I'm just about ready to drop the requisite grand on the Bose X headset, but can't seem to get a nagging thought out of my head. As much as I enjoy the comfort of the Bose, the technology in the headset that you buy in 2009 is (as far as I can tell) identical to the technology it was originally built with in 1998. As good as the Bose X surely is, I'm sure the state-of-the-art ANR technology must have improved over the last 11 years. After all, 11 years before 1988 Bose had just released the Series I. Any rumors that they're scheduled for an update?

 

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.


Any other noise cancelling rig uses the boom microphone to sample the ambient noise and generate an "opposite" sine wave. While it's better than nothing, it fails to match the exact noise that reaches each ear. As you, the noise on the ear closer to the window is not exactly the same as the noise that is closer to the center of the cockpit. When you turn your head to the side, it changes more. The noise cancelling input is something like an average of the noise observed by both ears.

Bose uses two separate sensors inside each ear cup to produce an "opposite" sine wave for each individual ear. You can't get much better than that -- each ear gets its own individual sine wave perfectly matched to the noise that reaches the inside of the cup.


Purchase the Bose Aviation X on the payment plan -- 12 months, no interest. You can't go wrong.






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I agree that the Bose X needs an update. The current technology is great and shouldn't be changed, but there are a few improvements that could be done. For example, I know many people that purchased the new Lightspeed headset because it offered the same level of ANR but the blue tooth capability was intriguing to them (I must admit, it is pretty neat). I don't know, Bose use to have a monopoly on the ANR market, but technology and competitors have caught up, yet Bose hasn't seemed to care.

 

We had a thread on the Bose X vs. Lightspeed Zulu a month or two ago here. I said in that thread that I was buying a set of Zulus instead of the Bose X and it turns out after two months I am quite happy my decision. Incidentally, the Zulus have individual mics on the ear shells that sample ambient noise levels for the ANR like the Bose. It is a truly equal headset in my opinion.

 

I took a complete opposite route and bought the Clarity Aloft's. I wanted TSO certification and an MP3 input. I tried my buddies X's for 3 days and while they are nice, they still gave me swamp ear after a long day in the heat of Phoenix. Those are the best three choices in my opinion - Zulu's, X's, and Clarity Aloft.

Illini

 

I'm in much the same position. I'm almost ready to drop the $1000 on the Bose, but would hate to see a new one released the next day.

 

Found a pair on Amazon for $750 and took the plunge. I figure that it shouldn't be too hard to off load them on eBay or craigslist without taking loosing too much on them if a new one comes out anyway. Thanks for all the advice

 

I finally dropped the cash on the Lightspeed Zulu's after my cheapie finally broke. I've worn Bose headsets before and they are incredible, but the Zulu's match the performance and the reason I bought them is that the Zulu's have more to offer for slightly less. You can plug in your sat phone, ipod, etc or even bluetooth them. The sound quality is outstanding; if you need a demonstration, just bring your ipod and plug in and try them out. You'll be sold.

 

For jets, the Telex 850 does a good job for about $400. It is also lighter, smaller, and needs no batteries (its ANR is powered by the airplane).

The little bit of remaining background noise is harmless IMO, and not worth the extra $600.

 

Agreed, love my 850's..! No batts, can wear them all day no problems, and take up almost no space in my flight bag. Tops in all areas! For piston flying though, have always envied those wearing a set of Bose or Lightspeeds. I agree with an earlier post about re-selling a pair of Bose, they seem to really keep their value. Wouldn't worry about an update coming out, as you can pretty much be assured you'll get a large part of your investment back on a sale. Me and my old DC's have been through so much together though, I wouldn't trade them for anything even though their are much beeter sets out there...