Plantronics PC Headset Speaker Switch Reviews

• Only one flaw...

  
  By A1CT6W3Q2TZM0I on 2004-12-10
  Great product, but with one glaring discrepancy: The microphone port is disabled when the switch is set to speaker output. This assumes the user won't use a microphone simultaneously with speakers, which in fact I do quite often. Other than that, a very handy device.
  
  

• It does have stereo

  
  By A3747GU6IJ7DN4 on 2004-07-15
  Other reviews claiming mono are wrong - when I first plugged it in I too noticed all the sound coming out of only 1 channel. However I then pushed the plug fully and firmly in and it works fully in stereo confirmed by several tests and hasn't reverted back.

  Sound quality?

  I bought 2 of these, since I have surround sound headphones (Zalman 5.1s) and good speakers (Klipsch Promedia 4.1s) to switch between. This is combined with an Audigy 2 ZS sound card so I was very concerned about losing any quality. After comparing several sources (mp3's, speaker tests, games) with and without the switch, I'm personally not able to discern any difference in sound quality so far in the hours I've used it.

  In short works in stereo and can save a lot of hassle constantly changing plugs in the back of your PC. Definitely recommended.
  
  

• As Advertised

  
  By A1K1X7XCTJJIQ0 on 2003-11-13
  A simple device. Plugs into the sound card and allows you to choose either the computer speakers or a headset. Works well when the kids want to play computer games with the volume up. The switch has been attached to my PC for four months. It does what the product description says it will do. It is easy to hook up.
  
  

• Solid switch

  
  By A1FHTJG25MCV27 on 2004-12-29
  Having this switch spares a lot of groping around trying to change from headphones to speakers. One flick of a switch and you go easily back and forth. I notice no sound loss, interference or distortion.
  
  Good, solid product.
  
  

• NOT FOR COMPUTERS ONLY!

  
  By A1V5XG7M6JHADW on 2005-01-29
  This device can also be used with any audio unit (for example, a portable CD player) that has a mini-plug output jack--enabling you to switch from headphones to, say, amplified speakers, without the aggravating ritual of removing one plug from the playback unit and inserting the other (and wearing out the jack in the process); and at the computer, it can be used for instantly switching from those typically weak (but often useful) built-in monitor speakers to more powerful desktop speakers, as source material and circumstances demand. (Of course, you'll need one switch for each such arrangement.) A marvelously simple and simply marvelous device, with more uses than Plantronics chooses to advertise.
  
  
• Well done Plantronics!
  By A949CWG2YGIP9 on 2005-04-16
  Despite being a little bigger than I would like and its somewhat "clunky looking" appearance this is a rock solid switch.
  
  I have used this item for about 18 months and I am stunned at how well it continues to hold up. The switch is every bit as solid as the day I bought it and has withstood several switches per hour as I jump from online gaming to listening to music.
  
  I would request that it have been a little smaller BUT, it has held up so well I would hardly dare to criticize any elements of its design. It has outlasted 2 sets of headphones and has been stepped on and rolled over far too mant times without any effects.
  
  I would like to request a 5.1 model for future release.
  4.5 stars round up to five.
  
  
  
• good product
  By A1XH0LVRYXFAPZ on 2005-11-08
  I was tired of reaching behind the desk in order to unplug the speakers and plugging the headphones in (my front headset connectors don't work), so this device came to the rescue. It's simple, but it does exactly what you need. It doesn't get 5 stars because of the following reason: 1) microphone jack is not active when set to output sound to the speakers. They should have added 4 jacks, two for mics and two for audio out. 2) it's too light. The mere weight of the wires is enough to make it tilt backwards on the desk. My solution was, at first, to move it further closer to me (more wires showing, ick). The second solution was to tape it down to the desk.
  
  
• bad sound quality
  By A91KY7KE51NEG on 2006-04-14
  This product is a nice idea, but the sound quality is bad. I use a MAC G5 and get a nice clean sound on the speaker when directly connecting to the computer but the background noise jumps when using the switch. I don't recommend, unless you have a low-end system with a big noise floor already.
  
  
  
• It didn't live up
  By A3K1UTE44KZHCM on 2004-03-11
  If you have any other sound card than an extremely basic one, this is not for you. As stated in another review you lose stereo sound when this device is hooked up. I have a high quality sound card with 5.1 and when this device is set to speakers, it only comes out of the left channel speakers. When it is set to headset, it comes out of the headset and the right channel speakers. There was not enough info on the product to find this out before you hooked it up and tried it. Mine is going back.
  
  
• Exactly what I needed!
  By A3PRZ5JK8BX6TM on 2004-10-25
  I am a professional graphic artist and avid gamer as well. But because of my desk setup it's extremely difficult to keep trying to crawl under my desk and switch headphones to speakers. Answer? I searched for the company that produces my great headphones - Plantronics. This switch is perfectly suited for my needs. Simple to hook up, intuitive, and great sound. For those who complained about mono out of this switch I would advise making sure that you have it plugged in properly and all the way. The switch works just fine, stereo and all. No complaints! Thanks Plantronics!
  
  
• Saves me a lot of trouble!
  By A26IY33BFKU62M on 2005-07-08
  I finally got fed up with crawling under my desk to reach the back of my PC to disconnect the speakers and switch to my headset so I bought this. No problems with the switch so far at all, and no noticeable degradation in sound. Cheap and effective!
  
  
• Adds noise. (Not shielded?)
  By A16QJE52MPB0W7 on 2005-09-12
  I bought this hoping to use it to control two inputs instead of two outputs -- so that I could easily switch between two computers, either of which might send music from the soundcard speaker-out to an input on the amplifier of my home stereo. Although it does perform this reverse switching task, it adds a significant level of hum and whine when both computer inputs are connected. The noise is sufficient to ruin the listening; I've abandoned this device. Too bad it can't filter out the interference! Another reviewer has noted some noise problems as well.
  
  If anyone knows of a compact device for switching two stereo cables with mini-jacks, let me know. For now, I just unplug one computer and plug in the other.
  
  
• Works as expected, but not to full potential
  By A1F34Z13T4QMN6 on 2006-01-23
  This little device is really helpful for switching audio hardware quickly. I bought it to switch on to voice chat so that others in the house would not have to hear all the chatter that comes with gaming. I also wanted an easy way to switch back to the computer speakers. This product accomplishes its purpose pretty effectively. As another reviewer mentioned, it is a slight drawback that moving to speaker mode switches off the microphone. If you plan to use your microphone in conjunction with your speakers (that is... you are not using a headset mic and don't have feedback problems) then this product is not that helpful to you.
  
  Anyhow, the construction is just fine, though it feels a bit cheap. In summary, it does what it is supposed to do. But it could be better.
  
  
• Sick of crawling on the floor!!!!
  By ADX4EFPWP9GVD on 2007-01-31
  I wish I had gotten one of these a long time ago. I switch back and forth several times a day between gaming with a headset and boom mic, and my external speakers for music or my kid's stuff. I have good speakers and I hate listening to music on headphones with no bass, plus I can't share the music that way. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that I would really have liked it to have illumination of some sort, or glow in the dark writing. It's difficult to see in low light and tell which setting you have it on - important when you have a baby sleeping! It hasn't effected the performance though, and there's no more climbing on the floor to switch ports.
  
  
• Simple and easy to use
  By AOTVWZNQHBEZB on 2005-09-13
  I have used it for about two weeks. I am pleased with the quality. It's simple and doesn't have fancy functions. But it serves my needs. Switching between my headset and external speakers is just a click and I don't feel degradation of the sound quality.
  
  
• Microphone function
  By A1DKICE5Z4EQNR on 2007-05-29
  Some have commented that the microphone is disabled when switching to speaker mode. If the mic needs to stay live, just plug it directly to the sound card rather than using the mic portion of this switch.
  
  
• Good for the average consumer
  By A2YIKLUG78JRUQ on 2007-06-26
  I have found that any time I plug my headset directly to my computer I get 100 percent loss-less sound. When I use my headset through the Plantronics switch I hear a faint buzzing or interference for my sound, for me as a gamer I find the loss in sound quality unacceptable...so I have resigned to leave this product disconnected from my computer.
  
  
• No Stereo
  By A3DC1VB4ASJAOB on 2004-02-17
  I purchased the said item and it was a gift from above. I could play games with the headset, then listen to music through the speakers.
  Then I realised that it eliminates Stereo sound.
  This means that I don't know if that bad guy is coming from the left or the right of me.
  Not very useful at all.
  It is now unplugged, and i'm back with headset only.
  
  
• Simple but effective
  By AX992WXG50MIK on 2004-11-16
  This is a very basic switch, that lets you use either your pc speakers or headphones, but it does the job really good, I didnt feel any sound degradation, and the appearance of the switch is ok. I think for $12.50 this thing does solve the problem. Good product, defenlty recommend it.
  
  
• Working fine as expected
  By A1KA3UX00SDRRD on 2006-01-15
  This is a simple little device that works as advertised. Nothing fancy, but if provides a way for me to switch between external PC speakers and the headphone/mic. For general purposes, this setup works great. I'm not an audiophile, but have not noticed any degradation in sound quality by inserting this switch into the connection path. The switch mechanism feels solid; a solid surface is needed for the device. One improvement would be softer or "stickier" rubber feet to prevent sliding around.
  
  
• Works great, does exactly what I wanted it to do
  By A3V9NF4B3CAM3P on 2006-03-19
  Works as advertised. I did not experience any added hum or noise to my audio as some reviewers here have said. I'm using it with a fairly low-cost speaker system, so that may have something to do with it, but I also hear no additional noise when I listen with my headphones, either (which are a fairly decent pair by Sony).
  
  I only wish the box itself was just a little smaller, or maybe weighed down so the audio cables wouldn't tip it onto its back so easily. Honestly, though, it's everything you want if you frequently change between a pair of stereo speakers and headphones - perfect for dorm rooms.
  
  
• Most Useful Accessory I've Bought in Long Time
  By ADW7RQGOK0LBX on 2006-09-19
  I don't know how I lived without this up to now. But I think it entailed crawling behind my computer every time I wanted to change from speaker to headset. This little baby does the job with a click. I actually use my headset a lot more now that I can make the switch with so little fuss.
  
  
• PC Headset Speaker Switch
  By A159OLGA0LTAOK on 2007-01-03
  This is an excellent investment if you have a headphones/speaker setup and don't like having to crawl under your desk to change them out. Simple to use and with a small footprint.
  
  Highly recommended.
  
  
• Plantronics PC Headset Speaker Switch
  By A2JCH3A6320ZQK on 2007-01-03
  I purchased this for my 15-year-old son who plays FPS games in the evenings. He says this is absolutely a wonderful convenience. He doesn't have to unhook his gaming headphones to change back to his regular speakers on his computer, rather he just pushes a button and he can go back and forth. For folks who use headphones some of the time, this is a great idea.
  
  
• Plantronics PC Headset Speaker Switch
  By A9AWZMZWSGE6U on 2007-01-15
  Easy to hook up and works fine. Very light weight. Would benefit from some way to attach it to something with Velcro or similar. No way this device will stay in one place unless secured. The rubber feet on the bottom are - well, inadequate.
  
  
• Does what it says it does
  By A39Z0WGWKESAZ2 on 2007-02-14
  This is just a simple switch. The only complaint I have is that it assumes you don't want mike with your PC speakers, only with your headphones. This isn't always true and there's no easy workaround.
  
  
• Very good.
  By A1F87ZLOVSF0SK on 2007-05-12
  No interference, good quality, good looking, easy install and operation. Works as advertised. No cons.
  
  
• Useful little gadget
  By A2QHB0Z4O9WUFB on 2007-05-14
  I have greatly appreciated my headphone/speaker switch, I was tired of plugging and unplugging whenever I wanted to listen to music vs playing my favorite first person shooter. I will add that the microphone is disabled when switched to Speaker mode.
  
  
• Exactly what I was looking for
  By A28APXGW8TRCPR on 2007-05-23
  I'm a big time gamer, but my family hates hearing them. This allows me to switch to my headset with the flick of a button and back to speakers for them to keep their head lice off my headset (only kidding). Piece of cake to install and use. It works best to velcro it so it isn't in the way but is easily reachable.
  
  
• Good...
  By A2FT7ZKTECCLHR on 2008-03-07
  I am pretty happy with the product. Works as described and is inexpensive so I would definitely recommend it to anyone. No more unplugging my headphones so that I can listen to the speakers on my computer. 16 bucks well spent!
  
  I do have one small complaint. I wish it was heavier or that it had some kind of adhesive on the bottom to prevent it from sliding around on the desk when I move around. - Fixed that with tape so now its perfect.
  
  Overall - Good product - It is worth it to buy it. Here on amazon you can buy it together with a headset by logitech. I also have the headset and it is pretty good. Worth it to save a few bucks if you happen to be looking for both a switch and a decent set of headphones/mic.
  
  
  

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