Gennum nXZEN 5500 PLUS Bluetooth Earset

Chris Scotto

Strengths: Good volume, great noise canceling functionality. Includes several ear tips, allowing you to get the "right fit"

Weakness: Wrap around does not create a "snug fit" for smaller ears. Havent contacted the company yet to see if they have a smaller size

This is touted as the best headset for noise canceling functionality. So far I've been impressed. Very easy to pair with my phone, an iPAQ6900. Very light. No complaints from parties on the other end...and I've used it in several noisy locations.

By cjscotto - Dec 13, 2006

Best all around, despite size.

Strengths: Sound quality in DSP dual-mic array. Works in other room with good signal. Great fit. Awesome sound.

Weakness: It's a little big, but it'll never have the unhearable problem that fashionably small ones have. So it really isn't a weakness. Not true stereo as advertised. Buttons could be more refined.

*It has a dual-holding mechanism which makes it very strong, both inner-ear and wrap behind. Multiple sizes make it very custom-fit and for whatever needs. *I was disappointed at the lack of true stereo, but soon that may fixed in the next few editions. I couldn't get the equalizer to work on Windows MCE, even the most updated download. But the sound doesn't need to be fixed, it's great so far....
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*It has a dual-holding mechanism which makes it very strong, both inner-ear and wrap behind. Multiple sizes make it very custom-fit and for whatever needs.
*I was disappointed at the lack of true stereo, but soon that may fixed in the next few editions. I couldn't get the equalizer to work on Windows MCE, even the most updated download. But the sound doesn't need to be fixed, it's great so far. Maybe it'll be even better if I do get the equalizer to work.
*People tell me I sound better in a moving car with the windows open than in my old one with the parked and windows closed. Wow!
*multiple chargers included is a nice touch, via both USB and AC plug.

By vexus2k - May 16, 2006

Not totally enamored

Strengths: auto-redial button not in a position where it can be accidentally and easily engaged.

Weakness: My voice fades away in some calls to the point listener can't hear me, wind noise heard by other end, & rubber ear pieces that attach to headset fall off and get lost within 2 weeks of being replaced.

This is the second nxzen 5500 I've gotten. The first one repeatedly dropped my voice so I had to disconnect and recall. I returned it to the distributor. They sent me the replacement I am now using. I currently have submitted these questions to gennum tech support regarding the current earpiece: 1. Why does my voice occasionally fade, so I cannot be heard by my caller? I end up having to...
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This is the second nxzen 5500 I've gotten. The first one repeatedly dropped my voice so I had to disconnect and recall. I returned it to the distributor. They sent me the replacement I am now using.
I currently have submitted these questions to gennum tech support regarding the current earpiece:
1. Why does my voice occasionally fade, so I cannot be heard by my caller? I end up having to disconnect the call and re-calling them to continue the conversation. This happens inside my home or car, where there is little background noise. Is there an update to the existing algorithm in headset available?
2. The rubber attaching earpieces don't last very long and fall off because the rubber splits at the fitting, or just stretch out and fall off. Where can I get a year's supply of ribbed rubber ear fittings?
3. I am not particularly impressed at its noise cancelling ability. My callers can hear a breeze when I walk my dog. I live in the country; not much car or ambient noise, just lots of background noise from air and breezes. Can this be remedied?

By coowells - May 11, 2008

Long time user, learn the *real* history.

Strengths: Great noise canceling capabilities. Sound shaping with EQ does make a difference, choose your environment. Works great with out the ear hook. Holds charge well.

Weakness: Ear hook breaks way 2 easy, both in just a month. I use w/Cingular Palm 650 dist from handset is poor, ? tune up. Case cracked open from packing in my computer bag so much.

I work in many different noisy environs and have carried on a converstaion with an air conditioning guy cutting ductwork in same room with a sawsall. You really don't have to talk loud in the loud rooms either. Resturant/bar use is amazing. Not during dinner though. Airport terminal, car, all don't effect performance. I love this thing. But would love to see a better case and ability to handle...
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I work in many different noisy environs and have carried on a converstaion with an air conditioning guy cutting ductwork in same room with a sawsall. You really don't have to talk loud in the loud rooms either. Resturant/bar use is amazing. Not during dinner though. Airport terminal, car, all don't effect performance. I love this thing. But would love to see a better case and ability to handle rough travel, I have used it for almost a year and it needs help now.

By anonymous; - Nov 8, 2006

Bluetooth on the go

Strengths: Light and comfy

This is the lightest and most comfortable bluetooth headset that I have ever worn. It relieves me of the pain of having a heavy and dangling ear piece. What's so nice about this is I can answer calls while listening to my favorite tracks.

By anonymous; - Sep 6, 2006