I tested the T515 Bluetooth Speaker using two different Bluetooth stereo devices: Verizon’s LG VX8700 cell phone and a Bluetooth-enabled laptop computer. In order to pair the Bluetooth speakers to the other devices, I had to put the speakers into pairing mode. First, I held down the power button on the headset until the LED indicator began to flash blue and red. After a few seconds, I was prompted for a passkey (0000). The passkey prompt appeared on both my cell phone and laptop. After entering the passkey, the devices were successfully paired.

The sound quality of the Altec Lansing T515 Bluetooth Speakers is quite impressive, considering the unit is incredibly small. It's not loud enough for a raging party, but the T515 speakers do offer a nice crisp sound for use in a small room or office setting. If you are looking for bass-thumping sound, I recommend you look somewhere else. These Bluetooth speakers definitely do not offer much bass.

While testing the device, music like U2, Eric Clapton and Audioslave sounded relatively good. However, lighter music like Jack Johnson certainly sounded better than the heavy crashing cymbals of Audioslave; which was muffled. However, it was still an enjoyable listening experience. Again, if you are a serious audiophile, you will absolutely be able to tell the difference between wired and Bluetooth connections. But, if you are a casual music listener like me, the T515 Bluetooth Speaker System offers remarkable sound.

You can also use these speakers with other non-Bluetooth devices by connecting the included 3.5mm stereo cable into the auxiliary input on the back of the speaker system.

The Altec Lansing T515 is a very low profile black Bluetooth speaker set that takes up virtually no space on your dresser or desk. It is extremely lightweight, allowing it to go wherever you go. Its dimensions (7.5 x 3 x 2.4 inches) allow it to easily fit into small spaces. Plus, the T515 comes with a carrying case, making it even easier to take it with you on the road.

On the top of the T515 speaker is the power button and volume controls. The detachable headset unit also has its own power button volume controls, play/pause button and rewind/fast forward controls. The rewind/fast forward controls work flawlessly as you only need to press the button once to change tracks (Note: your Bluetooth device must support Bluetooth AVRCP to change tracks).

The user manual states that the headset's rechargeable battery takes about three hours to fully charge, which I found to be fairly accurate. The red indicator light will turn off when the battery is fully charged.

The rechargeable battery offers up to 7 hours of operation time and 20 hours of standby time. The included AAA batteries provide up to 9 hours of operation time and 13 hours of standby time.

The range of the T515 Bluetooth Speaker System was a little over 30 feet with direct line of sight and around 25 feet if there were some obstructions between the speakers and the other Bluetooth device.

The Altec Lansing T515 Bluetooth Speaker System offers incredible convenience. It allows you to listen to your favorite tunes in just about any location. For example, while at home I enjoy relaxing on my deck. Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to listen to music on the deck without either lugging around a boom box or running speaker wires all the way out to the deck. The T515 Bluetooth Speaker System eliminates these hassles. All I needed was my cell phone (which is usually in my pocket) and the speaker system, and then I was able to enjoy music while relaxing on the deck.

The T515 speaker system also offers users the added ability to manage their phone calls. If you are listening to music and you get a phone call, the music will stop automatically and a distinct ring tone will come from the speakers. Just press the play button on the detachable headset and you will be connected to the call through your cell phone. The T515 also includes wired stereo headphones that plug into the detachable headset. Detach the headset from the speaker system and you are now free to walk around and continue your conversation.

Users also have the option of leaving the detachable headset connected to the speaker system during the call. This option allows you to hear the person on the other end directly through the speakers. However, in order to actually speak into the speaker system you have to get real close, although the clarity for the person on the other end is not very good. I’m not sure if Altec Lansing intended for the headset to remain attached to the speakers while using with a cell phone, but it definitely makes a lot of sense in most situations. All you have to do is press the play button on the headset and start talking. Once the conversation ends, the music automatically resumes. Ideally, it would make sense for Altec Lansing to integrate a microphone on the actual speaker system (not just the detachable headset).

I truly enjoyed my experience with the Altec Lansing T515 Bluetooth Speaker System. I would recommend this device for anyone who owns a stereo Bluetooth-enabled music phone or computer. The portable, small and convenient speaker system allows owners to take full advantage of their music phones. However, for the asking price of $150, I would consider holding off until the price drops. As the availability of Bluetooth speakers grows, the Price will certainly drop.

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• Introduction
• Performance and Conclusion

Posted June 14, 2007 by BlueTomorrow.com Editorial Staff