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  #1  
Old 10-04-2018, 09:24 AM
Bavafa Bavafa is offline
 
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Default Bose X vs. Bose A20

Hoping to get some feedback from those who have used both headsets and wondering if there is enough advantages in upgrading from Bose X to the A20.
Any feedback on A20 would be very much appreciate it.
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  #2  
Old 10-04-2018, 10:51 AM
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Vlad Vlad is offline
 
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I would say there is a difference in favor of the latter. I flew with X for several years logged over 3K hours and loved it. Light, crisp sound, a perfect headset. Then I purchased A20 to try it seemed bulkier at first. Sound was on the same perfection level if not more. Clamping force was different. I kept one X and occasionally used it. Then it phased itself out in favor of A20. Nearly two thousand hours on it just excellent. Sometimes I fly long days with other pilots and they like to bring their headsets. I see them tired more then me by the end of the day. Our RVs are noisy inside.
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  #3  
Old 10-04-2018, 11:14 AM
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SmilingJack SmilingJack is offline
 
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I love my A20?s. I went from the Bose Series 1 headset to the A20, so obviuosly those were big and heavy and no comparsion to the X.

My big question to you and Vlad:

How long did the ear pads work on the X vs. the A20?

It seems the A20 ear pads wear out in just over a year!

I just ordered cheapo non-bose on Amazon for $11 a pair.
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  #4  
Old 10-04-2018, 11:20 AM
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mrblob mrblob is offline
 
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I have both an A20 and X in my RV-7. Honestly, I like them both, but find the A20 to be a bit more comfortable.

Bonus to having the latest model: last year at OSH I walked them over to the Bose booth, and they installed new ear seals, a new mic, new down chord, new battery box (with the upgraded bluetooth that will stream music), and performed an electrical evaluation free of charge on the spot. Flying home it was like having a brand new headset! For the X, I think they were charging a couple hundred bucks for the same service.

Paul
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  #5  
Old 10-04-2018, 11:42 AM
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mburch mburch is offline
 
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I recently received an email from Bose stating that they would no longer be able to repair the X model, so that may sway your decision.

They also offered me a couple hundred bucks off a new A20 if I wanted to trade my old one in, but it wasn't enough to make me want to open my wallet.
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  #6  
Old 10-04-2018, 12:10 PM
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airguy airguy is offline
 
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I've run both, in our 172 and in my 9A. After trying a pair at Oshkosh when they first came out and flying home with them in the 172, I immediately bought a pair for my 9A and sold my X's, and Carl eventually replaced the other pair of X's for the 172 with A20's. I've put five trips on them with individual leg lengths over 6 hours and they don't hurt my head and ears like the X's did.

They are more expensive, and they are worth it.
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Last edited by airguy : 10-04-2018 at 12:12 PM.
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  #7  
Old 10-04-2018, 12:11 PM
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Larco Larco is offline
 
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Flew several years with the X models, they were certainly good but now have 20s and love them.
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  #8  
Old 10-04-2018, 01:11 PM
Bavafa Bavafa is offline
 
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Thank you all for your feedback. I should have mentioned that I have a pair of X model and debating if I should upgrade. Mine are in excellent condition but it seems there is enough incentives to upgrade.
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  #9  
Old 10-04-2018, 01:17 PM
leok leok is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
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Default 2 of each

I have two of each and always relegate the Xs to the back seats.


As much as I like the A20s, I'm not currently planning on upgrading the back seaters from the Xs. Perhaps some day.

I will say, once I had one A20 headset the wife made sure I purchased another. It was implied I would loose the A20 whenever she was in the plane if she didn't get her own pair.
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  #10  
Old 10-04-2018, 06:28 PM
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Vlad Vlad is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SmilingJack View Post


My big question to you and Vlad:

How long did the ear pads work on the X vs. the A20?

It seems the A20 ear pads wear out in just over a year!
Good question Ivan. A20 pads last longer in the North East. Come back
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