Entered CNET Catalog: 10/05/2005
SKU: Z-5500
Manufacturer: Gennum Corporation
Manufacturer description
Enjoy on-the-go hi-fi quality music played from Mp3 or CD player and still answer phone calls with the nXZEN Plus Wireless Headset. Gennum's nXZEN Wireless Bluetooth headset delivers the world's most advanced dsp-powered mobile communications to boost acoustic performance in noisy environments. Frontwave Extreme's dual microphone array reduces background noise and isolates your voice.Product summary
The good: Comfortable, secure fit; admirable call quality.
The bad: Controls take some acclimation.
The bottom line: The Gennum NxZen Bluetooth headset offers the same performance as its predecessor but has a much-improved design.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 10/13/2005
While the previous Gennum Bluetooth headset looked like something out of Star Trek, the NxZen has a more traditional Bluetooth headset form factor. We liked the sliver-and-black coloring and the rounded edges. Since the NxZen has no boom mic, it's also compact and lightweight, measuring just 2.25 inches long and weighing 0.6 ounce.
The Gennum NxZen Bluetooth headset can be worn two ways. The first is with a traditional ear hook that slips easily on and off. We were glad to see that the ear hook comes in two sizes, both of which are exceptionally flexible for fitting over almost any ear. It's simple to adjust the ear hook for wearing on either side of your head, but the hinge for doing so is rather stiff. You can also use the NxZen without the hook, as the earpiece protrudes slightly but not uncomfortably into your ear canal. Though you get a choice of four rubber tips for the earpiece, we preferred using the hook for the most secure, comfortable fit.
We felt somewhat divided about the Gennum NxZen's controls. The large, round button on the side of the headset powers it on and off and manages calls. For the latter function, you can also use the smaller "pinch" button located near the tip of the headset. This control also readies the headset for pairing, activates voice dialing (if your cell phone supports it), redials the most recent number, transfers calls between the headset and the phone, switches between calls (if your phone supports call waiting), and mutes the sound. While the round button was easy to manipulate during calls, the pinch button required more acclimation. Depending on the function you're trying to perform, you must press the button a certain length of time and listen for a certain number of beeps. We got the hang of it after a few minutes but only after closely scrutinizing the user manual. We also noted that the pinch button switches position depending on which side of the head you're wearing the NxZen. With the headset on your left ear, the control is on the bottom; with the headset on your right ear, the control is on top. The twin volume controls at the back of the NxZen were stiff, but we liked that you could switch their orientation so that the control for raising the volume always faced up. The final feature is a ring-shaped LED light to show the headset's status.
We tested the Gennum NxZen with the LG VX9800 and encountered no problems with the pairing process. Call quality was impressive, with good clarity and little static. The volume was somewhat low for our tastes, but it didn't diminish our overall experience. Callers also reported good quality on their end. They could tell we were using a headset, but that's not unusual. NxZen innovatively uses two microphones that pick up your voice and background noise. To help improve audio clarity, the background noise is then suppressed with a noise-cancellation feature. As a result, calls sounded great in windy conditions, on the street, and in a noisy building. An additional $10 gets you the Gennum NxZen Plus, which can connect to a Bluetooth MP3 player and comes with a single earbud cable for stereo sound. The NxZen has a rated talk time of 7 hours and a promised standby time of a little more than four days. Though the primary charger is large and clunky, you also get a USB cable for charging from a computer.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27out of 27 user reviews
Terrible sound quality; hard to use
Pros: It eliminates the wire between your phone and your headset. Manufacturer replaced broken earpiece with minimal paperwork.
Cons: The sound quality is so terrible -- even with no wind or background noise -- that normal conversation is usually impossible. The volume controls are hard to use. The commands are hard to remember and not particularly intuitive.
Updated on Apr 6, 2010The device also performed abysmally when there was wind. I have tried many times to use it while riding a bicycle at moderate speeds. ALL callers complained of terrible call quality, and I could not hear them enough to maintain a conversation. Even at 10 miles per hour, the wind noise alone at my end made it very difficult to hear. When you add in the severe distortion of the earpiece itself, it's nearly impossible to talk when riding. Even if the caller could hear me, I could not hear the caller enough to maintain a conversation becuase of the external wind noise that gets transmitted to the ear through the body of the headset.
out of 27 user reviews
Stylish design. Comfortable to wear.
Pros: Controls were easy to use with audible sounds helping to distinguish what mode you were in.
Cons: Could not pair the device with a LG Chocolate. On-line help was worthless. Ended up returning unit.
out of 27 user reviews
Excellence in noise cancellation
Pros: Best headset in noisy environment
Cons: need to get used to button operation
out of 27 user reviews
Not Impressive at ALL!
Pros: I can't think of any.
Cons: Very dissapointing: quirky buttons, uncomfortable and VERY poor sound quality.
out of 27 user reviews
The best bluetooth headset
Pros: best noise cancellation
Cons: clear tip falls off
out of 27 user reviews
My headset was defective, Gennum replaced
Pros: Outgoing voice quality, Headphone option
Cons: Incoming voice quality, delay in hearing outgoing voice
So - hopefully this won't happen again, but there is obviously a defect of some kind. My ear was not damaged or anything, but it really got my attention!
FYI - Here is Gennum's response to my request for a replacement. I have to say, their service has been very good. They have a web-based problem resolution service that has been very timely. They offered a Fed-Ex account for me to use and sent a replacement as soon as I provided a tracking number for the Fed-Ex. The reason I gave this unit a "7" even though I had problems is due to the way Gennum is standing behind their product.
"Thank you for sending me the tracking number. I have put an order in for your replacement which you should receive by this Friday or Monday the latest. I assure you that this is the first time we have had an issue such as yours. We do not forsee this to ever happen again. Once the return arrive here we will go throu an extensive analysis as to what may have caused this to happen."
FYI - Here is Gennum's response to my request for a replacement. I have to say, their service has been very good. They have a web-based problem resolution service that has been very timely. They offered a Fed-Ex account for me to use and sent a replacement as soon as I provided a tracking number for the Fed-Ex. The reason I gave this unit a "7" even though I had problems is due to the way Gennum is standing behind their product.
"Thank you for sending me the tracking number. I have put an order in for your replacement which you should receive by this Friday or Monday the latest. I assure you that this is the first time we have had an issue such as yours. We do not forsee this to ever happen again. Once the return arrive here we will go throu an extensive analysis as to what may have caused this to happen."
out of 27 user reviews
Unmatched Noise Reduction; but Unconfortable!
Pros: Unmatched noice cancellation; Lightweight; Has a cheat sheet
Cons: Feels cheap; earhook is cumbersome; trouble keeping it conected
out of 27 user reviews
Cheap quality for this priced headset!
Pros: Decent sound quality, but not the best. Quick e-mail Customer Support.
Cons: Poor design on ear hook, very flimsy.
For half the price, the Plantronics 350 is a much better headset, very good sound quality (but not quite as comfortable!). Sorry I switched!
out of 27 user reviews
Best of the noise cancelling BT headsets
Pros: style, sound quality (both ways), fit/comfort, ability to adjust equilizer
Cons: No carrying case...has trouble if phone is paired to multiple devices. MUST READ MANUAL TO USE - some features hard to understand
For the price (they were selling remaining inventory for $15 - no joke)... I thought it would be a piece of junk...but when I tried it, it was FANTASTIC.
The noise cancelling is VERY GOOD. The volume (once I turned it up using the equilizer feature from my PC) is great. While there is a lag between connecting with my phone (about 4-5 seconds)...I have learned how to transfer calls from the phone to the headset without much trouble.
The USB charging is a great travel feature (plus the home AC adapter is good too). The NXZEN that I have comes with a stereo feature...but I don't think I'll use it.
What I love about this headset (aside from the unbelievable price) is its style and comfort along with spectacular sound... Bear in mind that it still probably does not sound as good as a top-notch noise-cancelling wired headset...but not having the cords hanging from your head in an airport or car is great.
I strongly suggest that you take the time to read the manual to learn about how to turn OFF and ON features... I turned on a hi-fi mode and could not figure out what this hissing was... Also, being able to adjust the sound quality and microphone sensitivity was very useful...though don't mess things up too much!
I think I have finally found a keeper...I only wish I pickup up the other two units they had in stock as a backup (or to sell on EBAY!)
out of 27 user reviews
It takes some tinkering
Pros: use can adjust the eq
Cons: use have to go through heck to do it
out of 27 user reviews
Telescope for Longer ears!!
Pros: bud doesn't reach ear
Cons: noise cancellation is the best
out of 27 user reviews
The Best BT Headset I've Ever Owned!
Pros: Sturdy design, comfortable, excellent sound quality
Cons: More expensive than other available units
I recommend it even though it is a bit expensive.
out of 27 user reviews
The best available right now
Pros: Secure fit, good sound quality (outgoing and incoming), excellent noise cancellation, no "bluetooth noise"
Cons: You pay for what you get.
My biggest hesitance in getting this unit is that the brand is unknown. However, once I tried out the unit, my hesitance melted away. It is a very solid, sleek design, and the reliability has been perfect. I have had the unit for over two months now, but my experience so far tells me it should be a very durable item.
The battery life is a non-issue. I have it on from early morning till late night, every day. I hardly ever take a call with the handset anymore, and if I do, I quickly switch it back over to the nXZEN. I recharge it every evening, and I've never run out of juice.
Noise cancellation is by far the best I've seen. Windy conditions are not a problem at all for this headset.
Overall, my experience has been outstanding. I highly recommend the product. I have tested a wide range of Plantronics, Motorola, Jabra, and Nokia products, not to mention a couple of highly rated cheapies and some off-brands. I'm quite confident that you will not find a better unit right now.
out of 27 user reviews
Outstanding Headset
Pros: Sound quality;External Noise Rejection;Comfortable fit;Ear stability
Cons: Volume Control
Not a problem with the NxGen. The volume is loud enough to be heard under the noisiest road conditions. Ditto for the voice recognition software. The only time I have had external noise affect the voice dial is when my airconditioning fan is at max blast and directed at the headset. All that is required here is a slight turn of the head away from the source.
The equalizer software works fine with my Bluetooth enabled laptop but I needed the instructions from the Gennum web site and some trial and error to get it working. It took me a while to figure out that you have to hook the little headset cord into the headpphone jack in the computer and into the NxZen to work. Also, using Toshiba bluetooth software required me to note the comm port that the Zen was paired to and I had to manually put that port into the Zen equal software. After all that it worked fine.
The volume controls are a little hard to operate and there is a little delay between pressing the pinch buttons and activation of the voice recognition software, but other than that an outstanding headset. Highly recommended.
PS
Also highly recommend BlueHeadsets.com for prompt service (2nd headset that I have bought from them)
out of 27 user reviews
It’s the best available headset on the market, right now
Pros: The noise cancelling is the best.
Cons: The controls are confusing at best.
On with the review.
my phone is a Treo 700w. I read several review stating the 700 wasn’t compatible with the nxzen. I email the company and asking them and received an answer the next day – that it was compatible with any 1.1 or 1.2 Bluetooth comparable phone. So, over the past month, I’ve tested the following headsets:
1. plantronics 640
2. plantronics 510
3. Jabra BT800
4. Jabra Jx10
5. Logitech HS03
6. Gennum nXZEN
As much as I love my “Boom” it’s become quite cumbersome traveling as much as I do and I felt like the newer generation of Bluetooth headset should offer decent quality and I could give up the wired headset.
My first call was to my wife, who is the ultimate critic, as the old saying goes “if momma ain't happy then no one’s going to happy”. I called her from the car, with the radio on. With every other headset listed above she immediately said turn the radio off. This time she didn’t mention it. I ask her if she could hear it and she “no”. So I changed radio stations and turned up the volume and again she couldn’t hear it. I spoke with her all the way to my destination without a single complaint. Later in the day, I called her standing at the entrance of an ER (I’m put in hospital software) with an exhaust fan going. She never made a comment. When I ask her about the environmental noise she said she couldn’t hear it. My wife has given me grief over my headsets since I started trying to find one that worked. The only two that has met her standard is (1.) the boom {wired} and (2.) the nXZEN and I promise you I purchased every wired headset on the market. Anyway, I made my first conference call yesterday and didn’t have a single complaint in regards to them having trouble hearing me.
For the record all of the above headsets worked pretty good in a quite environment. The Jabra Jx10 had the best outgoing audio, with the rest close behind, in a quite environment. The plantronics 640 had the worst “static” of the headsets but was the most comfortable. You couldn’t put your phone on your belt and carry a conversation. Most everyone I spoke with said the same thing, “you sound like you’re on a headset”.
The Pro’s:
• It has the best out bound audio in a noisy environment of any Bluetooth headset on the market.
• The battery life is very good. I didn’t run the battery down with a day of normal use. Unlike the plantronics 640 I had to charge, more then once, over the course of the day.
• I haven’t gotten the “Bluetooth static”, again like the others with the 640 being the worse.
• It’s comfortable and secure but the in the ear design, which I prefer, but it can be a little intimidating. Some softer ear gels would go a long way. It goes INTO the ear canal. Whereas the 640 was ultra comfortable followed by the Jx10, comparatively speaking.
• Before I purchased the nXZEN I emailed customer service twice and got a response by the next day. So I feel they’re positive.
• It comes with a USB travel charger! (1 less plug in I need to find).
The cons:
• Occasionally the callers voice has seem muffled. You can adjust the audio with a graphics equalizer that comes with the software but I haven’t done that yet.
• It’s not as responsive as the Jx10 as far as working with the Treo. It’s taking up to 6 seconds to connect to an outgoing call
• The same thing with incoming calls, it takes a few seconds to recognize a call is coming in.
• The controls are confusing at best, hold the pinch, press the side etc etc.
All in All the positives far out weigh the negatives. This is the best Bluetooth headset I’ve found. The most important feature to me is the noise cancelling option. That’s a must with any headset, especially if you do any business with your phone.
I've used it everyday for a month or so now and don't have a whole lot of complaints. I'm learning to use the GQ software that came with it. I've learned that if you increase the gain on the outgoing mic it decreases the incoming audio. So I've had to learn to tweak the this. I email tech support about it and we had several emails back and forth. The said they were trying some different ear tips and did I want some. They overnighted them to me. I'm impressed by the fact they (tech support) always responds in less then 24hours to any trouble ticket I've submitted.
I have the Treo 700w and there's definitely some bluetooth software issues. Tech Support said that Palm was looking into it. It's (the headset)not as responsive as most especially the Jx10.
You have to decide what's the most important feature is to you. I need the client to be able to hear me clearly and that's what this headset provides. The technology is not to the point where we get something like the "The Boom" wireless. So, If you're are business traveler then this is the bluetooth for you.
out of 27 user reviews
Wow!, what a great Headset
Pros: It actually works in a windy environment, no drop outs, standby time is great, with average use I only charge it 1 time per week
Cons: No lanyard, Price is higher than average
out of 27 user reviews
Not a good headset
Pros: Comfortable
Cons: Static, echo, noise and cost
out of 27 user reviews
waste of money
Pros: voice quality
Cons: connection, battery, customer support, controls
Battery life is atrocious. Mine is lasting on average 1-1/2 to 2 hours of talk within 36 hours of stand by.
No flashing or any indicator for that matter that the unit is on. Unit frequently has to be re-paired, yes, re-paired because it loses the device without being able to recover.
If you break the 30’ range from the phone (realistically it’s about 15’ with this unit) you frequently have to make the connection to the phone again before using it.
Customer service only responds to e-mail. No listing for numbers and no response asking them to call. They also have no good answers to this if only to say “we are making strides to correct this in future units”. How about the ones that have it now? They offer to take it back, but will assure you that they’ll find nothing wrong as this seems to be the M.O. for this unit.
Please avoid this unit. I’m not a fan of the Scala or Moto 850, but my major concerns with them were simply voice quality which was definitely tolerable compared to never knowing if your head set will work or not.
out of 27 user reviews
better than the Jabra JX10 and Plantronics 640
Pros: sound quality a 10 - People won't know where you are
Cons: bigger than some, design flaw - I broke 2 in 5 wks
I have a Sony Ericsson Z520a and previously used the Jabra 200. Investigating new headsets, I shopped at places with good return policies and tried them all at the same time - - calling the same person from all three. I tried the Jabra JX10, Plantronics 640, and NexZen5500 from Gennum.
The Jabra JX10 was by far the most ascetically pleasing. I just love the way it looks. The sound was the worst of the three both on my end and on the receiver's side. You could charge it from the UCB port as well as an outlet. It was somewhat comfortable but the ear piece does not fit in the ear like the gels of the other models. I was so sad to return it because it looked so amazing. The Plantronics 640 was comfortable and had different size ear gels. I have small ears. I did not like the way it looked as much but was enticed by the possibility of the AAA battery charge feature if you ran out of juice. There was not a usb charger cable with this model. The number of pieces that came with the Plantronics 640 was crazy. I never figured out how it all worked. It came with a nice case. The sound was not as good as the NexZen 5500. The NexZen has two noise canceling/isolating mics and they really do a great job. My husband used to be able to tell when I was in the car and now he can't hear it at all. I did a conferneec all from the beach in Hawaii and no one knew. When there is a lot of noise people say they can hear it when I talk but when I am not talking they cannot hear the background noise at all. The bluetooth pairing was very easy but it took some getting used to how and when it connected to the phone. I have trouble turning it off so the phone always wants to default to it. My phone prompts me if I want to take the call on the phone so transferring to the headset or phone is easy. As with all bluetooth headsets there is a bit of a delay to answer but nothing I did not encounter with the others.
There is a program on CD that comes with the NexZen that only works on a PC and you have to have Bluetooth on the PC. It allows you to adjust the volume on the headset. This was essential for me since the caller was not as loud as I would have liked. Had I not gotten this to work I would have returned the headset bec the volume out of the box for me was too low. I have a Mac but thankfully my husband has a PC and he sets it up. I also went on a computer at compUSA and installed the software and set up the phone as well.
Gennum has great customer service. I wrote them for more gels thinking I might lose the ones I had and they sent me more gels and more ear pieces - for free! The problem with the headset is that the ear piece, when it breaks, has cracked the spot where it connects to the phone preventing you from attaching a new earpiece. Were it just the ear piece that broke, it would be no big deal, the company would mail you more. For my first NexZen I was not too careful - put it in my purse, pocket, etc. When that broke (within the 30days of the return policy) and I got a new one I put it in a soft case in my purse. I think the problem was that to pull it out of this case I had to grab the ear piece. That and the stress on a soft case was not match for my purse items. I am on number 3 and got a plastic case at TapPlastics. I am sure the Container store has small hard cases too. I am determined to make this work. "Why?!" my husband nags. It is just such a great headset, great quality, strong batter life, a bit bigger than others but overall does what it is designed to do. I can't part with it. This is one of those pieces of electronics where it pays to use your AMEX for the 90 day guarantee and get the CompUSA 1 yr warrantee - if it breaks they will replace it once - then you have to buy the warrantee arain. Sinec I have broke two within 5 weeks I am taking all precautions, including being more gentle.
out of 27 user reviews
This is an awsome Bluetooth headset
Pros: Crystal clear sound,small headset, Excellent DSP
Cons: I have none so far
out of 27 user reviews
Better than the Jabra JX10, BT800, and Plantronics M2500
Pros: Bluetooth sound quality (mic & speaker) is leading edge quality
Cons: "Corded" stereo speaker to music player is only OK quality and proprietary
out of 27 user reviews
Love my new bluetooth headset
Pros: great fit on the ear, good signal strength.
Cons: still trying to find one
I got my NxZen a few weeks ago at a CompUSA store and I am loving it. I talk on my Motorola V600 quite a bit and a bluetooth headset is a must. After my Motorola HS850 died on me after less than a year of use I decided to try something different. Tried a few different ones and if it wasn't the loose fit, it was the bad sound in/out. I decided to give the NxZen a try and even though the price is a bit hefty it sure is worth every penny.
out of 27 user reviews
Heavenly Sounds in a High Tech Light Weight Set!
Pros: Ambient sound cancelation mic, simple operation
Cons: Not carried widely by retailers or wireless Cos $$$
out of 27 user reviews
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
Pros: Very good sound
Cons: Earpiece takes some getting used to. Buttons are a pain.
Bottom line. Very little noise, GREAT EQ user EQ settings for both my audio and my mp3's. I use a pcc-6700. As for my wife she likes the 640 for confort but the backround noise is OK. Strange thing with the 5500 is the reduced INCOMMING back round noise from both my EQ and something in the headset. Picked it up from FRY's for 159. If your in a quiet area all the time, buy any headset. Want the best sound. Buy this.
out of 27 user reviews
its good..but not in DC..
Pros: Not Available
Cons: Not Available
out of 27 user reviews
One of the best headset I have used
Pros: Noice cancelling, battery life, sound quality
Cons: Control take some getting use too.
out of 27 user reviews
Great Product
Pros: Very clear and the noise cancellation is superior!
Cons: Voice might sound a little robotic to some users
