Headphones?

[CampCache]

A few years ago I bought a set of headphones. I think I paid over $40.00 for them I didn't get to try them until way after I had bought them. One hunt with them and I was turned off by headphones. They sat on top of my ears instead of covering them. Wind was a major problems too. This past summer I was loaned a PS3 with headset to play online. The headphones were much better in the fact that they covered my ears. Not much outside noise interference either. After using those I now want a good set of headphones that cover my ears instead of sitting on top of them. So who make a good set that doesn't cost over $50.00?
Thanks!

 

[Tom_in_CA]

For that price, it's gonna be hit and miss. You *might* be able to take your detector into radio shack or some such place, and see if they allow you to bench sample various ones, right in their store.

The issue with headphones for md'ing, is more than just what's comfortable (covering, etc...) the ears. There's also a wide range of crispness of sound. Ironically the absolute best most expensive music headphones (costing hundreds upon hundreds of dollars for audiophiles), are often time very p*ss p**r for metal detecting purposes. You DON'T want "noise cancelling" type specialty ones. You WANT to hear every hiss and crackle (unlike music audiophile buffs). So you litterally have to try various types on the store floor, has been my experience.

Or just buckle under, and shell out the bucks for grey ghosts or killer B's. Some Koss headphones used to be good years ago. But apparently, a few years back, started skimping on the interior component qualities. The sounds of exact same models started to be very poor after a certain point in time. Ie.: muffled sounds. Sorry to say it'll be hard in your price range to find good quality. Plenty to "fit over the ears", but ...... quality will be a different issue.

 

[chuck ky]

you also want to make sure they have a coiled cord. the last pair i bought was in you price range made by garrett, recommended by kellyco but when i got them they didn't have a coiled cord and the more i use it the shorter and more twisted the cord gets. i used to get one at radio shack with the right cord and the right price but they quit carying them. some of the radio shacks may still have them. good luck

 

[GeorgeinSC]

The quality of headphones makes a tremendous difference not only in comfort but in what one can hear. I have tried some of those "Cheap" headphones and they do not let you hear the weaker (deeper) targets. Some headphones that are not cheap are still not very good headphones. For example I purchased a pair of Koss UR-30 headphones and was sorely disappointed in them. Lousy fit and poor tonal reproductions. Keep your eyes open for a used pair of Grey Ghost, Killer B, Sunray Pro Gold, Black Widow or something in that area. The difference in price between them and 50 dollar headphones is the difference in Day and Night.

 

[James/Washington]

Follow the advice of GeorgeinSC. Get you a good pair of headphones made FOR metal detecting. Stay away from the cheap ones. You won't be sorry.

 

[Bill G]

The quality of headphones makes a tremendous difference not only in comfort but in what one can hear. I have tried some of those "Cheap" headphones and they do not let you hear the weaker (deeper) targets. Some headphones that are not cheap are still not very good headphones. For example I purchased a pair of Koss UR-30 headphones and was sorely disappointed in them. Lousy fit and poor tonal reproductions. Keep your eyes open for a used pair of Grey Ghost, Killer B, Sunray Pro Gold, Black Widow or something in that area. The difference in price between them and 50 dollar headphones is the difference in Day and Night.

( Quote) The difference in price between them and 50 dollar headphones is the difference in Day and Night.

Unless you by a set of Koss QZ99 or the QZ-5 passive noise reduction headphones that are metal detectors and monitors specific headphones they are nothing like the Koss UR-30 headphones in any way so don't pass any judgement on to these based on the UR-30 headphone ( I don't care for the UR-30 myself ). The average price on the web and Amazon range $38.00 to $50.00 and $80.00 at Kellyco. They are built like a tank they are very comfy and every bit as good or better sounding than my Killer Bee phones the Grey Ghost and other detector specific headphones at a fraction of the cost with a lifetime warranty. ( There just a hair less high pitched with a fuller sound range to them ). There perfect sounding on the Whites MXT & M6 detectors because of this and they work just dandy on Tesoros, Fisher, Garrett and other detectors as well. I think they are the best detector headphones dollar for dollar out there and again I say dollar for dollar. ( The only draw back is there a single volume headphone if you prefer duel volume with no limiter for those who prefer these features ) not a problem for me as I prefer single volume no noise limiter headphones myself. Don't get me wrong anyone Killer Bees, Grey Ghost , Sun Ray headphones are great headphones and I have used these brands for years as well but these higher priced headphones are no better than the Koss QZ99 or (Koss QZ-5 Passive noise reduction same headphone but it is the behind the head mount style headphone). Unless you need duel volume controls or say a noise limiter then the Killer Bee and Grey Ghost Detector Pro and Sun Ray headphones are your only options for these features.

Happy Hunting To All,
Bill G

 

[Tom_in_CA]

The Koss UR-30s used to be good many years ago.

A set I had got worn out and frazzled after many year's use. Black tape all over the chords to keep it together. So I went to replace them with the same type, model #, etc.... Since I had been so pleased with the UR-30s all those years. I was shocked that the sound of currently sold UR-30s was muffled, poor, etc.... I almost thought I didn't have the same type/style/# !

Turns out that Koss, as the years progress, buys their internal compenents on the open-market, wherever the prices come in cheapest for their bulk purchases of the various components. And at some point, they are not the same as they were in the beginning. You'd have to find an old original pair, and then those have the same pristine crisp sound quality as the high-priced Grey ghost, killer B's, etc.....

I litterally put my koss UR-30s back on ebay for sale, and kept using my worn out pair (just added more black tape and solder to keep them going). Finally, when I could no longer repair them any longer, I gave in and spent the big bucks for Killer B's

 

[Bill G]

I agree the Koss UR-30 are not what they use to be ( looked at a pair the other day ) I don't care for the fit (ear muffs are to small and shallow feeling ) and no volume control. I have not owned a newer pair of the UR-30 but I just checked a pair out real quick the other day. Like you said the sound quality of the older UR-30 was very nice. I had a pair for a short time years ago loved the sound but the fit was not as good as stated for me.

On the other hand the KOSS QZ-99 and the Koss QZ-5 Passive noise reduction Detector specific headphones are awesome and dollar for dollar considering the price of them $38.00 to $50.00 a pair depending on where you purchase them are a total best value headphone for detector use ( lifetime warranty to boot) As mentioned above I like them every bit as much if not better than my Killer Bee headphones on all my detectors.They have a better and fuller sound all around on the Whites MXT or M6 detectors in my humble opinion not quite as high pitched or tiny sounding in tone as the Killer bees. As far as high dollar headphones go considering all of the brands the Killer Bees are darn good though.

Happy Hunting,
Bill G

 

[GeorgeinSC]

I purchased a set of the Koss UR-30 headphones and was extremely disappointed with them. Lousy fit and poor quality sound. Got them from a forum member. So I was not hurt too badly on the purchase and they made my Brother In Law very happy when I gave them to him.

 

[CampCache]

Thanks for the replies! I will look into a better set of headphones and go out of my original price range.

 

[Jim Robertson]

n/t

 

[BarberBill]

While it's painful to pay a big price for the better phones, in the long haul it's money well spent and you only need to buy one pair, so why skimp.
BB

 

[sprchng]

I agree the Koss UR-30 are not what they use to be ( looked at a pair the other day ) I don't care for the fit (ear muffs are to small and shallow feeling ) and no volume control. I have not owned a newer pair of the UR-30 but I just checked a pair out real quick the other day. Like you said the sound quality of the older UR-30 was very nice. I had a pair for a short time years ago loved the sound but the fit was not as good as stated for me.

On the other hand the KOSS QZ-99 and the Koss QZ-5 Passive noise reduction Detector specific headphones are awesome and dollar for dollar considering the price of them $38.00 to $50.00 a pair depending on where you purchase them are a total best value headphone for detector use ( lifetime warranty to boot) As mentioned above I like them every bit as much if not better than my Killer Bee headphones on all my detectors.They have a better and fuller sound all around on the Whites MXT or M6 detectors in my humble opinion not quite as high pitched or tiny sounding in tone as the Killer bees. As far as high dollar headphones go considering all of the brands the Killer Bees are darn good though.

Happy Hunting,
Bill G

After seeing this post I ordered a pair of the QZ5s figuring a good set for back ups if nothing else for less than 50 bucks. What a terrific fit and sound for the bucks. Still like the nickel tones on the CTX/etrac better but they may become the go to phones for the Deus in the cooler months