Headphones
- Thread starter shedigz
- Start date
1Graeman
Forum Supporter
Sorry about that...
Headphones designed for metal detecting are not the same as other types of headphones....
Some metal detectors are configured for mono sound output, and include a mono headphone jack.
If you insert stereo plugs into a mono jack, only one speaker will be functional, causing detector tones to be heard in only one speaker making it harder to hear the little nuances in the different tones.
Stereo headphones can be either of the sealed or open-air variety, while metal detector headphones are always sealed...Sealed headphones block outside sounds allowing you to hear the softer tones that are missed by open-air stereo headphones.
Using open-air stereo headphones on a metal detector can limit hearing sensitivity, resulting in potentially inaudible low-volume tones and missed treasures.
Some metal detectors are configured for mono sound output, and include a mono headphone jack.
If you insert stereo plugs into a mono jack, only one speaker will be functional, causing detector tones to be heard in only one speaker making it harder to hear the little nuances in the different tones.
Stereo headphones can be either of the sealed or open-air variety, while metal detector headphones are always sealed...Sealed headphones block outside sounds allowing you to hear the softer tones that are missed by open-air stereo headphones.
Using open-air stereo headphones on a metal detector can limit hearing sensitivity, resulting in potentially inaudible low-volume tones and missed treasures.
WVBowhunter
Junior Member
I would submit that if the heat discourages the use of over the ear headphones, then ear buds are, by definition, "better". One should not base their choice of detector strictly on reported specifications, nor their choice of earphones. The most expensive, highest performance gizmo is absolutely worthless if you won't use it.
Huh??? He made his headphones from items that are used to make music headphones. So why are his better for metal detecting than music headphones? I must have missed the point.
My real point is that there are headphones specifically designed to be used metal detecting. My wordy explanation was to point out what goes into a set of purpose built headphones.
To answer your question, I'd say that the higher impedance speakers, noise limiter, and heavier duty componentry (such as thicker wires, larger connectors, and thicker walled cups) are what differentiates detecting headphones from audiophile headphones. Please keep in mind, in order to compare apples to apples, you'd have to compare a set of Sun Ray Pro Gold headphones to a pair of Beats Solo headphones (for example). Even though the Beats retail for $75.00 USD more than the Sun Ray's, they are obviously much less durable.
If, on the other hand, you compare a set of JVC HARX300 headphones from Walmart ($17.60 USD) to a set of White's Star Lite headphones ($24.95 USD), the JVC's would seem to be comparable. Of course, the JVC's cable is not coiled, it's plug is only 3.5mm, and the headband is not padded at all. Both detectors do use speakers with 32 ohms impedance, the White's have a coiled cord, a 1/4" 90 degree plug, and at least some padding on the headband. So for $7.00 USD more, I'd have to go with the White's, at least in this instance. Not for superior sound, because I figure they're going to sound very close to the same, but for the durability.
I've used a lot of words in this post - far more than I'd intended. I sure hope I managed to satisfactorily address your question with them.
GillyWI
Elite Member
Get the Grey Ghost Original, not too much over what you are considering now, I like mine.
WVBowhunter
Junior Member
I just realized the F2 lacks both a volume control and a threshold. For that detector, I would specifically NOT recommend Grey Ghosts, SunRays, Jolly Rogers, Killer Bees, or the like.
I DO recommend Garrett Deluxe headphones. They have dual volume controls and leatherette ear pads. They are available at KellyCo for $26.00 USD. They are going to be more durable than the headphones you would get at Walmart, and provide you with the volume control you need with your detector.
I own several brands of headphones. I get the best sound out of a pair of whites royal gt's. Like them better than my grey ghosts and sunray pro golds.
SkiWhiz
Elite Member
Just curious why you would say that, the Grey Ghosts, SunRay's,Jolly Rogers,etc. have volume controls and they are better headphones than the Garrett's in my opinion.
+1 on the question? I have owned both Killer B's and Grey Ghosts and have used them on machines without volume control. That is what the volume knob is for? and what does threshold have to do with the type of headphones you use?
WVBowhunter
Junior Member
I'm not inferring they are all anything less than fine headphones.
However, the concept behind using threshold to hunt is to set the threshold as low as you possibly can and still hear it. This means that if the detector has a volume control, it should be all the way up, threshold should be as far down as possible, and the headphones should be controlling how loud your target signals and threshold are in your ear after processing. This is why a noise limiter is an important component to a good set of headphones.
A beep-dig machine doesn't worry about threshold, so it is sufficient to control the signal volume through the detector (if present) or the headphones if the detector doesn't have a volume control. In this case, volume controls on both would be redundant.
Finally, in this instance, the OP has purchased a Fisher F2. This detector sells new for $200.00 USD or less, brand new. I see no valid reason for recommending a set of headphones that cost half or more of the price of the detector itself. That is why I didn't recommend the White's Royal GT's or similar, either. At $50.00 USD, there isn't enough of a performance gain to worry about, but the $25.00 USD price difference can pay for a digging pouch, a pair of gloves, and knee pads.
Hope this helps!
That kind of makes sense. Nothing wrong with redundant, but good point on the price.
