Bose A20 Headset Bluetooth

[Johnnyvalrosa]

Hi everyone,

Looking to purchase these but I don't like that you can't wirelessly stream music. Lightspeed headsets do, but I wouldn't even consider them, as the mic is on the left side only, and is not interchangeable. Great headsets though.

Anyone use the A20s with a mini BT wireless audio receiver connected to the aux input and, if so, does it work well or is it a pain in the ass? I understand that not everyone here might agree with listening to music while flying, but its nice on the long legs, and I hate cords (A20s require a cord if you don't buy a receiver).

Thanks for the input!

[X-Savior]

The difference is that Bose uses a much more advanced Bluetooth software (newer version too). So when you tether your phone to your headset it is more like when you sync it in your car vs the lightspeeds are just sending audio to the headset. For years I just used the wired plug and it worked great.

I heard lots of folks from some operators who do not "allow" listening to music they just buy the lightspeeds to be discreet.

[shurshot17]

I love my A20's got them a month ago... quiet, comfortable, bluetooth is excellent, i use the aux port for music all the time. Cord can get in the way some times.

only complaint is i will the main cord was the curl cord, not the straight one they use.

Cheers

[Johnnyvalrosa]

Thanks,

FYI I bought them, went to Walmart and bought a Bluetooth adapter (looks like a black usb stick and matches the contoller well) for 20 dollars, and I now have a A20 Bluetooth headset that plays music wirelessly. I just attached it to the side of the controller by Velcro......barely noticeable. To charge, Remove and plug it in via usb, that's it. Im keeping an extra as a backup. They last 10 hours, so that's plenty (20 hours). As far as sound goes, I tested the cord against the Bluetooth, and I found no difference whatsoever in quality. Works perfect, no cords anywhere, and the controller is still half the size of the PFX.

Cheers!

[AirFrame]

The difference is that Bose uses a much more advanced Bluetooth software (newer version too). So when you tether your phone to your headset it is more like when you sync it in your car vs the lightspeeds are just sending audio to the headset. For years I just used the wired plug and it worked great.

Lightspeeds work bi-directionally, you can make and receive calls just fine. They're not "just" receiving audio.

I'm amazed that the "highest end" company (Bose) doesn't make a headset that works like everyone expects a Bluetooth connected headset to work. If I pair an iPhone or Android phone to the Bose, I can't play music to it? FAIL.

Still, as a private pilot, the real problem I find with the Bluetooth Headset mentality is that you only get the connection to *one* headset. I want my connection to be to my audio panel, and for it to work like my car. I should be able to pair one or two phones to the plane, and whoever hops in gets an automatic pairing at powerup. Then we can play whatever music the paired phone has on it through the aircraft's audio system for everyone to hear.

Of course, it should have auto-mute so ATC communications and/or intercom communications should drown it out.

[X-Savior]

The difference is that Bose uses a much more advanced Bluetooth software (newer version too). So when you tether your phone to your headset it is more like when you sync it in your car vs the lightspeeds are just sending audio to the headset. For years I just used the wired plug and it worked great.

Lightspeeds work bi-directionally, you can make and receive calls just fine. They're not "just" receiving audio.

If you read what I said.... The Bose does a true Blutooth hands free sync like a vehicle. Light speed does not. Because of this basic implementation of Bluetooth it is able to do the audio streaming. The Bose on the otherhand has the complete Bluetooth capability including hands free features for dialing and answering the phone and ect.

I have well over 4000 hours on my Bose headset and worked with people who had the light speeds. I have done extensive comparing and the light speeds have terrible audio quality compared to Bose and the headset is not as comfortable. But on the flip coin the lightspeeds are cheaper.... You get what you pay for. Do you want the Kia or the Porsche of headsets?