Entered CNET Catalog: 09/06/2007
SKU: 0027242706750
Manufacturer: Sony Electronics, Inc.
Manufacturer description
Sony's worldwide reputation for creating unique, attractive, high-quality, advanced technology products rests on a long line of innovations embraced by people from all walks of life. With a diverse product lineup serving a variety of lifestyles and industries, Sony continuously strives to introduce new products and technologies to meet changing market needs. PRODUCT FEATURES: Compatible with Stereo Bluetooth devices (A2DP) such as mobile phones; Mobile phone headset functionality with in-built microphone; Volume control and Skip tracks (FF/RW) on the headset; Complete cord free style; Foldable neck strap for ease of portability.Product summary
The good: The Sony DR-BT21G headphones are lightweight and comfortable, and they act as a headset for compatible cell phones as well as offer stereo sound for music. Audio quality is passable for wireless headphones, and bass response is good.
The bad: There's no Bluetooth transmitter included in the DR-BT21G package, and the headphones give off a very noticeable background hiss that interferes with quiet songs. Call quality is only so-so.
The bottom line: The Sony DR-BT21G is a suitable stereo Bluetooth headset for listening to tunes at the gym and for accepting brief calls, but it's no replacement for quality wired headphones and a good BT headset.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 09/11/2007
Portable wireless headphones, which almost exclusively use Bluetooth (BT) technology, are the latest trend in headphones. And the latest pair to come across the CNET editorial desk is the Sony DR-BT21G. These 'phones use A2DP to convey stereo sound, making them suitable for music listening, and they also include a built-in mic for use as a cell phone headset. At $130, the DR-BT21G is pricier than our favorite pair of lightweight, wireless headphones--the Logitech FreePulse Wireless--but then the FreePulse don't let you take calls.
In a design trait typical of portable wireless headphones and headsets, the Sony DR-BT21G features a lightweight, behind-the-head band that can be folded for easy storage. Although the headband is constructed of cheap-feeling plastic that causes some concerns about durability, it does its job of keeping the headphones in place while not placing too much pressure on the head. Two open-back earphones round out the design, making the DR-BT21G ideal for active applications such as working out. The left cup houses the DC-in port, while the right contains the headphone and playback controls: volume and fast-forward/rewind/play/pause toggles around the edge; power and pairing buttons on the face.
Pairing the DR-BT21G headphones with a Bluetooth (BT) device is a simple matter laid out clearly in the manual, and you can pair as many as eight devices, which is pretty impressive. The package doesn't include a BT transmitter, so you'll have to provide your own if you want to pair the headphones with most MP3 players. We used the Jabra A120s, which included its own instructions for pairing and worked just fine. Note that the playback controls (save for the volume) will work only with devices that support AVRCP, meaning you won't be able to skip or pause tracks if using a transmitter or a BT device without AVRCP. The headphones will automatically mute music--coming from any source--when you get an incoming call or make one yourself.
Audio quality through the Sony DR-BT21G is mixed. On the one hand, the headphones offer good bass response, and the open-back design does a decent job of taking the sound outside of the head. In general, mids are mellow, and clarity is decent, but music is brighter than we like, and there's noticeable static hiss during quiet songs (or portions thereof). In other words, the DR-BT21G has nothing on similarly priced wired headphones, but the sound quality is passable if you must do away with wires. Call quality is slightly more troublesome. Our caller complained of drop-outs and garbled-sounding words; in turn, the caller sounded echoey to us. All in all, the DR-BT21G is a suitable set for the gym and for accepting brief calls, but it's no replacement for quality wired headphones and a good BT headset.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5out of 5 user reviews
Durable, best buy for my money!
Pros: LOUD! comfortable, long battery life, connect seamlessly, no screwing around with bluetooth crap, and is compatible with almost everything, i love them.
Cons: after wearing them for like 10 hours they become uncomfortable but you get used to it i guess.
out of 5 user reviews
Good Design And Work Well
Pros: Decent sound quality, very comfy, nice control locations.....low noise
Cons: None yet...not too sure about plastic, seems very breakable...we'll see.
They should come with a case!
I did find that some cellphones are noiser that others. I'm currently using the newer BT format Samsung Sway and the sound is defined and clear...no noise anywhere. Paired with my older Samsung there is noticable backgrond hiss and call quality is slightly less. With the Sway...no problems very quiet on both ends of the call. So it depends on the phone's BT quality I'm guessing.
out of 5 user reviews
after 1 month stopped pairing with the walkman
Pros: like not having and wires, sound quality good
Cons: after 1 month stopped pairing with the walkman
out of 5 user reviews
Impressed!!!
Pros: Light; superb sound quality; more play controls (FF/RR) then my previous DR-BT10CX not to mention better call quality; worth the price, definately
Cons: Sony could improve on the design though, the poited end feels rather unfomfortable when it brushes against your neck. But i guess when its placed properly, this isnt much of a problem.
out of 5 user reviews
Dissapointing and very uncomfortable
Pros: they have all the features you want
Cons: Uncomfortable, average sound and dropouts
Perhaps they said so because if you dont wear them for longer than half an hour you might be able to tell yourself they were comfortable even though that would be a lie.
I absolutly implore you to avoid getting these headphones. If your thinking about buying them because they have the features you want or you think their stylish don't. Your 130 headphones should not cause you physical agony. Cnet has reviewed some other similar headphones that are better. Get one of those instead.
