[Elecraft] CM-500 Question

[JHR]

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