Customer Reviews

Sony Bluetooth Transmitter and Adapter for iPod and MP3 Players

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I have always had high regard for Sony's products. They design always used to be very thoughtful with attention to the slightest details. However, I'm quite disappointed with this product as well as the Sony bluetooth headphones that pairs with this. Most of them may seem like trivial issues, but in the long frequent run, they turn out to be really annoying, especially after you pay for a premium product.

The few good things first. The sound quality is flawless, when in range. There's no noise or hissing and every note is clear. The device itself is really easy to use and I have no qualms about that; simply turn it on and use it. Battery life is alright, but I don't think you can replace the battery. (Not sure about that one yet.)

The things that annoy me are the following. Maybe you are like me too?

#1. You can't use the device while its connected to the charging dock. You can't use it while it's charging either. Maybe it's not intended to be used as a desktop device. But unfortunately, that's what I bought it to be used as. So you have to charge it and remove out of the dock.. (leave it hanging or something) every time you want to use it.. really annoying if you are using it on a regular basis. I can't see how they can overlook such an issue.

#2. Range is limited, when compared to other transmitters in the market.

#3. The power plug/transformer/adapter's design can't be worse. The plug is so wide, when plugged in, you can't plug anything next to it. This may seem like a silly issue, but it can become so annoying, esp. when you have a zillion other things plugged into your outlet box, like mine. How can Sony design something so horrible? They could have made the plug stand vertical like the zillion other plugs out there are. At the least, they could have made the plug retractable. Huh.

#4. The audio latency seems to be slightly longer than when connected through other transmitters, which is really strange. I know bluetooth protocol has the inherent latency issues. But it's worse with this device.

#5. The coiled wire is such a nuisance.... well, atleast they seem to have fixed it with the newer models.

This product works very well. The only reason I did not give it five stars is the clip on back that holds it in place does not have very much gripping strength. Also, sure wish Sony would have provided a standard-size port for charging. (maybe mini-USB?) If something happens to the charging base, you're hosed! Having said that, the transmitter is very easy to pair, and the coiled cable allows you locate it wherever you need to. I got this to use with my 2nd gen iPod touch and I consider it an invaluable accessory.

This unit transmits good quality audio. The cable will be a plus for some, a negative for others. It paired easily with my Motorola HT820 headphones. There are some infrequent dropouts. The charging base seems unnecessary and bulkey. The range is about half of what is stated without interfering obstacles.

This is going back. I purchased this to use with my MP3 player for jogging, on the treadmill / elliptical and also for watching TV at night without disturbing my family. I paired this with the Motorola S9 bluetooth headphones (which work great when paired with my bluetooth phones). At any distance over about 5 feet the signal breaks up. Never works through walls. When trying to run or work out using this just the movement of my body causes interference and the signal constantly breaks up. Totally unusable no matter whether I wear the radio / transmitter in front or back. I always clip it outside the pocket, but no luck. It's important to note that the S9 headphones paired with just my cellphone has a range of about 20 feet including through walls, through my body, etc. Just a weak transmitter on this Sony!

My wife bought this Sony product from a big box store. Loved it. Thought I would try and save some money by using Amazon. Found it being sold for almost 20$ less. Know I know why. The picture you see on this website is of an extension cord (that plugs into earphone jack of any A/V device) that is expandable. The one I received when I purchased it here on Amazon was static and unstretching and renders it almost useless if you wear it on your waist while walking, running, working around the house. It is only like two inches. The one my wife bought, expands and I use it all the time while my new one sits virtually unused. Maybe I should contact the dealer to get my $$$ back, but that also seems like more hassle. Don't be fooled by this picture. This isn't the one they send me.

This item does pair up with my Jabra BT530 pretty easy and works well with my Zune 80. It is pretty picky about where you put it. I will get drop outs fairly often unless I get it just right and do not touch the top of it with my hands. The range is horrible. I use it bowling and cannot leave it on the table about 15 ft away from the lanes without losing signal. I had to keep the zune in my pocket and use it that way. I also do not like the way you charge it. The stand is large and bulky, so if you want to take it with you it is a pain. Overall it is just ok. It does pair with my headset and work with my Zune but it is limited. Oh and the clip on the back it not real secure. It has fallen off of me three time today alone.

I purchased this Sony bluetooth dongle and connected it to a Mix-It2 multiplexer on my BMW motorcycle. The Mix-It2 connects and amplifies signal from my Garmin GPS, Valentine radar detector, and Apple Ipod Nano. The Sony bluetooth dongle then sends the stereo signal by bluetooth to my SENA helmet communicator. The SENA twin speakers in my helmet play the stereo of the Ipod and the mono voice of the GPS directions and the "alarm" of the Valentine radar detector. The Sony bluetooth works great and holds a battery charge of at least 10 to 12 hours, a long days ride. On a recent trip to the Ozark mountains on my motorcycle, the Sony dongle worked flawlessly. It is easy to pair up with the SENA bluetooth receiver and I had no problems. The Sony dongle is not waterproof and is not made for operating in the rain, so on my motorcycle I keep it in an enclosed compartment or tank bag. Definitely worth the money and a good buy from Amazon.com.

I just wanted something to keep the wires out of the way on cardio equipment and when pumping iron in the gym. This is so much more. I even use it at home to watch TV when the wife has gone to bed (or not gotten up yet).

This will not communicate with a cardo motorcycle headset, which I was told would work. It works with a different type of headset, but not it's intended use.

I have a 120 gig Zune and the only thing I don't like about it, is that I can't use my Jabra Bluetooth Headphones with it.

Problem solved, works like a champ.

Best yet, I can use the stereo headset with my phone and the Zune at the same time. Phone rings and the music shuts down and I can do the phone thing, phone call over, and music comes on again -- doesn't pause, but you can't have everything.

Sound quality is excellent.

I also don't miss the tether that has been complained about, but then I've only used it a few minutes.