Headphones for XTERRA 705?

[ollievon]

I'm sure this has been brought up in the past, but I was hoping for some opinions on a good set of durable (the key word) headphones that work well with the 705?

I had the UR-30's and loved them, but the stereo cord connector split and the headphones kept cutting out, they were trashed. I had a pair of Sennheiser's ($150+) laying around and have been using them as well, yet again...stereo connection is cutting out and they appear to be done as well. Both headphones had straight jacks on the stereo connectors and it seems that swinging put too much stress on the connection point and eventually affects the wires within, yes?

I noticed that headphones like Grey Ghost, Yellowjackets, and Rattlers have a 90 degree jack connector as opposed to a straight connection - is this intentional due to my reoccurring problem?

I used a buddies Grey Ghosts once on my Xterra but I could only get sound out of one side - perhaps they are mono and that is why, anyone know?

So, if anyone can give me good advice on a pair of reliable headphones...I'm all ears!

Thanks!

 

[Jeff in Georgia]

Could also be the headphone jack in the 705 is going / gone bad. Stress of cable pulling on the connector in the control head sometimes causes the internal connector to fail.

Jeff

 

[ollievon]

Yeah, that is initially what I thought, but I've used another pair of Koss headphones to see if it too had a broken up signal and did not, it's definitely the headphone connector, not the CPU port, thank god.

After looking all over the net the issue I'm having is not exclusive to me, clearly the straight jack design is not good for the stress of swinging and getting snagged, it eventually loosens the connections within the jack.

I notice that models like Grey Ghost, Rattler, and Jolly Rogers all seem to have a 90 degree connection jack on purpose, so I think I will consider.

Anyone have experience with the Grey Ghost Deep Woods model with a 705, pros and cons?

 

[BushWhacker]

I thought about the internal headphone connector on the 705 as well when I first read the post. I had the internal coil connector go bad on the 70 and it was not a fun experience. You stated that the headphone connector was not the problem but still leaves me to wonder why they don't design these things better for stress relief.
A 90 degree one should help for not snagging weeds and for not adding more stress to that area. Not sure what make or model though. I would love to find a good set for mine.

 

[Pennypacker]

It's just part of life when dealing with headphones, they all eventually have a similar problem when being worn by active users. Some are better then others.

A 90 degree jack might help if you find one with a set of headphones you like.
Or consider strapping the wire down to the detector shaft to relive pressure and motion from the jack area.

I have had decent luck with Sony headphones over the years, they are light, moderately priced and seem to have a pretty good jack that lasts a long time before crackling. (Compared to other brands.) The last pair I got does have a 90 degree jack.

I think these are the ones I have now.
http://www.staples.ca/en/Sony-MDRXC150B-Over-Ear-Headphone-Black/product_63392_2-CA_1_20001

 

[Jeff in Georgia]

I have made several headphone extension cables with either straight or 90 degree cables for the control head. Attach the base to the armrest stand feet with two screws.

It takes the stress off the one in the control head. Puts the connection behind your arm and back.

 

[BushWhacker]

I have made several headphone extension cables with either straight or 90 degree cables for the control head. Attach the base to the armrest stand feet with two screws.

It takes the stress off the one in the control head. Puts the connection behind your arm and back.

How much you sell them for?

 

[Eugene10]

I bought Koss QZ-99, awesome phones with steel frame and very long cable (spring of course). Very comfortable, has a volume control and mono-stereo switch. The price is $38 on BH with free shipping. I recommend.

 

[Jeff in Georgia]

How much you sell them for?

With a 90 degree cable, ~24" in length, all soldered together and ready to plug in and attach to detector stand:
$20 by PayPal gift or USPS MO.

I buy the cable in a mixed color bag: black, white, red, yellow, blue and green.
I can try to match if I still have the color but is usually the luck of the draw as to what color you get.

Will include attachment screws and some cable ties to secure the cable to the shaft.


Some people have made a modification with this. They either drill two holes in the shaft and run the cable through the inside of the shaft. Or drill one hole in the shaft and attach the female metal connector to the plastic plug in the end of the detector's shaft.

But in either of these cases, the cable would need to be loose from the connector so you can fish it through the holes in the shaft and you would need to solder and assemble it yourself.

 

[BushWhacker]

That's not a bad price for such a handy piece of equipment.

 

[TexHunter]

I bought Koss QZ-99, awesome phones with steel frame and very long cable (spring of course). Very comfortable, has a volume control and mono-stereo switch. The price is $38 on BH with free shipping. I recommend.

I've been using the QZ-99's for about 15 years with no problems. They also have a 90 degree jack in both 1/4" and 1/8" sizes. $38 from BH Photo Video is a no brainer. I think they were around $100 when first introduced. The lifetime warranty doesn't hurt either...

 

[Jeff in Georgia]

I've been using the QZ-99's for about 15 years with no problems. They also have a 90 degree jack in both 1/4" and 1/8" sizes. $38 from BH Photo Video is a no brainer. I think they were around $100 when first introduced. The lifetime warranty doesn't hurt either...

I current use the Koss QZ-99s myself. They came with a molded 1/8" 90 degree connector. Had to use a 1/4" adapter. 1/8" 90 degree connector on the cable lasted less than a year. Replaced it with an all metal 1/4" 90 degree connector. Also have had to replace the volume pot and a set of ear pads but they have been going strong for about 10 years now.