.
Join Date: Apr 2011
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I have a set of DC H10-40 that I bought 21yrs ago when I was learning to fly. I replaced the std ear seals for oil filled the same day. Apart from being heavy after 2+hrs wearing them, they were a great passive headset. 4yrs ago I tried a set of Zulus and loved the ANR aspect immediately. After pricing around to get a set, I settled on a DIY ANR upgade for my DC's, new wiring, new speakers in the ear cups, got new gel seals and new padded head band, all up $350 and I had a fantastic passive set with ANR to boot. I still love em and the guy whos Zulu's I borrowed has commented that they are great and although minus the bluetooth, comparable in quiteness (flying a C182 dumping meat bombs), but heavy compared to the Zulu.
My only gripe is the battery use, I get maybe 6hrs from a 9v battery.
Oneday Ill upgrade.
My only gripe is the battery use, I get maybe 6hrs from a 9v battery.
Oneday Ill upgrade.
rjtjrt:
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