DSP works, 'tinny' incoming sound.

I received this headset yesterday and was eager to try it out seeing as I have had a multitude of Bluetooth headsets* over the last 2 years. Of all these headsets I have had I enjoyed the Logitech Mobile Freedom the most. Although the Mobile Freedom isn't the most comfortable ( for my ears anyway ) It did performed to spec. with what Logitech's 'Windstop' technology states. voice quality for both incoming/outgoing is very good with this headset.

Now to describe Sony's latest incarnation, The HBH-610 is a very compact earpiece, its very light-weight and well built. As for the performance, it leaves a lot to be desired. All new technology isn't 'good' technology.

The 610 has a very irritating digitally synthesized sound to it. ( a person talking through a can comes to mind :-( ) The audio clarity of the incoming caller sounds like they are speaking through a voice modulator. Although they incoming sound is more than loud enough, the louder the volume the more pronounced the 'digital' enhancement becomes.

I tested the DSP 'noise-reduction' by sitting in front of my computer and playing music on a 5.1 stereo surround system at moderate, loud and very loud levels. While at the moderate levels I was still very audible while talking, at the loud and very loud levels the music over-powered my voice ( think of a club scene )

The 610 was fairly comfortable for my ears and was fairly secure.

As for battery life, I am yet to road-test this earpiece as I have not had it long enough to give a valid assessment of the Talk-time.

Overall my first impression is tainted due to the very poor sound quality of the incoming sound. Without the deteriorated sound quality this Bluetooth earpiece would be at the top of the list. But since the sound quality is compromised I would not recommend this earpiece.

* I have owned headsets from these manufacturers: Motorola, Logitech, Plantronics, Scala, Anycom, Sony Ericsson.