bluetooth speaker recommendations - General Accessories

i've been searching for a decent home solution for bluetooth/smartphone integration into a pretty simple hifi/multimedia setup (media pc feeding 5.1 speakers & tv through s-video).
there seems to be an abundance of low-end portable speaker solutions and the beautiful zikmu from parrot/s+arck which are around a grand (uk £1,000). ouch!
does anyone know of a bluetooth receiver with a 3.5mm jack-out or similar standard audio connects to supply a domestic amp/speaker system through aux-in?
the belkin bluetooth music receiver (just found) appears to fit the bill ... has anyone any experience with this topic? thoughts welcome - especially product recommendations & those to avoid!
thanks & apologies for not posting links to specific products but i'm not allowed as a noob

I have a Jawbone Jambox at work (I sell them actually, but we have one open for display).
I tried it today and it's amazing! A bit costly, but worth every cent. Great sound quality, great design (a given with Jawbone), and has a 3.5mm jack (though I think it's an input, not an output).
Some links for reference:
Official Site
Jambox Review
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yes, i'm aware of the jambox but it looks rather small physically but all reviews state how powerful it is ... so, it'll need a demo before parting with the cash. i haven't seen a single poor review, which says something in itself i guess? & yes, the jack soclet is for non-bluetooth input.

gascomm said:
yes, i'm aware of the jambox but it looks rather small physically but all reviews state how powerful it is ... so, it'll need a demo before parting with the cash. i haven't seen a single poor review, which says something in itself i guess? & yes, the jack soclet is for non-bluetooth input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try it, you'll be amazed.

I was looking at the Jambox when I was researching BT speakers for myself... it was in my top 3 choices... but it was just so expensive. I ended up getting a Creative D100, which from the research I did, seemed to be the best for their price. They're a lot cheaper than the Jambox.
I have to say, I was amazed by how nice they sounded for their size. They aren't as portable as the jambox, but I'm happy with them.
They take AA batteries instead of a built-in lithium battery, which I prefer for a speaker that I hope will last several years, as lithium batteries start dying after 300 or so charges, and with AA batteries, it's easy to replace when they die.
It also can run off AC power, and has an aux in port to use with devices that don't have bluetooth.
Overall, I am very happy with the D100.

thx all, zarathustrax's suggestion does look a good affordable-portable solution but i'm primarily looking for a bluetooth feed into an existing hi-fi setup along the lines of the Belkin receiver mentioned initially.

You can always get one of those bluetooth "clips" that has a regular stereo audio-jack for speakers or headphones. It would do the same thing as the belkin receiver, but you can also use it for a handsfree headset for your phone and use it with stereo headphones. I've been looking at this one for a while... it has good reviews, and has a screen that shows caller id and song info (I think), and you can call people back directly from it without getting your phone out or control your music.... http://www.amazon.com/Sonorix-Bluet...phones/dp/B000V1UGZ2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
It's about the same price as the Belkin receiver and you can use it for a lot more.
That's my only suggestion for a receiver, but I've never used it, but it has a lot of good reviews on amazon. I'm not sure how it would compare to the Belkin receiver, but you can use it for a lot more.

I have the Sony Ericsson MBS200 and I'm pretty happy with out. It has lineout if you prefer to output it to a bigger more powerful speaker. It's also pretty cheap and sounds really good. And it runs in recharchable battery.

Related

quality of bundled earphones.

hey guys what do you feel about the sound quality of the bundled earphones. i feel they are really bad. so how does a creative ep-630 compare with it? also suggest other repalcements.
I agree with you. It is very bad. The EP-630 is certainly much better.
Brother I used creative in-ear's but currently I am using Skullcandy Titan and its really produce great sound.
I just love Skullcandy. Even it is repairable
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what i hate hate mainly hate about the bundled earphones is the bass. it is spread out and not solid. so how is the bass of the skull candy earphone?
I think I cant able to make u understand that hows It's bass.
Just one word to say.
Aaawwwweeeeeeesssssooommee
Guys you're comparing absolutely different things XD it's a bundle and I wanna say they are pretty good for a bundle, for example when you're byuing a MP3 player in 99 cases out of 100 you can throw away bundle ears even not trying them, they're just to ensure that there IS sound from device XD
UPD and yeah, I prefer to use Cowon iAudio7 + Audiotechinca for music, not a cell phone )
senheiser CX 300 II
I got frankenphones now
cut off original earbuds, soldered in some Panasonic in-ear ones I had (which had the stupidest cable I've ever seen, but great sound quality), so I've got good phones and handsfree. It even doesn't look very bad if the cable is black and the speakers are white
I have some earphones from sony but works great! !!
Sent from my GT-I5800 using XDA App
Hi!
Does anyone use AKG K370 headsets with the i5800? I am looking for some high quality replacement of the bundles, but there are hints on the net that this model doesn't work well with some non-Apple and non-Blackberry headsets (unfortunately no info for Samsung ones).
I'm still giving Samsung credit for giving at least this good earphones, which imo aren't that bad. I compared them with Senheister CX300 and EP-830 and can say It's lacking bass, but is superior compared to headphones you usually (those huge non-in-ear headphones that you usually see in nokia phones..)
For the record, I've already RMA'd two EP-830's for being faulty
In my opinion bundled earphones are good.
Skull candy all day
Those headphones aren't perfect, but they aren't some cheappy earphones.
I listen about 30 minutes music a day and those are perfect for that use !
Problems with Zagg Smartbuds
I just bought a pair of Zagg Smartbuds to use with my I5801 as listed here: http://www.fommy.co.uk/view-full-pag...ts&skuno=87340
When I got them, they didn't work in the phone. They did work in every other 3.5 jacked device I had access to. After reading this forum (and others) I am wondering if the Galaxy Apollo has the same 3.5 jack as the Galaxy S.
I don't really want to spend $17 for the adapter only to find out that my phone has a different problem.
Can anyone confirm that the apollo has the same physical plug as the S?
See this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=713350
Thanks.
Very strange, I use my Beats by Dre with my SG3. Every earbuds i've tried are working
i too find the bundled ones good
i use them daily for about 1hr
I like it, much better than the ipod one and when I go running it never fall
They have a nice quality, imo.
I got a pair of earphones from dealextreme for 2 bucks and they do an amazingly good job, even compared to 10-15 $ ones

If Your Car Has Iphone/iPod Interface or Your Home Stereo Does...You NEED This!

www.Cablejive.com Has some great audio accessories, but the ones I've listed below are absolutely needed if your car is setup for iDevices and you have ANDROID.
The first converts your iPod/Iphone interface to a standard 3.5mm Audio Headphone Jack and allows for listening to your phone through an existing iPhone/iPod interface in your car or Home. ($22.96)
http://www.cablejive.com/products/dockBoss.html
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The second is the same thing, only it also adds a Micro USB charging solution built into the same cable. ($29.95)
http://www.cablejive.com/products/dockBossplus.html
Please Hit Thanks if this helps you out!
That would be handy. We have a home unit I could use this with.
Thanks!
Use code HOLIDAY15 for 15% off. Takes the total down around $5.
Yeah I originally bought the audio only version but Just ordered the combo so I'd have one less thing to take up my cigarette lighter adapters. Gonna gift the old cable as it still looks and works like brand new. P.S. they are pretty fast shipping wise as well.
I want to get this for my Volvo but not sure if it will work. My Volvo Ipod adapter plays the playlists on the ipod, and I'm able to play slacker. ANyone think this will work with a Volvo ipod kit?
tomtbone said:
I want to get this for my Volvo but not sure if it will work. My Volvo Ipod adapter plays the playlists on the ipod, and I'm able to play slacker. ANyone think this will work with a Volvo ipod kit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They only list the VW and Audi as not Compatible. I think you'll be fine. Either way if it doesn't work it won't be hard to return or resell.
Neat, I will definitely think about getting this
Here's hoping you're not a spammer! (Kind of a suspicious post honestly)
argh they are sold out
AlokikolA said:
Neat, I will definitely think about getting this
Here's hoping you're not a spammer! (Kind of a suspicious post honestly)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Serves me right to be called a spammer lol. I switched to iPhone with the iPhone 4 and just came back to android for the Galaxy 2. Since I switched everything for iPhone I had to find a way to get my new Galaxy II hooked to all my docks and car kits I spent hundreds on. Buy or do not buy, but I have been hanging around here since 2007 and thought it was about time I contribute.
I've been using a female dock adapter I picked up from Deal Extreme, but it picks up electric interference when I use it in the car. Anybody else experience this?
patthew said:
I've been using a female dock adapter I picked up from Deal Extreme, but it picks up electric interference when I use it in the car. Anybody else experience this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't had any of that out of the audio only adapter I have. (the one on top) The charging and audio adapter arrives tomorrow hopefully, so I'll let you know after I've had a chance to test.
Yes... thanks. I need one of these.
coojoe1000 said:
I haven't had any of that out of the audio only adapter I have. (the one on top) The charging and audio adapter arrives tomorrow hopefully, so I'll let you know after I've had a chance to test.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it ended up being at home waiting for me yesterday. I can report that with power and audio I have no feedback or noise in the background. Just clear music. I think those other systems just aren't grounded as well. Hope this helps your decision.

Recommend a good bluetooth headset, please?

Hi everybody. I realize this isn't GN specific, but that's the phone I have, so I hope it's OK to post in this forum. I'm looking for a recommendation for a good bluetooth headset. I'm going to be using it to listen to music and podcasts mostly, but will need to take calls from time to time. So, features I'd prefer:
Stereo
"Athletic" design that will stay in while I'm working out or mowing the lawn
Decent noise cancellation so I can use it in my kind-of-noisy car
Preferred price: not more than $70 or $80 (though I'm not afraid to spend more for high quality stuff)
And of course it needs to work with my Galaxy Nexus. Anybody have any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
Oh, if it's important, I'm currently running Liquid Vicious Toro v4 Jelly Bean.
Ummm
Motorola s9hd or s10hd
I've also heard good stuff about the LG halo (can't remember the name)
Free bump for you
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I have the BlueAnt Q2 and is one of the best I've tried (tried a few).
Update: Sorry, your looking for a stereo A2DP headset for music listening.
Why don't you do some research before you dump your wishlist on XDA. You can find a lot of reviews and tests on google.com.
xuanbao said:
Why don't you do some research before you dump your wishlist on XDA. You can find a lot of reviews and tests on google.com.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most useful post of the day. Thanks a bunch for that.
I've heard good things about the Jaybird Freedom Headphones.
This is what I use and, IMO, it is perfect for both sports/office environment: LG Tone - HBS-700 Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Headset
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It is rather stylish, lasts several days of normal use on one charge, comes with both call and volume/track controls, good sound fidelity (not premium but not garbage either - perfect for any background music) and best of all, it tackles behind the shirt collar, so I leave it on all day in the office and it is unnoticeable. It is so light that I keep dropping it on the floor every evening when changing the shirt as I completely forget it is there. Extended Bluetooth range is another plus - I regularly walk with these headphones around the house and it keeps the signal for a good 10-12 yards if unobstructed. Because there is not pressure points on ear inserts, it is good for most active exercises I do (walking, jogging on the treadmill, kayaking). I can not guarantee that it would stay in extreme situations where a lot of shoulder/neck movement is expected.
Call sound fidelity and mic are OK, I've had better in-ear bluetooth headsets but it works in most situations. For example, mic works great in car with very clear sound on the other side, but outside in windy or very noisy environment it picks too much interference comparing to the best headsets. Plus I can register it with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. At work I have it active with my work Blackberry (don't ask) and my personal Android. So I can listen to Google Music on Android and still pick the call coming to my work cell.
xuanbao said:
Why don't you do some research before you dump your wishlist on XDA. You can find a lot of reviews and tests on google.com.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I feel like a jerk for asking for thoughts and opinions on an internet forum filled with people who might have actual experience with a product I'm thinking of purchasing. Thanks for straightening me out!
And thanks to everybody who has given me a product suggestion. They're much appreciated. One of the links lead me to the Plantronics Backbeat Go. Anybody have an personal experience with it?
If you want something that will stay in your ear and block out sound get a custom mold done once you pick a headset:
http://www.averysound.com/
I own the backbeat go and the backbeat 903+. The Go takes some time to get used to the fit, but the sound quality is great and background noise is nonexistent. Also very hard to notice and doesn't interfere with anything on your face/neck (ie glasses or necklace PR whatever) like the 903+. However the 903+ is a much more stable fit due to the over the ear.
Either way, great stereo bluetooths for an active lifestyle. One is slimmer and lighter, the other will guarantee a permanent fit until you physically remove it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Review of iHave NFC/BT4.0 phone headset w/lots of pics!!!

This is a review of iHave NFC BT4.0 headset. http://www.tvc-mall.com/details/IHA...r-iPhone-iPad-Samsung-Sony-HTC-Etc.-BLUE-506/
Every time I think these single on-ear headsets are the thing of the past, I ran into more people on the street or in the cars using it. That is why I continue reviewing these wireless bluetooth headset and constantly look for something new and innovative. Typically, they all have a similar functionality, only with different design looks. But some do stand out by offering the latest low power BT4.0 or support of A2DP and HFP profiles to stream your audio from the phone. More expensive models from brand names go into other features but those will cost you over $100. While I was researching for the next review, I came across this new Chinese brand, iHave, which is currently being sold on www.tvc-mall.com as one of their official distributors. When I started to read the spec, I thought to myself that it's almost too good to be true, so obviously I requested a review sample to test it myself so I can share my review with you. Here is what I found.
This iHave headset arrived in a very professional package with a nice clear display presentation, though I wasn't able to read anything on the back since it was in Chinese. Luckily, they included a set of detailed instructions in English, although the operation is very intuitive so you don't even need instructions. In addition to headset, the accessories included 3 sets of eartips including 2 with stabilizer, behind the ear hook, and a magnetic charger. Though there is no direct micro-usb connection to headset, to keep a design slim, the included magnetic charger is something you will find only in high end expensive headset. For whose who use this type of headset, you probably aware that plugging/unplugging of micro-usb connector puts a lot of wear'n'tear on the headset. Here, it's a zero effort to bring it close for an attachment and plugging full usb connector into your wall charger or computer. It fully charges in less than an hour, provides almost 4hr of talk time, and about 5 days of standby time.
Now, about the headset design. It's very thin and lightweight, with an elegant surface texture. It definitely doesn't look or feel cheap, though made out of plastic. Conveniently located at the corner of back edge, there is a multifunction button, wide enough for easy location. At the bottom edge you have a physical on/off switch which is a great option to eliminate any second guessing if you headset is on or off. At the top edge, you have volume up/down rocker which also supports playback control. YES, you can skip next/prev track when streaming the music by holding down volume buttons, while multifunction button works as play/pause. I hardly seen any other headsets of the same type which offer full A2DP1.2 and HFP1.6 support including playback control.
And if that wasn't enough, this headset also support NFC for a fast pair up with your phone. All I had to do is to place it near my Note 2, and it recognized and paired to phone and media audio within seconds without me even lifting a finger. The operation was very robust and worked even with my phone case on. You can pair it up with up to 8 bluetooth devices, and it even supports pair up with 2 devices at the same time. Though I tested the calling in relatively noise free environment (everything sounded crystal clear), it supports CVC6.0 dual mic noise cancellation.
Overall, I was very impressed with a design and a performance of this wireless headset. Pretty much it included every piece of available technology from magnetic charging clip, to NFC and BT4.0 support with the latest A2DP1.2/HFP1.6 protocols, full playback controls when streaming audio media from your phone, and universal compatibility with any bluetooth enabled devices. It also looked really cool. The best part? It only cost $27.89. At that price and with all these features, instead of calling it iHave they should rename it to iMustHave This one definitely gets my recommendation!
Here are the pictures.
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[Review] Syllable D700 Bluetooth headphones for 20$

Hey,
some days ago Syllable sent me a pair of their D700 bluetooth in-ear headphones for review so here it is now
Let me first clarify that I am neither paid by them nor related to them in any other way.
Let's start :highfive:
General information​
The headphones ship in a small box with them printed onto it:
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After opening it up one can see the headphones, a charging connector that is rather short but long enough if you ask me and ear plugs in different sizes:
The medium ear plugs are already attached to the speakers, a smaller and a bigger pair ships with them. I had to go for the smaller onces as my ears are quite small. This was definitely a big plus for me!
The headphones have three buttons as you can see here:
The key mapping is
Volume+/Next Song
Pause/Shutdown or switch on
Volume-/Previous Song
The first element in the list corresponds to a short press whereas the second element is a long press.
The buttons have a good haptic feedback in my point of view! There is also a microphone built in which really surprised me keeping in mind that these things cost just 20$! If you receive a call while wearing them a single press on the middle button answers it. If you then press again the call is hung it.
I collected the following results while running a 15km run:
Pairing​I used an Elephone Trunk and an Elephone P8000 as a pairing device and both worked fine with the headphones. To pair you simply have to press and hold the middle button until the speakers turn themselves on. A built in LED then starts to blink blue and the "D700" can be found in your BT smartphone menu. Only one device can be paired at a time so if you switch devices, you have to turn off bluetooth on the first device in order to pair the second one. I think that's reasonable as also only one person can listen to the music coming out of these headphones so there is no need to pair more than one device at a time.
Sound Quality​The sound quality is okay for me. I usually wear on ear headphones which have a lot of bass - obviously the D700 have less bass and more mids and highs. When I pushed a bit onto the earphones the bass became more present but that is nothing I want to do while running. I still like the sound quality given the low price and the fact that these things have tiny speakers compared to my big headphones. These highs help to understand a calling partner though if making a call. Also I have to note that the built in microphone seems to be good as well because my partner did not have any problems understanding me.
Battery Life​The D700 came pre-charged and without further ado I literally hit the ground running and tested them. Surprisingly the battery lasted the whole 1.5 hours run! The box states 5 hours music time and I ran another two 1.5 hour runs after charging the device's battery via micro USB, so I'd say that's more than enough if you go running. If you want to use these things for daily music I am pretty sure that you won't make it through the whole day if you listen to music all the time. But I wouldn't recommend that anyways because of the...
Design​The design of the D700 is not exactly subtle. My pair came in a neon yellow color and I am pretty sure the designers aimed rather at runners than at businessmen. The headphones are not exactly ugly but I personally would not wear them other than for running or sports in general.
Conclusion​After all I am rather impressed by these inexpensive headphones! You basically get a full functional bluetooth headphone pair with built in microphone, calling feature, music adjustment buttons and a decent battery life for just 20$! Also the bluetooth range is really great! After running I walked into a different room while having my phone lying on the desk and there were no connection problems at all.
The only downside I can on the D700 spot is the extroverted color.
Pro:
Cheap - 20$!
Good sound quality!
Good battery life!
Calling feature!
Great BT range!
Comes with three pairs of earplugs!
Good fit!
Con:
Color
If you're looking for a cheap pair of wireless headphones for doings sports, go for these guys! You won't be disappointed. :highfive:

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