Keeping Bluetooth Devices Connected - General Topics

Hello. I own an HTC HD2 (Tmobile version) and the Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 bluetooth headphones. I am posting this here because I think this is more about the headphones.
I am having one heck of a time keeping the things connected. They will disconnect randomly during calls all the time with a full charge. I called Sony support and they said that they can only guarantee compatibility with Sony phones. To me the whole idea of having blue tooth is compatibility between devices.
My phone meets all of the stack requirements and I am just hoping someone technically inclined on here can recommend some things to try or perhaps some change tot he bluetooth stack or someting.
The form factor of the headphones are excellent. Small and unobtrusive. Sound quality is passable for blue tooth and I love the style of having the "inner ear" monitors.
The only other headphones I think I would like would be the Sennheiser MX W1 but they are cost prohibitive and you have to strap a whole different piece of hardware (the transmitter) to your phone.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Related

Bluetooth earpices

Anybody got good or bad things to say about the Jabra 250 earpiece at all please? Does it need software and if so what, where cost???
Thanks
Pete
Easily available in the UK thanks
It shouldnt need software, its a bluetooth device so should work out of the box, however you will not get many of the features with the current bluetooth stack on xda 2.
I guess you mean the currentbluetooth software on the XDa. Can you advise is there any way to upgrade it and if so what are the benefits?
I have a Jabra with my XDA II and it's excellent.
In windy conditions it can be make it difficult for you to be heard. Otherwise it's great.
Allways bonds without trouble and calls are handed over every time.
I hated it. Worked fine, just hated how it fit, the comfort (lack of), and how the buttons work. I tried a whole bunch of headsets, and liked the HS820 most.
I've posted alot of pro and cons abt the Jabra....
Just to add to some of the cons:
1. If you are the type that uses hair gel, oil, perfume or something like that, be prepared as the metalic gray colour might discolor and come off.
2. Be extra careful when handling the Jabra....mine broke...if you noticed there is a screw that attaches the black body with the top one. If you bend the area there might be chances that the screw mounting might break.
I have it and I love it.
However if you wish to use it outside the slightest bit of wind makes you totaly impossible to hear. So for use in the car or inside it rocks but with wind it s**
Its great.
Only problem I've had with it is the grey part of the case has cracked but that due to where I used to wear it. Doesn;t affect the operation in any way.
I actually find it really comfortable to wear and often have it on all day. I do find in windy conditions not only am I difficult to hear but I also find it difficult to hear properly even with the volume turned right up.
But then again, I suspect none of the headsets will tackle the problem of wind noise.
Only fault I can say is the lack of mute but I think thats due to the profile and not the headset.
Bluetooth earpeices or Headsets
I had a Jabra I could get to grips with it, but many people say its fine. Thats why back in June this year I sourced my own from China...
Since I posted this note below, back before the melt down, I have had a lot of interest and buyers for an Item which I use every day all day. I've had great reports back too.
I now have a website so if you want info you can go there are feel free to contact me direct.. These will be the best spec, fully loaded with goodies and very cheap at £34.98 delivered.. 12 month warranty and 14 day moneyback if you don't like it of any reason... no questions asked..
HTTP://www.blue-tooth-headsets.co.uk
****************Here was my first mailing.....****************
Hi Everyone
BT headsets have been a thorn in my side for sometime now... I have had problems with Bluetooth headsets and my XDA II, I spent loads of money on all the top models and found something quirky for me with each of them, too bulky, poor talk time, ear hook interferes when wering glasses, car chargers or uSB chargers are extra, no mute, voice dail or auto reconnect facility. My list went on....
Well if you want something doing right or for free, do it youreself, as we say in Yorkshire England...... So that's what I have done.
I researched manufacturers in China able to produce a light weight (16mgs), small (54mm long 12mm thick 20mm wide) product with talk time of 6 hours and a standby of over a week! The earpeice doesn't need a ear hook, it auto-reconnects, it voice dials and mutes. You can pair it with your XDA and 7 other handsets if you really want. It works with all V1.1 compliant mobiles on either headset or handsfree modes.
Better yet it comes with a car charger, wall charger and USB charger in a gift box. Other goodies include 3 interchangeable ear cups, an ear hook if you want to use it and 12 month warrenty....
I have had one on trail for 2 months, while I negotiate with them to release it outside of Asia ( as it is very new product and only on general realese over there 1 month ago). Well they have sucummed and obtained the all important FCC & CE approval and they have agreed to ship a limited supply to the UK..... only 500 in total available in 2 styles, ten colourways..
What does it cost..... well that is the best bit.. something this good I thought it would be eighty quid but I have got them down to £35 ($63) plus P&P. If anyone is interested I can give you more details and piccies....
BT headset
Are you going to offer a wall charger for the US?
I have the Plantronics M2500, actually got it for the crappy a** Ipaq h6315 and of course wasn't stable enough to use at all. But it works perfectly with the Qtek 2020. The microsoft stack may stink but it is much more usable than the Widcomm Version for PPCPE
I have the sony ericsson hbh-65 and I think it is a very good earpiece, clear audio, good volume range, very small and light and it works.
Jabra 200 and XDA2?
Hi, I just bought the Jabra 200 and I'm having serious problems getting it to work with my XDA2. The pairing/ bonding seems to be fine!? There just doesn't seem to be any way of actually switching on the bond?
i.e. Jabra 200 continues to blink every 3 secs (standby mode). Can't get the 2 devices to work as they should?
Any suggestions? Bought my XDA in Asia (ROM 1.66.00WWE, Radio:1.08.00)
Thanks,
Jam
This may be a silly question but have you enabled bluetooth headset mode on today screen? Also I assume you answered yes to the question "this device supports headet mode, do you wish to enable"
another silly question....
For some reason i "deleted" Bluetooth mode enabling from today screen.... How can i put it back ???
I tried Settings/today..... but it doesn't appear anywhere. Can't remember this damn shortcut....
can you remind me ?
BT, PDA, PC
I want to buy a Jabra headset for my i-mate (Himalaya), but I also want to use it with Skype on my PC (basically as a headset/mike combo). Does anyone know if this is possible?
I have a Jabra BT250. Actually I have had two. The first one overheated and crapped out on me while I left it to charge overnight. The second one the microphone stopped working. :x
My overall impression of the headset was when it works, it works well, but I had pretty poor luck. My wife definitely made fun of me when I wore it. It also can be somewhat slow to answer or transfer from headset to handset. Overall on a scale of 1-10 I give it a 6.5.
:idea: FYI, one of the things that I did do that fixed the wind issue when I used it outside was to take one of the foam covers off of an old Jabra EarBoom that was broken, and slipped it over the mic part of the BT250. It kept the wind noise down a LOT more. I am sure you can find the foam covers cheap just about anywhere. (Radio Shack comes to mind). Just a suggestion.
I want to buy a Jabra headset for my i-mate (Himalaya), but I also want to use it with Skype on my PC (basically as a headset/mike combo). Does anyone know if this is possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is possible, but it very much depends on the BlueTooth stack on the PC - I have an MSI BT USB dongle which didn't work at all, and a generic, no-name BT USB dongle with the WidComm 1.3(ish) stack that works fine.
Bluetooth Headset
I just bought a mint used Sony Ericsson HBH-65 off e-bay and I'm very impressed with it. The bonding went smoothly, it holds a bond, doesn't drop calls and is very clear. I've used Jabra headsets in the past and compared to the SE they are cumbersome. The thing I miss the most is voice dialling, surely the whole point behind BT headsets, unless the XDA is in a cradle where you can still access the 'phone keypad (isn't that still a driving offence as you're touching your'phone???).

[Q] Why people prefer wired headphones vs. Stereo Bluetooth?

There are a lot of topics in the forum about people having trouble finding compatible headphones to work for music and "remote" control the phone playback.
the Bluetooth A2DP works perfectly fine in SGS for both Car Receivers and Stereo headset, and it switch transparently between music to phone calls and back without a glitch.
(i can't say the same for WM phones, another reason why i left WM platform, PalmOS was good, but is no longer produced)
There are lots of excellent Stereo BT headphones in the market now, both Studio like or simple 1 ear type, whatever ticks your fancy, the studio type offers the best audio quality even over BT.
yes it might consume more battery, but battery replacements are very inexpensive. (see accessories section)
I've not looked back to use a wired headphones since BT Stereo was invented, i used to have wired headphones for breakfast, it was a mass murder of headphones every time you get in the bus or subway, i've saved a lot of money since i moved to BT, so it's very surprising to still see people trying to work out the wiring problems with the headsets
I've been there before, every time i switched to a new phone, i needed to find another adapter to convert this to that, so that i can do something as simple as answer the phone on the headset, it was a major PITA.
so it'll be interesting to hear your side of the story to prefer wire over BT (other than "saving" battery and "better sound quality")
I find the bluetooth headsets to be kind of douchie personally. I also don't like the idea of keeping a radio transmitter attached to my head for extended periods (same goes for stereo bluetooth). Whilst I don't particularly believe in the freaks who claim they are radio sensitive, we don't really have any way of knowing how safe they are.
Extra convenience perhaps? Not for general usage. I work unpacking boxes all night and I use hardwired headphones, and it has never gotten in the way (so why bother coughing up a lot of extra money for a technology with potentially worse sound quality and negligible benefits).
IT also chews through battery as you mentioned, but i'm also learning to fly. You never know when you regret sucking up the battery earlier in the day for a technology whose only benefit is no cord.
There are benefits for Bluetooth, such as integrating with a car stereo, some flight headsets have bt built in, transferring files and connecting to special adapters which normally would need USB (such as NMEA GPS or OBD2 devices). But realistically, replacing hardwired headphones with bluetooth seems to be a case of doing so because some people think it gives them an identity. There are very few I believe who actually benefit. But that's only an opinion....
More battery consumption on both the phone and the headset. Which means more cost and more responsibility (buying or keeping batteries charged). Worse sound quality is present with bt than what you'll get in high end headphones, I am always using either high end buds or noise cancelling headsets.
I find the bt thing a bit like nutrasweet, it might sound like a good idea, I just don't want to touch the stuff.
I'd have to buy a stereo Bluetooth headset, as I don't own one, and then I'd have to remember to keep it charged and carry it with me.
I'm sure it would work okay, but I don't have a problem with a wired headset, so a Bluetooth one would only really cost money and make me liable to forget to charge it.
Interesting post AllGamer. Care to point me with some recommendations on good stereo bluetooth headphones?
i replied back to some other topic with that info in the accessories section, i'll need to dig it out
here is the topic i was posting on the reviews
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7611857&postcount=4
+1 vote for Motorola HT820, it is simply the VERY BEST! of them all; in funtionality, ease of use, sound purity, and comfy level.
other ones i've and still using but don't like are:
Jabra BT8010 (good but always breaks the earloop)
Sony HBH-DS980 (too much wire, it defeats the purpose of bluetooth)
Sony DRBT21G (pales in comparison to Moto HT820, but it's passable, not comfy though)
BlueTake BT420Rx (Gen1 bluetooth, no A2DP, limited features, very comfy, good sound, but it looks like princess leia specially if you have the white version)
Plantronics Voyager 855 (pure garbage, no A2DP)
Motorola S9 (dies easily with sweat dripped into the device, bad design, it's a total failure compare to its big brother HT820)
my top 2 choices for sound are:
HT820
BT420Rx
my top choice for formar work/fun mix
BT8010
unfortunately the BT8010 is very prone at breaking the earloop even with careful use, i went through 3 sets of it already.
luckily enough when you buy these they come in pairs with the stereo side, so i always use the stereo side of the earloop to replace the main headset, as i seldomly use the stereo side of the headset, i mostly just use the single side of it.
for real stereo i'll much prefer to use the HT820
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and some related one for car
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=726403&highlight=bluetooth
I have a Jabra BT8010 and it's an amazing piece of hardware. Excellent battery life, rich bass, equalizer, comfortable and great sound quality.
In my opinion, BT headsets are a convenience, and I sincerely disagree with being related with "douchebaggery" or "looking for an identity".
Sent from my toilet.
Hi,
Used the Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800's before when I had a SE phone and they work a treat on the Galaxy S too. There are no controls, but I like to use the phone as the "remote" which is fine.
I find them convenient for listening to music on the tube when packed in and shouldering a bag. Sounds good enough to me, though I am not an audiophile.
BTW: I noticed on the 2.2 test frimware JP3 that the eq effects worked across BT unlike current version that says you need to plug in headphones.
In terms of battery I manage approx 3 hours a day which does my commute to and from work. They also work quite good with Galaxy S when watching videos too.
Cheers,
well for the galaxy s its simple ... the 5.1 audio enhancement says enough for u to use wired.
I got 3 sony stereo bt headsets and the only reason why i use it is for the convenience during commute. I dont want my phone getting tangled up somewhere in the metro and end up falling out being damaged or lost because of my headphone cord.
I feel much safer knowing its deep in my pocket without fear of it accidentally slipping out.
But when I am at work by my desk i use wired ... saves battery as well.
Arkymedes said:
In my opinion, BT headsets are a convenience
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Explain convenient.. What exactly is so convenient for them over normal headphones, which deliver better quality sound for cheaper? There are some people who do get benefits by using them (at work), where they need to free their hands and cant really have cables swinging around, such as computer technicians, but most people seem to use them whilst they are simply walking around..
quality wired headphones cost as much, if not more than a stereo bluetooth headset.
for example Sennheiser HD 448 (average $100)
those $30 ones just doesn't cut it, you need the base, the sub.
but if you go up the next level Audio-Technica ATH-M50 (average $150)
and if you go higher Sennheiser HD 800
but it's too big for my head, and wallet too (almost $1500)
in the past i broke a lot of those $100 entry level headphones
another down side of using headphones, you can't talk/answer the phone with them, you have to unplug, remove the headphones then talk.
with bluetooth it is just a simple click of a button in the ear
Using a sony DR-BT21G. Loving it so far. Only downside is the massive charger. Kinda wish it can run on usb charger instead. It only needs 3V after all.
AllGamer said:
another down side of using headphones, you can't talk/answer the phone with them, you have to unplug, remove the headphones then talk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Expect mic adapters to be released with a 3.5mm jack. That's how sony ericsson did it..
You can get quality for cheap, if you know where to look...
andrewluecke said:
Explain convenient.. What exactly is so convenient for them over normal headphones, which deliver better quality sound for cheaper? There are some people who do get benefits by using them (at work), where they need to free their hands and cant really have cables swinging around, such as computer technicians, but most people seem to use them whilst they are simply walking around..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You answered your own question. In MY case, is convenient and a personal thing. I absolute HATE cables of all sorts. I have a wireless headset in my PC, wireless KB and mouse and use a wireless printer. I also use a wireless home theater at home (ok, not 100% wireless but it's 2 cables less...)
Everything that I can do to have wireless I do because it's convenient. It's more organized and as I said before, a personal choice.
I agree that wired headphones AT THE MOMENT offer better sound quality for the price, but since I'm not an audiophile, I'm more then happy with what I have now.
The convenience is the easy to setup, the easy access and safety. As some people pointed before, it's very common for the wires to entangle somewhere in your clothes or other things and you risk damaging both your hedphones breaking the cable or even pulling away your phone and losing/breaking it.
Arkymedes said:
You answered your own question. In MY case, is convenient and a personal thing. I absolute HATE cables of all sorts. I have a wireless headset in my PC, wireless KB and mouse and use a wireless printer. I also use a wireless home theater at home (ok, not 100% wireless but it's 2 cables less...)
I agree that wired headphones AT THE MOMENT offer better sound quality for the price, but since I'm not an audiophile, I'm more then happy with what I have now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only cable i have in my Wireless Home theater is the long arse 1080p HDMI cable going from the PC Receiver to the projector
if and when they come out with a good wireless 1080p HDMI i'll definitely have everything wireless.
for audiophile or not, i'll recommend the Sony DRBT50
as an extension of what i already listed before, for sports fan the Samsung SBH500 is better suited for the task
those 2 are excellent alternative if you can't find the Motorola HT820
the Sony DRBT50 has better bass/base than the moto ht820
there is one that is 100% audiophile but it lacks the handsfree profile for phone calls
it's the Sennheiser PX210BT, that one is guaranteed to sound like the regular wired Sennheiser headphones
I wish I could use my BT headphones. So far I've tried S9-HD, HBH-IS800 and Nokia BH-504 and all of them have horrible sound quality with SGS.
seriouser said:
I wish I could use my BT headphones. So far I've tried S9-HD, HBH-IS800 and Nokia BH-504 and all of them have horrible sound quality with SGS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the hbh ds 205 and it sounds awesome.
I decided to get a new version of it and purchased the sony mw600 and it sounds awesome. Especially now that froyo was released we could use the 5.1 sound enhancement with our bluetooth devices.
One reason why I don't use my bluey headset is the damn thing blinks a blue led all the time . Its like a signal for everyone to look at me. I've taken a marker and coloured it black a few times. Another reason is I tend to forget to recharge the thing as it only has about 12hours play time.
I have a DS980 an MW600 both from Sony Ericsson. I seldom use them now.
I'm not that satisfied with the sound quality of the DS980 & the earphone cannot be replaced.
For the MW600 the short earphone that came with the device also does not sound great, so when I use my personal earphone the sound is great buy the cable will be very long...
I just have been through myself a headphone buying hassle, and had to send back 2 BT sets to refund due poor music quality. The first was Jabra Halo for around £60. It looks cool, and the most comfortable headset I've ever used, but the sound quality is just not there. It's clear, okay, but it's also quiet, and has absulutely no noticable bass.
Ordered a Nokia BH 504, which is a £10 cheaper, but sound quality is almost the same. Still quiet(not usable in traffic), still no bass, maybe a bit more clarity compare to Jabra. Sent back for refund as well.
Next one was the previously mentioned Motorola HT820(got the geniune one), it cost way less then it's friends(£25), and has much better sound! Maybe it's not as clear as the rest, but definetely has better bass, and louder as well. Through Pc it's somehow still not the best! The range is fine(just like others), the battery life is incredible(got it for 2 weeks, use it every day, but haven't charged yet). The mic is also good via phone, tho i had problems via pc skype, and msn call. It's not as comfortable as the previously mentioned ones, you can't really lay down with this thing on your head, and also after 30 min use, it cuts the top of my ears(big ears maybe?). Still not the best quality I've ever had, but definetely worth £25!

[Q] Headfones - Handfree

Hi Friend,
i my using motorola photon 4g in India, can any one suggest if i can use Nokia WH-701 handfree with motorola photon 4g. Will the media control of Nokia WH-701 support my device.
or suggest me any better handfree to be used.
Thanks in advance.
Mostly Android smartphones support any kind of handsfree-kits.
So with 95% making calls (speech control) works fine. Whether multimedia control is working you just have to try out.
I would suggest to buy a Sony Ericsson MW600.
This one is bluetooth powered, so you have no disturbing wires and still use any headphones you wish to.
This device does support anything you want. Speech control, multimedia control and even shows you, who is calling
Do you have any suggestions for a non-Sony by head set?
As an alternative you can look out for the Jabra Clipper.
Pretty much the same, but without display.
The Jabra device has great build quality, as the body is mostly out of metal and the battery life is impressive.
But why not that Sony thing?
Im using it since one year now and am absolutely satisfied.
Further the Sony headset supports up to 2 devices. So if you use a phone and another external mp3-player you have not to reconnect every time, but just switch the devices by a keypress
Why not Sony it is a moral thing, due to they build quality of there products, the way they treat customers.
Ah, i can understand your point
It's like the reason, why i never would buy apple products
So, as i worte: Jabra Clipper.
Best BT-adapter i had before the Sony.
Just changed it for the display.

T-Mobile Z3 has Terrible Bluetooth Audio Quality

So I just received my Z3 yesterday and I love everything about it except the BT audio into my 2013 BMW 3-Series (F30). It sounds way too compressed, having that "tinny" sound like it has been down-sampled to 8-bit, especially noticeable in the lower frequencies. I've also used an HTC One M8, Samsung Galaxy S4 and Apple iPhone 5 in this car and they all sound great over BT. To top it off, my car refuses to recognize the Z3 over USB, no matter what configuration I use. Upon searching, I noticed that some earlier Sony Z's seemed ot have similar BT problems but couldn't find any reliable fixes. Does anyone have any suggestions? This is a deal-breaker for me and I'd hate to send this otherwise-wonderful Z3 back.
Have you messed around with the ClearAudio+ and Dynamic Normalizer settings to see if there is a difference?
jayr04 said:
Have you messed around with the ClearAudio+ and Dynamic Normalizer settings to see if there is a difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I've fooled with all the audio settings. Done the factory reset too. I even tried the app used to fix the Z1 bluetooth media issue to no avail. I happen to have a NAD Viso 1 on the way and will test with that as well. Right now, however, I'm leaning towards ditching this Z3 and keeping the M8. :/
Mashuri said:
It sounds way too compressed, having that "tinny" sound like it has been down-sampled to 8-bit, especially noticeable in the lower frequencies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Smells like that two devices won't share a A2DP connection.
I never experienced any problems with that, but it might be worthy to have a look at your car stereo's manual, seek for the keywords "A2DP" and "aptX".
Maybe your stereo is regarded as an aptX device by the Z3, but some problems prevent establishing an aptX connection, so there's a fallback to plain BT audio, which delivers "phone quality" (and below). Your stereo's manual should point you to some methods for forcing your stereo to use aptX; hopefully.
Chefproll said:
Smells like that two devices won't share a A2DP connection.
I never experienced any problems with that, but it might be worthy to have a look at your car stereo's manual, seek for the keywords "A2DP" and "aptX".
Maybe your stereo is regarded as an aptX device by the Z3, but some problems prevent establishing an aptX connection, so there's a fallback to plain BT audio, which delivers "phone quality" (and below). Your stereo's manual should point you to some methods for forcing your stereo to use aptX; hopefully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may indeed be some compatibility issue with my car. My NAD should arrive this Monday or Tuesday and I'll do another test. Even if it is a compatibility issue, I need to have quality tunes in my car.
Considering you have 2013 BMW it's very outdated by now, time to upgrade the car to support latest technologies on your phone
dkreviews said:
Considering you have 2013 BMW it's very outdated by now, time to upgrade the car to support latest technologies on your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, anyway do other phones work fine?
abhinav.tella said:
lol, anyway do other phones work fine?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quote from my OP:
I've also used an HTC One M8, Samsung Galaxy S4 and Apple iPhone 5 in this car and they all sound great over BT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've also used an HTC One M8, Samsung Galaxy S4 and Apple iPhone 5 in this car and they all sound great over BT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly my point, old stuff works fine with old car
dkreviews said:
Exactly my point, old stuff works fine with old car
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is why it's important to have backward compatibility. If I have to choose between trading in my car or my phone, the Sony is out.
You know this is really funny, because I have the complete opposite experience! I am coming from an M8 and had massive issues with Bluetooth disconnecting for no reason in my 2013 Lexus, but the Z3 seems to be performing better, with more sound in the lower frequencies!
I just upgraded today from an iphone 5 and I feel like my audio quality has improved. Using a sony headunit though and it has extensive EQ/compatibility with the phone
Z3 is on its way back to T-Mobile. Bummer.
Mine pairs fine with my belkin N9 bluetooth adapter, and sounds fine. At first the headphone cable was a bit loose and it sounded like you described, but some fidgeting got it sounding great. Sorry the BMW didn't like your phone!
Interesting, because I've always thought the opposite. There's a HUGE difference playing spotify over the stereo of my Focus ST compared to my old Nexus 4. It is borderline CD quality for me.
Sounds spectacular in my car and connects like a dream. I never had a Samsung actually connect without fiddling with it every so glad time.
I had some issues with my E-class Merc , it just didn't want to play well with the Z3 but was fine with my Samsung S5.
I contemplated upgrading the car, then I came to my senses lol.
I ended up buying the Sony Bluetooth receiver supports AptX, which sounds so much better then plain old A2DP. Seems to work very well so far.
Heres a link
http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en...bluetooth-music-receiver-bm10/specifications/
Its slightly bigger then a small matchbox.
Paul
Sounds absolutely brilliant on my modest Ranault Captur as well. In fact sounds much better than my previous M8 by a massive ammount.
Also have the opposite, BT is way nicer than my old S4. Like richer or something.
At the last minute, I yanked the UPS box containing my Z3 from my company's Out Box and decided to keep it. F&@# it. This thing is too beautiful and performs great with everything else. I'll just connect it to my car via 1/8" jack and deal with the slight inconvenience.
EDIT: FYI, I connected the Z3 to my Viso 1 via APT-X and it sounded fantastic. On a side note, I can't recommend the Viso-1 more highly. It blows even the B&W Zeppelin out of the water when it comes to sound quality and bass extension. The old models with the iPod docks (that fully support APT-X) are being blown out for $250. Get yourself one! NAD Viso 1 at Amazon

Alternatives to Sony MW600 Bluetooth Headset?

I liked the Sony MW600 enough that I purchased several of them (kept one at home, one at work, one in the car, one in my pocket) because it combined a small form factor with both bluetooth stereo and a FM radio capabilities, and I could use it with Sony's MDR-Q68LW retractable cord clip-on headphones (my ear canals don't deal with earbuds well). One by one I've managed to kill several of them, so I am looking for replacements -- unfortunately the MW600 is discontinued.
I tried buying what looks like Sony's attempt at a replacement: the SBH-50. Unfortunately it turned out to be inferior -- it is wider and boxier than the cylindrical MW600 and it requires installing their buggy Android app-driver to even use it.
I'd like something that fits easily in my pocket and is light enough that I could just let it dangle from the headphones if necessary.
Nerva said:
I liked the Sony MW600 enough that I purchased several of them (kept one at home, one at work, one in the car, one in my pocket) because it combined a small form factor with both bluetooth stereo and a FM radio capabilities, and I could use it with Sony's MDR-Q68LW retractable cord clip-on headphones (my ear canals don't deal with earbuds well). One by one I've managed to kill several of them, so I am looking for replacements -- unfortunately the MW600 is discontinued.
I tried buying what looks like Sony's attempt at a replacement: the SBH-50. Unfortunately it turned out to be inferior -- it is wider and boxier than the cylindrical MW600 and it requires installing their buggy Android app-driver to even use it.
I'd like something that fits easily in my pocket and is light enough that I could just let it dangle from the headphones if necessary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an SHB-50 and I love it. It connected to my S4 & Galaxy Tab 2 without any issues and easily switches between the two devices.
Good battery life, easy connection, & good sound quality.
I also had the MW600 but I didn't like it, bad battery life, I couldn't adjust volume without switching tracks, and the clip broke. I couldn't happier replacing my MW600 with the SBH-50.
I use just the Motorola S305 and an app depending on which radio station I want to listen to. I too have multiple headsets! Haha. I keep one at my desk at home, one in the car, and one in my briefcase.
I've got a S305 somewhere -- got it before the MW600. It didn't turn out to be as convenient as I expected. The great thing about the MW600+Q68LW is you can retract up the cords and it easily goes in my pocket. That's what disappointed me about the SBH50... it was both larger and more squared-off and wasn't as comfortable in my pocket.
The volume control on the MW600 reeks of "getting a patent for the sake of getting a patent", but I never once switched tracks while trying to change the volume. I found it simplest to crank the volume all the way to 100% on the MW600 and use my phone's bluetooth volume rocker buttons to control volume instead.
Nerva said:
I've got a S305 somewhere -- got it before the MW600. It didn't turn out to be as convenient as I expected. The great thing about the MW600+Q68LW is you can retract up the cords and it easily goes in my pocket. That's what disappointed me about the SBH50... it was both larger and more squared-off and wasn't as comfortable in my pocket.
The volume control on the MW600 reeks of "getting a patent for the sake of getting a patent", but I never once switched tracks while trying to change the volume. I found it simplest to crank the volume all the way to 100% on the MW600 and use my phone's bluetooth volume rocker buttons to control volume instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much larger is the sbh-50? I was looking at buying a new one to use when the 600 is charging, but I wasn't sure if I should just get the 20 for the price. I thought the 50 might be a good replacement if I got it.
I remember I looked up the dimensions and weights when I was shopping and it didn't look like it was all that much bigger than the MW600 -- that's why I got one. But once I tried to a SBH50 in place of a MW600 I discovered it feels a lot bulkier than it looks on paper.
almost 5 years later, and i can see there's still no satisfactory alternative to the sony mw600, which i'm sorely missing after a string of disappointing bluetooth purchases. what's the current recommendation? looking for 3.5mm jack + good battery life + fm radio + no companion app requirement.
A year or two ago I did find and buy a cheap Chinese knock-off that had every feature on your list, but then when I unboxed it I discovered it inexplicably had no seek buttons (despite being nearly the exact same size and layout as the MW600), which made it useless for listening to audiobooks -- I'm still scratching my head over what drove them to design it that way and expect it to be adequate.
I'm currently using a couple Sony SBH54's, which are the closest thing to a successor to the MW600. I seem to recall the SBH54 is a bit longer than the MW600 because the former has a tiny speaker that the latter doesn't. But what frustrates me with the SBH54 is the placement/design of the power button is far more prone to being pushed while in my pocket, so frequently when I take it out of my pocket I find it either is already on or the battery is dead.
Doubling my frustration is the fact Sony has discontinued their MDR-Q68 retractable clip-on headphones, which were truly an exceptional design, with both excellent sound and easily carried in my pocket -- they were the perfect complement to the MW600/SBH54.

Categories

Resources