The Basic Guide to Buying a Corded Headset
July 2nd, 2015 • Comments
Tags: Headset, Jabra, Plantronics, Sennheiser, VXi, Amplifier, Quick Disconnect
Much like learning to dance, buying a headset can be confusing and seem out of reach. By breaking down the dance into steps, the overwhelming process of the 3-minute piece of music is simplified. The same is true with buying a headset. Follow these steps and the perfect headset is in your grasp – and on your desk – in short order.
First Step: Customization
The amount of choices and design features seem endless at first, but can be simplified to these decisions:
Second Step: Compatibility
Which quick disconnect cord or amplifier do I need? How do I choose?
An amplifier provides added volume and control, allowing you to mute and adjust your volume control as you need. Batteries or USB cords give power to amplifiers, unless you purchase an AC adapter. The cost of an amplifier (typically around $100) is higher than the direct connect cord (between $20-40).
With the quick disconnect option, the wearer can keep the headset on, while stepping away from the desk, because they are simply disconnecting the headset from the bottom cable. These quick disconnect cords are unique to each manufacturer, so you must buy the same brand headset and cord.
Each manufacturer offers a helpful compatibility guide to help determine if an amplifier is needed for your environment.
Jabra Compatibility Guide
Plantronics Compatibility Guide
Sennheiser Compatibility Guide
VXi Compatibility Guide
We are also happy to help answer any questions regarding compatibility.
Third Step: Cost
How much am I willing to spend?
You can get more features, added durability and extended warranty with a larger initial investment. Decide which features are of utmost importance. Any of the options that Avcomm Solutions offers are commercial grade headsets – the quality is better than the $15 plug-and-play options you have seen in the office supply stores.
Bulk purchases can produce big discounts, as well as consistent, recurring orders can merit special pricing.
Fourth Step: Contact us!
Every work environment is unique and we are prepared to tailor a solution that best fits your needs. You can call us at 1-866-998-9991 (M-F 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Time), or connect with us on Twitter (@AvcommSolutions) and we will be happy to walk you through the tried and true steps of choosing the right headsets for your environment!
First Step: Customization
The amount of choices and design features seem endless at first, but can be simplified to these decisions:
- Wearing style (over the head, over the ear, behind the neck, convertible)
- Mono or duo? How much sound do you need in order for you to concentrate on your caller rather than on everything else around you? If your work environment is noisy or busy, you might want to consider a duo style that covers both ears.
- Microphone (Voice Tube, Noise Cancelling or Ultra Noise Cancelling)
- Ear cushion type (foam or leatherette) and size
- Weight of the headset
- Connectivity – to an office phone? Computer? Mobile? Or combination?
- Call control – Will you want to be able to mute your mic or volume up or down as need be?
- Warranty? Most offer 2 years; some, 3. (At Avcomm, we have a 30-day money back guarantee. If an out of box failure should occur, a replacement product will be sent the day we know of the failure; just return the defective product to us using the shipping label we send out – you pay nothing).
Second Step: Compatibility
Which quick disconnect cord or amplifier do I need? How do I choose?
An amplifier provides added volume and control, allowing you to mute and adjust your volume control as you need. Batteries or USB cords give power to amplifiers, unless you purchase an AC adapter. The cost of an amplifier (typically around $100) is higher than the direct connect cord (between $20-40).
With the quick disconnect option, the wearer can keep the headset on, while stepping away from the desk, because they are simply disconnecting the headset from the bottom cable. These quick disconnect cords are unique to each manufacturer, so you must buy the same brand headset and cord.
Each manufacturer offers a helpful compatibility guide to help determine if an amplifier is needed for your environment.
Jabra Compatibility Guide
Plantronics Compatibility Guide
Sennheiser Compatibility Guide
VXi Compatibility Guide
We are also happy to help answer any questions regarding compatibility.
Third Step: Cost
How much am I willing to spend?
You can get more features, added durability and extended warranty with a larger initial investment. Decide which features are of utmost importance. Any of the options that Avcomm Solutions offers are commercial grade headsets – the quality is better than the $15 plug-and-play options you have seen in the office supply stores.
Bulk purchases can produce big discounts, as well as consistent, recurring orders can merit special pricing.
Fourth Step: Contact us!
Every work environment is unique and we are prepared to tailor a solution that best fits your needs. You can call us at 1-866-998-9991 (M-F 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Time), or connect with us on Twitter (@AvcommSolutions) and we will be happy to walk you through the tried and true steps of choosing the right headsets for your environment!