Customer Reviews

LTB Q-BEAN-STB Wireless Stereo Headphone with Built-in Microphone (Black)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

First, one confusing fact. The LTB Q-BEAN-STB listed here does NOT have a working microphone, and does NOT connected to USB. The "pod" (receiver) part does have a microphone hole on it (I think both the STB and U versions have the same pod) - but it clearly states on the manual that the microphone ONLY works in the "U" version. The transmitter on this unit connects ONLY to a line output (computer, mp3 player, CD, etc...) and does not accept audio via its mini USB port, which is used only for powering (it can also be powered by 3 AA batteries). This unit is definitely "receive only" and cannot be used for PC Games or VoIP.

The LTB Q-BEAN-U, which is also sold at Amazon, is the unit that connects to the USB port (and ONLY to it - no line input) and does allow for two-way communication with the microphone, even though it costs less. I confirmed this information above with LTB phone tech support, and have ordered one as well. It does not work without being connected to USB.

I am very happy so far with the STB for reception - it has the longest range of any wireless headphone I have tried (including Sennheiser and Plantronics 590). Sound quality is way beyond what I expected, and being able to use my own headphones is a big bonus (the ones that come with the unit are surprisingly useable but, of course, not great). Battery life is not as good as the Plantronics, but it is OK. Charging takes only two hours. Level out is good enough to power most headphones except the most insensitive ones (like the Sennheiser 600). One strange behavior - powering the transmitter directly from my laptop's USB port seems to work, but creates a constant buzz on the signal - which is my reason for 4 instead of 5 stars.

NOTE: STB is discontinuing the Orange version, so it can be purchased for about 30% less than the black.

There have been a lot of complaints about the quality of the ear buds, but in my opinion, they aren't bad at all. It would have been nice if they had included different sized earpieces, though. Be aware that the enclosed headphones have a pretty short cord, and are therefore not really useful for any device that does not hang around your neck or reside in your shirt pocket.

The receiver is the size of an egg that is sliced in half - reasonably small. But be aware that the headphone jack is oddly placed at a 45 degree angle, so that any headphones that don't have a 90 degree connector will stick out at an odd angle. This makes it harder to keep the receiver in your pocket. The supplied headphones do NOT have an angled connector.

Powering the base transmitter from a USB cable (PC) does result in noise (buzz) - a lot of it. Using the supplied wall adapter is the only way to go; it is silent. I have my transmitter sitting on my PC case, under my desk, surrounded by cables of all types -- very noisy environment. In addition, I use the receiver in an office that is filled with PCs, Blackberry devices, and 10GB test equipment. Even in this harsh environment, the received signal is very crisp and noise-free. Usually Blackberries alone are enough to distort wireless audio.

The packaging of the unit is really a beautiful thing. Aside from misspellings on the package(!), it promises a very professional piece of equipment. The sad part is how flimsy both the transmitter and receiver are. Really ugly little pieces of plastic. But as long as it works...

UPDATE:

There are five VERY annoying things about this unit that would make me rate it as 3 stars.

1) When the battery is low, there is no warning - the unit simply shuts off. There is no batter charge indicator, either.

2) The LED continually pulses while the unit is on. It's bright and annoying. I'd put a piece of tape over it, except that I would then not know when has finished charging.

3) The running time per charge is very short. I would have much preferred the ability to swap out the battery for a fresh one, even if it meant the unit was slightly larger.

4) For a unit with such poor battery charge life, it should shut off automatically when there is no signal for, say, 5 minutes. Instead, it happily drains the battery if you forget to shut it off.

5) For the non USB version, the pause button is useless. And the Reset button is useless for either version. Because Reset and Power buttons stick out, it is easy to accidentally press them when the receiver is in your shirt pocket.

This product has a VERY solid transmitter/receiver combo, but they are housed in the most cheaply made cases imaginable. 5 stars for the technology (great range and clear signal), and 1 star for the look/feel of the product itself (straight out of the bargain bin).

I own an expensive set of Sennheiser wireless headphones. While the sound is excellent, the phones themselves are heavy and make me sweat around my ears (which btw messes up my hair). I own several pair of lightweight headphones, both ear-bud and "supra aural" styles. I really wanted to find a way to be able to use these different sets wirelessly - depending on whether I wanted an open or closed sound. This unit works perfectly. The little receiver unit is about the size and shape of an egg cut in half. It has a belt clip built in, or you can hang it from the neck cord that is included. There must be something to complain about, but I am so happy with the sound quality and flexibility this unit offers, that nothing else comes to mind.

I purchased one of these for my wife for a Christmas gift. We followed the instructions to charge it up and then to sync it. It appeared to sync fine, but when I plugged it in to anything there was no sound through the headphones. I tried it on several devices (tv, stereo, mp3 player) and with different headphones, and it just didn't work. So I tried to return it for a refund and only received a partial refund. They withheld a $17 "restocking fee". Very disappointed with both the product and the resolution of the refund.

The ST version of the Q-Bean works and sounds great! I've had wireless headphones before, but they were always bulky, uncomfortable, and didn't last long. With the Q-Bean, I can use any of my headphones. The sound quality is excellent, and the included earbuds are far better than I expected.

I've had the Bean for about a month now, and it's perfect for my need, which is watching TV without bugging my significant other. I had used large over-the-ear wireless headphones, but found them heavy and hot.

I find earbuds irritating after a while, so I plugged in a little pair of Sony outside-the-ear phones that I probably got with an MP3 player.

I've seen a couple of reviews that talk about the cheap form factor, but I was looking for light, and it seems perfectly sturdy to me.

It's not tremendously loud with the phones I'm using, but perfectly adaquate. For music I'd probably use my powered Bose's. The only real complaint I have is that you can't use them while charging, so if you don't plan ahead, it can be irritating. I'm getting better than 6 hours out of a charge or more tho.

Small and lightweight while performing very well wirelessly. Small annoying LED annoyingly blinks at annoying intervals annoying the user and annoying the spouse late at night with the lights off. See? Annoying isn't it? Battery life is not near the stated number of hours. I'm getting about 4hrs. which would not be enough for the die hard sports fan on game day or listening to a Beatles retrospective. Controls are large and easy to operate but that has a downside... Volume can be altered unintentionally whilst lounging and cavorting. Transmitter and receiver share the supplied USB power supply so plan on using a spare or buy a new USB power supply. Overall, a good product performing well with less than desirable batterly life.

It's not finished like a high end electronic product but it does what it says on the box. I wouldn't use it on the road with my iPod but it's excellent for listening to your TV without disturbing anyone. Set up is easy (even if documentation could do with a better translation), sound transmission is excellent (no statics at all) and best of all you get to use your favorite headset! That feature alone made this product a winner for me since I didn't want to use any of those bulky headset that usually ship with wireless headsets..... When the casing design is cleaned up and a charging station built in the base it will be a perfect 5 product.

Great product.

The LTB Q-BEAN wireless headphone allows me to listen to football games without disturbing the rest of the family. I've had dedicated wireless headphones in the past, but they suffered from one or more of the following:

1: Unstable sound quality and or noise as I moved around the house

2: Short range

3: Uncomfortable head phones

The Q-BEAN has great range, doesn't drop out anywhere in my house and I haven't had any interference so far (4 weeks).

I use the Q-BEAN with my existing Sennheiser PXC250 Noise Canceling Headphones and couldn't be happier.

Tom Pickrell

The Bean is the BEST. Small, lightweight, great range - it delivers on all fronts. It is perfect for what I need. Exactly what I want. Great product!