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Hokay-

Am looking to purchase a portable intercom. I want stereo music (I'm tired of whistling all the Broadway oldies whilst in the air and yelling at my passenger). Am seriously interested in the AvComm AC-2EX. Any recommendations about this model or any others?

Thanks.

I've used a cheapy Flightcom IIdx (I think that's what it is) for years and have no complaints. Make sure your headsets are stereo compatible (there should be a switch) or the point is "mute"! (pun intended)

Carl-
I found the FlightCom IISx, but the information describes it as mono. Can't find the IIDx.

The only STEREO portable I see in Chief's catalog is the PS Aerocom-III by PS Engineeering. Looks to be a high-end portable and is listed at $252.50. All the other portables appear to be mono.

Chief's #: 800-447-3408

Dan-
Thanks for the heads-up. What is your opinion of the quality of the stereo in the portable intercoms? Is stereo capability for music worth the added cost, or should I stick to mono?

No reason to pay extra for something that might be of marginal quality, sound-wise.

Dennis,

I am assuming you have stereo headsets (otherwise you will have to operate mono on your intercom). Quite frankly, I had a PM6000B panel mount and Lightspeed 20XL's. The difference between stereo (just using the CD and headset adapter) and mono (through the intercom...it's not stereo) with a portable CD player to me was only marginally a benefit. Add to that the high noise environment of the cockpit and mono music is probably not a huge setback.

I hate to admit that since I am very into audio (have my own little basement studio) and really like quality sound. The Lightspeeds (especially the QFR solo's I have for the back seats) do a very nice job of sound reproduction, but I do not feel that the stereo/mono difference is great enough to be overly concerned about.

I agree with Jeff. The difference between mono and stereo is almost undetectable in the cockpit of a 150. The only time that you will notice it is if you have a very good CD (or whatever) player and the recording is well done. Besides, I get a chance to "sing along in harmony" when the stereo part momentarily fades out. Just don't have the mike button depressed! I have a DC 13.4 non-anr headset and personnaly do not like to use the stereo mode when flying. ATC comes in on only 1 side when it is in the stereo mode.

Jeff, Ken Dan-

Thank you all for the input. The stereo intercom idea has lost out to better judgement by those who know!!

Thanks again.

Dennis, here's my .02.

I just did a cross country and tried out my new iPod. I could hear the music (no speaking stuff in the plane, too disctracting). The quality was OK, but I don't think I would get too upset about the stereo or mono. There is just too much going on, with the noise, radio, flying and navigating, to make a whole lot about the quality of the music. When things get busy, the first thing to go is the music.

Turns out mine is a (old) IIgx. It appears to be identical to the IIsx currently offered. I think it is mono (it's probably my headsets only that are stereo capable). As the others have noted, stereo is no big deal unless you listen to "Dueling Banjo's" or some such and MUST have the separation! Honestly, I sometimes did find the music to be a distraction.