![]() ![]() We recommend updating to the latest version, as it includes functional and security updates. Discover our recommendations for the best Wireless Bluetooth headphones.This page lists all recent versions of Bluetooth® software and drivers that are currently supported for Intel® Wireless Adapters. However, since both the headphones and the Bluetooth source have to support the codec for it to work, you will most often than not rely on the default sub-band coding, as there are not many Bluetooth devices that support aptX and even less for aptX-LL. The subtle changes in audio quality due to a codec like aptX are negligible when compared to the reduced latency aptX Low Latency connection. Based on our test, we've noticed that codecs have a bigger impact on latency than on audio quality, although we have yet to test more audio specific codecs like AAC and aptX HD. Better encoding and decoding algorithms mean less lossy transmission which can help with audio quality. ![]() Regular aptX does somewhat improve the latency, but not as significantly as aptX-LL. This makes the Backbeat Pro 2 and other headphones with the low latency codec good headphones for gaming and watching movies as long as both your Bluetooth transmitter and receiver support the aptX-LL.Ĭodecs are the algorithms that compress data for easier and faster transmission. The clicks in the wired reproduction of the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 has the least delay followed by the aptX-LL. ![]() Wired, SBC, aptX, aptX (LL) Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 We measured the Frequency Response and Total Harmonic Distortion of both headphones with aptX and again without aptX, using the default sub-band coding. Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 Audio Test (SBC)Īs you may have noticed, it's difficult to tell the difference between SBC and aptX by ear. Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 Audio Test (aptX) Below are a few samples of the same headphones using aptX and SBC. However, the subtle audio quality differences may be noticeable to trained ears and more critical listeners. It's not especially lossy, and its latency should be suitable for most streaming services. The default sub-band codec (SBC) works well for most audio applications. Also, we have yet to test a headphone with the aptX HD codec. ![]() So, for now, our comparison will focus on the differences between SBC and aptX. We have yet to find a reliable way to measure AAC and LDAC over a wireless connection. However, it's a bit limiting, as both the Bluetooth transmitter and receiver must have aptX or its variations for the codec to work. There are also two additional variations, aptX Low Latency and aptX HD, that either drastically reduces the latency of the connection or significantly improves its audio quality. It's ideal for demanding audio applications since it encodes audio more efficiently and at a slightly higher rate than SBC. However, it's not very common, especially for headphones.ĪptX - A proprietary and optional codec designed by CSR. This codec is mostly popular with Apple's iTunes platform and some other non-wireless applications. This is especially noticeable with a cheap Bluetooth transmitter.ĪAC - Advanced Audio Coding - Similar to SBC, but with better sound quality. However, the audio quality can be a bit inconsistent at times. It provides fairly good audio quality without requiring a lot of processing power to encode or decode. It is capable of bit rates up to 328 kbps with a sampling rate of 44.1kHz. SBC - Sub-band Coding - The mandatory and default codec for all stereo Bluetooth headphones with the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP). The 3 main codecs that most listeners are familiar with are SBC, AAC, and aptX: However, since this codec has a relatively high latency and may be a bit lossy, companies have developed their own encoding algorithms, like Samsung's UHQaudio and Sony's LDAC. The efficiency of the codec will determine the quality and rate at which the audio data is sent. SBC is the default sub-band coding for most Bluetooth devices. Codecs are encoding and decoding algorithms that compress audio into manageable data packets for faster or wireless transmission. ![]()
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