Once you start using Bluetooth headphones, it’s very difficult to transition back to your standard pair of wired ear buds. Wireless headphones are simply easier to use, eliminating the common problem of tangled wires and offering users the freedom to move around freely. So far, the pairs I have reviewed all share a common feature in that they each possess in-ear buds. Recently, however, I had the opportunity to check out Samson’s RTE2 On-ear Bluetooth headphones.
FEATURES OF THE SAMSON RTE2 BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES
DESIGN
The very first thing I noticed about this headset is its very sleek design. Generally, I do not pay much attention to the aesthetics of a pair of headphones, but the Samson RTE2 Bluetooth headphones are definitely nicely designed. They are very lightweight, low profile and feature smooth, matted ear cups. Other on-ear headphones tend to be bulky, and for this reason, I usually stray away from them. I also appreciate the fact that this headset comes with a 1/8″ (3.5mm) connector cable and a protective carrying case, if users ever decide they want to rely on wired operation.
PERFORMANCE
In regards to performance, Samson’s RTE2 Bluetooth headphones are super easy to use. Without having to read the manual, I was able to seamlessly pair the headset with my smartphone very quickly. Although, users probably won’t stray too far away from their devices, the Bluetooth operating range for this specific pair is over 30’. The built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery also gives users over 10 hours of full-level listening and 200 hours on standby.
SOUND QUALITY
According to description of the headphones on the Samson website, the RTE2 Bluetooth Headphones deliver “immersive, professional-quality audio.” I found this description to be very accurate. Generally, I like to listen to music on full blast, but I actually had to turn down the volume when using these headphones because the sound quality was crystal clear and very loud. In fact, I could barely hear the sound of the train as I was on my daily commute. The cushioned ear cups, which are very comfortable, also add to the immersive experience by sealing in the sound. One important thing to note, however, is that the ear cups are rather small. Even though they were large enough to surround my ears, they will most likely sit on top of most users’ ears.
The only thing that takes some getting used to are the buttons, which are on the right ear cup. Because they are not tactile, I found myself initially hitting the wrong control for the volume and play/pause functions, before finally getting the hang of it. Overall, however, this is just minor thing to consider, as the Samson RTE2 Bluetooth Headphones truly excel in all other domains, including sound quality and performance. For the price of $99.99, it is definitely a steal.
