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Yama CM-500 Replacement

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Yama CM-500 Replacement

Sad to say, but my trusty old CM-500 headphones with boom mic finally bit the dust. The ear pads had started rotting away, leaving me with black pieces of gunk on my ears after every on-air session. Tried replacing the pads with a set of Koss pads but they simply were too small and I wound up breaking off the connectors going to the speakers. Life is too short to spend any more time messing with them, so it’s time to look for a replacement.

I’d like to hear from others who are using a similar type of headphone/mic combo - one that is a direct plug-in to the back of a K3 like the Yamaha CM-500. If Yamaha would offer replacement parts to their users I’d consider getting another CM-500, but they don’t and I’m not inclined to buy something again that cannot easily be repaired.

Suggestions…?

Jim / w6JHB

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Elecraft mailing list

Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

Hi,

I bought a pair of Koss SB-45 when my CM-500 ear cushion covers started
disintegrating leaving the dreaded black dandruff. My wife fabricated a
couple of fabric covers and the problem was resolved. Recently I was
sent a pair of fabric earphone covers by a friend obtained from Amazon
who for some reason won't ship to the Falklands. They are simple
elasticated covers and they slip over the ear pieces. A satisfactory
extension to the life of the CM-500.

Returning to the Koss SB-45. I substituted them for the CM-500 and a
local could hardly detect any difference. The mic boom is a bit more
springy and take a bit more effort to tailor to the individual
preference. The cord is much lighter than the CM-500 which could be a
weak point. Mine have been in the draw for a couple of years unused
because the CM-500 are refusing to die.

Regards,

Mike VP8NO

On 09/01/2019 02:51, Walter Underwood wrote:

Richard Thorne-4

Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

Jim,

I have a pair of Yamaha C-500's which I like a lot, however, I wanted to
try something different that was built a little better.

I picked up an Inrad W1 from Vibroplex. Physically they are built much
better than the CM-500. They are over the ear like the CM-500's and
they do a bit better job keeping the noise out.

They are a little heavier than the CM-500 and have a a little more
pressure (ie clamping) on your head.

You will need a 1/4" to 1/8" stereo adapter for the phones if your rig
has an 1/8" jack for the headphones.

I've had the headset since October and used it for a serious effort
during Nov Sweepstakes. I had no issues during the 24 hour contest.
They are keepers in my opinion.

The mic is dynamic and I'm getting good audio reports.

They are in a different price range than the CM-500 but worth adding to
your list of candidates.

Rich - N5ZC

On 1/8/2019 9:00 PM, James Bennett via Elecraft wrote:

> Sad to say, but my trusty old CM-500 headphones with boom mic finally bit the dust. The ear pads had started rotting away, leaving me with black pieces of gunk on my ears after every on-air session. Tried replacing the pads with a set of Koss pads but they simply were too small and I wound up breaking off the connectors going to the speakers. Life is too short to spend any more time messing with them, so it’s time to look for a replacement.
>
> I’d like to hear from others who are using a similar type of headphone/mic combo - one that is a direct plug-in to the back of a K3 like the Yamaha CM-500. If Yamaha would offer replacement parts to their users I’d consider getting another CM-500, but they don’t and I’m not inclined to buy something again that cannot easily be repaired.
>
> Suggestions…?
>
> Jim / w6JHB
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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NK7Z

Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

The part of the Amazon ad located at:

https://www.amazon.com/Koss-sb45-SB-45-Communication-Stereophones/dp/B00081A2CW

that says:

"Oxygen-free copper voice coils improve signal transmission & conduction
for a clearer & louder sound."

makes me wonder about the rest of the statements on the ad...

73s and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
Award Manager, 30MDG Grid Contest
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL OOC for Oregon

On 1/9/19 3:38 AM, Mike Harris via Elecraft wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I bought a pair of Koss SB-45 when my CM-500 ear cushion covers started
> disintegrating leaving the dreaded black dandruff. My wife fabricated a
> couple of fabric covers and the problem was resolved. Recently I was
> sent a pair of fabric earphone covers by a friend obtained from Amazon
> who for some reason won't ship to the Falklands. They are simple
> elasticated covers and they slip over the ear pieces. A satisfactory
> extension to the life of the CM-500.
>
> Returning to the Koss SB-45. I substituted them for the CM-500 and a
> local could hardly detect any difference. The mic boom is a bit more
> springy and take a bit more effort to tailor to the individual
> preference. The cord is much lighter than the CM-500 which could be a
> weak point. Mine have been in the draw for a couple of years unused
> because the CM-500 are refusing to die.
>
> Regards,
>
> Mike VP8NO
>
>
>
> On 09/01/2019 02:51, Walter Underwood wrote:
>> I’ve heard good things about the Koss SB-45. It has an electret mic
>> and is about half the cost of the CM-500, at $25. I have not used the
>> SB-45.
>>
>> https://www.amazon.com/Koss-sb45-SB-45-Communication-Stereophones/dp/B00081A2CW
>>
>>
>> I would not get the Koss SB-40. That looks like the Yamaha, but has a
>> dynamic mic that has gotten some bad reports.
>>
>> A while back, I took a close look at the mic plug on my Yamaha CM-500
>> headset. It is labeled “Koss”.
>>
>> wunder
>> K6WRU
>> Walter Underwood
>> CM87wj
>> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

I suggest another set of CM-500's. They may last 2 years, 5 years or
10 years before they are headed for the trash. Just look at it as a
consumable item and that is just the cost of ownership.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 1/8/2019 9:00 PM, James Bennett via Elecraft wrote:
> Sad to say, but my trusty old CM-500 headphones with boom mic finally bit the dust. The ear pads had started rotting away, leaving me with black pieces of gunk on my ears after every on-air session. Tried replacing the pads with a set of Koss pads but they simply were too small and I wound up breaking off the connectors going to the speakers. Life is too short to spend any more time messing with them, so it’s time to look for a replacement.
>
> I’d like to hear from others who are using a similar type of headphone/mic combo - one that is a direct plug-in to the back of a K3 like the Yamaha CM-500. If Yamaha would offer replacement parts to their users I’d consider getting another CM-500, but they don’t and I’m not inclined to buy something again that cannot easily be repaired.
>
> Suggestions…?
>
> Jim / w6JHB
>

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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

I have and use the Koss SB-40. I get great audio reports.

Yes, I agree, if the mike is not positioned correctly and the TX EQ not
set correctly, it can sound bad. So can any other mike where good mike
technique and application is not correctly used.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 1/8/2019 11:51 PM, Walter Underwood wrote:

> I’ve heard good things about the Koss SB-45. It has an electret mic and is about half the cost of the CM-500, at $25. I have not used the SB-45.
>
> https://www.amazon.com/Koss-sb45-SB-45-Communication-Stereophones/dp/B00081A2CW
>
> I would not get the Koss SB-40. That looks like the Yamaha, but has a dynamic mic that has gotten some bad reports.
>
> A while back, I took a close look at the mic plug on my Yamaha CM-500 headset. It is labeled “Koss”.
>
> wunder
> K6WRU
> Walter Underwood
> CM87wj
> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
>
>> On Jan 8, 2019, at 7:00 PM, James Bennett via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Sad to say, but my trusty old CM-500 headphones with boom mic finally bit the dust. The ear pads had started rotting away, leaving me with black pieces of gunk on my ears after every on-air session. Tried replacing the pads with a set of Koss pads but they simply were too small and I wound up breaking off the connectors going to the speakers. Life is too short to spend any more time messing with them, so it’s time to look for a replacement.
>>
>> I’d like to hear from others who are using a similar type of headphone/mic combo - one that is a direct plug-in to the back of a K3 like the Yamaha CM-500. If Yamaha would offer replacement parts to their users I’d consider getting another CM-500, but they don’t and I’m not inclined to buy something again that cannot easily be repaired.
>>
>> Suggestions…?
>>
>> Jim / w6JHB
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
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Dick Dievendorff-4

Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

In reply to this post by Richard Thorne-4

These are personal opinions, and headphones are a personal topic... I have a substantial headphone collection from all the usual suspects gathered over the years. I seem to collect these things.

An Inrad W1 from Vibroplex has become my favorite. My preferred headphone jacks are 1/4", and I've had trouble with 3.5mm to 1/4" adapters from another manufacturer staying solidly connected. I find the W1 more comfortable than most other headsets I have. It has a relatively long cord and feels and looks sturdy. They grip my head a bit less tightly and feel a bit lighter than some of the other high-end over-ear headsets, but the isolation is quite good. I also like its dynamic microphone.

I found a Sony wireless (Bluetooth) noise-cancelling headset WH1000XM3 on sale at Costco recently. It also has a wired connection, and should be useful to listen to content from my mobile phone or tablet when on an airplane, or to plug into the plane's entertainment system. It lacks a microphone. It's relatively light and comfortable, but I haven't yet used it for a long contest.

My old favorite Sony MD-V headset is still sometimes a good fit. I think it's now called an MDR-7506. It also lacks a microphone.

I find it helpful to change headsets from time to time, just to change the pressure points. So I have several headsets around...

73 de Dick, K6KR

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Richard Thorne
Sent: Wednesday, January 9, 2019 04:11
To: James Bennett <[hidden email]>; Elecraft Reflector Reflector <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yama CM-500 Replacement

Jim,

I have a pair of Yamaha C-500's which I like a lot, however, I wanted to try something different that was built a little better.

I picked up an Inrad W1 from Vibroplex. Physically they are built much better than the CM-500. They are over the ear like the CM-500's and they do a bit better job keeping the noise out.

They are a little heavier than the CM-500 and have a a little more pressure (ie clamping) on your head.

You will need a 1/4" to 1/8" stereo adapter for the phones if your rig has an 1/8" jack for the headphones.

I've had the headset since October and used it for a serious effort during Nov Sweepstakes. I had no issues during the 24 hour contest. They are keepers in my opinion.

The mic is dynamic and I'm getting good audio reports.

They are in a different price range than the CM-500 but worth adding to your list of candidates.

Rich - N5ZC

On 1/8/2019 9:00 PM, James Bennett via Elecraft wrote:

> Sad to say, but my trusty old CM-500 headphones with boom mic finally bit the dust. The ear pads had started rotting away, leaving me with black pieces of gunk on my ears after every on-air session. Tried replacing the pads with a set of Koss pads but they simply were too small and I wound up breaking off the connectors going to the speakers. Life is too short to spend any more time messing with them, so it’s time to look for a replacement.
>
> I’d like to hear from others who are using a similar type of headphone/mic combo - one that is a direct plug-in to the back of a K3 like the Yamaha CM-500. If Yamaha would offer replacement parts to their users I’d consider getting another CM-500, but they don’t and I’m not inclined to buy something again that cannot easily be repaired.
>
> Suggestions…?
>
> Jim / w6JHB
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email
> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to
> [hidden email]

Ken Winterling

Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

Dick,

You said “My preferred headphone jacks are 1/4", and I've had trouble with
3.5mm to 1/4" adapters from another manufacturer staying solidly
connected.” I agree, the 1/4” jacks/plugs are more rugged than the 3.5mm
especially for devices like headphones that are constantly
plugged/unplugged.

I rarely use “adapters” except for testing or “emergencies” as they put a
strain on the panel-mounted jack especially if the jack is a 3.5mm
supporting a 1/4” plug. That is a long “lever” sticking out of the panel
on a tiny plug. it is prone to damaging the panel jack and can be easily
bent by accidentally bumping it or pulling it sideways with the headphones.

My preference is to use “adapter cables” with a proper mating plug and jack
on a short cord. It takes the strain off the panel-mounted jack. The cord
should be long enough so that the jack is laying on the operating desk when
the plug is inserted in the panel jack. You can buy cords with the proper
plugs and jacks or build them yourself.

This is also applicable to those RJ-45 type mic connectors. I use a short
CAT5/CAT6 cable with a dual female data coupler to connect the mic to the
rig. Use an adapter for every mic with a RJ-45 and will probably never
experience a failure of the mic plug clip. If the adapter cable clip
breaks you only need to replace the short CAT cable jumper.

I have used adapter cords for years and never had damage to any mic or
panel jack.

Ken
WA2LBI

On Wed, Jan 9, 2019 at 09:37 <[hidden email]> wrote:

> These are personal opinions, and headphones are a personal topic... I
> have a substantial headphone collection from all the usual suspects
> gathered over the years. I seem to collect these things.
>
> An Inrad W1 from Vibroplex has become my favorite. My preferred headphone
> jacks are 1/4", and I've had trouble with 3.5mm to 1/4" adapters from
> another manufacturer staying solidly connected. I find the W1 more
> comfortable than most other headsets I have. It has a relatively long cord
> and feels and looks sturdy. They grip my head a bit less tightly and feel a
> bit lighter than some of the other high-end over-ear headsets, but the
> isolation is quite good. I also like its dynamic microphone.
>
> I found a Sony wireless (Bluetooth) noise-cancelling headset WH1000XM3 on
> sale at Costco recently. It also has a wired connection, and should be
> useful to listen to content from my mobile phone or tablet when on an
> airplane, or to plug into the plane's entertainment system. It lacks a
> microphone. It's relatively light and comfortable, but I haven't yet used
> it for a long contest.
>
> My old favorite Sony MD-V headset is still sometimes a good fit. I think
> it's now called an MDR-7506. It also lacks a microphone.
>
> I find it helpful to change headsets from time to time, just to change the
> pressure points. So I have several headsets around...
>
> 73 de Dick, K6KR
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]>
> On Behalf Of Richard Thorne
> Sent: Wednesday, January 9, 2019 04:11
> To: James Bennett <[hidden email]>; Elecraft Reflector Reflector <
> [hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yama CM-500 Replacement
>
> Jim,
>
> I have a pair of Yamaha C-500's which I like a lot, however, I wanted to
> try something different that was built a little better.
>
> I picked up an Inrad W1 from Vibroplex. Physically they are built much
> better than the CM-500. They are over the ear like the CM-500's and they
> do a bit better job keeping the noise out.
>
> They are a little heavier than the CM-500 and have a a little more
> pressure (ie clamping) on your head.
>
> You will need a 1/4" to 1/8" stereo adapter for the phones if your rig has
> an 1/8" jack for the headphones.
>
> I've had the headset since October and used it for a serious effort during
> Nov Sweepstakes. I had no issues during the 24 hour contest. They are
> keepers in my opinion.
>
> The mic is dynamic and I'm getting good audio reports.
>
> They are in a different price range than the CM-500 but worth adding to
> your list of candidates.
>
> Rich - N5ZC
>
> On 1/8/2019 9:00 PM, James Bennett via Elecraft wrote:
> > Sad to say, but my trusty old CM-500 headphones with boom mic finally
> bit the dust. The ear pads had started rotting away, leaving me with black
> pieces of gunk on my ears after every on-air session. Tried replacing the
> pads with a set of Koss pads but they simply were too small and I wound up
> breaking off the connectors going to the speakers. Life is too short to
> spend any more time messing with them, so it’s time to look for a
> replacement.
> >
> > I’d like to hear from others who are using a similar type of
> headphone/mic combo - one that is a direct plug-in to the back of a K3 like
> the Yamaha CM-500. If Yamaha would offer replacement parts to their users
> I’d consider getting another CM-500, but they don’t and I’m not inclined to
> buy something again that cannot easily be repaired.
> >
> > Suggestions…?
> >
> > Jim / w6JHB
> >
> >
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email
> > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to
> > [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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> Message delivered to [hidden email]

--

Ken
WA2LBI

Sent from one of my mobile devices
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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

With regard to "constantly plugged/unplugged", I leave mine plugged in
the rear of my K3S all of the time. I use the PF2 function configured
to switch between SPKR on/off and Headphones and switch the mike from
the front to the rear being the boom mike on the headphones. No
adapters required. Just push a button and all is correctly configured.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 1/9/2019 9:09 AM, Ken Winterling wrote:
> Dick,
>
> You said “My preferred headphone jacks are 1/4", and I've had trouble with
> 3.5mm to 1/4" adapters from another manufacturer staying solidly
> connected.” I agree, the 1/4” jacks/plugs are more rugged than the 3.5mm
> especially for devices like headphones that are constantly
> plugged/unplugged.
>
>

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Gary K9GS

Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

In reply to this post by Richard Thorne-4

I used a pair of Inrad W1s for CQWW and I liked them so much that I asked for a pair for Christmas. I have not tried them yet.
They are well made and very comfortable.
Note that for CQWW I used them with an ICOM 7851 and not a K3.
I'll use them this weekend with my K3 in the NAQP CW contest .

73,
Gary K9GS
-------- Original message --------From: Richard Thorne <[hidden email]> Date: 1/9/19 6:11 AM (GMT-06:00) To: James Bennett <[hidden email]>, Elecraft Reflector Reflector <[hidden email]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yama CM-500 Replacement
Jim,

I have a pair of Yamaha C-500's which I like a lot, however, I wanted to
try something different that was built a little better.

I picked up an Inrad W1 from Vibroplex. Physically they are built much
better than the CM-500. They are over the ear like the CM-500's and
they do a bit better job keeping the noise out.

They are a little heavier than the CM-500 and have a a little more
pressure (ie clamping) on your head.

You will need a 1/4" to 1/8" stereo adapter for the phones if your rig
has an 1/8" jack for the headphones.

I've had the headset since October and used it for a serious effort
during Nov Sweepstakes. I had no issues during the 24 hour contest.
They are keepers in my opinion.

The mic is dynamic and I'm getting good audio reports.

They are in a different price range than the CM-500 but worth adding to
your list of candidates.

Rich - N5ZC

On 1/8/2019 9:00 PM, James Bennett via Elecraft wrote:

Ignacy

Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

CM-500 is OK. It had so-so sound insulation (not good with loud amp) and it
disintegrated.
Now I use Sennheiser PC 350. Much better built and better sound insulation.
Ignacy, NO9E

--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
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N2TK

Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

In reply to this post by Bob McGraw - K4TAX

I had bought ear pad replacement covers for KOSS UR20, UR30 and SB40 that fit the CM-500 fine. I think they were $9 for a pair. It didn't take long to replace. It is a little pain getting the three screws lined up to assemble.
73,
N2TK, Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX
Sent: Wednesday, January 9, 2019 9:06 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yama CM-500 Replacement

I suggest another set of CM-500's. They may last 2 years, 5 years or
10 years before they are headed for the trash. Just look at it as a consumable item and that is just the cost of ownership.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 1/8/2019 9:00 PM, James Bennett via Elecraft wrote:
> Sad to say, but my trusty old CM-500 headphones with boom mic finally bit the dust. The ear pads had started rotting away, leaving me with black pieces of gunk on my ears after every on-air session. Tried replacing the pads with a set of Koss pads but they simply were too small and I wound up breaking off the connectors going to the speakers. Life is too short to spend any more time messing with them, so it’s time to look for a replacement.
>
> I’d like to hear from others who are using a similar type of headphone/mic combo - one that is a direct plug-in to the back of a K3 like the Yamaha CM-500. If Yamaha would offer replacement parts to their users I’d consider getting another CM-500, but they don’t and I’m not inclined to buy something again that cannot easily be repaired.
>
> Suggestions…?
>
> Jim / w6JHB
>

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Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

Thanks guys - I wound up with a Koss SB45 headset - seems to work pretty well, although not as comfortable as the Yamaha.

> On Jan 11, 2019, at 11:08 AM, N2TK, Tony <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I had bought ear pad replacement covers for KOSS UR20, UR30 and SB40 that fit the CM-500 fine. I think they were $9 for a pair. It didn't take long to replace. It is a little pain getting the three screws lined up to assemble.
> 73,
> N2TK, Tony
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX
> Sent: Wednesday, January 9, 2019 9:06 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yama CM-500 Replacement
>
> I suggest another set of CM-500's. They may last 2 years, 5 years or
> 10 years before they are headed for the trash. Just look at it as a consumable item and that is just the cost of ownership.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
> On 1/8/2019 9:00 PM, James Bennett via Elecraft wrote:
>> Sad to say, but my trusty old CM-500 headphones with boom mic finally bit the dust. The ear pads had started rotting away, leaving me with black pieces of gunk on my ears after every on-air session. Tried replacing the pads with a set of Koss pads but they simply were too small and I wound up breaking off the connectors going to the speakers. Life is too short to spend any more time messing with them, so it’s time to look for a replacement.
>>
>> I’d like to hear from others who are using a similar type of headphone/mic combo - one that is a direct plug-in to the back of a K3 like the Yamaha CM-500. If Yamaha would offer replacement parts to their users I’d consider getting another CM-500, but they don’t and I’m not inclined to buy something again that cannot easily be repaired.
>>
>> Suggestions…?
>>
>> Jim / w6JHB
>>
>
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Josh Fiden

Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

In reply to this post by N2TK

$5 free shipping direct from Koss, if these are the correct cushions.

https://www.koss.com/accessories/cushions/ur20-ear-cushion

73
Josh W6XU

Sent from my mobile device

> On Jan 11, 2019, at 11:08 AM, N2TK, Tony <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I had bought ear pad replacement covers for KOSS UR20, UR30 and SB40 that fit the CM-500 fine. I think they were $9 for a pair. It didn't take long to replace. It is a little pain getting the three screws lined up to assemble.
>
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Charlie T, K3ICH

Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

If you can find ones that fit, I highly recommend a "Velour" version rather
than the same old thin plastic that will eventually also flake off.

I have three Sony MDR-7506s' and all have Velour pads.
Once you try a set, you'll never want to go back to OEM pads.

73, Charlie k3ICH

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On
Behalf Of Josh Fiden
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2019 3:05 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yama CM-500 Replacement

$5 free shipping direct from Koss, if these are the correct cushions.

https://www.koss.com/accessories/cushions/ur20-ear-cushion

73
Josh W6XU

Sent from my mobile device

> On Jan 11, 2019, at 11:08 AM, N2TK, Tony <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I had bought ear pad replacement covers for KOSS UR20, UR30 and SB40 that
fit the CM-500 fine. I think they were $9 for a pair. It didn't take long to
replace. It is a little pain getting the three screws lined up to assemble.
>
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AB2E Darrell

Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

Hi all,
I still have a CM-500 sitting here but rarely use it now.
Just before CQWW CW in Nov I purchased an Inrad W1 headset. Outstanding performance, and 0 fatigue on your ears. While it doesn't claim to be a noise cancelling headset, with the high kerosene heater noise in my unheated garage shack, it did seem to lower the noise considerably.
For those in noisy environments, I recommend the Bose QC35 or QC25. These are true noise cancelling headphones and are pricy (I was fortunate to get mine free with United Airlines mileage that was expiring). I also have a Heil Proset which I like, but ears are sore after a 48hr contest.

I've used all of these on the K3 and/or Icom 7700,7800, and 756 Pro III.

73 and HNY.
Darrell AB2E

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Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

In reply to this post by Charlie T, K3ICH

Well, after using those Koss SB45 cans for fifteen minutes - back they go to Amazon and a brand new pair of Yamaha CM500’s is on it’s way to me. My initial feeling was that the Koss was a tad tighter, but the more I wore them, the less comfortable I was with ‘em. I guess that’s the difference between a $25 pair and a $56 pair. I hope the ear pads on this set last longer than the seven years I got out of the original. But, all things being equal, I suppose $8 per year isn’t bad…

Let’s close this thread before Wayne drops the hammer on it.

Thanks, and 73 to all who responded.

Jim / W6JHB
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N2TK

Re: Yama CM-500 Replacement

In reply to this post by Bob McGraw - K4TAX

I dug up some more info on replacement cushions. I had first bought a pair of the replacement cushions from AliExpress.
They did not include the flat foam earpad covers. Only included were the ear pad cushions.

I then bought a pair on eBay, item # 112534201835 that included the flat foam earpad covers.

73,
N2TK, Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: N2TK, Tony <[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2019 2:08 PM
To: 'Bob McGraw K4TAX' <[hidden email]>; '[hidden email]' <[hidden email]>
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Yama CM-500 Replacement

I had bought ear pad replacement covers for KOSS UR20, UR30 and SB40 that fit the CM-500 fine. I think they were $9 for a pair. It didn't take long to replace. It is a little pain getting the three screws lined up to assemble.
73,
N2TK, Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX
Sent: Wednesday, January 9, 2019 9:06 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yama CM-500 Replacement

I suggest another set of CM-500's. They may last 2 years, 5 years or
10 years before they are headed for the trash. Just look at it as a consumable item and that is just the cost of ownership.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 1/8/2019 9:00 PM, James Bennett via Elecraft wrote:
> Sad to say, but my trusty old CM-500 headphones with boom mic finally bit the dust. The ear pads had started rotting away, leaving me with black pieces of gunk on my ears after every on-air session. Tried replacing the pads with a set of Koss pads but they simply were too small and I wound up breaking off the connectors going to the speakers. Life is too short to spend any more time messing with them, so it’s time to look for a replacement.
>
> I’d like to hear from others who are using a similar type of headphone/mic combo - one that is a direct plug-in to the back of a K3 like the Yamaha CM-500. If Yamaha would offer replacement parts to their users I’d consider getting another CM-500, but they don’t and I’m not inclined to buy something again that cannot easily be repaired.
>
> Suggestions…?
>
> Jim / w6JHB
>

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