Recently, when on the search for a high-quality pair of bluetooth headphones, I found myself looking into Audio Technica’s line of wireless options. Unlike other headphone manufacturers, Audio Technica didn’t dive into the bluetooth headphone pool right away. Due to this, I was a little uncertain how they’d fare once they started producing wireless audio devices. Although I’d had a pair of Audio Technica wired headphones (and loved them), the ATH-DSR5BT headphones were my first foray into the company’s bluetooth offerings. How’d they stand up against other wireless headphones I’ve tried? Keep reading to find out!
The Look
Upon unboxing the ATH-DSR5BT, there wasn’t much to look at. If you’re into flashy headphones, these don’t have a visual “wow” factor. They consist of a neckband and two earbuds. There’s a mic and volume controls on the neckband, as well as a control that allows you to answer/end calls or start/pause the music on your smartphone. The neckband also has a USB charging port for 15 hours of continuous use, and the earbuds have silicone ear tips. I noted their simple, straightforward appearance before putting them on to give them a try.
The Feel
I have such hatred for traditional, wired earbud headphones. They’re uncomfortable when you jam them in your ears – and to boot, the wires inevitably get snagged on something and they get jerked out of your ears right in the middle of your favorite song.
The ATH-DSR5BT’s bluetooth technology eliminates the issue of dangling wires, obviously. I wasn’t sure about the neck band-ear bud connection, however. Obviously, the neck band houses the power and technology that makes these headphones so awesome. But would wearing them be comfortable?
After spending a day wandering around town with them on, I was happy to discover that, yes, they’re extremely comfortable. The neck band stays put effortlessly and is so light that you barely notice it’s there. Meanwhile, the silicone ear tips fit my ears nicely. They create a slight suction that keeps them in your ear even as you’re up and moving.
The Sound
Now that we’ve discussed everything else, let’s get down to it: how do these things sound? I was delighted to find that despite their compact design, the ATH-DSR5BT headphones pack a wallop of sound. A huge part of this is Auto Technica’s Pure Digital Drive system technology. While most headphones have a D/A converter that degrades the sound as it travels via bluetooth to your headphones, Audio Technica has perfected their headphones to deliver pristine sound with each word, chord, and every single beat. They’re ideal for audiophiles who adore Hi-Res Audio, as they fully reproduce the sound with no distortion.
With their 45 mm True Motion Drivers, the ATH-DSRBTs create sound that’s truly amazing. I tried them across a wide variety of genres of music and styles of audio and didn’t find that they stood out in one audio range over another. Rather, they were outstanding across the board. The noise cancellation is an excellent feature, as well – and one that was particularly useful when I was out and about.
The Bottom Line
Are the Audio Technica ATH-DSRBT headphones pricey compared to other models? Yep. Are they worth it? If you’re looking to invest in a set of headphones that are comfortable, convenient, easy to use, and capable of delivering jaw-dropping sound, then absolutely!
