john smith wrote:
It may be 60's era technology, but it's also 60's era quality, something
completely lacking in today's "build it as cheap as you can, charge as
much as you can" business world.
Given the low quality of LightSpeeds, the same high price arguement can
be made. You are paying too much for junk.
In 25 years, I have sent my DC's back only one time. That was for
refurbishing the plugs when they were 20 years old. Try that with your
LightSpeeds!

Thomas Borchert wrote:

,


I am thinking about
probably getting a David Clark, they seem to be pretty good quality,



With DC, you'll be buying 60s technology. Both ergonomics and
technology (think ANR) have advanced tremendously since then. DCs are
not called David Clamps for nothing. Also, they are simply too
expensive for what they offer. In my view, DC is not recommended.

The two key factors in a headset a

- wearing comfort
- good ANR

It just doesn't make sense to go without ANR these days. Buy a real
headset from the start. The entry level ANR from Lightspeed is what,
300? You're lucky to get a passive DC for that.

In my opinion, Lightspeed deliveres best on those two at an excellent
price.


FWIW, I'm on my third year with my LightSpeed 15XLs without a single
problem. I *do* handle them carefully and put them back in their bag
after the plane is back in the hangar. I bought a pair of the QFR Solos
for pax and they too have served well.

I flew with DCs as a student and found the clamping pressure extremely
uncomfortable after about an hour in the air. And some of the DC
knockoffs weren't much better. The design of the LightSpeed XLs, with
the extra-thick cushion in the headband (I'm a baldy, so it helps!!) and
the extra-deep ear cushions was what really attracted me at first. The
ANR turned out to be an added bonus, and the battery life has been
great. I've noticed that even the mighty Bose had to make improvements
to their design to compete with LightSpeed features like auto-shutoff
and extended battery life. So, even if LightSpeed's quality is not up to
the standards of some on this NG, the competition they have provided has
prompted the other manufacturers to improve their headsets in order to
better compete.

Steve DeMoss