Bose A30
 

Couldn’t find an appropriate category for this post apologies.

I’m shortly joining an A320 operator and looking to update my old dual plug A20s

1. I’ll still be looking to do some private flying - would it be recommended to buy dual plug or XLR with appropriate adapter.

2. Any info on the issue with the XLR A30s and if this has been resolved

3. Any idea why the XLR Bluetooth has been sold out with Bose direct for so long and when they are expected to be back in.

Many thanks

I am not flying Airbus, but I have been using my A20 for so many years now and it is still great. Why would you want to change to the A30?

My A20 is 11 years old now and very warn out. Not one part of it is original.

The cable has now also started fraying all over and I’m having intermittent audio issues. I’ll get a quote to fix but will probably make more sense to just upgrade (tax deductible)

I see. Mine is of equal age, but in good shape. I only needed to replace those ear cushions with stuff from Amazon for little money. Luckily.

Well, then go for the A30.

They are too similar to each other to bother changing if you ask me.

Get your A20 refreshed by Bose. It's certainly a lot cheaper than buying a new A30.

I had an A20 and it let me down several times on the 320. I traded it in for the DC Pro X2 and am very happy.

Quick service and buy an adapter for the dual plug. Save yourself a grand.

If not one part is original, is it really 11 years old?

”My grandfather’s axe “

Pro flight?

QC25/35 with uFlyMike. Much much lighter, more comfortable, dual use and save yourself a fortune. And for the people who say "but it's not approved", there is no Airbus requirement for an "approved" headset since about 2006. Been there, fought the battle, won. Twice.

But do you have company requirements for an "approved" headset?

Luckily, no.

Have an 10 y old A20. Bought the A30 this summer. Used it 2 months. Refreshed my A20. Sold the A30

Its written into ours but quietly ignored by many.

I bought an A30 thinking it would be an upgrade to the A20. It most definitely is not. Slides off my head too easily and the cable looks like it might just see out the first year before it packs in. Built cheaply for something so expensive.

Isn’t a headset PPE and therefore required to be supplied by the employer at no cost to you?

Depends on the company and maybe the standard headset provided is cheap stuff that you do not to use if you want to keep your ears and your mind healthy.

If you are seriously considering a pair of consumer grade or other than aviation headphones, at least consider something from the serious manufacturers!

I am continuously miffed by the prevalence of bose headphones in aviation. In broadcast, event or audio-production you never ever see them. They break easily, they sound bad, they are not comfortable for long hours, and they are expensive for what you get.

at least do yourself the favour of checking out the alternatives if your employer aren’t forcing bose on you.

Do you have any good recommendations?