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Headphones?????

rja2008

New member
Hello Diggers,

Being a Novice, I am just beginning to learn my recent purchase of the X-terra 705. My question is does it make much of a difference what brand or type of headphones you use for metal detecting? In advance I's like to say thanks for any response.
 
Most all of the headphones designed for metal detecting will serve your purpose. Some of the features that I think are important are a coil cord, separate volume controls for each ear, 90 degree jack assembly, a stereo/mono switch so I can use it with different detector makes, comfortable ear pads and large enough to wear all day without pinching my ears. I wear a size 7 3/4 cap. As such, I've found many of the headphones being sold are just too small to fit me comfortably. I used a set of Gray Ghost Originals for years, and loved them. When I decided to get a "backup" pair, I went with the Gray Ghost NDT. The major difference being dual volume controls instead of a singular control, and a replaceable cord assembly. I now use the Gray Ghost NDT's all the time and the Originals became my backups. Another thing I like about the Gray Ghost's (as well as other models made by DetectorPro) is that they have replaceable ear pads. After couple years of sweating and use, many headphone ear pads can get hardened and even crack. Wiping them off with a damp cloth can extend the life. But if they do get nasty, you can get a replacement set of earcup pads for about $15 and make your Gray Ghost's just like new again.

My recommendation is to go to a dealer who sells several brands and try them on. Like I said, most will meet the electronic requirements. Then it is just a matter of getting the functionality you desire and making sure they fit comfortably. HH Randy
 
For many years I rarely used headphones. However, as I got older and my hearing lessened somewhat, I gave headphones a try. The first were a cheapie set that didn't impress me much. Like Digger I then purchased some Gray Ghost NDT's and the rest is history. All the sounds are so much clearer and easier to interpet. There's quite a few, "good" headphones out there, good luck.
 
Very good report Randy. The first thing you did not mention is a permanent built in Limiter, Limiter on/off Switch, or no Limiter.

Both of the Gray Ghosts you have(Originals & NDT), have a permanent built in sound Limiter.

Ultimate Gray Ghosts and Black Widow have a Limiter on/off Switch.

Where the Nugget Busters and Nugget Busters NDT have no Limiting circuitry.

(I cannot see any point for having no Limiting circuitry or any advantage at all in Nugget Hunting? Because it does not help a person listen for small nuggets any better and it only blocks out very loud sound blasts from very large nuggets or big pieces of trash.)

I also wear size 7 3/4 and am thinking the Black Widows with the thicker ear cups may be too tight for me.

Killer B's are also very good top headphones.

The second thing you did not mention is the right amount of Ohms for your particular detector. In my Musketeer Advantage manual it says 32 Ohms is recommended, and for the X-Terra's I am not sure, but could be a higher 100 or 150 Ohms as best. The Gray Ghosts and Killer B's have 150 Ohms.
 
I just use a set of Sony Stereo headphones. They're very light weight but have no volume controls or anything else. I just had to buy a 1/4" adaptor from Radio Shack to make them fit my Ext. 70. I've never tried headphones made for metal detecting but can't imagine a clearer sound than these put out. Is there something I'm missing. I can control the Volume on my detector so the volume control can't be that big a deal. A good explanation of why these aren't good will be needed to make me buy something else but I'm always willing to listen. I've even thought about things like I pod ear pod thingys for their light weight. Don't know if they'd work or not.
 
I like the separate volume controls as my hearing (in both ears equally) isn't as good as it once was. I like the coil cord because it is less likely to get in my way when I get up and down from the ground. I like the 90 degree plug because it puts less strain on the cord when plugged into the side of my X-TERRA. I like the way the DetectorPro units reproduce the high tones, and low tones, evenly. I like the Gray Ghost because they fit tight enough to block out the "outside" noise and still fit comfortably enough that I can use them all day, without pinching my ears or squeezing my head.

With that said, if you are hearing all you want to hear out of the Sony's and they work well for you, keep using them. I have a set of Garrett Ace Pro's that I use on real hot days. They are ultra light and cost under $20. They don't block out the outside noise like the Gray Ghosts do. But if I am away from traffic and other noises, they work OK. I also have a pair of Koss UR30's that have the best bass reproduction I've ever heard. I like to use them when I am hunting sites that are saturated with deep iron. JMHO HH Randy
 
I agree that the Grey Ghost phones are the best but if you don't want to lay out the $$, Garrett sells a great set for about $30.
They are very comfortable, have dual volume controls, and sturdy coil cord.
Chuck
 
GlenOK said:
I got a set of Sunray Pro Golds I use on my Xterra 705 and they work great!

I have heard alot of good reports about the Sunray Pro Golds and they are made by Killer B for Sunray in case you did not know.

Also Killer B will do custom headphone work(add or take away features), but DetectorPro(Gray Ghost) will not. I DO know this for 100% sure because I have contacted them both.
 
My IPOD style earbuds work well. Just need to buy a 1/8 - 1/4" jack adaptor and away you go.

Only thing I don't like about these 'Ipod' style headphones is that the wires seem to tangle too easily. I can see the benefits of headphones with a curly cord.

Danno:)
 
I listen from 2 types

like Danno I love the superlight ipod type earphones ...mine have wrap around the ear holders and volume control
l - they are called sports earphones as the wrap around part stops them falling out.
they are cool, you can wear them under a broad hat or woollen beanie and cost me $15 + $2 adapter
you can hear sirens, people calling you and even have a conversation without removing them.

I have some Gray Ghosts for gold prospecting, when traffic noise, high wind noise, surf noise etc warrant a block out other sounds type headphone...they work ok.
Happy signals
T59
 
I use Detector Pro Bushmasters, They have a single volume control. Also a pair of Koss UR 30. Both work well and sound good but I prefer the DPs, they block more noise, fit a little better fit and are more rugged. The Koss do sound real good and are very adjustable. I started with a pair of Cal-Rad and they were defininately better than none at all and did block a fair amount of ambient noise.

The bottom line is you should find a pair or two, the consensus is that you will find more.

HH
Jeff
 
Very good and sound:rofl: advice from everyone. I usually hunt away from traffic but have been in noisy areas and heard too much of the traffic and not enough of the tones. My stereo phones have a very long cord but I folded it up and taped it so that it isn't very long and doesn't get in the way when I'm on my knees digging. I'll have to keep my eyes out for things like these things.
 
I am using a set of Grey Ghost Black Widows and at first I did not like them because they fit snug but I finely figured them out. If they are not snug then there is a lot of ambient sound getting in. So Now I can be on the beach with the waves roaring or by a construction site or right beside a highway and they block out the ambient sounds and after getting use to them I am very happy with them.

Doug
 
Jeff
Looking at the new Bushmasters. I also have the Koss UR 30's but would like to be able to adjust volume. Do you notice that much difference in tone quality?
Thanks
Ron
 
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