Gennum nXZEN PLUS 5500 Bluetooth Headset Review

Gennum Corporation's nXZEN PLUS was recently selected as an accessory to placed in the gift bags of over 100 celebrities at this years American Music Awards in Los Angeles. This is the same means of promotion Motorola used to launch their acclaimed black RAZR edition this past may (with astounding success). The nXZEN, with a retail price of $159.99 certainly is worthy of a celebrity budget. But can it live up to the hype?

 

Product Specifications

 

• Bluetooth 1.2
• Weight:17 grams (0.54 oz)
• Size: Length 59.9mm Height 28.5 mm
• DSP Performance – 120 MIPS
• Stereo - 16 kHz audio bandwidth processor
• Audio Path: 20-bit end-to-end path
• Talk Time: Up to 7 hours
• Standby Time: 100 hours
• Charge Time: 2 hours
• Battery: Lithium Polymer
• Four-Button Operation
• Multiple Device Pairing

Sales Package

 

• nXZEN PLUS 5500 Headset
• 2 Removable Ear Loops – different sizes
• 3 Removable Ear Tip Sizes
• Installation CD
• User's Manual
• Quick Reference Card
• Stereo Audio Cable
• AC Wall Charger
• USB Cable

nXZEN PLUS 5500 Headset Sales Package

 

Gennum has redesigned their headset product line in recent months. Previous Zen models including the 280, 350 and 470 editions all presented a similar unappealing design with a large ear loop and an adjustable arm for the speaker. With the revitalized nXZEN PLUS design it is evident that Gennum is attempting to provide extreme customization for their users. Its weight has shifted from 22 grams (Z470) to 17 grams with this model. Equipped with 2 removable ear loops and 3 speaker tips all of different sizes, this device can fit comfortably in almost any ear. Providing wide ear tips has also made it possible to use the headset without the ear hooks when using it in a relatively stable environment (i.e. sitting at your desk or in the car.) Finding an ear piece to suit you should be an easy task. The earpieces sit very comfortably inside the ear canal and allow you options to decide for yourself how deep seated you would like the device in your ear.

The only qualm about this devices design comes from the ear loop design. Although they provide 2 different sizes, once snapped in place the ear hook does not provide easy maneuverability to apply to your ear, especially when changing from one ear to the other. A very stiff hinge design that when forced can cause the actual ear loop to tear.

The one thing not included with this device which is common in many less expensive Bluetooth packages these days is a carrying device or holster. It is just a minor setback, but for on the go use it is always convenient to have a lanyard for easy access.

Front	Back
Side	Front

The nXZEN PLUS is Bluetooth 1.2 compliant as is standard with most new releases. The pairing process is routine and fairly simple. The device has the capability to be paired with 3 devices simultaneously.

As advertised, the nXZEN uses the patented FrontWave Extreme noise canceling and echo suppression algorithm. The main objective of this technology is to reduce background noises to a minimum. With the earpiece sitting in your ear canal, it performs as advertised and does not disappoint. Whether be sitting in loud traffic or in a noisy office the nXZEN PLUS is one of the better devices on the market for hearing clear incoming calls when the environment appears that it is not possible.

For voice transmittance from the users end, it incorporates dual microphones.  Although successful at reducing incoming interference, outgoing voices sometimes tend to provide a static background when speaking in these same noisier atmospheres. Removing yourself to a quieter place (putting your windows up in traffic) solves this problem instantly as the dual microphones adjust to amplify your voice.

Gennum places the advertised range on this device at 10 meters. In-house testing at their facility has shown results of up to 20 meters with a relatively open space. I performed a comparative test paired with the Motorola RAZR and came to similar results. Inside the average house, going from one room to the next, I was able to get clear reception for approximately 11 meters (36 feet.) Performing the same test in a large open space, I achieved maximum results of 16 meters. Of course results can vary according to the phone and spacial aspects, but these numbers are good for everyday use and small office settings.

The benefit of the PLUS (5500) over the 5000 is the ability to pair the device with your mp3 player. This is really a great feature for someone who is looking for the latest technology in their headset. While simultaneously connected to an iPod using the included stereo headset and the Motorola RAZR, I felt completely comfortable that I would not miss any calls while enjoying some music. When an incoming call arrives, your music automatically drones out and you are alerted of the call.

nXZEN-5500 and an iPOD Nano A consistent critique of this device is the controls on the nXZEN. With a total of 5 buttons, I would recommend keeping the included quick reference guide handy for the first week or two. As you can see the large side button is referred to as “SIDE.” Routine answering and ending of calls is a breeze using the large side button. The “PINCH” buttons are located on the bottom of the device towards the microphone and are used for pairing, transferring calls, muting and more. However, it is important to pay attention to the number of beeps necessary to perform each operation. The volume controls are discreetly concealed by a rubber layer and fairly easy to operate with 2 buttons (one on top and one on the bottom.)

Gennum has taken strides to create a better designed device with more options and clarity in the nXZEN PLUS 5500. Overall, I had an enjoyable experience with the device. I rarely needed to use the ear hook due to the great fitting ear pieces and its lighter weight. I at times wished for a case or neck strap to place the device when not in use. The battery life advertises a talk time of up to 7 hours and although my tests provided around 6 hours, it is still a good amount of talk time considering its array of functions. Included in the package is a USB charger (and an AC adapter), so it easily hooks up to your PC while not in use and charges quite rapidly.

I found the phone most comfortable method of using the device by using the smaller ear loop with no ear piece. This method wraps around your ear and places the speaker just out of the ear canal. For shorter periods of use and maximum clarity, I prefer using the medium ear piece and no ear loop. This fits the headset snugly into your ear canal, but can cause irritation if in their consistently for over 20 minutes. With the included fitting options, most users will be able to find their perfect fit.

The sticker price of $159.99 is a premium price in the consumer headset market. With optimized features such as mp3 pairing, effective noise cancellation and dual microphones, the device is worthy of the price only if these are options you will use to their full potential.

Gennum has recently struck a deal with CompUSA. Look for the nXZEN PLUS 5500 ($159.99) and the nXZEN 5000 ($149.99) to be able available in all of their 250+ locations in time for the holidays.