Thinking I'm close to pulling the trigger on these as well.
So not to hijack but for everyone's info, I also have a question.
Doesn't the compatibility switch essentially go from stereo to mono? If so why the ST model?
Want to use these on my V3i in Mixed Mode and would think stereo would be a must.
The compatibility switch is just that, for compatibility.
Some brands work with the switch up, others with the switch down.
Lots of times I hunt at pretty noisy and chattery levels so when I kneel down to dig a target I hit that switch and turn it all off when I want to and don't need to listen to all that and that is quick and efficient for me...better than turning the volume down on my phones or detector.
I have the single volume control basic model, the Optima I guess is the name.
Fantastic sound on every detector I have used them with.
Not true stereo but it seems to approximate that pretty well, I can hear the quietest and most full tones and all their inflections on all targets shallow or deep so I don't think true stereo on my particular tools would help me all that much.
I think the quieter "room" I have to listen to tones in vs. all the other types I have tried that don't block the ambient noise as well is as important as the quality of the tones.
Not a huge issue or problem for me in the summer heat, definitely keeps my ears warm in the winter on some pretty cold days I have used them.
Can't say 100% for sure they have helped me find a whole lot more treasure than any of the cheaper pairs I have also used over the years but I would like to think so.
On the deeper, quieter ones I would bet you they have.
It is logical to think that the more and better audio data I have at hand lets me make better digging decisions and I don't think I can get any better data than what I hear on these.
For me they have been one of my best investments in the hobby.
