Sony Wireless Bluetooth Headset DR-BT50

Product Summary

Popzara Rating

Surprisingly light and integrated into one tight little package, Sony's wireless set feels sturdy in your hands, and even better when in use. This translates into an extremely comfortable headpiece that can be worn for hours on end with minimal to nonexistent ear fatigue - a miracle considering their size. Along with the comfort comes sound quality to match, thanks to a built-in noise cancelling feature that helps reproduce clear, clean audio for your listening pleasure with just the right amounts of bass and treble to match. I'm by no means an audiophile, but even I was impressed with the output on these babies and can easily chalk another victory to Sony's impressive family of headphones. Manufacturer: Sony Model Number: DR-BT50 Price: $229

Written by Herman Exum

One piece of audio equipment I don't mind using now and again are a good pair of headphones.  Whether I'm chatting online, or listening to the latest tunes a good pair of headphones wrapped comfortably around my ears is just the thing to drown out the rest of the world and let me absorb fully whatever I'm wanting to give my full aural attention.  But I'm a man on the move, and this is where traditional headphones don't always agree with my particular lifestyle and the dreaded tangling threatens to shut down the whole production.  As Bluetooth audio has become increasingly popular in devices and services, it only seems likely that I'll start converting to the world of wireless freedom, and that's exactly what I get with Sony's Stereo Bluetooth Headset - although its higher price may turn off many potential fans.

Surprisingly light and integrated into one tight little package, Sony's wireless set feels sturdy in your hands, and even better when in use.  This translates into an extremely comfortable headpiece that can be worn for hours on end with minimal to nonexistent ear fatigue - a miracle considering their size.  Along with the comfort comes sound quality to match, thanks to a built-in noise cancelling feature that helps reproduce clear, clean audio for your listening pleasure with just the right amounts of bass and treble to match.  I'm by no means an audiophile, but even I was impressed with the output on these babies and can easily chalk another victory to Sony's impressive family of headphones.

Without a doubt flexibility and functionality are the key points here, and thanks to the magic of wireless Bluetooth cumbersome cords are no longer an issue and can be used at acceptable proximities.  Battery life isn't a convern, since the headset can be used over 16 hours straight without a single recharge on a single lithium-ion battery, and does come with an AC adapter to help make charging less difficult. Audio controls are easy to navigate and just a feel away, and its worth mentioning the handy navigation button (for compatible devices) that allow users to cycle through music quickly and with little trouble.

Speaking of devices this wonder-headset can be operated on PCs, laptops, and cell phones, which could put some ease into your life - although I can't recommend anyone using this setup with a cell phone while driving!  A word of warning to those thinking they can just plug their standard devices in and they'll be good to go - you can't.  Right now the devices is limited to compatible-products only, which severely limits its functionality outside the wonderful world of Bluetooth.  Also worth mentioning is the possibility of interference, as with all Bluetooth products using them around 2.4GHz devices may cause clarity issues or stop working altogether.  Fortunately this wasn't much of an issue during my testing, and shouldn't be much an issue in real-world environments.

If you're willing to drop a little extra for a higher quality wireless headset, and don't mind limiting your audio choices, then Sony's Bluetooth Wireless Headset may be your ticket to shutting off the rest of the world and relaxing in your own state of wireless bliss.  Incredible sound and ease-of-use are hallmarks of most of Sony's headphone products, but the added bonus of wireless compatibility (if your devices support it) add a touch of comfort and freedom that's more than welcome.  But there's no dancing around the unit's higher price tag, which will ultimately be defining factor for many and should be considered.