Are the A30s worth $500
Posted by vismaypikachu@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 17 comments
So context, I have 29 month old A20s in perfect condition with carrying case and everything. My friend is willing to buy them for $850.
My dad has a company deal for the A30s at $1,199 + tax, so considering the total cost at around $1,350.
I know pilots are pretty divided on the A20/A30 differences, and I have never had any problems with the A20s. I had my Instrument Checkride yesterday (4:45am :/), and had a conversation with the DPE about his A30s, and he is in the camp that the A30s are superior to the A20s in every way.
TLDR: For those who have the A30s, are they worth it at least a $500 difference from the A20s in your opinion?
BoeDinger1225@reddit
Lightspeed Zulu’s are so much better than Bose. I’ve used both for extended periods of time. Nothing matches the Zulu’s comfort, noise cancellation, sounds quality, and durability.
stormostorm@reddit
I have both and prefer the a20s, but in this case the question to be asking is.
Is the 500 dollars worth another two years of warranty and support for the foreseeable future? If I only had one set, the answer would be yes to this question.
vismaypikachu@reddit (OP)
Thanks for your thoughts! That's what I was thinking as well.
ltcterry@reddit
But it’s not $500. It’s $1300. If it were only $500 you’d still have the first headset…
ltcterry@reddit
Are they worth $500? Absolutely. But you’re not looking at buying them for $500. You’re considering a valuable headset and $500 cash. That’s an entirely different question.
For that price I’d say keep the A20. By the time it dies something better - A40? - will be on the horizon. Replace the ear cushions every 6-9 months.
If you think you’re buying the headset for $500 go ahead and get it then sell it to me for $600. That’s an instant 20% gain, right? But you won’t have a headset.
OTheodorKK@reddit
The a30 is more comfortable because they are lighter, but thats about it. Every other part of them are worse. They feel much cheaper and flimsy and the sound from the intercom and radio is much "thinner", less bass or something... hard to explain. The a20s have a fuller more comfy sound. We have a30 with a20 as backup in some of our planes in my company. I switch to the backups everytime
Just_a_stickmonkey@reddit
So the A30 do sound different then? I recently I flew a helicopter that had A30 plugged in and found the sound horrible, harsh and tinny. Figured since the headsets were brand new it was probably the machine that had shit wiring or a bad audio panel or something. But next time I flew the same machine I plugged my own A20 in and it sounded just fine. Sad to realize the newer model sounds worse, sooner or later I have to replace my A20 i guess.
OTheodorKK@reddit
Thats exactly it
Just_a_stickmonkey@reddit
Speaking of the A30 vs A20. I’ve never had a chance to really do a side by side comparison, does any of you know if the active noise cancellation is better, quieter in the A30 compared to the A20?
I know it’s adjustable on the A30, but is the max setting quieter than the A20?
OriginalJayVee@reddit
I tried the A30 on at Sporty’s the other day and wasn’t impressed. They felt like there was no way they could seal well at all.
They were very light, though.
LegendL600@reddit
I have the A30 and my friend and aircraft partner has the A20. I leave my set in the plane and he always puts his away. A few times he’s taken mine out and he definitely prefers the A20. His big issue is that he’s tall and sometimes hits the top of the band on the ceiling. With the A20 this is a non event. With my A30 it means they definitely unseal and sometimes fall off.
About a year ago I bought my A30 set in eBay for $1030 with free shipping. They were brand new sealed in box. Might want to look around a bit more for better pricing if you go to the A30.
d4rkha1f@reddit
I panic bought three extra A20’s when I heard they were stopping production. I also bought two repair kits. My family will be flying with A20’s for the next 15-20 years. I have flown with A20’s and A30’s. Hopefully this tells you how much better I think the A20’s are. The latest is not always the greatest.
4Sammich@reddit
I sold my A20s and would gladly go back to them from the A30s if I could. My opinion is no, the A30s are not worth the upgrade.
Side note, multiple parts of the headset feel “cheap” especially the cord.
vismaypikachu@reddit (OP)
Thanks! Have you noticed any accelerated wear from use? Or is it just the feel of the headset itself that makes it "cheap"
4Sammich@reddit
I fly jets so not exactly a harsh environment, so not from my experience.
320sim@reddit
Not worth it if you already have A20s
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
So context, I have 29 month old A20s in perfect condition with carrying case and everything. My friend is willing to buy them for $850.
My dad has a company deal for the A30s at $1,199 + tax, so considering the total cost at around $1,350.
I know pilots are pretty divided on the A20/A30 differences, and I have never had any problems with the A20s. I had my Instrument Checkride yesterday (4:45am :/), and had a conversation with the DPE about his A30s, and he is in the camp that the A30s are superior to the A20s in every way.
TLDR: For those who have the A30s, are they worth it at least a $500 difference from the A20s in your opinion?
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