The overwhelming majority of extra options on the 500—together with Jabra’s SoundScape speech readability know-how, top-tier assist from skilled audiologists, and even the selection of 5 colours— haven’t modified in any detectable method. A single button on both support nonetheless controls quantity (up with the correct button, down with the left) and selection of 4 operational modes. Unlike many listening to aids, the button is giant sufficient and positioned properly so you possibly can simply discover it with out fumbling round behind your ear.
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 makes use of the identical app as different Jabra listening to aids, and setup and administration are similar this time round. The app works properly, is straightforward to navigate, and makes it easy to contact Jabra assist if you wish to tweak your listening profile, order longer receiver wires, or just ask questions on how issues work. A gazillion eartips are (nonetheless) included to make correct becoming a snap.
Impressive Audio Performance
Once once more, I’ve no complaints in regards to the 500’s audio efficiency, and I couldn’t detect any distinction between the 300 and the 500. Hiss is minimal and all however absent at decrease volumes, and the assorted listening modes are considerate however not completely wanted. The all-around mode works nice in just about all conditions. As I remarked in regards to the 300 sequence on the time, these listening to aids present simply the correct quantity of enhance to audio the place I would like it, by no means blowing out my ears or amplifying the fallacious sorts of seems like footsteps, keyboard faucets, or squeaky chairs.
Photograph: Chris Null
The solely actual draw back is that the standard of media streaming stays terrible, making music sound prefer it’s being piped by way of a tin can on a string throughout the room. I’d think about using the aids on this trend just for occasional phone calls or in an emergency. Again: No change from the 300 on this entrance, although the 500 now helps tap-based cellphone controls on Android as an alternative of simply iOS.
If there’s a catch right here, it’s the worth: The Jabra Enhance Select 500 listening to aids value the identical because the 300 did after we initially reviewed them: $1,995 with a three-year guarantee and assist, or $1,795 with a one-year guarantee and no entry to Jabra’s audiologists. The former is the one choice value contemplating; Jabra’s audiologist tweaks make all of the distinction.
The actual query is whether or not it is best to contemplate the Enhance Select 300 as an alternative. Now priced at $1,695 (or $1,495 with a one-year guarantee), the older mannequin is eighteen p.c cheaper and, in spite of everything, solely 3 p.c heavier. Looking at it one other method: Is FOMO value $300?
The resolution is left as an train for the reader.