What are the advantages of using a phone headset amplifier versus connecting my headset directly into the headset jack of my phone?

In a word: Enhanced Performance (okay so it’s two words).

Why do we say that a headset performs better through a phone headset amplifier? Remember that headsets, like all electronic devices, require the right amount of power to work properly. Generally there are two types of headset jacks on phones.  The first one is a simple ⅛” (actually 2.5mm) stereo type hole, usually located on the side of the phone.
The other type looks a lot like the clip that connects the handset cord to the phone (called an RJ9 connector).

Thanks for the obvious, so what’s the problem?

Let’s discuss that point briefly. From our own experience, and that gleaned from our many callers, the 2.5mm headset jack hardly ever puts out enough “juice” to meet the power requirements of Plantronics quality office headsets. Because of that, sound quality and performance suffers. The phone headset amplifier solves that problem.

Yeah but I don’t want to connect my headset through the handset jack.  I don’t want to have to lift my handset every time I need to use the phone. I’d like to benefit from the on-hook feature of my phone.

Plantronics to the rescue.

There is a cable available (#78333-01, designed by Headsets Direct) that can connect the phone headset amplifier to the 2.5mm jack on the phone. You’ll have the best of both worlds: on-hook capabilities and the amplifier you need to do business right*.

Sounds good but what about the other style of headset jack?

On phones that have the RJ9 jack, Plantronics has designed several cables that allow you to connect a headset directly to the phone without the need of an amplifier. These phones are designed for quality commercial grade headsets so generally have some sort of built-in amplifier. If in the event that volume or quality is still not what it should be, you can use one of Plantronics quality amplifiers. This, however, will require connecting it through the handset jack of the phone, hence lifting the handset to activate the hook-switch. You’ll have to decide if the trade-off is worth the extra work.

Thanks for the information, it’s been very helpful.  Lot’s to digest and…now I have to decide what model headset I like best.

Well, if you have problems making up your mind, give us a call at 800-914-7996.  At Headsets Direct customer service is #1.

*while this is a way to connect a phone headset amplifier to that style headset jack, make of phones as well as the environment in which they’re used may impact it’s compatibility and desired results.

We’re sure that by now many of you have heard of Unified Communication (UC) and wondered: What’s this all about? You go online to get more information and you’re greeted with this: “An evolving communications technology architecture which automates and unifies all forms of human and device communications in context, and with a common experience. Its purpose is to optimize business processes and enhance human communications by reducing latency, managing flows, and eliminating device and media dependencies.” Right…so how can we non-geeks get a handle on this new way of communication designed to make our life more productive?

I guess the key word is “Unified.” (UC) brings together various ways to talk and listen to one another. It takes your phone and your computer (two different ways of communication) introduces them to each other and gets them to work together (sort of like a marriage counselor). And to make your experience truly rewarding, you’ll need a headset. That’s where Plantronics comes into the picture. Be they corded or wireless headsets, at home or in the office, Plantronics has just the right model to bring communication together.

Take, for instance, the new Savi WO100 from Plantronics, their new wireless multi-function headset. With the included cables you can connect the Savi WO100 to both devices and, with the touch of a button, seamlessly travel between your phone and computer. You can make traditional calls, computer calls using Skype*, conference the two together, do dictation using Dragon* naturally speaking, stream music from your Virgin online radio station, etc., etc., etc. Well, you get the picture. And Savi is just one of a complete line of Plantronics wireless and corded headsets designed especially for Unified Communications. And Headsets Direct is the place for fast, friendly and courteous service. Give one of our knowledgeable sales personnel a call and find out what’s new from Plantronics in Unified Communications.

*Headsets Direct does not endorse any particular brand over another. These are used as examples only.

What are the benefits of the Plantronics Savi Office Headsets compared to other Plantronics wireless units?

Benefits: The Savi family headsets offer the latest technology from Plantronics. These units integrate your desk phone and PC or your PC and cell phone with one wireless headset. The more popular model in the family of Plantronics Savi Office headsets is the WO100, this unit is installed on your desk phone and PC. Now you can listen to your music in-between your calls, talk over the internet using VoIP software such as Skype or listen to instructional videos without disturbing others around you. It gives you up to 350 ft range with 9 hrs of talk time. Up until now the most distance you could get out of a Plantronics wireless system was 300 ft. You will receive PerSono Suite software to manage your Savi unit on your desk top. The headset is very light weight and comes with an earloop and a headband. It offers a noise canceling microphone so you sound crisp and clear while on the phone. It provides a mute feature and volume controls, the base also has volume controls for your mic and your hearing needs. You can pair up to 4 headsets with one base for easy conference calling and mix the calls from your PC and phone. In the PerSono Software you will find adjustments  for the amount of battery life you will be using throughout the day for your environment and distance needs. Keep in mind that the high range for distance will use more battery life and low range will provide the most battery life for your Savi headsets.

The WO200 is another popular Plantronics Savi Office headset model for your desk phone and PC. The headset is an over the ear piece with earbuds that come in different sizes. This unit also provides you with up to 350 feet distance, with 6 hours of talk time (I put my headset back on the charger at lunch time and I have plenty of talk time to get me through my day). Other than the talk time and headset, it offers the same high-end features as the WO100.

One of the great features you’ll want to be sure and use with your Savi WO200 wireless headset is its ability to add up to 3 additional headset users to a call.  Think of it as a conference call with headsets but instead of everyone hoovering around a telephone that’s on speaker, you can now use Savi headsets and have perfect volume levels while you and your staff are hand-free, roaming your office and collecting information as need for your call.

Step 1 – Start your call on your WO200 (This will be the master headset).

Step 2 – Place a 2nd WO200 into your bases charging cradle.

(If using a different Savi model, on the guest Savi headset, press the headset Volume Button Up “+” for 3 seconds until the Indicator Light on the side of the headset turns solid green)

Step 3 – Press your Subscription Button for less than one second on the master WO200. The Subscription Light will flash yellow and green.

Step 4 – The light will turn solid yellow, you will also hear a tone in your master WO200.

Step 5 – You now have 5 seconds to press your Call Control Button on the master WO200 headset to accept your guest.  Repeat steps 2-5 for adding additional headsets.

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To exit or Disconnect – Your guests can exit the call by pressing their Call Control Button. When the master WO200 Call Control Button is pressed to end the conference call, all guests will be disconnected.

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Having the ability to conference multiple headsets on a call or simply added an extra headset to a call for training purposes demonstrate the versatility and Next Generation features of the Plantronics Wo200 wireless headset.  If you have any questions about the Plantronics WO200 wireless headset or any other headsets, please contact give us a call.