The Telex Airman 760 Aviation Headphones / Could this be a long-lost-hidden shortwave listening secret?
I don't normally get too worked up about shortwave products, as my strict budget holds the restraints. But I have to absolutely echo what curious_george said about these headphones and need to add my own thoughts. I found a farly new pair on Ebay about 4 weeks ago for $24.95 and bought them. Surprisingly, this model is not listed on EHAM. That's a shame. ---- Over the years I have used Sennheiser, Koss, Sony, Radio Shack, Lafayette Radio, ear buds, alltogether about 10 different models---price ranging from $16.00 (ear buds(, to $175 (for the Sennheiser.) Other prices in-between. Some sounded fair, others, terrible. It seemed that we are always on the ever elusive search for the "perfect" headset.
None, and I mean none come even remotely close to this Telex headset. They really cut down on the ambient background static and hiss. The static, while there, is reduced in harshness, and are a bit nulled out. SSB is very pronounced in clarity. With the other models I've used the voice sounds seemed distant, as though the OP was 10-15 feet away talking in a higher voice, (even with tone set down). With the tellex, the voice is so clear, it is as though the operator was sitting next to you, 2-3 feet away. It's kind of hard to explain. The voice sounds more natural and clear. I've actually heard a HAM OP breathing when talking--the other headphones missed it completely.
With the other headsets including Hi-Fidelity it's as though listening to a voice transmission only fills up 40% to 60% of your ear, whereas these give you 90 to 95%. I guess that's the best way to describe them.
I do still have all of my other headphones (except the Lafayette) , (pack rat that I am) and did side-by-side comparisons with all, jumping back and forth. Nothing touched it. No other even came close to the 760.
There was one crtique on this board regarding the frequency range. 100 - 3000 Hz range. The person stated that they did not want to listen to just "crackly" midrange for hours to possible ear fatigue. Sorry...these headphones are not like that one bit. Truly... hearing is believing.
When DXing for Pirates do you really need the higher frequencies? Remember the music your listening to is not as clear as if you were listening to an ITune pod or a CD player. This is especially true if the music is coming in on USB. Hi-Fidelity headphones are OK, but headphons for communications really do make a difference.
I've also picked up DX pirates on this set, that were barely discernable or could not even hear with a few of the other sets.
I've always been a bit fussy with earphones, and am sure you all have favorites. Prices for radio filters, more bells and whistles on various radio sets, sometimes keep us from moving past the "standard factory model"---However, a good pair of headphones to me, is really an extension of your radio set. The 760's are light (3 ounces) open design, so sweaty / hot ears are not a problem.
If you ever have a chance to beg, borrow or steal (even buy) one of these bad boys, I really don't think your going to regret it. They come along on Ebay rather frequently much more cheaply than the 89-99 dollar list price. If anyone else uses these phones, or buys a pair, I'd love to hear your remarks here or in an email! ...Steve