Sony busts out headphones big and small

Sony looks to be catering to headphone-wearers of all sorts with its latest offerings, busting out the full-size DR-BT22 Bluetooth phones alongside the decidedly small DR-EX32SF earbud headset. In addition to keeping things cordless, the DR-BT22 model also keeps things relatively compact with a foldable design, and you'll get all the most desirable Bluetooth-related acronyms, including A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, and HSP. Those looking for even more portability can opt for the company's DR-EX32SF headset, which drops the Bluetooth but adds a built-in microphone (and your choice of black or white colors). While there doesn't appear to be any word on a North American release, those in Japan should be able to pick up either one starting September 10th, with the Bluetooth phones setting you back ¥10,000 ($87) and the earbuds running just ¥3,000 ($26).

[CharlieX @ Aug 27th 2007 7:00PM]

of all the things Sony, I've always been happy with their headphones. Their studio professionals are excellent and rugged, and I've owned a pair of Sports earbuds for 6 years that have never failed.

[AndrewNeo @ Aug 27th 2007 8:26PM]

I have a pair of Sony headphones that I absolutely love. I keep breaking them every six months (the cable gets pulled out of the earpiece) but that's probably my habits and not the construction of the headphones. I've tried other headphones and I usually end up exchanging them for the same pair of Sony's because the sound range is nicer.

[CharlieX @ Aug 27th 2007 11:35PM]

These have NEVER pulled out... it's almost freakish. I run in these headphones, they've been sweated upon time and time again, I've traveled with them and shoved them into my carry on... it's those yellow colored kind that used to be the Sports line.

[Adam @ Aug 27th 2007 7:10PM]

knowing sony these will be great, i just baught some sony headphones and love them

[Taylor @ Aug 27th 2007 7:24PM]

Baught=best misspelling of bought ever.

[- @ Aug 27th 2007 7:26PM]

We need more variety for Bluetooth earbuds. I'm tired of taping the wires to my clothes when I workout alone and can't stand the thought of foam earpads dripping with sweat.

[Billy Fiul @ Aug 27th 2007 7:28PM]

Sony = thumbs down

[Chimuel @ Aug 28th 2007 12:54AM]

Billy Fiul=TWO thumbs down.

[phil @ Aug 27th 2007 8:47PM]

I'm with ya.

Every consumer grade Sony headset has muddled mids and harsh tinny highs. They crank the low end (mega bass anyone?) to cover the fact that their drivers have crappy frequency response.

If you think the iPod buds sound OK, then Sony's are probably fine. However, if you want a flat* sound, well as flat as a headset can be, then plunk down some cash (read: over $100) and buy some Shures or Etymotics (I'm sure there are other good brands out there, but I can't think of them off the top of my head).

* - by flat I refer to the freq response. A flat sound is where the sound reproduced (minus any added EQ) is spot on what was recorded.

[MikeG @ Aug 27th 2007 7:53PM]

Yeahhhh, mediocre earphones and headphones...
Nope, no matter how hard I try it's just not exciting.

[BrettB @ Aug 27th 2007 9:01PM]

I've only owned one pair of Sony earphones, and they sounded ok, but they had this strange fit where after the single chord split to go to each ear, one part was longer than the other and you were supposed to put it around the back of your neck. They completely bugged me, and I ended up returning them and getting the more expensive, but MUCH better sounding Sure E3c, which has served me well. $26 is probably reasonable for what you are getting here, but come on, this is hardly news...

[Deluxe @ Aug 27th 2007 9:14PM]

They're... supposed to be like that. A good indication would have been the "Neck-Strap Style" plastered on the package ;)

[BrettB @ Aug 28th 2007 10:21AM]

Right, I knew that was what I was getting. It just happened to be one of the most annoying product "features" I've ever encountered.

[taylor @ Aug 27th 2007 10:03PM]

i love sony earbuds. but what type of connector is that on the wired headphones? is it another proprietary thing by sony?

[Jamar @ Aug 28th 2007 2:12AM]

Actually, it's a Japanese standard for cellphone headset plugs. Verizon's G'zone phone has it too.

[Jim @ Aug 27th 2007 10:15PM]

wow .. nice! about time we get some decent looking BT headphones.

[Alric @ Aug 27th 2007 10:21PM]

What's with the connector? The Sony Fontopias have been my favorite headphones for the iPod for a long time. I find them better than Etys. I was hoping to get iPhone-compatible Fontopias but I doubt that weird proprietary connector is compatible.

[Deluxe @ Aug 27th 2007 11:05PM]

That is not a weird proprietary connector. that is the standard NTT DoCoMo mobile phone headphone/microphone in/out. That thing second from the right appears to be the microphone.

It's likely however that either these are changeable somewhere before the headphones, or will come in two models. One with standard stereo, and one for mobile phone.

I might have to buy a pair of these for my D904i now :D

[Deluxe @ Aug 27th 2007 11:07PM]

Err, I mean yes it is technically a proprietary connector, but not of Sony. Of NTT DoCoMo. Sony's just making these headphones completely phone friendly, which makes sense considering the handsets they produce for DoCoMo.

[Deluxe @ Aug 27th 2007 11:09PM]

Sorry for the comment abuse, you can see more clearly on the white enlarged image that its a microphone. http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20070827/sony04.jpg .

And even the poor machine translation "Canal type (ear plug type) it had the ear phone and the microphone built-in arrival switch, the stereo headphone for the portable telephone." Is pretty clear Engadget, geez ;)

[John @ Aug 28th 2007 12:03AM]

I'll stick with my Super.Fi 5 Pros ;). Sony does make good stuff for the cost though.

[L.Rawlins @ Aug 28th 2007 3:25AM]

FAO: Engadget.

If the BT22's support HSP and HFP then they will also come equipped with an omni-directional microphone in the earpiece for use with mobile phones and VOIP.

Like my BT30's do.

Your post appears to incinuate that they will not carry a mic, despite also listing profiles that suggest it will.

[rb @ Aug 28th 2007 4:46AM]

Go with the Shures. I love my Shures.