A.M.P Antec Mobile Products Review

Antec Gain Bluetooth Receiver

This is the first set of Bluetooth headphones that I’ve ever owned, I’m generally a fan of using cables for my audio solutions and that is fine, no problem. However there are many applications to having a wireless capable device that I simply cannot ignore and there are many good reasons why Bluetooth headsets are more popular than ever.

Having a bit of extra freedom from your device gives you the ability to put that device in your bag, put it on your desk in a charging dock, dock it in your car for navigation and of course hands free calls. But you can do all this without the cable trekking to the device, sure you still have the headphone cable running from the Bluetooth device, but it’s small, compact and can be clipped onto your clothing and that goes a long way to preventing you getting tangled up in your own cables.

I love good quality sound and the Bluetooth High-Definition technology used here is a welcome feature, add to that a built-in microphone, volume adjustment, pause, play and skip track controls and finally the ability to switch from audio to phone functions with ease make this ideal for those who love to enjoy multimedia applications on their phone (or any other capable Bluetooth device).

The controller is highly compact and once clipped onto your clothing it’s small enough to not get in the way but still manages to be accessible to control its various feature. A 6 hour battery offers up more than enough charge to last a few delayed train journeys and your lunch hour, then you just hook up the included micro-USB cable at the end of the day to quickly charge the device.

• Bluetooth Standard: Bluetooth V3.0+EDR
• Communication Range: 10 M (30 ft)
• Frequency Band: 2.4 ～ 2.480GHz
• Spectrum: FHSS
• Support Profiles: Supports Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) 1.2, Hands-Free Profile (HFP) 1.5, Headset Profile (HSP) 1.1
• Size: 40(H) x 23(W) x 15(D) mm
• Battery Capacity: Li-lon Battery 3.7V
• Operating Time: 6 hrs

One bonus feature here was that my set came bundled with a nice set of in-ear headphones, which may or may not come with the adaptor when you purchase it as it was a limited time offer, they’re good quality and ensure a good fit but since they are “free” with the device, I don’t want to focus on them too much. Should you get these included with your Gain, then it’s just better value for money.

Pairing the Gain with my phone (HTC One X+) was quick and easy, just as it should be with any Bluetooth adaptor. Once connected I was immediately able to make calls, listen to my music and generally get on with things. Its the kind of tech that doesn’t leap out at you as ground breaking, but you appreciate that it’s there doing its job. Best of all is the price, given that I’ve seen these for sale at around £30-35 which is fantastic value for money, and it’s a very user friendly hands free kit.