Pre-Review: Motorola MOTOROKR S9-HD A2DP Stereo Bluetooth Headset for iPhone 3.0
Come this “summer”, iPhone 3.0 — see our walkthrough — will allow iPhone users to enjoy new Bluetooth functionalityincluding stereo headsets, both the A2DP audio and ARCP control protocols. And if you’re a developer, you likely have this functionality already for testing purposes.
A while back I took a preview look at the Motorola S9 Stereo Bluetooth Headset for iPhone 3.0. Looks like they’ve gone and grown up! If budget is less of a concern to you than sound, and you want to enjoy your audio on the go, the Motorola MOTOROKR S9-HD (the “-HD” being the key — and really only — differentiator here!) are something you definitely want to consider (available now from our sibling store at WMExperts).
Note: This pre-review will not be focusing on iPhone 3.0 functionality, which is currently in closed beta. It will concentrate only on the headset itself. However, for those developers needing an A2DP headset for testing 3.0, it’s our understanding this one works well on multiple units, over multiple carriers.
About that -HD
I’m not going to bore you with a re-hash review. This headset, as mentioned above, is almost identical to the non-HD version reviewed previously. The big difference, of course, is the “-HD” itself, and that’s what we’ll focus on here. Starting with: how big a difference is it?
BIG. The bass is bigger, the emersion experience is better, the depth and scope of the sound in general is brighter. They call it SRS WOW HD technology. Given that A2DP will never equal great wired earphones, and great wired earphones will never equal vinyl and vinyl will never equal great live music, as far as stereo Bluetooth headsets go, these S9-HD certainly nail the WOW.
Conclusion
The same sizing and form factor issues plague this headset as did it’s non-HD sibling. If your head doesn’t fall into the comfortable rang, and you want to be able to lie on your back while listening, these aren’t the headset for you. Likewise, if you value price over performance, look at those non-HD siblings. If you want this form factor and sound quality matters to you, these are top of the charts — easily.
Addendum: In the previous review, one of the commenters asked about glasses. I wear glasses, and while all glasses will vary in size and form factor, I had no problem wearing the S9-HD for lengthy periods. Your mileage may, of course, vary.
Pros
- Great sound
- Good battery life
- Light and comfortable
- Well suited for on-the-go use.
Cons
- May not fit all head sizes
- Not well-suited for lying down
TiPb Accessory Pre-Review Rating
May 31st, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Are these being presented as something that you could wear during a workout. I have a pair of the old ones, and reviews questioned whether they would hold up to a sweaty head. If they did this would be pretty good because the iPhone has issues with moisture.
May 31st, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Not well suited for lying down hmm, I was just lying across my bed listening to Kelly clarkston
May 31st, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Looks like these will be my hold overs until I get another pair of Shure SE530s and just in time for the next iPhone. These are very cool.
May 31st, 2009 at 7:56 pm
I love the s9 headset. I have to agree about them not being very good lying down. I just use earbuds instead.
May 31st, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I bought these to test A2DP on 3.0 b1. As of the last beta they work almost perfect, although they did break up a bit while running.
As for comfort these are great for working out as they don’t fall out and of course the no wires helps a lot. I can’t wear them while laying down as it pushes it out of my ears so for bench press they aren’t great.
May 31st, 2009 at 11:44 pm
looks like some one can snatch this right off the back of your neck.
June 5th, 2009 at 10:10 am
I’ve been using JayBird iphone bluetooth headphones for a while and loving them. I had an S9 before that and have also tried the Plantronics Voyager. I found the JayBird is the better of the 3 for work outs cause they stay on so well. They’re also a good small size which I like. I can’t wait to try these though…
June 12th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Do all the buttons work over A2DP & ARCP with iphone 3.0? ie: Volume up/down, play/pause, next/prev track
I have heard conflicting reports for both these HD’s and the regular S9’s. Confirmation would be great before purchasing either. Thanks
June 17th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
They’re not bad, but they can be a hassle. If you’re wearing a jacket with a hood, or high-ish collar, they get bumped around — can be very annoying.
If you have them hooked up to your home system to watch/listen to multimedia, they hit the back of a chair or sofa and can get pushed out of your ears.
Limited in use scenarios before the annoyance factor sets in… I’d say the star-rating here is quite generous, seems more like 3-stars overall, possibly higher if you’re going on comparative Bluetooth sound quality alone.
June 17th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
I bought a pair of these today. The headphones work really well with the iPhone 3.0 update on my 3G; the sound is clear, bass is deep, and they are moderately comfortable. However, the only working buttons on mine are the volume up/down and play/pause buttons. I can live with this, but it’d be nice if the other buttons actually did work.
June 18th, 2009 at 5:01 am
I puchased the motorokr S9-HD to use with my iPhone 3.0 OS, the sound is great but I am somehow dissapointed that some of the control buttons do not work at all, like rewind and forward buttons. Is there anybody else having the same problem? I hope the issue could be fixed.
June 18th, 2009 at 8:57 am
I have the same problem with my S9’s. The sound great, but it is lacking when you can’t advance your music while running, without having to unlock and control from the phone. The shake option is ok, but you can’t do that if your phone is locked or is not in IPOD mode.
June 18th, 2009 at 11:57 am
It really sucks that the shuffle trick does not work while the phone 3.0 OS is locked. But about the back and forward buttons on the S9-HD don’t even work while watching a movie. I use to keep my phone in my pocket connected with a Scosche Z4 streamer and the S9-HD before the 3.0 update and when listening to music I could select any song back and forward without any problem and now that I have the update I don’t need the streamer with the two buttons don’t work. Maybe Apple or any developer could come out with something to fix the problem.
June 18th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
I have the s-9 HDs with the 3.0 software and have the same problem. I found on apples web site forem that others have the same issue but at the bottom post someone says it’s a problem with the AVRCP profile . Apple knows about the issue and has a open case on it. I would go and post on apples web site on this problem so there would be a bug fix!!! If you know what I talking about……(-;
June 18th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Regarding the forwrad/back buttons: it’s an iPhone limitation. “iPhone 3.0 Software doesn’t provide support for Bluetooth’s AudioVideo Remote Control Profile (AVRCP), which allows a Bluetooth accessory to control media playback.” from PC World.
June 19th, 2009 at 9:55 am
I have the same problems with the rewind or forward button on my bluetooth head set only thing that works is the volume buttons (thank god) is this a 3.0 issue or what?
June 22nd, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Most of you guys are blessed because NONE of the S9-HD controls work with my upgraded 3.0 OS.
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:07 am
I just purchased the S9HD Motorola S9-HD and I can’t believe that skip forward and backwards does not work with the iPhone 3. OS. Has anyone found an application that will make these buttons work?
June 23rd, 2009 at 11:34 am
I just bought the S9-HD and when I first cracked them open, the phone button faithfully answered calls and the play/pause button did what it was supposed to do on my iPhone 3G. I was upset that the FF/RW buttons didn’t work, but oh well. Now, not two days later, the phone and play/pause buttons increase and decrease the volume of the headset!! The actual volume buttons work, too, but this is very strange behavior. Also, the WOW function no longer works. All this after one sweaty bikek ride home. Has anyone else run into this issue?
June 23rd, 2009 at 6:18 pm
I am only getting sound out of the left ear speaker…anyone else experience this?
June 24th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
I have the same problem – audio only from the left ear. When I first got it it was in stereo. The next time I tried it, only the left side worked. Paired the headphone with another computer same problem. Called Motorola they will be sending out replacement. Will need to send back defective one, within 30 day or they will charge you. Hope the replacement comes soon.
June 25th, 2009 at 10:10 am
The Motorola S9-HD is reported to “handle calls”. How does this work? There is not a microphone, correct? Do you hold the phone to your mouth and listen through the headphones?
June 25th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Last comment was funny but anyway, i purchased the Motorola S9-HD a week ago and i can say the rewind and forward don’t work like others have mentioned but the rest work good, like the play/stop, wow sound On/Off, answering and ending calls and the volume control. Now to why the forward and rewind don’t work. I did a little research and found out that the Apple iphone 3.0 firmware doesn’t have the Bluetooth’s Audio Video Remote Control Profile or you can say(AVRCP), that allows the Bluetooth to control media playback. It only comes with A2DP. Apple come on Step up your game
June 26th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Just to add I purchased the Altec Lansing Back Beat 906 and use it with my iPhone 3G 3.0 OS and whenever I put my phone in the holster the audio goes in and out. I don’t know if it’s because of the Bluetooth 2.0 the iPhone has and the headphones are a Bluetooth 2.1 or not. Does anyone knows what version of Bluetooth that the S9-HD is, because I’m ready to go purchase these after reading these reviews.
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:41 am
well, it sounds great, but all the buttons do not work with the iphone 3gs. i am debating now to send it back. for $89 i expect it to work.
July 6th, 2009 at 2:13 am
I have the 3gs and Motorola S9-HD as well as Motorola S9 and all buttons work fine except back and forward buttons, and that issue has already been discuses here. PS, back and forward don’t work with any bluetooth head set on iPhone, at least not without an adapter. I don’t know if they work when you use an adapter, I don’t own one.
July 6th, 2009 at 10:45 am
I have the Motorola S9-HD and the new iPhone 3. OS. As with everyone above, the forward or rewind doesn’t work, I can live with that. But the most aggravating thing is that the “voice” dials aren’t working. Holding down the button on the S9 HD does a redial while on the iphone it’s supposed to activate the voice commands. So there’s another compatibality issue…
July 8th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
I got a smaller head than average.. Has any else with a smallish head try these?.. Cause if not mistaken there not adjustable
July 10th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Apple definitely will have a fix for this and it is called Apple Bluetooth Headsets coming to their store real soon. Too much money is involved in this. You think they gonna leave the millions of dollars on the table for this your crazy!
July 16th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
I love my S-9 HD’s. But I really miss the ability to forward and rewind music since buying my iPhone 3Gs. It affects the way I have traditionally used my phones, especially while working out. Apple really needs to fix this fast. It’s frustrating that this phone will do everything under the sun except one feature that I use multiple times a day in my every day life. I expect more from Apple.
August 6th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
I just purchased my S9-HD a few days ago. When I’m indoors, it works like a charm. However, when I’m on the street (especially in the city), the music skips alot and/or the music speeds up. I’m thinking that it struggles because it may be picking up other blue tooth ready devices. The Motorola tech I instant messaged with said that it was impossible. Then, why doesn’t it only happen when I’m on busy streets?
August 9th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
SO I just ordered a pair from Amazon and my plan is to somehow waterproof these better. I have a question though to those current/past owners.
Where do you think the water/moisture is seeping in? Through the actual volume switch or through the earbud, or both? I’d like to apply a thin silicone seal over any openings and maybe adding some foam into the ear buds to block mass moisture.
Any ideas?
August 10th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
With the iPhone 3G, I was a little disappointed that my motorola S9-HD headset lost the forward and backwards buttons functionality, however I was okay with it, but I just purchased an iPhone 3GS and am very disappointed cause now I have lost complete functionality with the play/pause buttons as well, yet on my brother’s blackberry, this headset has full complete functionality of all buttons. Is there any fix to this that anyone can think of that could possibly provide support for the motorola S9-HD headset to fully function?
August 13th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Tried a pair but didn’t fit my big head. Ear buds wouldn’t stay in my ears.
August 14th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
I just purchase the Moto S9-HD headset it worked perfectly the 1st time. Later that day I wanted to use them again and it started skipping parts of the song and I notice that it would be 4 seconds behind the song while it played on my iPod device. This is happening while I’m just sitting down playing on the computer. I’m not running, walking away from the iPod device. Any reason why this is happening?
August 17th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Well, the iPhone 3Gs is certainly capable of using the FFW and RW buttons on these headsets, I believe that for some odd reason they hobbled the feature. The reason I say this is because I discovered that the features work when I’m using my NIKE+ running shoes and the NIKE+ application on my iPhone. It will pause and skip tracks forward and back with the controls on the S9Hd headsets. I also confirmed this works well with the basic S9 headsets. So the real hangup is not the phone. but the programming on the phone for the Blutooth controls. Why would it work for just the NIKE app…???? Apple is wierd like that. Luckily I’m running and walking more often now, so I use the Nike app to track it and the full features of the headset work. But only when in the NIKE+ application.
August 18th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Just received my S9HD today. I was worried about reviews complaining about the music skipping. I didn’t mind the FFW and RW not working. The set worked great while at home or in the car. Just as soon as I get on the track walking they start cutting out. This happens especially if I turn my head left or right. Sometimes it cuts out for no apparant reason. My Iphone 3gs is in a holster and I’m guessing the headset is losing connection with the phone. If I place my hand over the phone or headset it causes it to skip and loses connection. This means that when my arm moves next to my phone it cuts out too. I guess being in the car or house is bouncing the bluetooth signal back to the phone so it doesn’t skip when I try the same “test”. Mine are going back to the vendor tomorrow for this reason. I bought them specifically for the track so I don’t get tangled up in my wires.
August 25th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
I have the same cutting out problem when running. Its fine if I’m still. I don’t know if its a headphone or Ipod issue. I’ve seen somewhere that bluetooth devices automatically scale back the power when close to the paired device to save power. The sudden movement back and forth it can’t handle. Wild guess, but sounds likely.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:06 am
Same stupid cutting problem, sounds like a desparatly needed software update should be in order.
September 6th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
I have returned three pairs of S9 headsets which either stopped working entirely or had buttons cease functioning after several heavy-duty workouts. Admittedly, I sweat a lot and I work out intensly. Still, I have come to the conclusion that the S9 is simply not suitable for use as a workout headset (at least not if you sweat enough during your workout to get water on your S9).
A Motorola customer service rep, one of many I have spoken with since I first purchased my S9 over two years ago, aIn an honest moment stated that the S9 will malfunction if it gets wet, including if sweat gets on the headset. The rep advised letting the S9’s charge completely drain and then recharge; if that does not fix the problem, welcome to the world of many S9 owners who believed Motorola’s PR regarding this device’s usefulness as a cordless workout headset. I found quite a number of similar complaints about the S9 with a simple Google search. I warn anyone who wants to use the S9 for working out: if you break a sweat while exercising, stay away.
Has anyone tried the Blackbird BT headset? If so, what do you think if them?
BTW, I have also read that the call answer, FF and REV functions do not work on the S9 because Apple has chosen not to support those functions generally. Perhaps Apple is planning on developing it’s own BT headset and wants to ensure that only it’s device offers the full range of functionality.
September 6th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Oops, I meant the Jaybird headset, not the Blackbird. Sorry.
September 17th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
I have started having problems with my S9-HD, which is only a couple of months old, that during a workout the volume will start going up or down with the beeps like you are pushing the button on the side of the headset, and you can’t adjust the volume anymore with the buttons when this happens. I would assume it is from sweat causing a short in the headset. Once again I think they missed the mark on Quality Control. Has anyone else seen this issue?
September 22nd, 2009 at 8:22 pm
@ Gringo: Please see my post up a couple. You are describing exactly the repeated problems I’ve had with the S9. Each pair of my S9s exhibited behavoirs similar to what you describe before finally crapping out.
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I have just had customer service send me my third set, and hope these last longer. They have been averaging about 2 months each. I will continue to do this till my one year warranty runs out, or I get a set that continues to work.
Did you ever get a response from anyone on the Jaybird headset, or did you try them your self?
Does anyone else have a headset they would recommend?
September 28th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
@ Gringo: Good luck with the third set. If you could, post here if the problem remains (I hope it doesn’t for your sake but I suspect it will; it’s the reason I won’t even consider the S9-HD).
I haven’t gotten any responses on the Jaybirds (at least not yet; any thoughts from Jaybird owners would be greatly appreciated). If I don’t hear something in the next week or two I’ll take the plunge. I’ll probably buy some plantronix ear buds to, hopefully create a better ear canal seal and, thereby, boost the bass of the Jaybirds. In any event, I’ll be sure to post my thoughts in this thread.
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:11 pm
I have a 2G on 3.0 firmware. It says it’s paired and connected but music won’t play through the headset? WTF???
October 15th, 2009 at 11:18 am
I’m using a jailbroken iphone 3g version 3.0.1 with cydia. I bought the S9 HD’s last night; they sound amazing, the bass is loud and clear, they fit nicely (though not with a beanie which will make them bad for snowboarding), but the skip forward/back controls do not work. I paired/unpaired, powered on/off, no luck.
Taking and ending calls worked just fine, though my wife said i sounded like I was standing further from the mic than with the standard Apple headset (which is to be expected because of the difference in the location of the mic on the two headsets).
But I can’t get past the skip forward/back buttons not working. Neither does the play/pause button. So now instead of being tethered to my phone by a cord, I would have to actually hold the phone in my hand to be able to control everything- which means the bluetooth feature provides, in the end, less freedom/convenience than standard wired headphones. No good. I’m taking them back today.
October 20th, 2009 at 4:08 am
the solution (not the best solution) is “Volume Media Settings” this app let you change the songs using the volume keys from the iphone. so, you can change the songs using those keys, its the best solution… until now.
October 21st, 2009 at 12:44 am
Well, I should be receiving my Jaybirds in the next couple of days. I’ll post my thoughts here.
October 27th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
I do not see that app I typed in volume media settings which one is it…I just bought the S9HD today and same thing with the volume buttons I paid 100 bucks plus tax not worth it then if they are not going to fix this…also I saw the one in the apple store comes with an adapter is that only for it to work with the ipod or also the iphone?
November 1st, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I just purchased the S9HD. I found that by simply pairing the device with the headphones you can only pause and play music and answer phone calls. So I tried pairing it with the D670 adapter that come with the headset, the controls then worked, however I couldn’t answer calls. Over all I hope that Apple fixes the bugs to allow for both to work at the same time, but meanwhile I guess it will have to do. Other than that, the sound quality is great. I haven’t ran with them, but they seem to have a snug fit that shouldn’t be affected by the movement.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:33 am
i have had my s9hd for quite awhile now. the clarity of the music is excellent but then it is also excellent with the headphones that came with my ipod touch and iphone. i had an ipod touch first and had to use an adaptor to get bluetooth capability of course. i was getting the breaking up or cutting out when i would go jogging. i though it was the adaptor setup so i took the adaptor back. i then loaded my music on my krazor (phone i had then)to use for jogging. same thing happened with the cutting out. i was wanting to return them but couldnt find the receipt. i finally ended up with my beloved iphone, so i thought i would try them again. they never cut out or give me that problem with the iphone, so i don’t know exactly what’s up with all that. i really didn’t want to post about all that though. i am really hear to say (and surprised i am the only one) is that i am bothered the most about how easily the earbuds fall off. and what’s worse is they don’t sell replacements at radio shack or best buy or anywhere else i have looked. it appears you have to order then online for $15.94 With shipping from motorola. and for that you get one small pair and one large pair, which really equals ONE pair you can actually use unless your ears are adjustable. i saw som cheapo aftermarket wannabees on ebay for a few bucks less but they didn’t even look right. I bought these when they first came out and i think i paid around $115.00. For that kind of money i didn’t expect so much hassle. and of of course the disappointment of no song forward or back as everyone mentioned.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:42 am
corrections: line 5:thought line 12: here —–i can spell….it’s just late! i don’t usually post. i now see if i am going to go on a bit i should break it up into paragraphs to make it easier to read. sorry. better contributions in the future.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:06 am
I now have had my 3rd set of S9HD for less than a Month and the volume controls are already shorting out. I guess I will continue trying new ones as long as they will send them to me, but until they redesign them to be sweat proof I would not recommend them as a good workout solution.
Has anyone received their Jaybirds who can give us some feedback on them?
November 5th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
I just got a pair of S9-HD and tried to take a few phone calls. Everyone said they could barely hear me. I uss a Palm Pre so I don’t know if that is the issue (yes, the Pre has a lot of issues – but I don’t want to get into that here). So the question to you all is mic quality and what others are telling you they are or are not hearing. By the by I can forward with the S9-HD and Palm Pre while using Pandora – the internet music program that is somthing like a radio. I don’t have music on my phone memory so I can’t comment there. I was searching for a discussion on S9-hd and found you all. How are your mics working?
Thanks,
d
November 7th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
any update on the headset working with the iPhone being able to change the songs?