When did you hear the term A2DP for the first time? Not long ago, I think. Er... maybe you haven't heard it at all? Oh, it is easy to remember and understand! Several years ago a wireless Bluetooth A2DP-enabled stereo headset seemed to be a notion from science fiction. Now it is quite a common thing for many people, and not so expensive.

Maybe you are going to buy a stereo headset, but don't know how to choose it? Well, if you don't want to be confused, search for:

• Wireless – and there will be no wires to untangle;
• Bluetooth – you will be able to answer calls without taking the earphones off;
• A2DP – to have a perfect STEREO audio, rather than generic mono sounds at phone line quality.

So, your choice is a Bluetooth Stereo A2DP headset.

The Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) defines procedures and protocols for sending high quality audio data to Bluetooth devices such as Bluetooth headphones and headsets with stereo audio streaming capability. This Bluetooth profile is a prerequisite to stereo music and allows you to listen wirelessly to digital-quality music with your computer, home stereo, mobile phone, MP3 player or any other device that supports Bluetooth stereo. By the way, if your mobile phone has a built-in Bluetooth, is doesn't mean that after pairing with Bluetooth headset you will listen to the high-quality stereo music. The phone must have A2DP too, otherwise you will be able just to make and receive phone calls. No other Bluetooth profile will provide you with good-quality stereo music. Without A2DP sound will be mono and will be suitable only for voice transmission, no matter how great are your devices. Of course, there are many adapters, but all the construction may appear too bulky and you will have to charge this adapter too. Moreover, if your phone doesn't support A2DP, there is a chance you'll come across the third party's software. For my Palm TX I personally use Softick Audio Gateway.

Some older Bluetooth stereo headphones allow you to listen to songs only, and have no handsfree communication capability. If you want to combine music with volume and call managing, purchase a stereo A2DP-enabled headset that supports AVRCP and HSP/HFP profiles.

The best way to use a headset is to have an A2DP-enabled phone or smartphone. It means pairing with only one device and no need to fumble about in your pocket for gadgets to change track or answer a call. But there is a variant when you pair your headset with two different devices, for example with a mobile phone that supports only HSP/HFP, and A2DP-enabled Palm/MP3 player. The scheme will be the same: when someone calls you, just push the button to answer, and then push the same (in most cases) button to end the call. Music playback will be handled correctly: paused during a call and resumed after a call is ended. AVRCP will allow you to change tracks and make a pause.

I like using A2DP headset in office, because I have no need to switch between dozen of PC windows in order to change the track or increase volume. And I don't have to wait until my favorite song ends (I hate to pause it) to take off wired headphones and go make tea.

The technical development extends stereo headphones range from 30 ft to 60 ft. Some of the newer models already boast of enhanced Bluetooth connection. We can see, that using Bluetooth Stereo A2DP headphones becomes more and more handy and convenient. However, you can't appreciate the possibilities of A2DP until you use it yourself.

By the way, you can read about different headsets and see our own reviews in More Headsets and  Headset Reviews sections.

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