Yesterday I had an opportunity to try a pair of after market headphones and the difference between them and the Koss UR-30's was like night and day. I'm curious what headphone's you are using and why? Is it important to you that they have a volume control for each ear? Do you find it necessary that the speaker has to be moisture resistant mylar? Does the SE Pro use stereo jacks? Comfort, obviously is a consideration, I wouldn't like a pair of headphones that are uncomfortable to wear. I am sure there are other features & benefits that are taken into account when purchasing after market headphone. Chris
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A question about headphones...
- Thread starter grover868
- Start date
Steve,
I too THOUGHT I liked my Koss UR-30's that came with the SE Pro...UNTIL I put on those after market headphones. There was absolutely zero ambient noise...NONE. It was very nice to be able to hear the total silence of the null, and when not nulling, to be able to concentrate totally on what my machine was saying to me. Having volume controls for each ear is a HUGE plus. I was able to leave the machine's volume at 10 and adjust the headphone volume to my liking. Just that one feature is worth the C-note. Comfort, there was no comparison...NONE...not even close. I used to think the Koss were built fairly sturdy, again, no comparison to the "high dollar" set I had on my head. The Koss, while a good headset, was like a toy compared to those other headphones.
We were hunting at an old high school that was built back in 1917, and it is located on a very busy street today. When I put the Koss headphones back on, I heard EVERY noise from the street, people talking as they were walking on the sidewalk, and when an airplane took off, I was not even able to hunt with the Koss set on. I looked over at my friend who had his "high dollar" headphones back on, and noticed he was COMPLETELY unaware of an Airbus directly overhead.
I am hoping people will chime in and critic their headphones, because I will be buying a pair VERY soon. I am reluctant to mention which brand they were because I don't want to sound bias to one manufacturer over the other. My mind is still open as to which set I will be buying.
I have never driven a Bentley or a Yugo...but I have a strong feeling the UR-30's are the Yugo. Chris
I too THOUGHT I liked my Koss UR-30's that came with the SE Pro...UNTIL I put on those after market headphones. There was absolutely zero ambient noise...NONE. It was very nice to be able to hear the total silence of the null, and when not nulling, to be able to concentrate totally on what my machine was saying to me. Having volume controls for each ear is a HUGE plus. I was able to leave the machine's volume at 10 and adjust the headphone volume to my liking. Just that one feature is worth the C-note. Comfort, there was no comparison...NONE...not even close. I used to think the Koss were built fairly sturdy, again, no comparison to the "high dollar" set I had on my head. The Koss, while a good headset, was like a toy compared to those other headphones.
We were hunting at an old high school that was built back in 1917, and it is located on a very busy street today. When I put the Koss headphones back on, I heard EVERY noise from the street, people talking as they were walking on the sidewalk, and when an airplane took off, I was not even able to hunt with the Koss set on. I looked over at my friend who had his "high dollar" headphones back on, and noticed he was COMPLETELY unaware of an Airbus directly overhead.
I am hoping people will chime in and critic their headphones, because I will be buying a pair VERY soon. I am reluctant to mention which brand they were because I don't want to sound bias to one manufacturer over the other. My mind is still open as to which set I will be buying.
I have never driven a Bentley or a Yugo...but I have a strong feeling the UR-30's are the Yugo. Chris
sgoss66
Well-known member
Chris --
I will say that I wish the Koss UR-30s had volume contols -- absolutely. And, blocking out all the ambient noise was not something I considered important. I didn't really think about headphones that totally blocked outside noise -- I am not sure if that would be good or bad, for me, while detecting.
As far as Yugos -- NO WAY. The UR-30 phones are VERY comfortable compared to the other pairs I've used, and sound MUCH better (again, not "high-dollar" heaphones that I'm comparing them to), but definitely the Koss phones are not "Yugos!" Some of the other ones I've used, now THEY were Yugos!
I'm interested to see what other folks think, but my opinion, having never tried high-dollar phones, is that the UR-30s are better, for me, than any other pair I've tried in the past.
I'm actually considering a pair of Koss UR-29s. The ear cups on these are smaller, which concerns me (as I love the large earcup on the UR-30s - very comfortable for me). BUT, they do have an inline volume control (HUGE plus), and I spoke with Koss and the tech. specs. are exactly the same on these phones as the UR-30s (dynamic range, impedance, sensitivity, etc.) so I am thinking they will render sound nearly the same if not identical. This, plus the inline volume control, all for around $25? That's the direction I think I'm going. Plus, FWIW, Koss info on these phones say the "seal around the ear to block outside noise," not sure how well they do at that, but definitely worth a try, IMO.
Steve
I will say that I wish the Koss UR-30s had volume contols -- absolutely. And, blocking out all the ambient noise was not something I considered important. I didn't really think about headphones that totally blocked outside noise -- I am not sure if that would be good or bad, for me, while detecting.
As far as Yugos -- NO WAY. The UR-30 phones are VERY comfortable compared to the other pairs I've used, and sound MUCH better (again, not "high-dollar" heaphones that I'm comparing them to), but definitely the Koss phones are not "Yugos!" Some of the other ones I've used, now THEY were Yugos!
I'm interested to see what other folks think, but my opinion, having never tried high-dollar phones, is that the UR-30s are better, for me, than any other pair I've tried in the past.
I'm actually considering a pair of Koss UR-29s. The ear cups on these are smaller, which concerns me (as I love the large earcup on the UR-30s - very comfortable for me). BUT, they do have an inline volume control (HUGE plus), and I spoke with Koss and the tech. specs. are exactly the same on these phones as the UR-30s (dynamic range, impedance, sensitivity, etc.) so I am thinking they will render sound nearly the same if not identical. This, plus the inline volume control, all for around $25? That's the direction I think I'm going. Plus, FWIW, Koss info on these phones say the "seal around the ear to block outside noise," not sure how well they do at that, but definitely worth a try, IMO.
Steve
Steve,
That is absolutely wonderful that the Koss headphones are almost ideal for you. To me, they aren't. Perhaps this is why there are so many different products for us to choose from in whatever it is we are considering purchasing. I wish I liked the Koss as much as you, believe me I do, it would save me $100 plus. But I am going to politely stick with my analogy of the Bentely vs the Yugo. It is my opinion, and I respect yours. To me, the Koss UR-30 is a Yugo after the A-B test I was fortunate enough to have performed using a pair of "high dollar" headphones. Perhaps one day, you too will be given such an opportunity, and perhaps then you will see what I am talking about.
Now I am not a scientist, I am just an average guy who recently retired from the F.B.I., so I do not know all the ins and outs and specifications of headphones. I just know the comfort level they provided for me versus the Koss. Again, I wish they were as comfortable to me as they are to you. I also am now totally aware of the advantage of eliminating ambient noise around me, for some, that may not be a feature that is important to them, to me, it IS now. FWIW, Koss is correct in saying their UR-30's "seal around the ear to block outside noise." Granted, they do lower the db level, but they do not eliminate noise. Just my opinions. Chris
That is absolutely wonderful that the Koss headphones are almost ideal for you. To me, they aren't. Perhaps this is why there are so many different products for us to choose from in whatever it is we are considering purchasing. I wish I liked the Koss as much as you, believe me I do, it would save me $100 plus. But I am going to politely stick with my analogy of the Bentely vs the Yugo. It is my opinion, and I respect yours. To me, the Koss UR-30 is a Yugo after the A-B test I was fortunate enough to have performed using a pair of "high dollar" headphones. Perhaps one day, you too will be given such an opportunity, and perhaps then you will see what I am talking about.
Now I am not a scientist, I am just an average guy who recently retired from the F.B.I., so I do not know all the ins and outs and specifications of headphones. I just know the comfort level they provided for me versus the Koss. Again, I wish they were as comfortable to me as they are to you. I also am now totally aware of the advantage of eliminating ambient noise around me, for some, that may not be a feature that is important to them, to me, it IS now. FWIW, Koss is correct in saying their UR-30's "seal around the ear to block outside noise." Granted, they do lower the db level, but they do not eliminate noise. Just my opinions. Chris
sgoss66
Well-known member
Hey Chris --
I think we had a misunderstanding! After reading your latest post (in which your tone seemed a bit peeved), I went back and re-read mine, to see what I might have said that sounded combative. After re-reading it, I guess I didn't word it real well -- I can see where you could have interpreted it as combative, but that honestly wasn't my tone or intent. My saying that the UR-30s are "not Yugos" was NOT me trying to challenge you, it was simply me dissing a couple of the pairs I used in the past! All I was saying was "man, if you think the Koss's are bad, you should try the trashy headphones I'VE been using!"
That's really all I meant -- it struck me as funny that I have apparently been using such trashy phones in the past, that the Koss pair seem like luxury to me! And yet meanwhile, to someone who has tried REALLY good headphones, apparently the Koss's seem like junk. That's all I meant!
Seriously, though, you are right. It's what works best for each of us, obviously. I reiterate -- I have never used Sunrays, or Grey Ghosts, or any of the other high-end headphones, so I probably do not know what I'm missing.
I apologize that I didn't do a better job wording that prior post. I really am interested to hear some opinions from others. These headphone discussions come up from time to time, and the last one I read (on the Fisher F-series forum), I really learned alot.
Oh, and one other thing -- when I mentioned about Koss specs saying they "blocked outside noise," I see that you thought I meant the UR-30. I was meaning the UR-29; in other words, I was trying to give you some information that might be helpful (since you said blocking noise was important to you). I can see where that statement I made -- if you thought I was talking about the UR-30, would have been a pretty "antagonistic" comment -- but I think we had a misunderstanding!
Sorry,
Steve
I think we had a misunderstanding! After reading your latest post (in which your tone seemed a bit peeved), I went back and re-read mine, to see what I might have said that sounded combative. After re-reading it, I guess I didn't word it real well -- I can see where you could have interpreted it as combative, but that honestly wasn't my tone or intent. My saying that the UR-30s are "not Yugos" was NOT me trying to challenge you, it was simply me dissing a couple of the pairs I used in the past! All I was saying was "man, if you think the Koss's are bad, you should try the trashy headphones I'VE been using!"
That's really all I meant -- it struck me as funny that I have apparently been using such trashy phones in the past, that the Koss pair seem like luxury to me!
And yet meanwhile, to someone who has tried REALLY good headphones, apparently the Koss's seem like junk. That's all I meant! Seriously, though, you are right. It's what works best for each of us, obviously. I reiterate -- I have never used Sunrays, or Grey Ghosts, or any of the other high-end headphones, so I probably do not know what I'm missing.
I apologize that I didn't do a better job wording that prior post. I really am interested to hear some opinions from others. These headphone discussions come up from time to time, and the last one I read (on the Fisher F-series forum), I really learned alot.
Oh, and one other thing -- when I mentioned about Koss specs saying they "blocked outside noise," I see that you thought I meant the UR-30. I was meaning the UR-29; in other words, I was trying to give you some information that might be helpful (since you said blocking noise was important to you). I can see where that statement I made -- if you thought I was talking about the UR-30, would have been a pretty "antagonistic" comment -- but I think we had a misunderstanding!
Sorry,
Steve
MNCoinhunter
Active member
I think the Koss phones that came with my SE are ok, but I was'nt crazy about the lack of volume control. So I ended up buying a set of Grey Ghost headphones. Since I am totally deaf in my right ear, I went with the set that has one volume control for both sides. Fairly comfortable and all outside noise is eliminated. A bit pricey...$89
RandyNorthridgeca
New member
n/t
dewcon4414
Well-known member
Sunray Pro golds.... they really pick up weak signals and are clear as a bell. The Koss are matched ok.... but the stright plug is just dumb with a short cable. With the Pros i can put the detector down and stand up with no problem. Volume on both ears with limiter. Very comfortable fit..... just be aware you dont hear a lot of outside noise so pay attention to your surroundings. Ralph makes them to last and if anything goes wrong hes great to work with.
i was reluctant to mention which brand i was fortunate to try. they were a pair of sunray pro golds. and i cannot wait until my pair arrive this wednesday. your observations of the sunray's are the same as mine dew. built like a tank, comfortable as all can be, i was able to hear everything clearly, and volume control on both ears. the koss ur-30's are good headphones, no question about it, but they cannot hold a candle to the sunray pro gold's. chris
The straight plug on the Koss headphones is not a good idea. Mine cut out after a year and a half because a wire broke at the strain relief. I was able to replace the plug with one from radio shack and they work fine now. I like to be able to hear outside noises, just so nobody is likely to sneak up on me.
dewcon4414
Well-known member
I hear you Doug.... i spoke to Koss about mine breaking not long after i used them. They didnt stop working the protector over the wires came loose. Reply was we will get back to you.... never did. As far as specs go ..... there is very LITTLE difference in the more expensive ones. Although how they are matched which affects sound, the quality, and price do vary.
Dew
Dew
TURNMASTER
Active member
I am using a set of Bushmasters by Detector Pro. Near as I can tell, these are very close to the Grey Ghosts, performance wise. I like the fit and noise blocking compared to the Koss and Garrett (AT Pro) set.
My first set were Cal Rads (Yugo) and they had dual volume control. Personally I prefer single volume control. The Koss set are definately a step up the scale, primarily in terms of sound quality. They were chosen by Minelab for a reason.
I would like to try out a set of the Pro Golds.
I have been toying with the idea of swapping the Koss working components into an extra set of noise blocking earmuffs I use for running a chainsaw. Add a better cord and a volume control and should be a good set up.
I have also heard the Troy head phones are good.
Again Koss no Yugo
Jeff
My first set were Cal Rads (Yugo) and they had dual volume control. Personally I prefer single volume control. The Koss set are definately a step up the scale, primarily in terms of sound quality. They were chosen by Minelab for a reason.
I would like to try out a set of the Pro Golds.
I have been toying with the idea of swapping the Koss working components into an extra set of noise blocking earmuffs I use for running a chainsaw. Add a better cord and a volume control and should be a good set up.
I have also heard the Troy head phones are good.
Again Koss no Yugo
Jeff
sgoss66
Well-known member
Hey TURNMASTER,
Yep. The Calrads are the Yugos! Those were what I was using before the Koss phones, and they were what I was referring to in my posts. Uncomfortable, they smash your ears against your head, and sound was just OK at best.
Yes, Minelab did choose these phones -- in fact, they had them produced by Koss specifically for Minelab detectors, if I'm not mistaken. That being said, I do wish the Koss UR-30s had volume control; from that perspective, I did buy two pair of Koss UR-29s off ebay -- they are supposed to have exactly the same tech specs as the UR-30 (should sound the same), but with inline volume control. I'll see how they work.
Steve
Yep. The Calrads are the Yugos! Those were what I was using before the Koss phones, and they were what I was referring to in my posts. Uncomfortable, they smash your ears against your head, and sound was just OK at best.
Yes, Minelab did choose these phones -- in fact, they had them produced by Koss specifically for Minelab detectors, if I'm not mistaken. That being said, I do wish the Koss UR-30s had volume control; from that perspective, I did buy two pair of Koss UR-29s off ebay -- they are supposed to have exactly the same tech specs as the UR-30 (should sound the same), but with inline volume control. I'll see how they work.
Steve
johnnywilliamson
New member
For me, I moved to the Sunray Golds because the Koss headphones wouldn't remain securely on my head - the most minor of cord hangups would yank the 'phones halfway off my head. Got very aggravating over time. Love the Golds.
TURNMASTER
Active member
IMO that is THE biggest problem with the Koss, they do not remain secure.
Jeff
Jeff