(Update: 2/23/10: To replicate the problem, use a bluetooth headset, make a call, then walk away from the phone until you're almost out of range. That's exactly the problem I have when I'm holding the device, it doesn't matter where I am distance wise, the best audio call quality I get STARTS where most phones get when you're too far from the device. Ideas?)
After weeks (3 straight) of searching, I have to finally ask.
Does anyone else have an issue with the quality of their bluetooth connection (calls only) regardless of brand and distance from the phone?
I've purchased nearly 13 different bluetooth devices trying to fix this. Changing the distance from the actual handset (experimenting if there's a different to if the Hero is plugged in or not), the price of the bluetooth unit, what type it was (speaker phone unit only, carkit, headphones, ad2p or not, etc etc), and I still have a poor call quality call.
Reception isn't an issue, I've tried from full bars to almost no bars, and in every instance, when I disconnected the bluetooth and went back to using either speakerphone, headphones, or directly on the device, the noise went away.
You can only hear the noise when the remote party speaks, and it really sounds like the old analog bag phones in bad reception. Is there anything as far as changing settings on the bluetooth to improve the audio quality?
not really. the BT module sends information to the receiver and the receiver decodes that into audio. so you cant really set an EQ for BT with android at least so it basically depends on the receiving unit. while music is playing turn the volume down to 75% on the phone and thats the best quality you will get. im an audiophile and it works for me.
I have a Plantonics Stereo BT.
It works great on my Hero... Much better than my HTC Diamond!
Haven't had any trouble from my Jawbone 1. The sound quality isn't as good as it was on my TP, TP2 or Pre but it's ok. Haven't had any weird noises. But it does randomly disconnect from my Hero. Well the phone says it is still connected but I get no call notifications through it and when I answer, the audio is through the handset. Even right after I finish talking to someone through the BT. Gonna have to chalk it up to the Hero cause I've had no issuse with it on any other phones. Best BT ever in my opinion.
Yeah, I don't know. I have used the Jawbone II, Jawbone Prime, Moto H12, Moto H790, and Plantronics Voyager Pro all with no problems in sound quality, also audio quality is very important to me because I do have some hearing loss. My call quality with the Hero isn't quite as good as with my old Blackberry Curve, but it is still very functional as I use it at least an hour everyday. If you have gone through that many headsets it is quite possibly the device itself.
I don't know, I have 3 Hero's and I honestly don't like the quality of sound on any of them. One of them is just straight stock. I just wish I could get it with a clear quality as my old dumbphones have. I think I've been helped to discover the answer to my question, thank you all!
Related
Ok guys, so I patch the firmware to get AD2p....
What headset(s) do you guys like? Being able to use them for both audio AND phone calls is a must..... seamlessly is even better.
Recommendations?
I have an Atom and I have the motorola ht820s.
When I'm not driving, they are excellent for music/speech and answering calls seamlessly. Mini-usb charger(same as atom) is an added bonus for me.
Highly recommend.
(reason for not driving is that in cali, you can't wear headphones while driving, so I use regular BT hands free for when i'm in car)
Motorola HT820 headphones work great with my T-Mobile MDA. Here is my review at pocketnow.com. At the time of the review the A2DP fix for the MDA was not available, but once I installed A2DP, it worked like a charm.
The motos are good if you want a well integrated phone/stereo headset that has no issues with the wizard, but I sent mine back for replacement because they didn't compare to the HP FA303s (Logitech is the same thing) when it came to hifi sound and max volume. The motos exhibited a real noticable distortion in the high end frequencies when compared to the FA303s. I'm hoping I got a defective pair because I really liked how comfortable they were too.
Stay away from the IOgear stereo/phone headset. A friend of mine let me try his and while the fidelity and volume was even better than the HPs, there were serious bluetooth connection issues. I had to refresh the device in bluetooth settings every time I wanted to use it just to get it to pair up, and the phone headset never worked properly.
Do the HP/Logitech ones have full PHONE functionality as well? I want to be able to make/receive a phone call while listening to stereo music without having to dork around with taking off the phones, etc.
No, that is their downfall: no phone headset capability. That in a nutshell is why there's no perfect solution out there IMO...
G-SAT BTH 820
I just got the G-SAT BTH 820. They has a small bluetooth until which the headphones plug into (allowing any headphones with a 3.5mm jack) to work. The bluetooth unit has the media player controls and the mic and is quite small (think of a shorter IPOD shuffle). Volume is really good; sound quality good, though slight background noise. While there is a wire from the headphones to the bluetooth unit, you are still untethered from your PPC..and i prefer being able to use the really light headphones (since the bluetooth unit and controls are not in the headphone). A great value since they are only around $60.
BES102 + BES103
I have the BES102 bluetooth stereo headset. It's great value for money since, aside from the headset, it also comes with the BES103 bluetooth transmitter dongle which can be used with any audio source. The headset also comes with a detachable mic attachment to enable you to receive calls while listening to music on your phone-enabled PDA (though I have not been able to make it work; I think it's an A2DP flaw). It also comes with a power adaptor, a USB cable and a splitter power cable that lets you charge both headset and dongle at the same time.
I got it for less than S$100 at Trendsmobile.
Sleuth255, im thinking if i should get the HP or Motos...which one do you think is best for my Vario...i dont want something big on my ears...which is why i looked at the HP ones
im considering on the basis of sound quality and the comfort when warn..
If my replacement motos have the same high end distortion then I'll return them. I'm keeping the HP's for sure unless the fidelity and volume of the replacements is much better.
It's a tough choice for sure. The motos have stellar integration with the Wizard and work pretty much flawlessly when switching from phone to stereo mode. They always pair right up too. Great bluetooth implementation.
fair enough mate...but if a phone call comes while your listening to music via the HP headphones will the voice go through the headphones....and do you have to hold the Vario close to ur head to speak...
or can you just use the phone normally....
because theirs no point in buying them if you gotta listen to the voice through the headphones and hold the phone near ur lips.....(thats like walkie talkies) lol
My problem exactly. You can hear the phone ringing through the headset but when you pick up it goes dead. I wonder if speakerphone works though. I'll check that in a few...
By comparison, the motos are awsome for this... they automatically pause the music when you pick up the phone then resume after you disconnect. The phone actually rings in the background while the music continues to play too so you can check the caller-id and keep listening if its not somebody you want to talk to.
I've got my fingers crossed that the problem with my first headset was actually a defect and that my next ones will be better. It'll be a few weeks before I can determine this though because it's 3 business days one way for UPS and I shipped out the old headset last Friday.
I just tested this: The HPs cut out completely when a phone call either comes in or is initiated from my 8125. Speakerphone mode merely sends the phonecall to my 8125's built in speakers.
hmmmmm thanks for the test mate...
I'd rather not buy the headphones then, considering the hands free are still good enough.... :idea:
£50 of mine can be spent elsewhere (driving lesson etc)
Hopefully someone may write a hack for that problem then...
Thank you guys for pointing out the HT820 headphones. I'm tempted top buy a pair, there's some good prices on ebay too. Well i was looking for other options and notices the Plantronics Pulsar 590A. I like the look of the motorola's more but the plantronics... well its plantronics. Anyone had experience with the both of them?
Hmmmm... guess I'll wait for more reports...
Nokia HS12w Rocks....with FM :lol:
I have the Moto HT820 and the jabra BT620. When I first put the Jabras on my head I was going to throw them in the trash until I figured out the sound was ampliifed in TCMP. I turned th esound down on my phone and headset and away we go. I like both but think the Motos may have a farther range. Next for me is the Nextlinks Spider when it comes out that one is going to be sick. BTW both work well with Windows Media Player.
hdubli said:
Nokia HS12w Rocks....with FM :lol:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How's the range? Any background noise?
the best in my Opinion with an incredible sound is the logitech. I have the HT820(Headset,Headphone Combo), Sharper Image and the Logitech (Headphone Only)
The Logitech is the Best. Usually Headsets lack Bass and this Headsets is best in that area. It misses the Highs a little but that you can fix with little EQ'ing. The Headset fits nice and is not so bulky then HT820. The Smallest is the Sharper Image. But only 4h batt life.
So out of all these 3 i have i use the logitech the most because of the Sound.
All,
I thought I would start a thread where people can post what headsets they have and/or are using with the Kaiser. That way, if people want to buy a headset to use with the Kaiser they can know ahead of time whether or not it will work. I love this device, but right now I am not very pleased with my headset. Respond and I will try to keep it up to date!!
1. (Me) Plantronics 665 - Previously a very good headset. Now with Kaiser, not very good quality. Barely functional with lots of static.
2. Moto H700 - Seems to be good. (x2)
3. Moto HT820 - Stereo Headphones, but good.
4. Plantronics 310 - No report.
I'm using the Motorola H700 and it works fine.
spartanrob said:
I'm using the Motorola H700 and it works fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using the HT700 for standard driving. But I also use the Motorola HT820, BT stereo headphones, and they work as well. Music plays from the phone, and if a phone call comes in, Microsoft Voice Command annouces the caller. I can then press the call phone, the music pauses, I take the call. When the call is over, the music resumes where it left off.
i have a set of the ht820 but I feel like a retard with em on cause they are huge, anyone tried those new slim ones they sell at the ATT store?
jallenclark said:
i have a set of the ht820 but I feel like a retard with em on cause they are huge, anyone tried those new slim ones they sell at the ATT store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then call the Olympics, cause I feel special
For me it’s a Plantronics 310 right now, but I'm looking to upgrade. I will likely stick with one of their products too, as I’ve processed around a quarter million inbound via their wired sets at work.
There was mention of a pretty cool Jawbone modification by AVERYSOUND in an earlier thread. It’s pricy however but worth looking at. It appears to address complaints I’ve heard about the earpiece not being a factor.
Update: I found Discovery 510 (Plantronics) that I had misplaced some time back. Well I charged it up and paired to the Kaiser earlier today. What a bummer. The sound quality is ok, but the volume is just too low, even at the max setting. It’s also bit more cumbersome to slip on in a pinch (like while driving). Bottom line is the 310 sounds much better to me from a volume standpoint.
Fwiw…
Bump
Wanted to bump this post back up.
jspohn said:
Then call the Olympics, cause I feel special
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
me too, doesn't stop me from wearing them
the new ones do look a whole lot cooler, I didn't care so much but with as sleek as the tilt looks my headphones should match
The Blueant Z9 works very well. I like how voice command is announced through the headset.
Jabra JX10
I have the JX10. It was a dream with my 8525 it sounded and worked great.
caveat: in general it is a very delicate and breakable headset -- I have had two of them and done numerous repairs to keep them from falling apart - I have cannibalized the first to keep the second one going - but what the hell, I love that little head set with my 8525.
BUT
It is an unusable pig connected to the Tilt.
It pairs ok, but when you activate voice command or try to answer a call it activates the phone but will not transfer sound (or mic) to the ear piece. Sometimes after a short time the JX10 beeps and then you can hit the connect button again and it will transfer the sound. If you place a call it will not play the ring signal into the ear piece or the handset and it will only allow you to connect sound (signaling you with a couple of beeps) to hear the call until after the called party has answered.
Maddening!
I've actually struggle to answer or make a call using it and finally got the sound through only to hear my friends on the other side yelling "HELLO?! - HELLO! - YOUR PHONE SUCKS!"
it's embarrassing.
Don't even get me started about how bad it sounds on the Tilt.
I'm tempted to go back to the Hermes, but I love my new Tilt...
I need a high quality compatible headset...
The Samsung WEP200 works very well with the Tilt.
im using the plantronics 590 and it works LIKE A CHARM!
there's a thread on this over in accessories btw. I'm moving this thread there as well. Let me know if you want me to merge the two.
Motorola S9 works very well. Much better than with WM6 on Hermes.
I still need to verify my Sony Erickson DS970 Lanyard Wireless Stereo Headset..
Jawbone
I purcahsed the jawbone with military sound dampening....its pretty cool. I use it alot and it sounds GREAT!
Now I am alos looking at the Mototola s9, as I want to be able to listen to music. Let me know if anyone has robb with the S9. for the reviews on the Motorola S9 seem 50/50.
Jasperkins said:
I purcahsed the jawbone with military sound dampening....its pretty cool. I use it alot and it sounds GREAT!
Now I am alos looking at the Mototola s9, as I want to be able to listen to music. Let me know if anyone has robb with the S9. for the reviews on the Motorola S9 seem 50/50.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using mine for about 2 months and so FAR really good with the ATT Stock ROM. On the Hermes with WM6 cooked ROM's I experienced strange issues like music resuming after a call (even though the music was paused BEFORE the call came in). Since getting away from the cooked Hermes ROM's (no offense to anyone at all), the performance has been SOLID. I am very Happy...
L8
Jabra BT8010 Convertible (single/stereo) headset
Well, since I figured I was going to be really stepping into the 21st century by getting my Tilt, I determined to jump into it with both feet ! Hence this headset.
I did alot of research on the BT headset (like I did on the Kaiser/Tilt itself), and I knew pretty much what I wanted to do -- and this Jabra BT8010 convertible (mono/stereo) headset totally fit the bill. I planned on answering calls as normal, but I listen to alot of music, too, and wanted just one thing to carry around. If you haven't seen one of these headsets online, it's about the only one I'm aware of that "converts" -- that is, it has a main unit, and the "second half", or "satellite" that makes the stereo part of the equation optionally plugs into and tethers to the main part when you want to listen to music, too. The whole thing is quite small and svelte -- though ever so slightly "cyborg" (you'd have to see it worn).
The function of this headset has been flawless so far, and the sound quality is just mind-blowing (yeah, it's that good). Volume won't get quite as head-bangingly loud as I might like, but the overall fidelity and usable flexibility of this combo just puts it head over shoulders above anything else I've tested out.
A little pricey, but they are just really good.
I use the stereo headset Jabra BT620s with the Kaiser. It works very well both for music and for the phone, even in noisy environments
The old school Motorola HS850 works fine from my experience. I also own a Jawbone, which sounds tinny when compared to the HS850.
species8472_rules said:
I have been using mine for about 2 months and so FAR really good with the ATT Stock ROM. On the Hermes with WM6 cooked ROM's I experienced strange issues like music resuming after a call (even though the music was paused BEFORE the call came in). Since getting away from the cooked Hermes ROM's (no offense to anyone at all), the performance has been SOLID. I am very Happy...
L8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Motorola S9 for me too
though I could never paired it to a 2nd device SIMULTANEOUSLY though ... any advice ??
I followed the instructions to a T ... yet, it always paired to the last one ... I thought this is capable of upto 9 devices in list ... and they said it's capabled of simultaneous pairing ???
summary:
/ paired to phone.
/ turn off phone and attempt to paired to 2nd device ( desktop stereo ... desktop PC ..etc..etc
/ even went as far as "unticked" the "use as stereo headset" withing the bluetooth setting on phone !! only ticked as " use as handsfree " ... tried both ways too.
it always connect only the the last paired device.
now ... if I'd only paired to the phone ... it works as advertised in terms of listening to music and calls come in get interupted to answer the call & back to music when call ended.
but I can't use it as just handsfree on the phone and listen to music from another device ( bluetooth home entertainment ... desktop bluetooth PC...etc )
pairing to any device(s) individually works fine ... just not simultaneously though
any advice ???
I paired up my new Focus with my 2010 Acura TL yesterday. As I was driving home from work and talking, the volume from the car's speakers ranged from high to low and eventually dropped the call. I thought it could signal strength related but I had 5 bars so I tried again. This time the call didn't drop but the audio was horrible. Since yesterday I've tried to make calls in several areas of town and the call quality is just not very clear. If I talk and listen normally through the handset, the call quality is good. I have an HD2 that doesn't have this issue so I am wondering if this is Windows 7 related...
i have a bmw and have experienced similar results at times. though i think my iphone did have its own set of problems sometimes also. i have noticed the increase/decrease in volume before, though. it would be nice to know the source of the problem. likely the phone, not the OS i would think. my phone has never disconnected yet.
i don't make a lot of calls in my bmw really, but i'm getting addicted to the WP7 so i don't really feel like i will be able to trade in and go back to the iphone at this point if the problem is with the focus and not just needing a software update. though it would be nice to have an answer.
I am also disappointed in the quality of the Bluetooth connection between my Focus and my Acura TL (2009). I had the Focus with the same car, and no problems with the Bluetooth connection. With the Focus, the sound quality is terrible, and I often lose the connection between the Focus and the car. Not a dropped call, this can happen with 5 bars, its the bluetooth connection that drops.
Has anyone been able to improve their bluetooth connection?
The bluetooth in my 2008 Altima is useless with the Focus. It's all garbled up and just unusable. My original AT&T Tilt was the same way. I think it has something to do with the Bluetooth stacks used in these phones. Sadly, Nissan isn't planning on updating the firmware in their handsfree kit for my car, so I just got a good Blueant headset. Not the ideal solution, but it's better than nothing since I drive a stick!
I use mine with a clarion deck. Works and sounds flawless.
I have an aftermarket Sony deck in my car.. Bluetooth call quality is generally good but when it comes to audio streaming..it's hit or miss. I'd say 50% of the time there is always a loud 'hissing' sound in the background which makes the music sound like I was playing it off an old cassette. Other times the music is absolutely crystal clear without any hissing or background noise what so ever..as if I was playing it off a USB drive or CD. I use Slacker to stream music or songs stored on the phone through Zune.. same thing. At times I have to reestablish the Bluetooth connection several times before the hissing disappears.
I use my focus with a Sony BT Stereo and works fine. And all the in/out calls works flawless. Maybe is the BT profile (if the stereo don't have AD2P profile, the phone works in mono instead stereo).
I have the same problem with the sound volume going up and down. 2006 Range Rover. I finally gave up on using bluetooth in the car. My orevious HTC Focus and my wifes iPhone both work fine in the car
I have the Sony MW600 Stereo BT headset and a 2010 Mazda 3, both work flawlessly
Hi all,
I have the Plantronics Discovery 975 bluetooth headset which has never given me problems before on previous HTC phones, but I now hear crackling whenever someone speaks...
Are there other bluetooth headset users with the same problem?
+1 voyager pro sametimes cracle sometimes no
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
We bought two SGS2 and two Plantronics Discovery 975 Bluetooth headset at work. I got one of the phones and one of the headset and I'm having the exact same problem as you have. My other colleague who were happy enough to recieve the other phone does not have any cracking noise which is rather weird.
I even tried my headset connected to his SGS2, i had to make sure my head wasn't messing up the signal or something lol... and it worked fine, so it's something with the phone i guess.
In this thread they talk about KE7 having a new sets of Bluetooth profiles and what not. Perhapes Samsung recognized there was some bug and changed things around.. But i'm only guessing here.
In case anyone is wondering:
Yes, both phone and headset was fully charged when tested.
Yes, both phones and headsets were tested in the same room around the same time so it cant be interference from external sources as it didn't bother the other SGS2.
I'm using KE2 over here. I forgot to check what version my colleague is using but we got the phones the same day from the same store so I bet he is using KE2 as well.
Did both phones have WiFi enabled or disabled?
Come to think of it, I think i had it enabled on mine but not on the other phone. I'll try compare them again and this time have wifi off on both phones.
I had a 975 for about two weeks before I returned it. I wasn't getting consistent performance on either my G2 (HTC), G2X (LG), or Vaio P (Sony). I replaced it with a BlueAnt Q2 and didn't have any problems with the same devices. It works really well on the SGS2 for phone, media, and Voice Talk. The 975 also wasn't A2DP and I like to listen to music and audio on my headset sometimes.
I tried disabling the wifi, not sure if its just now or not but, it seems to be working better. I still hear the crackling noise every now and again but not like before. However i think i will keep using my SE MW600. It delivers more solid performance and the sound quality is better as well. Maybe it's because the MW600 supports A2DP.. i cant really tell.
HTC HD2 Tmobile USA I am also having serious crackling problems...to the point of contacting Plantronics to replace my Voyager Pro and pay $49 for refurbished headset. Distance to phone 2 feet and only getting 1 bar on bluetooth strength. Any sort of obstruction like moving head between headset and phone still at 2 ft away...noticeable crackling and 1 or less BT signal strength on phone. With Wifi enable crackling increases. Connecting to a linksys router just 3 ft away is quite fast but still only 3 signal strength. Turning off bluetooth causes a rise in wifi signal strength but zero bars if more than 10 ft from router. I hard reset but problems still existed.
Extensive research on the problem came across issues about bluetooth and wifi electronics on circuitboard are side-by-side and has something to do with the negative affect on each other.
Anybody have similar "crackling" audio or crackling sound and / or LOW signal when close to phone or wifi routers. I welcome any suggestions at this point.
CPU QUALCOMM 8250B
BLUETOOTH VER 2.1/2.1+EDR
OS 5.2.21913 (21913.5.0.94)
MANILA 2.5.20181424.0
ROM 9-29-10
RADIO 2.15.50.14
PROTOCOL 15.42.50.11u
Jawbone and bluetooth crackling
Hi,
I have a Jawbone Prime which I used for my iPhone 4, which was crystal clear, now I've used it a couple of times with my S GS2 and so far I'm struggling to get a clear call quality.
I thought it was the headset but I have tried it with a friends Advantax speakerphone and that happens the same, every 10 sec's it goes quite and crackles to the point that it's impossible to actual have a conversation!
My phone is only 3 weeks old is it worth exchanging it or will I get the same problem if its a software issue??
Help please
BTW I have just spoken to a lady from Samsung about this issue, to find out if it is a handset issue or software. After being passed around saying it was the headset, though I explained I have tried another 2 headsets, she now said my headset is not compatible.
When I asked her for a list of compatible headsets she put me on hold and then came back saying 'Please go to an accessory store to find out'.
I don't like being fobbed off but I believe Samsung are doing that to me and everyone else! I asked if they were fixing this issue, as there are other forums of this issue, she couldn't answer that question funny enough!
I'm now going to try another handset with my sim and the headset as I work in CPW, finger crossed!
I don't know if I am having the same issue as you guys. You are describing it as "crackling"? My connection falls into a state where the audio sounds as if the bandwidth is REALLY low. So the other person's voice is choppy - really fast choppy - I don't mean intermittent sound.
If I briefly transfer the audio to the phone and then back to the handsfree device again it clears up.
This happens in my car which has a Parrot CK6100 and also our BMW mini built-in bluetooth system.
I have a UK Orange branded SGS2 with KE2 firmware.
Could someone try doing the above and see if it clears up the audio?
As a side issue, stereo audio over a2dp works without problems so it is not a signal strength issue.
+1 Discovery 975
Better with wifi off, but still crappy sound.
I have been having a problem with my bluetooth crackling in my car for a very long time now. I did a search and found this very old thread. I wanted to bump it up to see if anyone else is having a problem like this and if there is any known troubleshooting steps we could take. As previous people have posted, stereo bluetooth works fine, its just on calls with my car that it intermittently crackles. I can toggle the connection to my phone and back to my car to clear it up, but who wants to do that? This happens nearly every call. I thought it was my car so I ignored it but I recently tried my phone in a different car and had the same issue. Ironically, I never have this issue with regular bluetooth headsets, only with cars. Anyone else have a problem like this?
Is there any way to fix the bluetooth audio quality other than switching to a CM-based ROM?
My old phone over bluetooth sounds fine. My S4 via a wired connection sounds fine. My S4 over bluetooth sounds like everything was sampled at 32 kHz. All other equipment is the same, so I'm relatively sure it's a bluetooth-specific issue. My girlfriend's S4 does the same thing.
So, any fixes? I'd really like to avoid switching to an aftermarket ROM right now.
Edit: L337 on AT&T
Tourney3p0 said:
Is there any way to fix the bluetooth audio quality other than switching to a CM-based ROM?
My old phone over bluetooth sounds fine. My S4 via a wired connection sounds fine. My S4 over bluetooth sounds like everything was sampled at 32 kHz. All other equipment is the same, so I'm relatively sure it's a bluetooth-specific issue. My girlfriend's S4 does the same thing.
So, any fixes? I'd really like to avoid switching to an aftermarket ROM right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Random guess: Could this issue be caused by the adaptive sound feature? I'm not a true audiophile, but I haven't noticed a problem through my receiver in the car or at home.
Try playing something with cymbals and a lot of treble. Turn the volume up a bit higher than normal while still maintaining a reasonable level. The cymbals sound like someone is smacking a plastic grocery bag with a stick instead of being crisp and clean like they should be. I can then disconnect the S4, connect my old phone, and play the same mp3 without any sound distortion. Or I can play the same mp3 from the S4 via aux and it sounds fine.
Try it on both bluetooth and aux. If you truly don't notice a difference, I guess it must just be my phone. If it does do it however, you definitely don't need to be an audiophile to hear it.
My old phone had the exact same problem until I moved to JB on a CM build. The problem there is well-documented as existing on the S3 (try looking up bitpool settings), but I kind of figured they would have fixed it by now. I'm coming from the world of HTC, so I was hoping there is a fix for Samsung.
Sorry to revive this thread, but I have an update.
My car has built-in bluetooth for phone only, so no a2dp. I have a third-party bluetooth adapter that I'm using for music.
I've found that when both of these are connected, the audio quality (especially on trebles and guitars with distortion) is absolutely terrible. That was the point of my original post. Since then, I've determined that this happens ONLY when I am paired with both my car and my third-party bluetooth. I can actually pair and unpair from my car in real time and hear the audio quality immediately get better/worse. The quality gets worse immediately when it pairs, even if the car bluetooth is not in use (but still connected).
I've verified this is the case with both my phone and my girlfriend's S4. Can anyone with such a setup verify this does or does not happen for them? I'm thinking this is a bug with the bluetooth stack, and it'd be nice if it could be fixed. If anyone can try pairing to two different devices and confirm my problem, I'll start a bug report with Samsung. Otherwise I'll try another bluetooth adapter for a2dp.