Bluetooth headphones - opinions please

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Bluetooth headphones - opinions please

scoobydoo

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#141213 4-Mar-2014 21:31

So, carrying on from my 'Smartwatch as a fitness device' thread, what experiences have people had with bluetooth headphones? I can search until the cows come home online, but I'm interested in real-world opinions by local users, with what's available locally instead of overseas reviews.

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#999110 4-Mar-2014 21:43

A few years ago I've bought a set that had good reviews, but sounded terrible with a high bit rate MP3. Think it was an artefact of one compression algorithm affecting the other. I got refunded when the shop heard what it sounded like. I'm sure quality has improved, but recommend you try them out with what you want to use it for.

A question I'd like to tag onto yours: what is the delay like? Test by playing over speakers at the same time as through headphones. My application is for musicians on stage to use wireless earphones instead of monitor/foldback speakers.

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Dratsab

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#999114 4-Mar-2014 21:47

I purchased a Jabra BT620s set (discontinued) in 2008. I really like them and use them frequently. I found they have a reasonably good bass response for what they are and are quite lightweight. The thing I don't like about them is the band goes round the back of the head, which is good for general use as there's no pressure on your head, but is a pain if you want to lie down while listening to music.

scoobydoo

207 posts

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#999702 5-Mar-2014 19:25

Looking at these options atm, haven't found any others I like yet, but still looking..

Jabra Sport Wireless+ ($180)
Sony Active series ($149.95)
Sennheiser MM100

Will add more as I find them

alasta

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#999729 5-Mar-2014 19:46

I have used a few and to be honest they all performed poorly relative to their respective prices. The prices that you've quoted there will get you a reasonble pair of wired headphones, but you'll be disappointed with a bluetooth solution.

scoobydoo

207 posts

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#999732 5-Mar-2014 19:51

Well I've already got Sennheiser/Adidas sport earphones which are more than adequate for what I use them for. But if I want to move into the 21st century and not be hindered by silly wires, then that's why I'm looking for a Bluetooth solution.

surfisup1000

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#999799 5-Mar-2014 20:54

These:: i've heard they are good --

JayBird Gear BlueBuds X

scoobydoo

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#1009500 20-Mar-2014 01:03

Currently now looking into these - Outdoor Technology. Currently available locally for $100 which I thought was pretty good

http://www.outdoortechnology.com/Shop/Tags/

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Damager

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#1009507 20-Mar-2014 01:38

scoobydoo: Looking at these options atm, haven't found any others I like yet, but still looking..

Jabra Sport Wireless+ ($180)
Sony Active series ($149.95)
Sennheiser MM100

Will add more as I find them

Have these models above got good base? I had a Philips pair and had good bass, then bought a Motorola and it was horrible with nil bass so gone back to a wired set until I can find a good set with excellent bass

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eracode

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#1009521 20-Mar-2014 02:08

FWIW, I am currently selling these Jaybird JF3's on Trademe:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=706391994

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kiwitrc

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#1009528 20-Mar-2014 06:21

Have you considered something like a Samsung HS3000 and use your existing headphones?

scoobydoo

207 posts

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#1009535 20-Mar-2014 07:28

Damager:
scoobydoo: Looking at these options atm, haven't found any others I like yet, but still looking..

Jabra Sport Wireless+ ($180)
Sony Active series ($149.95)
Sennheiser MM100

Will add more as I find them

Have these models above got good base? I had a Philips pair and had good bass, then bought a Motorola and it was horrible with nil bass so gone back to a wired set until I can find a good set with excellent bass

No idea really.. I haven't actually listened to any of them

kiwitrc: Have you considered something like a Samsung HS3000 and use your existing headphones?

Now this might actually be a good option, as I do quite like my existing earbuds, and they seperate into a short cable and a long cable. Although it does mean ANOTHER device to add to the chain, instead of the buds doing the job.

eracode: FWIW, I am currently selling these Jaybird JF3's on Trademe:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=706391994

Thanks, but I'm keen on a set which clip around your ears, then I can be sure they'll be a lot more secure, specially with the bulk of the bluetooth box on the bud.

Handsomedan

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#1009550 20-Mar-2014 08:22

UE do a nice set of Bluetooth cans. Had a play with them at a store and they had good balanced sound with OK bass (not skull-crushing bass, like ny SOL Republics) but good nonetheless.

Also - If you're looking for the signature SOL Republic/Beat By Dre bass thump in a pair of on-ear bluetooth headphones, head here to read about them: http://solrepublic.com/shop/tracks-air-wireless-on-ear-headphones.html

The wired ones are my choice of headphone and I have a couple of pairs...Love them.

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scoobydoo

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#1009923 20-Mar-2014 15:15

Just purchased the Outdoor technology tags.. so hopefully they are good :)

ajobbins

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#1009925 20-Mar-2014 15:19

I use a pair of these when I go running. http://www.kogan.com/au/buy/lightweight-bluetooth-headphones/

For $29 they are great. They are small and light and never fall off, great battery life and controls for volume, track skipping etc.

While the sound quality wont rival some of the bigger names, I actually find them more than acceptable, especially at the price!

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geekiegeek

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#1009928 20-Mar-2014 15:23

surfisup1000: These:: i've heard they are good --

JayBird Gear BlueBuds X

I have a pair of these, they are fantastic. Great sound. I use them for running and have had no issues with them falling out or anything like that. Expensive but well worth it.

http://www.jaybirdsport.com/bluebuds-x-bluetooth-headphones/

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