View Poll Results: What type of headset do you use in GA?
David Clark 13.4
574
40.39%
other David Clark
305
21.46%
Altronics
77
5.42%
all others
433
30.47%
Bose Aviation X
32
2.25%
Voters: 1421. This poll is closed
Headset types in GA
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Australia
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I have converted my set of 13.4's to ANR using the Headsets Inc ANR Kit.
I have had them converted for about 6 years and they are absoloutley fantastic.
You can see the details on their website http://www.headsetsinc.com
I purchased mine through Global Aviation Support in QLD http://www.globalav.com.au
Cant remember how much it cost me back then but I can say that it was well worth it and much less than the difference in price between a standard set of 13.4's and the 13.4's with the ANR built in from DC.
Cheers
Pitts
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Australia
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I've got DC H10-13.4 with after-market ANR kit. Excellent all round, particularly cos I've been flying Bongos recently, one of the loudest of all aircraft. ANR kit is pretty thirsty on 9V batteries, my rechargable NiMH 9Vs last about 6-8 hours, so that's a pain in the asre.
But I too have had some minor hearing loss (mostly from activities prior to aviation), so have no hesitation in paying the money. As mentioned above, the fatigue factor is very much reduced, something which you don't credit until you have flown with ANRs.
I'm saving my pennies for a set of DC X-11s; I'm surprised they haven't been mentioned yet on this thread. By all accounts equal to the Bose for noise cancellation and comfort, but with DC warranty and peace of mind, also built-in adapter for mobiles/MP3s. Cheaper too, by around $100.
REALLY keen to try a pair. Anyone flight-tested these?
But I too have had some minor hearing loss (mostly from activities prior to aviation), so have no hesitation in paying the money. As mentioned above, the fatigue factor is very much reduced, something which you don't credit until you have flown with ANRs.
I'm saving my pennies for a set of DC X-11s; I'm surprised they haven't been mentioned yet on this thread. By all accounts equal to the Bose for noise cancellation and comfort, but with DC warranty and peace of mind, also built-in adapter for mobiles/MP3s. Cheaper too, by around $100.
REALLY keen to try a pair. Anyone flight-tested these?
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Aus
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mono or stereo, whats the best way to go?
G'day all,
Im looking at purchasing either a DC H-10 13.4 or or the stereo version of it. If I were to go ahead with the stereo model, would there be any compatability problems or dramas using mono intercoms, as well as other mono headsets? I believe the stereo model has a built in toggle switch, is this correct?
Thanks any info / advice,
pazza
Im looking at purchasing either a DC H-10 13.4 or or the stereo version of it. If I were to go ahead with the stereo model, would there be any compatability problems or dramas using mono intercoms, as well as other mono headsets? I believe the stereo model has a built in toggle switch, is this correct?
Thanks any info / advice,
pazza
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Wherever the work is!
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Im looking at purchasing either a DC H-10 13.4 or or the stereo version of it. If I were to go ahead with the stereo model, would there be any compatability problems or dramas using mono intercoms, as well as other mono headsets? I believe the stereo model has a built in toggle switch, is this correct?
I tried the BoseX headset last night actually and was quite impressed with them but simply cant justifly spending $1500 when i have a pair of DC13.4S that are in brand new condition even though they are 5-6yo.
I will be trying the new DC X11 when they become available to test soon, but i still think i will just upgrade my DCs because theyre just a great reliable headset
Turbz
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Third Barstool on the left
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My DC 10-13S stereo headset is now 11 years and about 4,000 hours old. Mike has ben replaced once after it was chucked in - the bloke I lent it to then tried to use a match to dig the chunks out of the little holes 
Don't lend your DC's.
Otherwiswe in good nick, although one of the rivets holding the ear cup to the headband finally wore out last month.
Making too much cash in a non-flying job so the X11's are on the cards
Don't lend your DC's.
Otherwiswe in good nick, although one of the rivets holding the ear cup to the headband finally wore out last month.
Making too much cash in a non-flying job so the X11's are on the cards
Currently using some Bose Xs, and it was the best $1500 I ever spent. 
Got some Peltor Cirrus 8007s for "backup" and are what I give to my pax when we go for a cruise.
Long before either of them I was using some Altronics C9070s that "fell off the back of a truck" around 1990, so to speak.
There is a lose wire in 'em somewhere these days, so the earphones are intermittent but otherwise they are still kicking along just fine and have been "modded" with DC gel earpads.
I always make sure to point out to my pax that if they are going to chuck, bump the mike out of the way first, or move the mike completely out of the way and only put it down if you want to talk.
Got some Peltor Cirrus 8007s for "backup" and are what I give to my pax when we go for a cruise.
Long before either of them I was using some Altronics C9070s that "fell off the back of a truck" around 1990, so to speak.
There is a lose wire in 'em somewhere these days, so the earphones are intermittent but otherwise they are still kicking along just fine and have been "modded" with DC gel earpads.
David Clark H10-60's for me. They're comfortable though a bit heavier than other headsets, but over the last 15 years they've been sat on, dropped, gouged and run over.
After being epoxied back together and replacing the head band and ear seals, they still give crystal clear service after all of this time. Never fly without them.
I feel a bit naked when I don't have them on.
After being epoxied back together and replacing the head band and ear seals, they still give crystal clear service after all of this time. Never fly without them.
I feel a bit naked when I don't have them on.
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Oz
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Currently investigating DC X11 vs Bose. Anyone actually used the DC and can rate comfort etc. Good reports all around for the Bose,but doesnt have the imputs/warranty but apparrently good batt life. DC also dont mention the weight,is this for a reason? I USED to have 13.4s and they were great,so if the weight similar guess it wont matter.
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Perth
Age: 54
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Am using a Sennheiser Headset at the moment that has ANR with no Batts. It does have the loopy euro connection but can get the converter pins. The ANR is better than the DC and not as good as the Bose. Nothing worse than the batts flattening and getting the echo. Had a Gallet helmet once that had the best ANR, was an aftermarket fit to DC cups, don't know the brand but the quietest ride in the shorts skyvan ever.
Join Date: Feb 2000
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Tried my new X11's today...
... and I am only luke-warm.
Weight is lighter than the 13.4's, would you believe about 11 lb? They are very comfortable and if I wasn't playing with the ENC I would have forgotten I was wearing them. I will be doing some aero's over the weekend, too, so I will be interested to see if they stay on.
First impression was of usual DC build quality, very smooth and tight in all components, although I wonder how the carbon fibre headband will look after 5-10 years and 4,000 hours. The control box (2 x AA batteries supplied) is about 120mm long and 30-40mm wide and fairly unobtrusive. Again, will be interested to see if it floats around the cabin while doing aero's
What about the ENC?
The first test was in a Grob G115 - The Grob has a really irritating harmonic around 2400-2600 rpm which is what tipped the balance and made me buy ENC. The harmonic wasn't eliminated but at other power settings all I could hear was wind noise (ok and the tone of he motor... but not really "engine noise").
Gazelle is OK but an incredible squeal on the PTT that wasn't there with my 13.4's. Low frequancy noise breaks through and the overall noise reduction seemed to be less than the plain 13.4s.
Aeros in the Decathlon ... yes the little box floats around and its mass allowed the cords to move around more than plain cords, on one instance looping the cords around my neck during a reverse cuban. The ENC was patchy with lots of low-frequency noise breaking through. The seal around my ears actually isn't as good and at one stage the noise level with the ENC on had me worried that the door had come open.
To be honest I am really disappointed. I have yet to see how they go in a twin but it may be a while before I am in one again. If anyone has tried them in a twin please let me know - otherwise I might be sending them back
Weight is lighter than the 13.4's, would you believe about 11 lb?
They are very comfortable and if I wasn't playing with the ENC I would have forgotten I was wearing them. I will be doing some aero's over the weekend, too, so I will be interested to see if they stay on.First impression was of usual DC build quality, very smooth and tight in all components, although I wonder how the carbon fibre headband will look after 5-10 years and 4,000 hours. The control box (2 x AA batteries supplied) is about 120mm long and 30-40mm wide and fairly unobtrusive. Again, will be interested to see if it floats around the cabin while doing aero's
What about the ENC?
The first test was in a Grob G115 - The Grob has a really irritating harmonic around 2400-2600 rpm which is what tipped the balance and made me buy ENC. The harmonic wasn't eliminated but at other power settings all I could hear was wind noise (ok and the tone of he motor... but not really "engine noise").
Gazelle is OK but an incredible squeal on the PTT that wasn't there with my 13.4's. Low frequancy noise breaks through and the overall noise reduction seemed to be less than the plain 13.4s.
Aeros in the Decathlon ... yes the little box floats around and its mass allowed the cords to move around more than plain cords, on one instance looping the cords around my neck during a reverse cuban. The ENC was patchy with lots of low-frequency noise breaking through. The seal around my ears actually isn't as good and at one stage the noise level with the ENC on had me worried that the door had come open.
To be honest I am really disappointed. I have yet to see how they go in a twin but it may be a while before I am in one again. If anyone has tried them in a twin please let me know - otherwise I might be sending them back
Last edited by Bendo; 14th Oct 2006 at 09:40. Reason: to whinge and moan like a real pilot.
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Oz
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Thanks Bendo,I take it you mean oz's! Do they fold up smaller than the 13.4s,ie to be able to fit in the top of a nav bag full of jepps etc? Does anyone use rechargables and what sort of life are you getting?
Cheers
Cheers
Join Date: Jun 2006
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Dc 10-60
Doesn't seem like you get many 10-60s in Oz. I got mine in the US when I first started and have found them to be the best for a non-ANR headset (against all the ones I've borrowed around the place).
One great thing a few posters might be interested in is that the cord is interchangable for quick adaption to rotary or military sets. You just order the extra cord from DC and you're set to quickly transfer between types without a drama.
The other thing is the boom is a "best of both worlds" set up, with both a sliding metal section and a flexible rubberised section. Although the 13.4 is light, I was never really sold on the boom (call me old fashioned).
The weight is only a bit up on the 13.4 and the cushioning over the top ensures you'll barely notice it at the end of a full day in the cockpit. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up!
One great thing a few posters might be interested in is that the cord is interchangable for quick adaption to rotary or military sets. You just order the extra cord from DC and you're set to quickly transfer between types without a drama.
The other thing is the boom is a "best of both worlds" set up, with both a sliding metal section and a flexible rubberised section. Although the 13.4 is light, I was never really sold on the boom (call me old fashioned).
The weight is only a bit up on the 13.4 and the cushioning over the top ensures you'll barely notice it at the end of a full day in the cockpit. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up!
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: U.K.
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Tried new David Clark X11 in an Embraer 145. Intercom was very muffled.
ATC a bit muffled, especially the frequencies that are bounced off a relay station or 8.33 channels.
Intermittent feedback noise to other Pilot who was using a David Clark H10-60.
The X11 has a new design mike that I think is causing incompatability.
I used a Sennheiser HME100 previously. No problems.
Might try the new Sennheiser HMEC 460 ANR. Seems to have the same Mike as the HME100. It has a 10 year warranty.
Anyone tried this or the previous HMEC 450?
ATC a bit muffled, especially the frequencies that are bounced off a relay station or 8.33 channels.
Intermittent feedback noise to other Pilot who was using a David Clark H10-60.
The X11 has a new design mike that I think is causing incompatability.
I used a Sennheiser HME100 previously. No problems.
Might try the new Sennheiser HMEC 460 ANR. Seems to have the same Mike as the HME100. It has a 10 year warranty.
Anyone tried this or the previous HMEC 450?
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Australia
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For anyone who uses a Bose X does wearing sunglasses screw up the noise cancelling? I've got a pair of Serengeti Lassens and i just want to know before getting a Bose X if they interupt the ANR?
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Victoria
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Hmm
Planemad,
Bose - fine with sunglasses.
X11 - Crap with sunglasses. THe ENC fall to pieces the moment the cups are not clamped (hard) to your noggin.
I got a pair of X11 recently to compare with my Bose - mainly because of the phone / music inputs.
Well, forget it. Bose have much better ANR, can tolerate glasses and are better fit.
Cheers
Bose - fine with sunglasses.
X11 - Crap with sunglasses. THe ENC fall to pieces the moment the cups are not clamped (hard) to your noggin.
I got a pair of X11 recently to compare with my Bose - mainly because of the phone / music inputs.
Well, forget it. Bose have much better ANR, can tolerate glasses and are better fit.
Cheers
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Victoria
Age: 56
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Planemad,
I've been a BOSE user for a while now, and love them. Recently got some DC X11's to compare (cause I wanted the music/phone input).
Here's the outcome:
BOSE: Sunglasses no problem at all, ANR and comfort excellent
X11: Sunglasses totally trash the ENC, which was no as good as the bose to begin with. Comfort not as good as bose.
THe X11's are now relegated to back seat passengers.
GO the Bose. Hopefully they'll offer a phone/music interface soon
Cheers
PilotHTR
I've been a BOSE user for a while now, and love them. Recently got some DC X11's to compare (cause I wanted the music/phone input).
Here's the outcome:
BOSE: Sunglasses no problem at all, ANR and comfort excellent
X11: Sunglasses totally trash the ENC, which was no as good as the bose to begin with. Comfort not as good as bose.
THe X11's are now relegated to back seat passengers.
GO the Bose. Hopefully they'll offer a phone/music interface soon
Cheers
PilotHTR
On the subject I just happen to have two for sale.....
David Clark X11 ( only 3 months old ) $800
David Clark H 10 13.4 ( 2 years old) $ 250
Got an airline gig.... the only reason Im selling them
PM me if anybody interested
can arrange postage
David Clark X11 ( only 3 months old ) $800
David Clark H 10 13.4 ( 2 years old) $ 250
Got an airline gig.... the only reason Im selling them
PM me if anybody interested
can arrange postage