I received apparently one of the first Plantronics CT14 cordless headset telephones, and the bottom line is that there are no big surprises, which means I like the telephone given that I had high expectations in view of my previous experience with Plantronics quality. I did not have either of the previous models, CT12 or CT10, so I cannot compare to those. However at my office for a number of years I have been using a CS10 cordless headset system which works with a multi-line telephone, and I have become quite addicted to using a headset. Based on what I think is an objective test, the audio quality and volume of the CT14 are superb. The way I test that is to call my own voicemail and, during the same call, switch between various telephones while leaving a message. Then I listen to the recorded message, again switching among various telephones. That lets me hear the quality for myself, without relying on a person I am talking to for a report. One characteristic I am pleased to see included is that it is possible to chain dial from recorded numbers in the "phonebook." Thus, when I use a calling card with a 1-800 access number I can then access the PIN in the phonebook to have that dialed as well, followed by the number of the person I am calling. With some other telephones, after you have used the "phonebook" and the call is in progress, the directory scrolling keys change to a different function (e.g. volume) and all the remaining numbers must be dialed by hand. The only negative thing I have to say about the CT14 is that there is a higher level of background noise than I am accustomed to, which I suspect (but do not know for sure) is an inherent part of the DECT 6.0 technology which uses a single frequency band for both sides of the conversation, and uses time division duplex. So, digitally, a lot is going on behind the scenes, and I think I am hearing digital artifacts. This is mitigated somewhat because there is ample volume. So the volume can be turned down, which reduces the background noise, while still being able to hear the person on the other side. At some point I may compare to another DECT 6.0 telephone, or attempt to see what Plantronics has on this issue. (Update: I called Plantronics and a very pleasant rep assured me that the background noise I am hearing is not normal. The background should be quiet. He gave me an RMA number to send back the telephone for a replacement, but before I do that I am going to try the telephone someplace else. It is possible there is some sort of electrical interference unique to my house. Now that I finally have this telephone, I am very reluctant to part with it for any length of time. I really like it.) Earlier complaints regarding the predecessor CT12 concerned interference with Wi-Fi networks, and it seems clear that is not a problem with the CT14. The CT14 operates on a different frequency band (1920-1930 MHz versus 2400-2500 MHz), and that is an advertised feature of the CT14.
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Plantronics Cordless Headset Phone (CT14)Product Description: The CT14 Cordless Headset Phone from Plantronics offers the ideal combination of size, mobility and hands-free convenience. The CT14 combines an ultra-portable dial pad that lets you make or take calls up to 300 feet away from the charging base with an integrated noise-canceling headset. This complete DECT 6.0 single-line telephone system won-t interfere with wireless networks or home appliances. The dial pad has up to 10 hours of talk time and includes features like Caller ID/Call Waiting, one-touch voicemail access, redial, mute and volume controls. The convertible headset offers two wearing options over-the head stability or over-the-ear convenience.
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I am a headset phone junkie and have owned three different Plantronics models. The SP04 is an older, no frills model. It isn't cordless, doesn't include an LCD window, have speed keys (memory dialing), caller ID, etc. But the sound quality is the best--whether conventional handset or headset types--of any phone I have ever used. And the SP04 is durable. Mine is at least 10 years old and still works, and sounds, as good as the day I bought it.
