Boat Audio-Technical ATH-CLR100BT Wireless Earphones Review

Boat Audio-Technical ATH-CLR100BT Wireless Earphones Review

Japanese headphone and earphone brand Audio-Technica may be a popular name among enthusiasts and audiophiles, largely for its Professional Monitor series of headphones. However, the corporate also has a powerful range of affordable consumer-centric audio products, and its recent launches have made Audio-Technica more accessible to budget buyers. The company's most affordable wireless product yet is that the Rs. 2,499 Audio-Technica ATH-CLR100BT.

There are many affordable wireless earphones and headphones available during this price range, but not many can claim to possess an equivalent legacy and reputation as Audio-Technica. Can this otherwise high-end brand bring its expertise into the affordable space? determine in our review of the Audio-Technica ATH-CLR100BT.

Audio-Technica ATH-CLR100BT design and specifications

The model number suggests that the Audio-Technica ATH-CLR100BT is that the wireless version of the affordable ATH-CLR100 wired earphones, but there are a couple of small differences that transcend the tactic of connectivity. The ATH-CLR100BT has slightly larger 8.7mm drivers than the wired version (which has 8.5mm drivers), and therefore the frequency response range is 20-20,000Hz (compared to 20-25,000Hz on the wired version). There's Bluetooth 5 for connectivity, with support for less than the SBC Bluetooth codec.

The earphones have a neckband-style design without the particular neckband; only a skinny cable with two weighted modules connects the 2 earphones, rather than a correct flexible band. Considering that cheaper earphones like the Realme Buds Wireless and Mi Neckband Bluetooth earphones have proper, well-designed neckbands, we found the planning of the ATH-CLR100BT to be a touch inadequate.

The in-line modules are made from plastic and can hang over your shoulders once you wear this headset. The earphones also are plastic, and appearance and feel quite ordinary. The earbuds are comfortable, though, and offer a secure, noise isolating fit. the proper module has the controls - a multi-function button for power and playback and two buttons for volume - along side the microphone and a Micro-USB charging port. The sales package includes three pairs of silicone ear tips and a Micro-USB cable to charge the Audio-Technica ATH-CLR100BT.

The weight of the modules does pull down on the earphones. the shortage of a stable neckband means the modules move around with even basic activity like walking. The length of the wire from the modules to the earbuds was a touch an excessive amount of , and that they constantly and annoyingly brushed against our face, generating a good little bit of cable noise. The earphones work best when you're sitting down, and may be a touch uncomfortable if used when traveling .

We were ready to get around seven hours of use per charge from the Audio-Technica ATH-CLR100BT, matching the company's claim. Charging is via Micro-USB - still the quality for affordable wireless earphones - and it takes around two hours to completely charge the earphones from an empty battery.

Audio-Technica ATH-CLR100BT performance

While most pairs of headphones and earphones within the affordable segment tend to stay to a specific sonic signature that favours popular music genre today, Audio-Technica features a balanced approach to sound. The ATH-CLR100BT earphones have an uncharacteristically neutral sonic signature, unlike most wireless options priced under Rs. 3,000 that we've reviewed in recent months. We tested the earphones with a OnePlus 7T Pro (Review) because the source device, taking note of Spotify, YouTube Music, and our collection of high-resolution audio tracks.

Listening to Magenta Riddim by DJ Snake, we quickly noticed that the sonic signature was unlike what we're wont to hearing on budget wireless earphones. This electronic dance track starts with generous helpings of thump when taking note of it using most other pairs of earphones during this price segment, but the Audio-Technica ATH-CLR100BT provided a more detailed approach to the present track. While we could hear hints of rumble within the lows, equal attention was given to the mids and highs.

We occasionally found the mids and highs a touch too sharp for our liking, but they were never excessive to the purpose of causing any listener fatigue. taking note of Sam Smith's How does one Sleep, the vocals were crisp and rightly took centerstage within the track. That said, a number of the exciting parts of the track appeared to lose all their bite due to the soft low-end.

While we did appreciate the uncommon sonic signature, the remainder of the sound is simply about what you'd expect from a budget wireless headset. The Audio-Technica ATH-CLR100BT isn't special or technically impressive, but that may not necessarily what most of the people expect from a reasonable pair of wireless earphones. What you get is an inoffensive, neutral sonic signature which will appeal to anyone on a budget looking beyond the standard bass-and-treble heavy sound that the majority wireless earphones priced under Rs. 3,000 provide.

The Audio-Technica ATH-CLR100BT is decent enough for calls and voice communication; we were ready to hear the opposite party and be heard clearly on most of the calls we made. Although there was a good amount of background sound when outdoors, the positioning of the microphone ensured that our voice was relayed effectively.

Verdict

The budget wireless earphone segment was crammed with smaller, not too documented brands till recently; things have only changed over the past few months with the entry of brands like Realme and Xiaomi within the under-Rs. 2,000 segment. Although the Audio-Technica ATH-CLR100BT may be a bit costlier at Rs. 2,499, it's still a reasonable headset which may be worth considering for the worth and legacy of the brand.

If you hear tons of popular genres and need a touch clock in the bass, the Audio-Technica ATH-CLR100BT might not be the simplest pick for you. We also had some issues with the planning of the cable and neckband modules. However, this is often the foremost balanced-sounding pair of wireless earphones you'll buy for under Rs. 2,500. If that is what you are looking for, then this is often a worthwhile pick.

Price: Rs. 2,499

Pros

• Balanced sonic signature

• Clean sound

• Decent for calls

• Good value for money

Cons

• Ordinary looks

• Odd cable and neckband module design

• Bass may be a bit soft

Ratings (out of 5)

• Design/ comfort: 2.5

• Audio quality: 3

• Battery life: 3.5

• Value for money: 4

• Overall: 3