Review: Cleer BT Bluetooth Wireless Headphone
Touch Panel Control activated
Introduction
It was a brisk day in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. I attended AXPONA, which is the Audio Expo North America...wait, I’m sounding like the Cleer DU review I recently published. Okay, it is true that I listened to the Cleer DU and the Cleer NC during the meet, but I also got to listen to the Cleer BT, thanks to Cleer’s VP of Marketing: Amber Bobin.
Cleer's VP of Marketing: Ms. Bobin
There were pros and cons to the headphone, but I wanted to thoroughly give it a listen and review, so I thank Ms. Bobin for the review sample in exchange of my honest opinion. Here’s this for starters: I didn’t exactly think the BT was my favorite of the four that Cleer offers (BT, DJ, DU and NC). As I listen and find out ways to maximize my enjoyment with the headphone, I come to some at-peace realizations. Will I learn to love the headphone, or possibly not fully enjoy the headphone? Well, come along with me on our journey to find out!
Audio equipment used in the review
Headphone
Cleer BT Bluetooth Wireless Headphone: $199
Headphones mentioned and compared
Archeer AH07 Impact Wireless Bluetooth Headphone: $59.59
Cleer DJ Professional DJ Headphone: $399.99
Cleer DU High Definition Dual-Driver Headphone: $199.99
Cleer NC Noise Cancelling Headphone: $299.99
Puro Sound Labs BT5200: $129.99
Sources
iPhone 6 (Space Gray, 128GB): $849.99 or $399.99 with a 2-Year Contract
Microsoft Surface Book: Starting at $1,499
Questyle Audio QP1R Golden: $899 USD
Software Applications Used
Spotify Premium – Extreme Setting
TIDAL HiFi – Lossless
Thanks for the interest! I have been a music aficionado since first listening to greats such as Anita Baker and Michael Jackson in their glory years.
An avid wrestler, coach, teacher and mentor, I like to immerse music lovers in headphones, earphones and sources that do nothing but make the listeners smile.
Ringing in my ears? Oh, tinnitus? I get that about 2 times a year, for about 10 seconds each time. Other than that, I’m currently good to go with regards to my hearing. Even if my hearing is perfect or not so perfect, what I hear may or may not match what you hear, for a multitude of reasons (genetic, physical, psychological, age, etcetera).
My music preferences are anything that has a great beat to it, not too vulgar in nature and anything that can induce head-bobbing, toe-tapping and maybe even dancing if the mood is right. I normally listen to (alphabetically): Alternative, Classical, Hip-Hop, Indie, Popular/Top Hits, Rock, and R&B/Soul. I will even from time to time listen to Blues, Jazz, Modern Electronic, Retro/Classics, and World.
Measurements - I measure headphone output dB with my decibel measurer app that anyone can download, replicate and have an instant reference with what I use to test. Frequency spectrum measurements are seldom posted, as the manufacturer’s measurements are usually the best guidelines to go by. Why? They use them to tune their equipment, and it’s from their own specific parameters. I completely agree with Ken Ball from ALO’s statement/post when it comes to frequency response measurements (verbatim):
“…I thought it might be good to post some frequency response measurements first before we see a lot of variations posted by people. Without going into a long drawn out thesis / debate on measurements I just want to say that I have not seen any reviewers measurements that are accurate and it can be difficult to interpret a freq measurement. I don't use HRTF compensation curve on my measurements because I am familiar with the raw freq curve so when I see a curve I know what it sounds like and am comfortable with what I am seeing. So to state my measurement so I can be happy that this is the official freq I am posting it here now. I do not really want to get into any debates on what the freq means or read into it too much as a freq measurement is only a very small part of the over all picture of the product. I would MUCH rather listen to the IEM than read a freq.
In addition, I dont want to sound like I dont welcome people to also have fun and measure, but just want to say that taking a accurate measurement is tricky, also tricky to read into the measurement. I spent over $15,000 on on measurement system and it took me almost a year with professional help to calibrate and set it up 100%. So in doing so it is expensive and can be difficult to set up and calibrate. I know my set up is accurate because I send my IEMs to independent labs to double check everything.”
Measurements are valid to possibly get a glimpse or gist of what we are hearing, but measurements are not the end all be all. Various manufacturers have told me privately that even though it may measure flat, it may not sound flat. Also, measurement devices do not equal our brain and cannot measure with absolute 100 percent certainty with regards to what we hear and feel. I listen with my ears, and write based on my interpretations of the music that is being presented to me.
A wise man once told me: "Music is the only thing that doesn't have war, pestilence, garbage, crap - music is so general, it's such a beautiful canopy of peace."
An avid wrestler, coach, teacher and mentor, I like to immerse music lovers in headphones, earphones and sources that do nothing but make the listeners smile.
Ringing in my ears? Oh, tinnitus? I get that about 2 times a year, for about 10 seconds each time. Other than that, I’m currently good to go with regards to my hearing. Even if my hearing is perfect or not so perfect, what I hear may or may not match what you hear, for a multitude of reasons (genetic, physical, psychological, age, etcetera).
My music preferences are anything that has a great beat to it, not too vulgar in nature and anything that can induce head-bobbing, toe-tapping and maybe even dancing if the mood is right. I normally listen to (alphabetically): Alternative, Classical, Hip-Hop, Indie, Popular/Top Hits, Rock, and R&B/Soul. I will even from time to time listen to Blues, Jazz, Modern Electronic, Retro/Classics, and World.
Measurements - I measure headphone output dB with my decibel measurer app that anyone can download, replicate and have an instant reference with what I use to test. Frequency spectrum measurements are seldom posted, as the manufacturer’s measurements are usually the best guidelines to go by. Why? They use them to tune their equipment, and it’s from their own specific parameters. I completely agree with Ken Ball from ALO’s statement/post when it comes to frequency response measurements (verbatim):
“…I thought it might be good to post some frequency response measurements first before we see a lot of variations posted by people. Without going into a long drawn out thesis / debate on measurements I just want to say that I have not seen any reviewers measurements that are accurate and it can be difficult to interpret a freq measurement. I don't use HRTF compensation curve on my measurements because I am familiar with the raw freq curve so when I see a curve I know what it sounds like and am comfortable with what I am seeing. So to state my measurement so I can be happy that this is the official freq I am posting it here now. I do not really want to get into any debates on what the freq means or read into it too much as a freq measurement is only a very small part of the over all picture of the product. I would MUCH rather listen to the IEM than read a freq.
In addition, I dont want to sound like I dont welcome people to also have fun and measure, but just want to say that taking a accurate measurement is tricky, also tricky to read into the measurement. I spent over $15,000 on on measurement system and it took me almost a year with professional help to calibrate and set it up 100%. So in doing so it is expensive and can be difficult to set up and calibrate. I know my set up is accurate because I send my IEMs to independent labs to double check everything.”
Measurements are valid to possibly get a glimpse or gist of what we are hearing, but measurements are not the end all be all. Various manufacturers have told me privately that even though it may measure flat, it may not sound flat. Also, measurement devices do not equal our brain and cannot measure with absolute 100 percent certainty with regards to what we hear and feel. I listen with my ears, and write based on my interpretations of the music that is being presented to me.
A wise man once told me: "Music is the only thing that doesn't have war, pestilence, garbage, crap - music is so general, it's such a beautiful canopy of peace."
Company information and awards
Upon researching Cleer, I found out a few tidbits about the company that further solidifies my thoughts of the young organization.
I found out that not only have they only headphones as part of their product line, but Cleer has only started as a full-fledged company in 2015. Pretty cool as well that the BT won the 2015 CES Innovations Honoree Award. I can certainly see why the BT would win the prodigious award - the lightweight and technological features such as Bluetooth and the “Touch Panel Control” driver system is implemented, but very well? More about this later. The Cleer creed is all about:
Passion For Sound
“Music lovers have high expectations when it comes to sound, they are looking for quality audio products to unbox their favourite music. Cleer’s sound and acoustic team is responsible for the research and development of the best-in-class audio products to provide you with a truly authentic listening experience.”
Design Craftsmanship
“The Cleer’s product design aesthetics are sleek and contemporary.
Cleer’s products are made of high-quality build materials which not only give premium look and feel but also contribute to the product performance. The ergonomics design coupled with lightweight materials to better fit your head with maximum comfort even hours of wearing.”
Innovation in Technology (edited)
“Cleer is committed for excellence in acoustics, our team creates and drives new technological ideas and innovations in the acoustic and sound field. We reproduce studio sound through our innovative sound technology.”
As of this writing, Cleer, Inc. recently appointed Patrick Huang as its new global President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Before being appointed, Mr. Huang was an executive (GM for Sony Digital Imaging) for Sony Electronics, Inc. for 11 years. He also worked as SVP of Operation and Supply Chain for I AM Plus Electronics.
Suffice to say Mr. Huang has all of the credentials to take the Cleer company to the next level of their goals if Mr. Huang and company continues to produces fantastic products.
Here's my review of the Cleer BT Bluetooth Headphone in video form (view in YouTube on your browser to jump from mentioned section to mentioned section [table of contents]):
Inside the box
Velcro on the insert enclosure, nice touch!
Once you open up the box you'll receive:
- Cleer BT Bluetooth Headphone
- Cleer hard carrying case
- Audio cable with inline remote (1.2m, one button)
- USB charging cable
- Quick start guide
- User manual
- TIDAL 30 day complimentary trial (19.99 USD value)
- A Certificate of Acoustic Calibration with measurements
Build and aesthetics
The BT looks very minimalistic, with chrome highlights at the sides of the headband and yoke areas. The BT's housing is constructed with high quality and shiny aluminum. The entirety of the headband, including the area that touches your head is made out of leather. The supra-aural (on-ear) design is circular in design and covers most all of the area of my ears - truly a on-ear design. In addition to the L and R markings on the insides of the temple portion of the headband, you can distinguish which side is which without looking inside of the headphone by going with which side the yoke is facing. If the yoke is facing the left, then it's the left side of the headphone. If the yoke is facing the right, then it's the right side of the headphone. The BT also has a detachable audio cable that works with Android, Apple, and other devices as well. The earpads are made of leather and changeable/replaceable as well - taking off the earpads is as easy as a simple twist, and off each one goes. The accompanied cables is white, flat, has a nice rubberized feel, doesn’t tangle easily, and has a nice and slim right angle for your different audio jacks as well. The cable is no frills and subtly elegant, that fits the devices I've connected the cable to with ease.
Fit and comfort
The lightweight BT fits comfortably on my head
The headphone provides great contact with the top of the head as most of the top of my head has contact with the leather of the headband. The 230 grams of the very lightweight BT are distributed well as I am able to wear the BT for hours on end without issue. The headband allows solid adjustability for most all sized heads, and clamp strength is not tight and just the slightest bit of looseness for my head. Some may be able to use the headphones to the gym, but I would probably choose another headphone if it doesn’t feel tight on your head. The earpads are comfortable, and doesn’t get very warm with extended use, as the leather is soft, and just a little breathable because of the perforations in the earpad and not the tightest earpad pressure to my ears. Overall the fit and comfort is pretty good, and very lightweight to me.
Form and function
The BT is easy to pair. Use the power switch to turn on and off the BT’s Bluetooth wireless function and use the Bluetooth pairing button to pair when pairing with a device for the first time. The “Touch Panel Control” (I'll call it TPC) will probably be a detriment to those who use the BT for the first time and for a little while. It takes a very slight touch to activate any TPC command. Once you use it for a while and condition your mind to not touch the left side of your earcup, only when to make control changes, is when you will be more at ease and will reach Zen with the BT. At least that's how I felt when I didn't inadvertently touch the sides after listening to the BT for a while. More information and demonstrations of all mentioned in this section is in the video that's posted earlier in the review.
Disclaimer and hearing factors
The BT sound impressions are mainly for anyone wanting a point of reference regarding how they more or less pair with the iPhone 6, QP1R and Surface Book. Other sources may vary slightly or greatly as the BT sounds different enough with these three sources to warrant mentioning. The BT will have a warmer and pronounced effect in the overall bass region when pairing with the iPhone 6. The BT will have good meso detail with slight treble and bass with more extended detail when paired with the QP1R via cable. The BT will have a more balanced and natural sounding approach to its presentation when paired with the Surface Book. For reference, the BT is fairly easy to drive, as a smartphone such as the iPhone doesn't take full volume for the BT to emit levels that can damage hearing pretty quickly. 11 out of 16 volume is when it starts to get loud when attached with a cable, and 10-11 out of 16 volume is when it starts to get loud via Bluetooth.
We all hear differently, and our experiences with regards to how our interpretation of what we hear vary greatly. Some factors that come to mind (and not limited), are:
Your inner ear and skull’s overall composition: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-unique-vibrations-of-your-skull-affect-how-you-hear-music-654940/?no-ist.
Hearing loss as we age, also known as presbycusis: https://www.ohio.edu/news/months/nov1998/111.html,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbycusis.
Heredity, noise trauma, dietary habits, smoking, hypertension, atherosclerosis, are other factors that affect people’s overall hearing ability.
Analyze this and that
The test tracks that I use in my reviews are located in these albums (album alphabetical order)
1989 (Deluxe Edition) by Taylor Swift (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit)
21 by Adele (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit)
Bad (2001 Special Edition) by Michael Jackson (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit)
Bangerz by Miley Cyrus (MP3 320kbps/44.1kHz/16bit)
Beyoncé by Beyoncé (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit)
good kid, m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit)
Heart Blanche by Ceelo Green (MP3 320kbps/44.1kHz/16bit)
Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park (FLAC 48.0kHz/24bit)
Make Yourself by Incubus (MP3 320kbps/44.1kHz/16bit)
No. 5 Collaborations Project (EP) by Ed Sheeran (MP3 320kbps/44.1kHz/16bit)
One by One by Foo Fighters (FLAC 88.2kHz/24bit)
Random Access Memories by Daft Punk (FLAC 88.2kHz/24bit)
Schubert – Berliner Philharmoniker by Nikolaus Harnoncourt (FLAC 48.0kHz/24bit)
The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit)
Thriller by Michael Jackson (DSD 2822.4kHz/1bit)
X (Wembley Edition) by Ed Sheeran (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit)
Several standalone tracks (track alphabetical order)
Dock of the Bay by The Persuations – A Cappella Dreams (WAV 44.1kHz/16bit)
M.O.R. by Blur – Blur 21, Blur (2012 Remaster – Special Edition) (MP3 320kbps 44.1kHz/16bit)
Schubert String Quartet No. 14 in D minor D. 810, Death and the Maiden: III. Scherzo. Allegro molto by Oslo String Quartet – The Schubert Connection (DSD 2822.4kHz/1bit)
Serenade (Spanish Dance), Op. 54, No. 2 by Jano Starker and David Popper – Wilson Audio Ultimate Reference (APE 44.1kHz/16bit)
The Peppery Man by Natalie Merchant – Leave Your Sleep (WAV 44.1kHz/16bit)
These Bones by The Fairfield Four – I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray (WAV 44.1kHz/16bit)
If I am listening to a product that is not able to be listened with the highest resolution tracks that I have mentioned, I will listen to the TIDAL versions (FLAC).
Sound impressions
Overall, you are going to get crisp, and slightly distant sound. Bass isn’t very present, but is articulate. The midrange is laid-back, and not thoroughly lush or full. Treble is not very extended and not fatiguing. Spatial capabilities are not its strong suit, as soundstage is pretty intimate, and imaging isn’t the best either. I believe the on-ear earpads attribute to the adequate, but not brilliant sound. Vocals are acceptable, but aren’t the most accurately natural-sounding to my ears.
Using Bluetooth works well and didn’t experience any hiccups. I would describe the sound using Bluetooth as veiled, mainly in clarity, compared with using the cable. With regards to the quality of sound that comes out of the BT, I would personally use the accompanied cable, since I hear better audio fidelity with the cable compared to using Bluetooth. After saying all of this, it may seem as though I may not enjoy the sound of the BT as an entirety. I’ll tell you, I was head-bobbing and dancing while listening to BT, as I wasn’t caring too much about dotting the I’s and T’s, and simply enjoyed the music.
Headphone comparisons
Before I start with the comparisons; I have listened to a lot of audio equipment, but I haven't listened to everything. If you request a comparison and it's not listed in my profile and hasn't been reviewed, then there is a chance that either I haven't listened to it in a long while and don't want to compare by memory, or I don't have the requested product(s) with me to compare. Consider being proactive by sending me a PM (private message), sending me the headphone(s) and/or sources, IEMs, etcetera, you would like for me to compare, and I'll add it to the review (or any review that I've written). If you don't have the requested product(s) with you and I don't have the requested product(s) with me, chances are slim that I will be able to fulfill your request because I always like to A/B with audio equipment that's immediately on-hand.
Archeer AH07 Impact Wireless Bluetooth Headphone
The AH07 emits more of a rumbling bass, and more full of a sound. Warmth and a full sound are the two facets the AH07 has compared to the BT. The BT has more of a laid-back sound and is thinner in sound than the AH07.
Cleer DJ Professional DJ Headphone
What the BT has over the DJ is that it has Bluetooth capabilities and that it is lighter in weight. This is pretty much where the DJ takes over as having a more rich sound signature compared to the laid-back nature of the BT, more options such as PASC (Psycho-Acoustic Spectral Compensation), which is basically the equivalent of a built-in amp that amplifies the bass as well as the rest of the frequency spectrum you are listening to. The DJ has also got some snazzy side-logo multi-color LED lights that dance to the beat of the music, can be set to stay red, or can be turned off. The DJ has a warmer sound than the BT, but soundstage and imaging is better implemented with the DJ. You’ll want to go with the DJ if you want a bassy (not basshead, but really close), and the BT if you want a laid back sound, want Bluetooth, and would like to pay approximately $200 less.
Cleer DU High Definition Dual-Driver Headphone
The overall sound of the DU is more clear and transparent than the BT. From the lower to the higher frequencies, the DU comes out as more detailed, even when the BT is connected with a cable. If you want a Bluetooth headphone that is lightweight, with a warm and punchy sound, the BT is an option - but if you don’t mind using only a cable, the DU is worth an audition.
Cleer NC Noise Cancelling Headphone
The NC is heavier than the BT, but is packed with a lot of technological goodness. ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) really attributes to the bassy, rich, textural sound of the NC especially when compared to the BT’s bass. ANC off has more punchy and slamming bass compared to the BT. The BT is more thin in sound and fully laid-back in nature than the NC, and clarity differences are very apparent, especially when the ANC mode is engaged.
Puro Sound Labs BT5200
The BT5200 emits more bass, and more midrange heft compared to the BT. Treble is more extended with the BT5200 as well, but not by much. Spatial categories don’t favor either headphone. The BT has overall less resolution, but is an option if you want a more laid-back sound with Bluetooth capabilities. The BT5200 has more perceived detail and clarity than the BT, but the BT has a unique sound that provides very good fatigue-free listening.
Cultivate a fresh sound™
What does this mean? Too often we focus on only the music we are accustomed to. I am usually this way as well. Here’s an opportunity to listen to something you either may not normally listen to, or haven’t heard of. As I publish reviews in the future, I will have new and older tracks from various genres that I’ve listened to in this section, and will be largely based on what songs really moved me in particular to the reviewed product I’ve listened to on it. Even though the tracks will be linked to YouTube videos or audio-only versions, the tracks will either be listened solely from the iPhone 6 and TIDAL HiFi - Lossless, or from my Microsoft Surface Book and TIDAL HiFi - Lossless. Instead of describing each track in immense detail, you can simply listen for yourself and bask in the beautiful music you may have just found for the first time right now! What’s also great is that you can come back here just to listen to the tracks mentioned! If you have any personal issues with any tracks posted, please PM me and I'll replace it with another track. It's all about positivity in our musical journey. With those kind words of encouragement, here we go…
The Sideshow by DJ Shadow feat. Ernie Fresh - The Mountain Will Fall
Hahn: A Chloris by Pumeza Matshikiza, Aarhus Symfoniorkester and Tobias Ringborg - Arias
Entertain Us by Swanky Tunes and Far East Movement
Far From Home (Craig Connelly Remix) by Gareth Emery feat. Gavrielle
Is the BT worth it?
This may very well be the question of the review. I would say it is a great headphone by itself, as the touch panel isn't too bad once you get used to it, and does have a sound that some listeners will like. The main issue is when you factor in there are other Bluetooth headphones in the market that may have a more detailed or punchy sound for a lower price. I would look into getting an alternative Cleer headphone if you are focused on solely the sound quality, or get the BT if you are interested in a nice, Bluetooth headphone with very sleek looks.
Final thoughts
The BT has a special spot in my headphone lineup because it does have a unique sound that some people will enjoy. The lightweight build, coupled with a handsome or sultry design help to create a headphone with not only a headphone with a lot of character, but one that may teach you to become more at peace with yourself.
Specifications
- Weight: 230 grams
- Product Dimension (W x H x D): 14.8 x 19.5 x 6.5 cm
- Packaging Dimension (W x H x D): 21.8 x 25 x 8 cm
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
- Sensitivity: 105dB
- Impedance: 16Ohm
- Speaker Driver: 40mm
- Magnet Type: Neodymium
- Distortion: <1%THD IEC3181mW at1KHz
- Bluetooth Version: 4.0
- Bluetooth Range: 33ft (10m)
- Audio Connection: 3.5mm stereo jack socket
- Music Playback Time: 16 hours
- Battery Charging Time: 3 hours
- Battery Type: Lithium ion polymer
