What benefits are derived from pricey headphones?

[detecto]

I started detecting with a Whites Classic III Coinmaster using Calrad headphones. You hit a target, the detector blips and you dig. Now I'm moving into an X-terra 70 with threshold sound plus 99 different tones for target ID. What will the Gray Ghost product line do that the Calrad can't do? What audio quality will I pick up for the additional $50-60 for the Gray Ghost? If I do go with the Gray Ghost product line, then which headphone would work best for coins, relics and nuggets?
They have the NDT, Ultimate, Original, Deep Woods and DMC....and I thought deciding on a detector would be the tough job!

 

[Digger]

Price really has very little to do with it. If your Calrads work well for you, use them on the X-Terra. If they are comfortable and reproduce sounds that you can interpret, use them. I wear a size 7 3/4 cap, and the Gray Ghosts are one of the few that fit me well enough to hunt for extended periods of time without causing ear discomfort. The padded earcups do a great job of blocking out the "outside" noise. Whether it is kids playing nearby, cars driving by or just the wind, my Gray Ghosts block out most of the ambient sound and let me concentrate on hearing the tones of my detector. The cord has a 90 degree plug that is less likely to get in the way. If you have a straight plug on the headphones you use with the X-Terra, (depending on how far it sticks out) you'll need to be careful not to bump the plug, putting an extreme amount of pressure on the detector electronics. The sound reproduction of the Gray Ghosts is as good as any I have used. Most headphones reproduce a wider range of sounds than the human ear can hear. So don't let the "99" tone thing scare you. Frankly, I'm not convinced there are 99 tones. I figure it there are only 28 notch segments, why would there be more than 28 tones? I've been using my current set of Gray Ghosts for 4 years. About 18 months ago, I noticed the pads around the ear cup had become hardened and weren't as supple as they originally were. I suppose perspiration has something to do with that. I contacted Gary Storm, owner of DetectorPro, and for $10 I had a new set of pads. Just peel off the old ones and press on the new ones. Good as new! JMHO HH Randy

 

[detecto]

Thanks for the good information. Now if I want to buy into the Gray Ghost product line, which model would you recommend as an all-around headphone for coins, relics and nuggets?

 

[Digger]

I use the Gray Ghost Originals. They offer all the "conveniences" that I need. And, according to the DetectorPro website, is still the most popular for the coin, jewelry or relic hunter. I suggest you take a look at their website, and make the decision based on the "additional features" you think you may want or need. The NDT offers detachable cords. The Nugget Busters are basically the same as the Gray Ghosts, without the sound limiter. And the Ultimates have push buttons instead of the switch, and are advertised to have an "improved" speaker. But as I said, I use the basic Gray Ghost Original. And for the reasons I mentioned in my other post. HH Randy

 

[Anonymous]

On those "ear cuffs" getting dry, if you take a little Armor-All and wipe them with a soft rag, they should restore texture.

 

[detecto]

The forum and guys like yourself make learning something new so much easier. On your recommendation I will try the Calrad headphones with the X70. If I find that I'm not hearing everything I will begin researching and shopping for Original Gray Ghost headphones. Thanks again for your input.......Joel