Recently we've tested a headset called Avantalk AS1. Let's see what we've learned.

Design

So, the headset is of behind-the-neck design with foldable headband (but this headband is not adjustable). It looks like a mix of two famous headsets: Jabra BT620 and Plantronics Pulsar 590. If you like Plantronics' black-and-silver earpieces and Jabra's behind-the-neck design, Avantalk AS1will be just for you.

Moreover, it is considerably more convenient in wearing. I still remember the awful ear pain after testing old good Motorola HT820 and Bluetake i-Phono BT420 EX. After that I always preferred classic design of headphones. But these AS1 turned out to be very cozy and lightweight. They don't fall down, and I can turn my head the way I like, dance, but the headset doesn't change its place or just gets back at once, I don't need to fix it all the time. What is also important, they are beautiful and I looked good wearing them – no more princess Leila look!

My head is not big so the headset sits not tightly (though firmly), maybe men with bigger heads will hear deeper basses (as I did pressing earpieces to ears). And lack of a good seal causes not enough of sonic isolation, so people nearby can hear music from the headset. On the other hand, I haven't heard the music that at the same time sounded in my room from the speakers. We can see that the ambient noise isn't heard.

Buttons

Buttons are big and easy to access. But when the headphones are on my head, the buttons are located obliquely, as it were. It is rather inconvenient, and takes time to get used to it. In the beginning I confused Volume + and Next Song buttons, I had to probe them and think what button should I push.

LED needs to be brighter sometimes, because status while pairing can seem unclear, especially at the daylight if LED starts to show that the battery is low and that's why the headset refuses to pair.

Sound

As for the sound quality, in total I like it. However, the opinions concerning basses differ. I like the level of basses very much, but my co-worker says there should be significantly more of them. It depends on the listener's preferences, I believe. For example, Plantronics 590 has really tight, enveloping basses and it is a pleasure to listen to hip-hop with them, but sometimes it's too much for me if I'm in pensive mood.

Well, to compare the same song of Scorpions: Plantronics' sound is more profound and juicier, but sound of Avantalk is more major, clear and bright. Plantronics bets on basses, their middles is rather poor, and Avantalks has not such ideal basses but can boast of bewitching highs. The highs were considered to be super by all of us.

The big advantage of the AS1 is the loudness. I don't like to blast the sound too-too much in order not to become deaf. But the volume will be enough even for craziest guys! I haven't noticed any significant sound distortion even on the highest volume level which I was able to bear.

Calls

I wasn't satisfied with the calls quality. With Samsung SGH-E530 it sounded badly, as well as with Treo 680. People whom I talked to admitted distortion too.

The sound of calls was loud, but the hoarseness and unpleasant outside noise spoiled everything.

Bluetooth

The AS1 allows Multi-pairing with up to 7 Bluetooth Devices.

The range is good. I've noticed just a little sound dropouts while I went fast to another room going between the headset and the music source.

Wear resistance

I don't know how long will they serve. I've got a new pair, and you will never predict just in looks if they are going to break the day after tomorrow. The above mentioned Plantronics looked very solid and firm, even bulky. So what - they appeared to be brittle. At the same time Avantalk is lighter and looks more fragile, especially its headband. Most of headsets with such a headband, for instance Bluetake i-Phono BT420, are very enduring. I hope your new Avantalk AS1 will live a long efficient life.

Buy this headset at Amazon.

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