01-07-2009, 10:00 AM
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Contributing Editor
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,111
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Stereo BT with Altec-Lansing Backbeat
"Mono Bluetooth headsets are already everywhere, but this could be the year that those of the stereo variety take off, and Altec Lansing's hoping its new BackBeat series will be a contender. They're made in partnership with earpiece-guru Plantronics, so callers will find integrated voice dialing, omnidirectional microphones, 7 hours of talk time, and AudioIQ to boost volume when you're in a noisy situation." After a 6-month study-related hiatus, I'm back! And this first post is on something I've been looking at for some time. Stereo BT headsets have largely been a niche area over the last few years, but the technology has certainly improved in the interim. What still bothers me though is the price, with most stereo headsets coming in at the US$100 dollar level (like the Backbeat). That's the price for a premium mono headset with noise-cancelling, and way, way over what typical mono headsets cost these days - not exactly a recipe for mass-market adoption. Granted, you've got a lot more technology and research dollars embedded in stereo headsets (and hopefully better quality sound), but is that worth the premium? Thoughts anyone?
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"A planner is a gentle man, with neither sword nor pistol.
He walks along most daintily, because his balls are crystal."
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01-07-2009, 01:10 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 459
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Welcome back!
Why would I want two over-the-ear devices in at the same time (unless I felt the need to look like I was being controlled by the cybermen [http://www.drwho-online.co.uk/news/news-adeola.jpg])? Compared to earbuds or actual headphones, these seem to offer no upsides and several downsides. Altogether odd.
Martin.
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01-07-2009, 06:17 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 48
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For regular cell phone use and phone conversation, this headset is overkill. Who listens to their callers on the phone in stereo? That's the downside to using this headset as a regular headset. It's even more of a waste if you buy this headset for use on a non-stereo bluetooth device (like most cell phones).
But, for listening to music, wireless headsets are the way to go. The upside is that you can answer calls while you're listening to your favorite music on you stereo bluetooth cellphone.
As for the price, $100 sound like a good price for this Backbeat. If it includes the pictured Bluetooth transmitter, than it is an even better bargain.
The headset can be used alone with your bluetooth cellphone (and some MP3 players are now bluetooth capable), but the bluetooth transmitter can be used to listen to music on any other sound device that does not have Bluetooth (like the Apple Ipod Touch or most other MP3 player).
Last edited by vovillamor; 01-07-2009 at 06:19 PM..
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01-07-2009, 07:28 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,468
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martin_ayton
Welcome back!
Why would I want two over-the-ear devices in at the same time (unless I felt the need to look like I was being controlled by the cybermen [ http://www.drwho-online.co.uk/news/news-adeola.jpg])? Compared to earbuds or actual headphones, these seem to offer no upsides and several downsides. Altogether odd. |
So you can listen to music in stereo without a cumbersome cable to get in the way, be caught on things etc. I've not used a wired stereo hedset/earphones in about five years.
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01-07-2009, 09:07 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 338
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martin_ayton
Welcome back!
Why would I want two over-the-ear devices in at the same time (unless I felt the need to look like I was being controlled by the cybermen ? Compared to earbuds or actual headphones, these seem to offer no upsides and several downsides. Altogether odd.
Martin.
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If you like to listen to music while you work out, wireless is simply awesome, you stick your phone in a pocket or near a machine you are using and away you go. I've been using my Motorola HT820's for a while now and while they are good - they are kind of bulky. Maybe it is time to upgrade!
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01-07-2009, 11:55 PM
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Swami
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 4,396
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Bluetooth Stereo Prices
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nurhisham Hussein
What still bothers me though is the price, with most stereo headsets coming in at the US$100 dollar level (like the Backbeat). That's the price for a premium mono headset with noise-cancelling, and way, way over what typical mono headsets cost these days - not exactly a recipe for mass-market adoption.
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I bought a Kyocera Bluetooth stereo headset (earclip form factor) for somewhere between $15 and $25, I think. However, remember that Altec-Lansing and Plantronics are probably considered "premium" brands, so I'd expect to pay more for them.
Steve
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01-07-2009, 11:59 PM
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Swami
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 4,396
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Why Over-The-Ear?
Quote:
Originally Posted by martin_ayton
Why would I want two over-the-ear devices in at the same time (unless I felt the need to look like I was being controlled by the cybermen [ http://www.drwho-online.co.uk/news/news-adeola.jpg])? Compared to earbuds or actual headphones, these seem to offer no upsides and several downsides. |
Over-the-ear (or earclip) designs stay on better than earbuds, but allow more ambient sound in than actual "cans" headphones (which look worse than over-the-ear, I think). Which type works best for you depends on where and how you'll use them, of course.
Other than looks, what downsides are there?
Steve
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01-08-2009, 12:14 AM
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Contributing Editor
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,503
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I still think they suck. The compression really kills the sound. I'll stick to wired solutions for music-listening for now.
The price is reasonable. It's no more than what you'd pay for a decent wired headset from say, Shure or Ultimate Ears.
__________________
Baka. Soku. Zan. - The justice behind the dysORDer.
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01-08-2009, 01:09 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,468
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng
I still think they suck. The compression really kills the sound. I'll stick to wired solutions for music-listening for now.
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Eh? With a decent pair of BT 2.0 headphones you aren't going to get your MP3/WMA/AAC's etc. further compressed between device and 'phones. Certainly don't on mine.
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01-08-2009, 03:13 AM
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Contributing Editor
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,111
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vovillamor
As for the price, $100 sound like a good price for this Backbeat. If it includes the pictured Bluetooth transmitter, than it is an even better bargain.
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The transmitter adds another $30 on top.
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Originally Posted by Pony99CA
I bought a Kyocera Bluetooth stereo headset (earclip form factor) for somewhere between $15 and $25, I think.
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Darn, that's a pretty good deal. How's the sound?
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Originally Posted by Duncan
Eh? With a decent pair of BT 2.0 headphones you aren't going to get your MP3/WMA/AAC's etc. further compressed between device and 'phones. Certainly don't on mine.
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I was under the impression that A2DP compresses the sound further - could be wrong though.
__________________
"A planner is a gentle man, with neither sword nor pistol.
He walks along most daintily, because his balls are crystal."
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