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Bluetooth Headphones/Buds etc. General Discussion
- Thread starter AustinIllini
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Many things I'd like to post in this thread... I'll start with the most vexing for me. Given that Apple still refuses to utilize AptX in iPhones/iPads, I presume most (all?) current bluetooth headphones use SBC when connecting.
My experience with sound quality has been mixed, but on the few different models I have that also support aux input, they sound dramatically better over wired than wireless. Yet many reviews of recent, higher end bluetooth headphones claim the quality is pretty top notch - how is this achievable using the relatively lossy SBC codec? Or are my expectations just way out of line?
I know iPhones also support the AAC codec, but from what I can tell not many headphones do. (I'm also not clear if this requires AAC source material, e.g. streaming a music file, or if all audio works and it's just encoded to use AAC as the transport.)
Sorry if this is a little over the top, but I've found very sparse technical details when searching, and wondering if anyone can help clear some of this up.
My experience with sound quality has been mixed, but on the few different models I have that also support aux input, they sound dramatically better over wired than wireless. Yet many reviews of recent, higher end bluetooth headphones claim the quality is pretty top notch - how is this achievable using the relatively lossy SBC codec? Or are my expectations just way out of line?
I know iPhones also support the AAC codec, but from what I can tell not many headphones do. (I'm also not clear if this requires AAC source material, e.g. streaming a music file, or if all audio works and it's just encoded to use AAC as the transport.)
Sorry if this is a little over the top, but I've found very sparse technical details when searching, and wondering if anyone can help clear some of this up.
I know with the Beats Solo3, the target audience is definitely going to struggle to know the difference. I have yet to do a comparison test with and without auxiliary jack.
The Sennheiser PXC550s and Sony MDR-1000x's look interesting but like the posts above mention if iPhones only utilise SBC and these headphones don't do AAC then it's a moot point.
I notice AAC is superior to SBC about half the difference between using SBC bluetooth Bose QC35 and wired ATH-M50x.
Bluetooth headphones still have a ways to go. Great for running and listening to podcasts/tv but for music I think the bother of wires are worthwhile. The markup for bluetooth is still excessive.
I notice AAC is superior to SBC about half the difference between using SBC bluetooth Bose QC35 and wired ATH-M50x.
Bluetooth headphones still have a ways to go. Great for running and listening to podcasts/tv but for music I think the bother of wires are worthwhile. The markup for bluetooth is still excessive.
At this point, even if there are some sound quality differences, I still can't imagine going back to wired headphones regularly.
I can't believe people think they know what other people want in their devices.
They do have the hyped branding though, for a lot of people that makes up for the shortfall in sound. Each to their own, it's their money.
I suppose it's a bit like people that buy those cases with a hole in the back of it so you can still see the apple logo on the phone.
For some, this is certainly true, but I think it's a personal preference. for me, they fit my head well, are comfortable, and provide the right balance of sound for me. I've done the Bose thing, and they just weren't as durable. The QCs are super nice if you're sitting in one place, but they don't sound as good when you're on the move.They do have the hyped branding though, for a lot of people that makes up for the shortfall in sound. Each to their own, it's their money.
I suppose it's a bit like people that buy those cases with a hole in the back of it so you can still see the apple logo on the phone.
These two are not going to win any awards but worth checking out for around $20. They both sound decent (good enough for audiobooks), decent battery life, and there's no Bluetooth audio lag with videos (this could just be due it iOS 10). I use my wired Bose QC for commute to block out the train noises but I use these two for almost everything else. They are cheap enough that you could leave them paired to each device.
This one comes with a case. I bought two:
Gohitop Bluetooth Headphones, JD-103 Bluetooth Sport Earbuds with Mic Hands-Free Calling (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DGLVMCO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.Vkdyb0VABG8B
This one sounds better once the buds are properly in your ears (you might have to go large if you usually use medium):
Bluetooth Earbuds, TaoTronics Wireless Sweatproof Sports Headphones (Bluetooth 4.1, Secure Ear Hooks Design with Cable Clips, 7 Hours Play Time) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BV2BPVS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hYkdyb0KM22RN
This one comes with a case. I bought two:
Gohitop Bluetooth Headphones, JD-103 Bluetooth Sport Earbuds with Mic Hands-Free Calling (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DGLVMCO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.Vkdyb0VABG8B
This one sounds better once the buds are properly in your ears (you might have to go large if you usually use medium):
Bluetooth Earbuds, TaoTronics Wireless Sweatproof Sports Headphones (Bluetooth 4.1, Secure Ear Hooks Design with Cable Clips, 7 Hours Play Time) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BV2BPVS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hYkdyb0KM22RN
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