On Aug 7, 2023, at 9:44 PM, JHR <jricha...@k8jhr.com> wrote:
Ahem. CM-500 headset. Meh. Uninspiring old school.
I was a long time microphone and headset product test and review writer for the speech
recognition trade - including both vendors and manufacturers, such as IBM, Microsoft, Nuance,
Scansoft, Lernhout & Hauspie, Dragon Systems, Kurzeweil AI, and many hardware resellers.
I suppose that made me an "influencer" long before that became a popular pastime
for teenagers broadcasting from their bedrooms on YouTube.
I tested A LOT of microphones and headsets of all kinds, including the CM-500
which appears to be a rebranded $29 KOSS SB-40 with an very low cost electret
capsule instead of the original more costly dynamic cartridge. I have repaired
multiple CM-500s which broke down during service at a multi-multi contest
station and at friends' home stations. The microphone is nothing more than a
thirty cent condenser capsule - exactly what umpty-thousand other headsets
have. The stock ear pads are flat and lack luster. The earphone receivers
(speakers) are mediocre at best. The product has been in production for a long
time, so it is fairly long in the tooth. Bottom line - there is nothing
special, wonderful, or exciting about the CM-500. Really.
You can substitute any number of similar computer grade headsets for the CM-500
and obtain equivalent or (likely) BETTER audio and mechanical performance.
Shoot, the KOSS SB 45/49 cost around $35-$40 (street price) and is as good -
which makes me wonder why anyone would pay nearly $60 for the Yamaha model.
And still, you could substitute most any well constructed computer gaming
headset and achieve similar results - and perhaps realize better longevity and
durability.
Hams are a funny lot. Some spend thousands on their transceivers, before spending
substantial additional sums on big money audio equipment (which is not needed, but I
digress) while cheaping it on other links in the audio chain. But then, the CM-500 is
proof one merely needs a thirty cent electret capsule to get good results on the air!
And, yet, it is far from the headset I would choose. In my opinion, Mr. X lost
substantial credibility as an audio consultant insisting the CM-500 is something special
(practically insisting it is the Holy Grail of ham headsets ...) but then, most hams
always recommend what they have, as if there was no other option worth considering.
Moreover, many hams just ask what other guys are using, and repeat their choices
(mistakes?), without doing their own research, and failing to make an independent
judgment as to what looks and sounds good, and hold up over time. I believe station
building is one of the most interesting and engaging aspects of this fine hobby. In
contrast, other hams just ask what other guys think is best and choose a popular model
mentioned on the reflector, as if that covers it in full. They miss out on the myriad of
other options available which may be superior in multiple ways. And yet, they overlook
the obvious. If every ham on the reflector recommends a different speaker, microphone,
headset, code key, etc., - that means a large number of very different products will get
the job done - suggesting there is a very large market, and there is no such thing as
"best" mic, speaker, etc. But, rather than do their own research, they ask a
few guys and follow the crowd. Of course, that is NOT my course. It is horses for
courses, if you look long enough.
I recommend shopping the low cost computer gaming headset market and getting
something that sounds, looks, and feels better than the trusty old CM-500 - which,
by the way, I do not believe is particularly durable. Yamaha keeps selling them
because folks keep buying them - I am sure it recovered its investment in KOSS's
R&D long ago and is milking a sweet profit and delaying its long overdue
replacement. It is an OEM headset sold by multiple low cost re-sellers at best
... other companies rebranded it, but then, maybe that merely attests to its profit
margin - meaning it cost very little to make, and produces a huge return at the
cash register. That makes it good for vendors, but does not always translate into
best product in the market.
Of course, this is only MY take, which I acknowledge is not a popular
assessment on this reflector. And yet, it is my honest opinion after years of
testing, reviewing and assessing similar products. One of my hobbies is
building microphones, and occasionally headsets, from scratch parts or from
available replacement parts. One might be surprised at how simple and low cost
these things are to make! As for the CM-500 - not in MY shack - I grew weary
fixing them for other hams. But you pays your money and takes your chances.
Good luck. It is not that the CM-500 does not work well - point is, there are
A LOT of alternatives for lower, same, and higher cost, if one is willing to do
his homework. Again, just MY take. Your mileage may differ. K8JHR
