The Good
- Music remote control commands (previous track, next track, play, pause, fast forward, rewind) work flawlessly with my Apple iPod classic 160 GB and my Sony TMR-BT8iP Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter for iPod
- Music volume can be adjusted
- Sound is crystal-clear (in A2DP music transmission mode)
- Accommodates the headphones of my choice (has a stereo 1/8-inch jack instead of hardwired headphones)
- I was also able to interface the device with my PC's Bluetooth transmitter, for basic wireless audio recording
The Bad
- Very expensive
- Must be recharged in the included cradle, with the included transformer (I would have preferred a USB charging cable)
- Battery cannot be replaced easily, if at all
The Bottom Line
I walk a lot, and like to listen to music while walking. I wanted a wireless remote control/headphone solution so that I could leave my iPod in my backpack, carry a small controller in my hand, and not have my headphones be tethered to my backpack.
I considered alternatives from Panasonic, JVC and MacSense, some of which were more expensive (considering the total price of the transmitter and the receiver), and some of which were a little less expensive. Sony's solution had the best specifications. I am very pleased with my purchase. Sony DRCBT15 Bluetooth Stereo Hands Free Mobile Phone Reciever
I have been waiting for a good sound quality Bluetooth Stereo product that can connect my own speakers or high quality headphones since 2006. This product has finally met my specific need. It's able to output more than 90% sound quality compare to a wired headphone. I'm using a strong Bluetooth transmitter: HWS-BTA2W, a weaker portabe transmitter: SONY TMR-BT10, SONY MDR-EX90LP headphones, HTC/CINGULAR/AT&T 8525 PDA phone, Samsung U600 for experiment.
In terms of the current A2DP market, almost all the portable Bluetooth receivers come with a built in pairs of headphones, these headphones are usually cheap in terms of sound quality. Sony or Sony Ericsson is the only company that offers the user the choice to connect with your own Shure or any type of high quality headphones or amplifiers to fully enjoy the Bluetooth stereo sound quality.
This is also a Bluetooth headset that comes with a microphone. So it pauses the music when there is a phone call. It does able to connect two seperate Bluetooth devices at the same time, such as your cell phone and a Bluetooth transmitter audio source for music.
IMPORTANT (Sound Quality):
The sound quality of this receiver depends on the following factors:
- Bluetooth Transmitter: A weak transmitter generates noises and has low volume, while a strong transmitter is able to transmit low noise and crystal clear loud volume. If you don't care much about portability, I recommend Sony HWSBTA2W which requires AC Adaptor. But this unit transmits very high quality audio sound.
- Headphones, speakers
- Music software of the device, Windows Mobile's Windows Media Player has the worst quality and full of bugs when doing A2DP. It may crash when playing music after phone calls or doing lots of remote control track changes.
Please note that the 1st generation iPhone does not have A2DP; however, you can still use this device for mono phone calls.
I highly recommend this product to those who cares about style, sound quality, and convenience. The only think I would complain is that you must charge with the provided cradle and the AC adaptor is quite bulky. It does not support USB charging. Moreover, it doesn't come with any display type to show caller ID. With this price range, you can choose other brands such as the Korean Sonorix C3.
UPDATE on July 21st 2009:
It works perfectly on my iPhone 3GS. There is one problem with this Bluetooth receiver which is no shielding to protect the 3.5mm headphone jack from cellular EM interference, though the problem is not serious and seldom interfere during phone call.
Purchased this to work with my Archos 5 internet tablet. I had several bluetooth transmitters that allow you to use your own headphones and was worried that this would be "just one more waste of money". But - This is very good, sounds great, volume is range is very good. Only down side is non-standard type charging stand.
Ok, first I'm a gadget freak and a gym rat. I never write reviews unless something is REALLY GOOD, or REALLY BAD.
This Sony Bluetooth receiver is the best I've found. I use it with my Klpisch S4's. I cant tell the difference between direct plug into my iPhone or over Bluetooth.
I gathered up the headphone cord slack and rubber banded the excess that just slides down inside my shirt.
The only thing that would make it better is size. The weight is ok, but I don't see a reason Sony cant make this a bit smaller.
Other than that, you will not be dissapointed. - Wireless Headphones - Bluetooth Receiver - Bluetooth Stereo Headphones - A2dp'
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