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Does anyone have first hand experience with these vs the Monster Boomerang? I'm a huge fan of the Boomerang wearable speakers and have had one for years now. They are a slow build to be more socially acceptable and I've been happy to see quite a few people walking around with wearables at work over the last year or so but I am still never going to be the guy to wear it out at the grocery store and whatnot.
Having gotten several pair of the Boomerangs for less than $35 on flash deals (used to be very common a few years ago but I haven't seen them go that low in a very long time as they have become more popular), I'm always wondering just how much of an improvement, if any, these bigger name brand models could actually offer to justify the massive price jump that come along with models from Sony, Panasonic, Bose, etc.
Does anyone have first hand experience with these vs the Monster Boomerang? I'm a huge fan of the Boomerang wearable speakers and have had one for years now. They are a slow build to be more socially acceptable and I've been happy to see quite a few people walking around with wearables at work over the last year or so but I am still never going to be the guy to wear it out at the grocery store and whatnot.
Having gotten several pair of the Boomerangs for less than $35 on flash deals (used to be very common a few years ago but I haven't seen them go that low in a very long time as they have become more popular), I'm always wondering just how much of an improvement, if any, these bigger name brand models could actually offer to justify the massive price jump that come along with models from Sony, Panasonic, Bose, etc.
best buy had them and u can try out. it's a niche product. the usecase is very limited. Basically, u have a soundbar next to your head. and do not worry about the long usage. u won't feel a thing after putting on your neck for a while.
best buy had them and u can try out. it's a niche product. the usecase is very limited. Basically, u have a soundbar next to your head. and do not worry about the long usage. u won't feel a thing after putting on your neck for a while.
Thanks but I've been using wearables for years. They are somewhat niche but I have loved mine when the chance to use it comes up (which is more often than I would have guessed). I was more asking for first hand comparison between the posted product and the Monster Boomerang that I've had for years. It's a general curiosity that really doesn't necessitate a trip to Best Buy for me to satisfy. Thanks though
Thanks but I've been using wearables for years. They are somewhat niche but I have loved mine when the chance to use it comes up (which is more often than I would have guessed). I was more asking for first hand comparison between the posted product and the Monster Boomerang that I've had for years. It's a general curiosity that really doesn't necessitate a trip to Best Buy for me to satisfy. Thanks though
BTW, back then it was 99 for this. maybe this is a new version or something.
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from GeoffreyK24
:
Does anyone have first hand experience with these vs the Monster Boomerang? I'm a huge fan of the Boomerang wearable speakers and have had one for years now. They are a slow build to be more socially acceptable and I've been happy to see quite a few people walking around with wearables at work over the last year or so but I am still never going to be the guy to wear it out at the grocery store and whatnot.
Having gotten several pair of the Boomerangs for less than $35 on flash deals (used to be very common a few years ago but I haven't seen them go that low in a very long time as they have become more popular), I'm always wondering just how much of an improvement, if any, these bigger name brand models could actually offer to justify the massive price jump that come along with models from Sony, Panasonic, Bose, etc.
I have been using these shoulder speakers for years to listen to podcasts, videos etc while doing things around the house (so I can hear my surroundings, especially when my kids were little). I used the Bose soundwear for years, then got the boomerang. I didn't like the boomerang. It sounded good for the price at times, and it was serviceable but a step down from the Bose in almost every way (granted, it was cheaper). The main issues were odd DSP volume fluctuations very noticeable with changing dynamics, battery drain even when not used, less comfortable weight distribution and shape, and last - that Monster doesn't support the product at all. I reached out to them with a small issue/question and they told me that I'd have to contact some other company who manufactures it and it wasn't them. I complained sarcastically that this rogue company somehow stuck their product on their website and are using their name. Of course if a company is willing to stamp their name on something they should support it.
This Sony is a good product. I've owned this model and the similar one this replaced. The sound is more natural than the Bose (which was very good but is an obsolete model) and Monster, and is pretty comfortable too. The only complaint is the usual price is too high. That being said there isn't a better one that I could find when I bought it.
Nowadays, open ear style buds have replaced these for me (e.g. clip style). None of these open style options are for critical listening because they don't have deep bass, but the clip style allow me to move around and not have to worry about them falling off. This is especially true when I'm doing yard work.
I have the older model that is luckily still working well, at they are by no means cheap. Absolutely love them for long dog walks and keeping situational awareness
I just picked up a refurb pair of the Sony BRAVIA Theater U wearable speakers from eBay, and after some testing I have to say they didn't meet my expectations.
Setup and calibration through the Sony apps was straightforward, and I know there are some niche use cases where these might shine (particularly with certain streaming services that have enhanced audio modes). But at the end of the day, they are exactly what the product name suggests: a wearable speaker that happens to sit near your ears.
What they are not is private or "laser-focused" sound. Even at modest volumes, the audio is clearly audible from across a room. Anyone nearby will hear what you're listening to. I would not want to be working in the same space with someone using these (just as I dislike hearing portable Bluetooth speakers on an otherwise quiet hike).
From looking at other reviews elsewhere, it seems I'm not alone in this assessment. Many people have pointed out that while the Theater U can sound immersive to the wearer, the sound leakage is more significant than you'd expect for something marketed as a "personal" solution.
Overall: 2.5/5 stars. These are basically a wireless neck-mounted speaker - not a private listening device.
I have been using these shoulder speakers for years to listen to podcasts, videos etc while doing things around the house (so I can hear my surroundings, especially when my kids were little). I used the Bose soundwear for years, then got the boomerang. I didn't like the boomerang. It sounded good for the price at times, and it was serviceable but a step down from the Bose in almost every way (granted, it was cheaper). The main issues were odd DSP volume fluctuations very noticeable with changing dynamics, battery drain even when not used, less comfortable weight distribution and shape, and last - that Monster doesn't support the product at all. I reached out to them with a small issue/question and they told me that I'd have to contact some other company who manufactures it and it wasn't them. I complained sarcastically that this rogue company somehow stuck their product on their website and are using their name. Of course if a company is willing to stamp their name on something they should support it.
This Sony is a good product. I've owned this model and the similar one this replaced. The sound is more natural than the Bose (which was very good but is an obsolete model) and Monster, and is pretty comfortable too. The only complaint is the usual price is too high. That being said there isn't a better one that I could find when I bought it.
Nowadays, open ear style buds have replaced these for me (e.g. clip style). None of these open style options are for critical listening because they don't have deep bass, but the clip style allow me to move around and not have to worry about them falling off. This is especially true when I'm doing yard work.
Thanks for the response! I must be lucky because I haven't had those issues with any of the pairs of Boomerangs I've purchased (wife's, parents, etc). It's nice to know that the listening experience is actually improved when spending up on these devices and I've always wondered just how big of a difference it would make if I'm already happy with the Boomerang. I might actually consider an upgraded model in the future after your testimonial. As far as Monster is concerned, they don't actually manufacture ANY of their own products. They simply buy devices they want to sell and rubber stamp their logos. Their business model changed DRASTICALLY shortly after they blew up as a "premium audio cable" company back in the day. They were one of those companies that made a big name for themselves and everyone wanted to do business with but then they crashed and burned in some pretty embarrassing ways. Here is an interesting video I just watched recently that has a lot more details about the brand history than I had heard before: https://youtu.be/6mmPkqVzhb4?si=b... />
Thanks, again, for the feedback.
Can any owners comment as to how much sound leakage this produces? How loud is it wearing it vs. 3ft, 8ft, etc. at a decent listening volume. Is the sound direction primarily up vs outwards?
Can any owners comment as to how much sound leakage this produces? How loud is it wearing it vs. 3ft, 8ft, etc. at a decent listening volume. Is the sound direction primarily up vs outwards?
I would say around 50 percent sound leakage at 8 feet. The sound is primarily up/outwards at an angle. think of it like 45 degrees from you shoulders.
These speakers are not for everyone so it really depends on what you would normally use them for or with.
These shoulder speakers are very comfortable, the weight just disappears after while so I can just leave it on my shoulder all day. You can pair them with multiple (2) Bluetooth devices at the sometime and it can switch automatically depending on which one have active sound coming in. You can also pair 2 of these to a Sony Bravia Tv with each person having different volume. If its connected to the new Sony Bravia tv, you will get to enable their simulated surround sound engine. It also have built-in omnidirectional microphone so you and make and answer phone calls too if its paired with your phone.
here what I have use these with:
Pair up with TV so that I can still hear the TV when I cook in the kitchen or walk around the place. The sound leakage is very noticeable, but its quieter than turning up the volume on the tv or sound system. The sound is very good and clear too with just enough base.
For those that wears headphones, when the weather gets HOT or if you are going to be eating HOT or spicy good, you will normally want to remove your headphones, but with these you can leave it on your shoulders and the hot weather or food will not effect you.
For those that still drives an old car with not so great speakers, you can wear these with you when you drive since its not headphones. and use it to enjoy better music and use as hand/free headset for calls too. (if you are a delivery courier, they may or may not allow this so you will need to confirm with your manager)
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Having gotten several pair of the Boomerangs for less than $35 on flash deals (used to be very common a few years ago but I haven't seen them go that low in a very long time as they have become more popular), I'm always wondering just how much of an improvement, if any, these bigger name brand models could actually offer to justify the massive price jump that come along with models from Sony, Panasonic, Bose, etc.
Having gotten several pair of the Boomerangs for less than $35 on flash deals (used to be very common a few years ago but I haven't seen them go that low in a very long time as they have become more popular), I'm always wondering just how much of an improvement, if any, these bigger name brand models could actually offer to justify the massive price jump that come along with models from Sony, Panasonic, Bose, etc.
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank
Having gotten several pair of the Boomerangs for less than $35 on flash deals (used to be very common a few years ago but I haven't seen them go that low in a very long time as they have become more popular), I'm always wondering just how much of an improvement, if any, these bigger name brand models could actually offer to justify the massive price jump that come along with models from Sony, Panasonic, Bose, etc.
This Sony is a good product. I've owned this model and the similar one this replaced. The sound is more natural than the Bose (which was very good but is an obsolete model) and Monster, and is pretty comfortable too. The only complaint is the usual price is too high. That being said there isn't a better one that I could find when I bought it.
Nowadays, open ear style buds have replaced these for me (e.g. clip style). None of these open style options are for critical listening because they don't have deep bass, but the clip style allow me to move around and not have to worry about them falling off. This is especially true when I'm doing yard work.
Setup and calibration through the Sony apps was straightforward, and I know there are some niche use cases where these might shine (particularly with certain streaming services that have enhanced audio modes). But at the end of the day, they are exactly what the product name suggests: a wearable speaker that happens to sit near your ears.
What they are not is private or "laser-focused" sound. Even at modest volumes, the audio is clearly audible from across a room. Anyone nearby will hear what you're listening to. I would not want to be working in the same space with someone using these (just as I dislike hearing portable Bluetooth speakers on an otherwise quiet hike).
From looking at other reviews elsewhere, it seems I'm not alone in this assessment. Many people have pointed out that while the Theater U can sound immersive to the wearer, the sound leakage is more significant than you'd expect for something marketed as a "personal" solution.
Overall: 2.5/5 stars. These are basically a wireless neck-mounted speaker - not a private listening device.
This Sony is a good product. I've owned this model and the similar one this replaced. The sound is more natural than the Bose (which was very good but is an obsolete model) and Monster, and is pretty comfortable too. The only complaint is the usual price is too high. That being said there isn't a better one that I could find when I bought it.
Nowadays, open ear style buds have replaced these for me (e.g. clip style). None of these open style options are for critical listening because they don't have deep bass, but the clip style allow me to move around and not have to worry about them falling off. This is especially true when I'm doing yard work.
These shoulder speakers are very comfortable, the weight just disappears after while so I can just leave it on my shoulder all day. You can pair them with multiple (2) Bluetooth devices at the sometime and it can switch automatically depending on which one have active sound coming in. You can also pair 2 of these to a Sony Bravia Tv with each person having different volume. If its connected to the new Sony Bravia tv, you will get to enable their simulated surround sound engine. It also have built-in omnidirectional microphone so you and make and answer phone calls too if its paired with your phone.
here what I have use these with:
Pair up with TV so that I can still hear the TV when I cook in the kitchen or walk around the place. The sound leakage is very noticeable, but its quieter than turning up the volume on the tv or sound system. The sound is very good and clear too with just enough base.
For those that wears headphones, when the weather gets HOT or if you are going to be eating HOT or spicy good, you will normally want to remove your headphones, but with these you can leave it on your shoulders and the hot weather or food will not effect you.
For those that still drives an old car with not so great speakers, you can wear these with you when you drive since its not headphones. and use it to enjoy better music and use as hand/free headset for calls too. (if you are a delivery courier, they may or may not allow this so you will need to confirm with your manager)
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