Kyocera’s A2DP Bluetooth Stereo Headset is great!
I have had my Kyocera GSH300 for quite some time and have never reviewed them. Why? I’m not sure. But lately I’ve been seeing a lot of posts on the internet about different types of Bluetooth A2DP headsets and none of them seem to compare to these.
What is that crazy A2DP thing you keep talking about?
A2DP is a Bluetooth profile that allows compatible devices to transmit high-quality stereo sound wirelessly. Both the headset and the streaming device must support this profile. Most new cell phones marketed as ‘music phones’ support it; unfortunately, the iPhone doesn’t. Also, most computers with Bluetooth devices support it.
What does this mean?
Using your computer as an example, you can stream all audio from your computer directly to your wireless headphones. No cords getting tangled up in your computer chair, no pets trying to eat them, no tripping and spilling your Appletini when you’re trying to get up and not realizing you’ve walked 10 times in a circle in the last hour and your headphones on the cord now it is well wrapped around his leg and the meat.
Also, many VOIP apps now support bluetooth headset profiles, so your super cool new wireless headset can let you chat wirelessly. Some of them even support using the buttons on these headsets and you can answer and make calls without even touching your computer. Ventrilo and TeamSpeak also work with these headsets. Be warned though, your weekend gaming binge can leave you speechless with a dead battery – they usually only last 6-10 hours between charges, but charge in just a couple of hours.
When used with a compatible cell phone you can do the same thing, the phone will stream the audio directly to your headphones. Many A2DP compatible headsets also have built-in microphones, so if you get a call on your mobile phone, you can answer it and use it just like the bluetooth headset you’re used to.
Now that that’s out of the way…on with the review!
The style of this headset is a bit different from the others I have seen and used. The Motorola S9 headset (overhyped and advertised with David Beckham image) is a rigid behind-the-head headset with rubber earcup-style speakers. The Logictech Freepulse is similar to the S9, although the connector between each ear is smaller and the speakers are more like a standard pair of headphones. The Kyocera GSH-300 (part number TXCKT10161) takes a different approach: each earbud is like a regular earbud, but connecting them is just a simple cable. The earbuds sit in your ear like a standard bluetooth headset you’d use with any cell phone, and between them, the cable runs behind your head. The cable has a small bead that allows you to adjust the slack so the cable doesn’t get tangled. The fit is comfortable, but not too loose. They can be easily used while working at home or in the office. Did I mention they come with a cute case?
The sound quality on these is excellent. I’d say almost unbelievable, particularly for a wireless connection. Highs are reasonably clear, mids are good (as is the case with most headphones), and bass is surprisingly full. There is no static at all with these. The effective range will depend a lot on your environment. In my house, with 2 computers, 3 monitors, and ~6 wireless networks in range, I can get about 15 feet away before they start to break, which is equivalent to being able to go anywhere in the next room, but not to 2 bedrooms away. . This will vary greatly based on a number of factors including wireless interference in your area and bluetooth transmitter. A phone in your pocket will always provide a great signal, but a laptop on your desk in the middle of a ton of electronic devices (like mine) will reduce the advertised 30-foot Bluetooth range.
The battery life is also amazing. They’re rated for up to 15 hours of talk/listen time or 300 hours of standby time, and in my tests I definitely came close to that, although it’s hard to measure exactly because I don’t exactly sit down to listen to music. for 15 hours at a time generally speaking. Suffice to say, with heavy use they can easily run all day and then some. Do you need to recharge them? That’s easy too, they charge via USB cable from any computer.
They have all the features possibly available in a bluetooth headset. Right now they are connected to my computer and I am using them to listen to music. Without switching apps, I can press a button in them and turn the volume up or down or fast-forward songs. They are incredible. When paired with an appropriate cell phone, not only can you stream the music to them, but if a call comes in, all you have to do is press the right button and they will pick up your call and you can have a conversation with the built-in microphone. .
It has an up/down/press button on the back, an answer/hangup button on the side, and volume up/down buttons on the top, all easily accessible and connected to the earpiece on the right side.
If you have a little extra cash, I’d definitely advise you to check them out, but get them soon! Kyocera has discontinued them and it looks like they will no longer be selling A2DP headsets, just standard bluetooth. You’ll have a hard time finding a used one, I think, because honestly, I haven’t seen a single bluetooth headset on that market that can replace them. I did manage to track down a few though, and you can find them right here on eBay starting at ~$58 from what appears to be a reputable US seller and is a good price for an A2DP stereo headset.
Feel free to leave a comment with any questions you may have about them. I love mine and I’m sure you will too. I’ll post my thoughts on the other headsets I’ve tried (Moto S9 and Logitech Freepulse), but I can tell you they don’t even come Close to this Kyocera. get it now before they are totally out of the market.
For those of you, like me, who end up ordering this headset and then end up losing the manual… you can find a PDF version here.