Pros: Excellent stereo sound. Comfortable. Good conversation quality. GREAT PRICE!!!
Cons: Occasionally has weak connection. Stereo earhook only one size. Only one type of charger.
The Bottom Line: The Voyager 855 is a great choice if you are buying a stereo bluetooth for the first time. It has great features and sound at an unbeatable price.
jstrickland's Full Review: Plantronics Voyager 855 Bluetooth Headset
When the iPhone 3.0 OS finally became available, I decided I had to get a stereo bluetooth headset. Yes, I am one of those few people who still has no way to plug his iPhone/iPod into the car to play music. No auxilliary port, no tape deck for an adapter, and no good unused FM stations for an FM receiver. I had a good headset, but don't like having to mess with a cord going from my ear to the iPhone. I am an expert at turning my head just the right direction to yank the headset out of my ears.
Enter the Plantronics Voyager 855. I was worried that I was going to have to shell out some big bucks. After all, the Plantronics website, and what few online reviews I could find, all claimed the price to be $149. Those were going to have to be some durn good headphones. Then I went to TigerDirect and got the shock (good shock) of my life. I could get the Voyager 855 for $35. HOT D__N! At that price I could even relax if they didn't turn out so good.
I am happy to report that the Voyager 855 is definitely worth more than the $35 I paid. The conversation sound quality is not the absolute greatest, but certainly good. It does sound like the person on the other end is speaking through a tin can, but they can be easily heard and understood. From speaking with people on the other end of the call, they seem to get the same quality. I sound like I am speaking through a tin can, but am easily understood.
The stereo sound quality is very good. It is certainly not on par with a Bose noise cancelling headset, but definitely on par with the sound that comes out of the standard Apple headset that comes with the iPhone.
The 855 comes in two parts. You have the main headset, which when left alone acts as a standard mono bluetooth headset. There is a main button on the side for turning the headset on and off, and for answering/ending a call. A call can also be answered by simply pulling the microphone forward. It slides easily forward, which also puts the microphone closer to the mouth. Then you push the microphone back to disconnect the call. There is a small rocker switch on the bottom of the headset for adjusting the volume. Some claim it is too small, but I have no problems using it to adjust the volume. The volume rocker acts as a next/previous track button when used in stereo mode. Another small button next to the volume controls is the mute button. Again, I have no problems using this button. It also acts as a play/pause button when listening to music in stereo mode.
Two different sizes of ear hooks are provided, as well as three different sizes of softgel ear buds. To convert the headset to stereo, you insert the earhook that has the second earpiece attached. Presto! you now have a stereo headset. I have used this headset on a long roadtrip and found it to be quite comfortable for the long haul. The softgels actually strike a good balance between noise cancellation and still allowing just enough noise in to remain aware of what is going on around you while on the road.
This headset is not perfect. There are a few hitches, but nothing to get upset about.
Sometimes, the headset doesn't make a great connection with the iPhone. On these occasions the music might break up a little. I usually find that turning the headset off and back on solves the problem.
The stereo earhook is only offered in one size. This is not a problem for me, but could be for some.
My biggest complaint is that the 855 only comes with a wall charger. Most headsets now come standard with two methods for charging. Fortunately, a USB charging cable can be purchased separately for less than $10. While this still makes the 855 a great bargain, the USB charger should have come standard.
Anyway, like I said, these are relatively small cons. Certainly forgiveable considering the great price, and everything you DO get for that price. I look forward to using these for quite some time. If they wear out sooner than expected, I'll gladly plunk down another $35.
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