The NuForce BT-860 Stereo Bluetooth Headphones are some of the best looking, comfortable, and easy to use headphones for the price. But how do they sound? Read on for the full BT-860 review.
Let me start off with a bit of a spoiler, the NuForce BT-860's sound great. The days of subpar Bluetooth sound are over. I was pleasantly surprised by the range of the headphones. The highs are crisp without sounding tinny or painful. The mids are warm and unstrained, possibly the strongest range for the BT-860's. The bass is deep and natural but not overpowering.
The band of the NuForce BT-860 is very comfortable and fits most head sizes. There is no padding on the headband which I like (still very comfortable). Easier to clean, and manage to look better/newer longer. The leather wrapped cushions, on other headphones, often look gross after several months of heavy use. Not these.
The foam ear cups are fitted to an adjustable medal slide and can be adjusted to down for those with taller heads, like me. Each speaker is covered in a rectangle piece of foam (they come with an extra set). I like the look of the rectangle ear pads as opposed to the typical circular style.
One feature that I tend to be critical of on Bluetooth speakers and headsets are the controls. I love the fact that you can control the volume, play/pause, next/previous tracks, etc, with Bluetooth headphones. With that said the BT-860 headphones are my new favorite. The audio up/down and track next/previous buttons are separate making it very easy to adjust. I can't stand when these buttons are shared. Thank you NuForce. After a few minutes of using the controls you will easily remember the effortless button layout.
The NuForce BT-860's have a microphone and call handling controls as well. The music is paused for incoming calls and resumes when you end the call. I wish the microphone was a bit louder. I haven't gotten any complaints but when I ask the caller how I sound they say a bit quiet/muffled. This is possibly my only gripe. Considering the amount of calls I take with headphones on, this isn't a big deal.
Specifications
- Supports A2DP and AVCRP profiles
- Bluetooth V2.1
- Audio Format: 16-bit, 44.1kHz (CD-Quality)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 22kHz
- Algorithmic Delay: <1.89ms @ Fs 48kHz
- Dynamic Range: 16-bit: >92dB
- THD+N: -68.8dB
- Supports Headset and Handsfree profiles
- Supports remote control feature (play, pause, previous, next, volume up, volume down, talk).
- Compatible with IM and VOIP programs.
- Operating range 10m (33ft)
- Operation time: hands-free, 9 hours; music, 8 hours; standby, 240 hours
- Headset Dimensions: 155(L) x 157(H) x 38(D)mm
- Weight 103 gram
Conclusion
We loved the NuForce BT-860 Bluetooth A2DP Headphones and had to fight off the sticky finger types from trying to steal them. They are relatively lightweight and comfortable. For the money, about $79, they stand out amongst the competition. Did I mention they look super cool?
Good: Great looking, clean design, easy to use controls, great price, no cables, balanced audio, eight hour play time, and Bluetooth V2.1 A2DP technology.
Bad: Microphone is a bit quiet for callers, and they use a proprietary charging cable.
Great review – thanks for the information on these headphones.