Audio-Technica ATH-DSR5BT Wireless In-Ear Headphones with Pure Digital Drive Review

Cell Phones do so much for us. Not only to communicate, but they allow us to enjoy our music. Headphones help us do this. They are really helpful with hand free calling. The around the neck design is getting more popular for this. Up for review today is the Audio Technica ATH-DSR5BT

 Features and specs:

Type	Dynamic
Driver Diameter	9.8 mm, 8.8 mm
Frequency Response	5 – 45,000 Hz
Sensitivity	102 dB/mW
Impedance	10 ohms
Battery	3.7V rechargeable lithium polymer battery
Battery Life	Approx. 8 hours continuous use (500 hours standby) Charging Time: Approx. 3 hours (for 0-100% charge) Depending on environmental conditions
Weight	63 g (2.2 oz)
Accessories Included	30 cm (1') USB charging cable, eartips (XS, S, M, L), protective pouch
Type (Microphone)	Condenser
Sensitivity (Microphone)	-42 dB (1V/Pa at 1 kHz)
Frequency Response (Microphone)	100 – 10,000Hz
Polar Pattern (Microphone)	Omnidirectional

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Input jack: Micro USB Type B 
Communication System: Bluetooth Version 4.2 
Output: Bluetooth Specification Power Class 2 
Maximum Communication Range: Line of sight - approx. 10 m (33') 
Compatible Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP 
Support Codec: aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC 

The Audio Technica ATH-DSR5BT came in a nice looking printed box, with features, specs and photos printed on the box. Opening the box showed a wall protected headphone, sitting in soft cloth covered molded plastic. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic with some metal. Quality of materials used as well as fit and finish was very good. They felt well made in hand. The buttons also had a good feel and feed back. Also included was the owner’s manual, charging cable, and soft neoprene case, and extra sized ear tips.

I love the around the neck design. It is absolutely convenient when you aren’t using your in ear monitors, the little earbuds just hand there on your neck. The one thing that I didn’t like about them, is that the cord did not retract into the housing. Samsung must have a tight patent on that design, as I haven’t seen another manufacturer have a neckband style where the wire retracts into the housing when not in use. I would think there would be another design that would do something similar, but not yet. But having the earbuds just dangle a little is not a big deal. And having much better sound over the basic sounding Samsung is much better. Maybe someday others will come up with some other design to hold the cable when not in use. But until then it’s not a big deal. Enjoy the better sound. Now it’s time to hear how it sounds.

ACDC-Back in black; cymbals were crisp, clear, and very dynamic. Kick drum had very good punch with great pitch definition and low end extension, play in with authority. Guitar sounded nice and raw. Vocals were very natural with very nice texture.

Justin Timberlake – Sexyback; snaps were extremely crisp and clean with excellent dynamics. Bass beats were deep, hit hard and played with a lot of authority. The vocals were extremely natural with great texture and harmonics, throwing a huge soundstage that was both wide and deep. Imaging was spot on.

Christina Perry- A Thousand Years; piano sounded very natural with nice harmonics. The cello was very warm and smooth with excellent texture and pitch definition. The acoustic guitar was crisp and clean with excellent resolution and detail, being able to hear the plucking of the strings. Vocals were very natural sounding with great timbre and texture, being able to hear the articulation. Soundstage was both wide and deep, with imaging spot on, feeling like I was in the recording studio.

The Audio-Technica ATH-DSR5BT was more of a pleasure to review than expected. While I would have loved to see a retractable cable, I quickly forgot all about it once I started listening to them. The sound was natural, smooth and resolution I have come to love from more expensive IEM's, with a neutral sound signature and big soundstage. Based on their design, features, quality and performance, has earned our Editor’s Choice Award. For more information and complete specs, check out their website at www.audio-technica.com.