Bose A20 aviation headset
 

Hi

Had anyone chance to try new BOSE Aviation Headset? Especially compared t to old Bose Aviation X Headset with turbine rotorcraft.

The new Bose headset has been announced a few days ago at Oshkosh. Bose says, shipping will start in about 3 weeks.
So we have to wait about the hands on preview :)

Any idea on price yet?

A20 Aviation Headset - Overview ? Bose

Bose are telling everyone 2-3 weeks but my boss ordered his on Tuesday and had it by Friday. I haven't had a chance to try it but he loves it, especially the Bluetooth connection for the phone. Personally I get up in the air to get away from the phone calls, each to their own though.

I bought a pair Thursday at Oshkosh and flew home with them in my Eurocopter EC130B4. I have also flown a couple of times since Thursday. They are very, very nice. They definitely have much better ANR than the X's I have. And the new features are cool. (Bluetooth, optional adapter cable to make them into standard aviation phones, etc)

The new Bose are more comfortable than the "X's", ..they cover the ear better and with less clamping pressure, the top band is more comfortable on my head, etc. They may be slightly smaller and lighter. The noise reduction is better for sure…way less low end rumble. It is amazing how quiet my helicopter is with them on. They quiet the helicopter noise significantly better than the "X's" or several other ANR phones I have.

Now under full disclosure, I am an audio engineer/musician so I am very particular to sound and sound quality...the following comments may or may not bother you....

The new A20s have a completely different sonic character than the "X's". I think I like this, I am just not sure, yet….they are much clearer..less low end mid range sounding. On the other hand, they are higher fidelity. Because they are clearer in my helicopter, you hear the noise gate of the intercom / mics cutting in and out more predominantly. Also, my voice is much louder in my own ears. It is a little distracting, at first. I do believe it is easier to hear radio calls and they are more clear, so I suppose that it is the ultimate goal.

The iPhone to the Bluetooth is very cool. It works great and I understand that on the calls I that I have made to my wife I was very easy to understand, etc.. It is a shame that Bose won't let you inject music into the Bluetooth.

I never really thought about or understood the whole concept of Bluetooth on the headset. Somehow, I just assumed it would inject the complete signal into the aircraft's intercom system, etc.. What really happens though is that the iPhone signal is injected into your headset ONLY. This means the rest of your passengers hear your side of the conversation through the Bose headset microphone via the aircraft's intercom system, but they can't hear the person on the other end of the phone. Obviously, this is much different than Bluetooth in my cars, where via the speakers everyone hears both sides of the conversation.

Alternatively, I can plug the audio out of my phone into the input on my PS Engineering audio panel and then everyone can hear both sides of the conversation, but the downside is that you have to physically hold the phone near your mouth and talk into it's microphone and not into the headset's microphone.

Neither solution is perfect, maybe you shouldn't be on the phone in an aircraft.-:)

My big beef with them is that I bought the panel powered version and I was disappointed to learn that you have to turn them on every time you start the aircraft. I now have to teach all of my passengers how to turn them on...argh...

On the X they just came on automatically as soon as they saw aircraft power..That is why I wanted panel powered phones. I don't need another thing to add to my checklist..."turn on headset".

I sent Bose my official complaint. Maybe they will change them if enough people complain.

So do I like them? yes!…did I order 6 more sets? not yet…I am not 100% satisfied due to the power problem/hassle.

Sorry for the long winded review.

Chuck

Hmmmm....and what about FCC rules about making cell phone calls from aircraft.... (In the US anyways).

Oh, I was on the ground when I called her!
Chuck

RE: Bose A20 Availability
 

I just ordered a set. The Bluetooth with installed connector are in stock and available for immediate shipment. I am hoping they are better than the Bose X I bought last month which have trouble in very noisy cockpit compared to the older Series II which I feel had superior active noise cancllation and very good passive.

The X is a good headset but not in my airplane :(.

I may have a pair of Bose X (used three times) for sale in a few weeks if these A20 work out.

Over Speeds
 

I wonder how many over speeds will happen because the pilot can't hear the engine screaming during start-up when they're wearing these nose reduction head sets?

Noise gives you lots of clues about the health of the engine and even though it's nice to have a quiet office, it's always nice to be able to hear what's happening behind you.

CF

With ANR headsets you can hear the engine, prop and all other noises including the spinning gyros just fine. ANR only reduces the intensity of the noises and it reduces the highest decible noises more than the lower ones. It doesn't make them disapear. You really don't miss out on anything and what you do hear is clearer because your auditory senses aren't overloaded and your ears aren't ringing.

If you have never flown with ANR, give it a try and you may be in for a very pleasent surprise. There is a reason many pilots will pony up the $1000.

I have used them
 

GlasairII,

I have used them a number of times and love them but I've also had to run out and wave and get the attention of students who haven't noticed that the engine is screaming because they can't hear it.

CF

Could perhaps be more a student thing than a ANR thing...

For those that have a PSE PMA8000B audio panel, there is now a Bluetooth version (PMA8000BT) which allows both phone conversations and streaming audio from the iPhone (and some others) with the option of some or all occupants listening to music or participating in the phone call. Just took delivery of a new B407 with this audio panel and it is superb. It is my understanding that existing 8000B owners can return their panel to PSE for a BT upgrade for $400. Much better solution than BT in the headset IMHO. :ok: Lots of info on 8000BT here: PS Engineering :downloads

I have used the Bose Series X for as long as it has been available without a problem or complaint of any kind. Just ordered two of the A20's without BT and hope they are as good.

Dont wear the headset during engine start.

cyclic_fondler, What! :hmm:

I have used these headsets for years and have never had any problems. Like EN48 says, just don't wear them during start-ups, and if they insist then have them turn on the ENR once the engine has started up!
When I was teaching students or instructors didn't put headsets on till the radios were on.

Chuck - not a long-winded reply, but an excellent one !!!!

Great insight into day-to-day operations mate - good work! :ok:

cyclic_fondler

There is a REV counter as well, surely people are taught to look at it Especially on start up:{

anybody tried this headset in a S76B, if so dose the bt work ok.

I am looking for some help from the Americans here.

I'm off to NYC for vacation in September and am hoping to pick up the A20 whilst I'm over there (will save me a few hundred). I don't suppose anyone knows of a pilot shop close to JFK or down town NY where I can pick up a set? I'm reluctant to purchase a set and have them posted to my hotel. Any suggestions?

Cheers, S88