External Speaker Only or Amplifier Plus Speaker Required.

[stevewilko]

I refer to the handbook for the 4800/5000 which reads;-

"Built in amplifier so you can hear soft target signals from deeper nuggets more easily"

"The Li Ion battery pack includes a built-in audio amplifier"

So I ask these questions, where I know I can apply simply add an external speaker only ;-

"Do I get greater enhanced signals that are a must have and will I improve my detector performance overall by adding ANOTHER amplifier?"

I have good hearing and I hear great signals x return. Is there higher, greater benefit from adopting the second amplifier or booster?

I see there are speakers at around $60 purchase price and these speakers may be coupled with a booster amplifier (done for you) at around $150.

Thanks in advance,
Steve.

ps. I just had a mental thought that without the Minelab original amplifier I wouldn't receive an audio signal at all, therefore, that's all you do have at best!

Doh!

 

[user 4485]

The amp in the GPX4500/4800/5000 battery is designed to "trip" to increase volume when a specifically wired plug is used. The required wiring is in the manual on page 13. External speakers purchased from a Minelab dealer will be already prewired for this. The amp won't "trip" with normally wired headphones to prevent hearing damage but will obviously still provide sound.
Some people purchase a speaker from Jaycar or similar & think that the internal amp is no good but don't have it wired correctly to "trip" & increase volume so aren't getting the best out of it.
Aftermarket boosters won't "trip" the internal battery amp. The extra sound comes from the booster only. If they did "trip" the amp to increase volume then amplify it again it most likely would be distorted or have feedback issues?
The biggest advantage I found to using an aftermarket booster was having a volume control on them which can be easily adjusted on the run to suit conditions. You can also bypass or shut them off if you want talk to someone or listen to something else.

 

[old hand]

steve if you intend to use a speaker just use a uhf radio speaker on other booster needed /Cut some 50mm pipe on a angle and glue it to the speaker this redirects the sound back towards you

 

[stevewilko]

Thank you mbasko,
Accordingly, as I have the manual, I am prompted to remember to read the manual, read the manual - and then read it again!
Your reply about referencing page13 has helped greatly.
A minelab dealer has the external speaker I require, so I will purchase one.
I will also acquire a booster, where I have been studying the buy one options.
Fellow in Northern Australia is marketing a booster and I think this one, so far, has the greatest merit.
Cheers, appreciate it.

Old hand, I see you are well skilled. Well done, I like it!
Yours is great information which I will take on board, adapt and use as I eventually go wireless.
Not up to this stage as yet, but priceless insight to adapting to needs in the field.
Have a great day.