Having reviewed two of other Etymotic headsets, the E6i and the hf2, I came into this review already a fan of Etymotic Research ‘s products. The E6i and the hf2 are, by far, the best headsets I have ever used. I was, therefore, thrilled to have the opportunity to use and review the new etyBLU Dual Mode Noise-Isolating Headset.
The company describes the etyBLU headset as providing
‘…exceptional sound quality and clear communication at both ends of the conversation. ‘
Is there truth in advertising? Read on to find out.
A few years ago I traded my 6 minute commute for a far longer one. As a result, having a good hands-free headset is important for both productivity and safety. Unfortunately, I have often been disappointed with the bluetooth headsets I have tried and have continually returned to the inconvenience of a wired headset. As the name suggests, the etyBLU is a bluetooth mobile headset. While the E6i is for listening to music only, and the hf2, with its in-line mic, is for both music and conversation, the etyBLU is for hands-free, cord-free conversations. In the short time I have been using it, the etyBLU has changed my opinion of bluetooth headsets. It is, by far, the best and most convenient headset I have used.
The etyBLU ‘s packaging was immediately familiar. It comes in a nice box containing a carrying case (a nice high quality one, not some afterthought junk), the headsets itself, an earloop, a filter changing tool and replacement filter and a number of different eartips. In addition, because this is a Bluetooth headset, it also includes a USB charging cable. Finally, it includes a BLUmaxx Quick-Connect Mic. (More on that later.)
The unit does not come with a wall charger, although one can be added. As a result the only charging option for the etyBLU, out of the box at least, is the included USB cable. This is not an issue for me as I rarely lack access to a computer, but were I a frequent traveler it is something I would want to have with me.
I plugged the headset into a USB port on my iMac and let it charge for a few hours. Once fully changed the unit is rated as providing up to 7 hours of talk time and up to 100 hours of standby time. I have been finding the 7 hours to be about accurate.
The headset itself is a small bar with the earpiece coming off one side at a right angle. In this configuration it is similar, albeit a bit larger, than Apple ‘s Bluetooth Headset (which looks and feels great but has lousy sound and even worse battery life). There is, however, an additional boom mic that fits into the same hole that is used to charging the headset. Etymotic refers to this as the BLUmaxx Quick-Connect Mic. It contains a noise-canceling mic and it makes all the difference!!
The first time I put the etyBLU on with the boom connected I felt a bit like a telemarketer. Once I realized the impact it has on the sound quality, however, I completely forgot about it. The sound is remarkable and that is reason enough to keep the boom mic plugged in.
The controls on the device are minimal. There is a toggle switch to increase or decrease the volume and a multi purpose button to power the device on and off, to put it into pairing mode, and to answer and end calls. That’s it. Having used headsets that require a PhD to set up, I appreciate such a minimalist approach.
Pairing the device, while not automatic like the Apple headset, was simple and took only seconds. I turned it on, held the power button for a few moments longer than usual, entered the four digit pairing code and I was good to go.
Fitting the headset took a bit longer. As is the case with the company’s other products, the etyBLU is designed to fit snuggly in the ear canal. This seals off outside noise and provides the excellent sound quality for which they are known. As a result, finding the correct earpiece for your individual ear is important for both the sound quality and the comfort. The first time you use a headset like this it feels different. Not bad, just different. And while my wife is sensitive to anything being placed in her ear and therefore could not use a device of this design, I find it quite comfortable and now prefer it to other designs. It should be noted that there is a specific way to actually put the headset into the ear canal and a video on the Etymotic website is worth watching before using one of their products for the first time. (It can be found here.)
In addition, while the etyBLU comes with an earloop to keep the device securely in the ear, if the eartip provides a proper, secure fit the earloop is unnecessary. (I do not use the earloop.)
Once I found the correct fit for the eartip I put the headset on and powered it up. How did it sound? AWESOME! It is, by far, the best sounding headset I have used. I was able to hear more clearly using this headset than any other headset. In fact, when I told a friend I was in the car going 65 miles an hour during our conversation he couldn’t believe it. He actually thought I was sitting at my desk at home. Moreover, when I used the headset with Jott the call was clear and resulted in excellent transcriptions.
All in all it is the best sounding headset that I have ever used.
Not a surprise coming from a company whose mission is to “design high-fidelity products to measure, improve and protect hearing”.
Pros:
Small
Light
Comfortable (this will be subjective)
Superb sound quality
Easy to use.
Cons:
Expensive
In-ear design (totally subjective)
USB Cable but no wall charger included
Easy to lose the BLUmaxx mic
At $129 the etyBLU is at the high end of bluetooth headsets. For the money, however, you get a high quality, great sounding headset from a superb company.
If you are looking for the best quality headset you can find, this may well be the headset for you.
The etyBLU can be purchased from the company website or from Amazon and other retailers.
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