Problem using Bose QC20 with an AV receiver

[Aradesh]

I recently purchased a new set of QC20 headphones, and have had different issues when trying to use them with my AV receiver. The AV receiver is a Yamaha RX-V385 if that's important.

-If I try using a 3.5mm audio extension cable that has 2 black lines on the connecting end, I get a loud hum when I turn on the headphone power.

-If I try using a 3.5mm audio extension cable that has 3 black lines on the connecting end, the hum is gone, but the volume on the left side is significantly lower.

-If I connect the headphones directly to my AV receiver without an audio extension cable (6.5mm stereo adapter is still required), I still get low volume on the left side.

-When using the headphones with my IPod, both sides have equal volume levels. This was attempted with and without the 3.5mm extension cable that has 3 black lines on the connector end.

My assumption at this point is that the headphones won't work properly with a standard 6.5mm stereo adapter, and that I need a specialized 6.5mm adapter with 3 black lines on the connector end, much like all the other combinations that have worked thus far. I'm hoping you'll be able to give me a workable solution for this problem.

[Morlock]

I would suggest using the Bose airline adapter (either before the 2 band extension, or after the 3 band extension).  As you probably know those three bands are for left/right/remote.  This adapter was designed to remove the remote from the equation when plugging into Airline armrests (most generic airline adapters won't do this).  I have noticed that this also benefits some amplifiers as well.

[Aradesh]

The airline adapter won't work for this problem. I'm connecting my headphones to an audio video receiver meant for home use, and it requires a single 6.5mm connector for the headphones. The only 3.5mm to 6.5mm adapters I've found are intended for stereo headphones with no remote.

[Aradesh]

I've done a bit more research and noted that the audio cable for the QC35II only passes audio and removes the microphone ability. I wonder if I could use that cable in conjunction with a female to female 3.5mm adapter in order to connect my QC20 headphones to my AV receiver. This should only pass audio if I'm correct. My next problem would be finding a female to female 3.5mm adapter that's intended to be used with headphones that have a microphone. I'd appreciate any input on my idea in case I'm missing something that would cause this not to work.

[Aradesh · Accepted solution]

I may have found a solution for this issue that doesn't involve buying more Bose products. I've ordered a 4 pole to 3 pole 3.5mm cable. The comments on the product show that it should deal with my issue.

[Morlock]

Hopefully that works, but what I meant was to use the airline adapter in conjunction with the 6.5 mm adapter.  The airline adapter works as a 1 or 2 "prong" adapter.  So you would use it in the single 3.5mm mode and plug it into the 3.5-6.5mm adapter and the mic is removed.

[Aradesh]

I'll keep that in mind should my fix not work. Thank you for the clarification.

[Aradesh]

So, I tried the 4 pole to 3 pole adapter I mentioned earlier and it kind of works, but not in an acceptable fashion. In order to get stereo, I have to hold the cable tight to the connector, since it goes back to low volume on the left side if I let go. Guess I'll be buying the Bose airline adapter as you suggested.