10 Years Strong: Why the Poly CS540 DECT Headset Leads the Market

The Plantronics CS540, now called the Poly CS540, is a popular headset that’s withstood the test of time. Originally introduced in 2011, the CS540 remains one of the most iconic, and popular headsets of all time.

In this blog, I’ll cover some of the key reasons why this headset has been able to sustain a loyal following in spite of new, more modern headsets being introduced.

But before I dive into the details, I wanted to give you the opportunity to watch a review video of the Poly CS540. This video not only discusses its features, but provides you with microphone sound quality, and noise reduction tests so you can hear how it sounds for yourself. Sound quality, and noise reduction are two areas that consistently rank high on headset buyers' desired features list. So check it out!

More Bluetooth than DECT. Today, if you’re shopping for wireless headsets, you’ll likely see a lot of Bluetooth headsets being advertised compared to DECT models. This is partly due to the steady migration away from traditional desk phones, and towards computer based communications such as the use of Softphones for voice communication, and video conferencing for individual, and team collaboration.

The Poly CS540 is a DECT headset, and because of that, it provides you with some advantages. One of these advantages is longer wireless range, which I’ll cover shortly.  But if you’re unfamiliar with these two technologies, and you’d like to learn more about them, then make sure to check out our informative video below.

What Comes In The Box

Knowing what you get when you order something is good, because you know what to expect, with no surprises. So when you place an order for a Poly CS540, what should you expect to receive upon opening the box? Here are the details:

What It Connects To

The Poly CS540 is a wireless headset that’s designed to be used with desk phones. This is different from Bluetooth headsets that are for use with computers and mobile devices. The CS540 is an office and desk phone centric business headset. 

In the box, you'll find a telephone interface cable that allows you to connect the CS540 base to your telephone. But if you’re like many companies today, you may be transitioning away from desk phones and over to Softphones. If so, then you’ll be happy to know that the Poly CS540 can also be used with a computer. All you need is a Discover D315 computer interface cable shown below.

For computer connectivity, just plug the cable into the computer and CS540 base. It’s very simple to do, and it works very well. 

Interchangeable Wearing Styles

The headset comes with three wearing options:

The CS540 also offers an optional behind the neck neckband providing you with another unique wearing style. So whether you prefer an earpiece style headset, one that’s worn over the head, or the uniqueness of a neckband, there’s a configuration available that’s bound to meet your needs.

Wireless Range

Being that the Poly CS540 is a DECT headset, it will give you longer wireless range than a typical Bluetooth headset will.  Bluetooth headsets, for example, normally provide a wireless range of up to 100 feet / 30 meters.  The CS540 gives you up to 350 feet / 106 meters of wireless range.

With the longer wireless range, you’re able to do more things. You can cover further distances within your workspace, which is advantageous, like when needing that eye opening morning cup of coffee, or to consult with a colleague across the building. However you might use this longer range, it’s sure to translate to added convenience, and greater productivity.

Remote Call Answering

One of the benefits of using a wireless headset is you have the ability to step away from your desk, not miss calls, and avoid the chances of voicemail ping pong. Remote call answering is possible through the use of two different devices:

HL10 Handset Lifter

This is a device that adheres to the surface of your phone, just beneath the handset receiver. This is where the speaker is normally located. When you’re away from your desk, and you receive an incoming call, you’ll hear a quiet beep tone in the headset earpiece to alert you of the incoming call. Press the call control button on the side of the headset, and the Handset Lifter “lifts” the handset receiver out of the cradle. When that happens, the call is routed to the headset. And when the call is completed, press the call control button a second time to end the call.

Electronic Hookswitch Cable (EHS Cable)

EHS cables are the second generation of remote call answering devices. EHS cables are firmware based, and not reliant on mechanical manipulation of the phone receiver. It accomplishes the same end result as a Handset Lifter, which is to be able to answer incoming calls when away from the desk, but it does it electronically instead of electro mechanically. The other thing to keep in mind about EHS cables is they are telephone make and model specific. For example, the APP-51 EHS Cable pictured above, is the cable used for certain models of Poly phones. If you were using, say, Cisco or Avaya phones, the compatible EHS cable would be different from the APP-51. 

If you have questions on compatibility, contact us, and we’d be happy to find the right, compatible EHS cable for your specific needs.

Comfort

Comfort is subjective, but suffice it to say the Poly CS540 is a comfortable headset simply based on personal observations, and the countless positive reviews that mention comfort. Comfort is perhaps one of the leading reasons why the Poly CS540 wireless headset has maintained its popularity for so long.

The CS540 weighs just 0.64 ounces. I don’t know about you, but for me, it’s hard to imagine how much that is, aside from it sounding light. Well, in order to make that more understandable, or relatable, I wanted to share a few common things that weigh about the same as the Poly CS540 wireless headset.

• A tea bag filled with loose leaf tea
• A slice of bread
• Three sheets of paper

I hope that helps to shed some light on, well, it being light. There’s no denying that this headset is comfortable simply based on its lightweight frame, which means you can wear the CS540 for long periods of time without feeling the discomfort of a heavy headset. An important point if you’re someone who’s a headset power user.

Battery

The Poly CS540 DECT headset is a wireless headset which means it requires the use of a rechargeable battery. 7 hours is the available talk time with a fully charged battery.

Enough Juice? Some might argue that 7 hours isn’t enough to power through a full day of use. The truth is, most office workers aren’t on the phone a full 8 hours a day. There’s breaktime, lunchtime, and downtime in between calls. And when you add up all that off-call time, it normally means you’ll be on the phone a lot less than 8 hours. Would it be better if it came with a longer life battery that offers more talk time? Absolutely! But I do think the Poly CS540 gives most people enough battery power for their daily needs.

Getting more use. To help ease the mind, and extend the battery life, many people dock the earpiece into the charging base whenever taking a break, going to lunch or aren’t on a call. This simple process helps to refresh the battery guaranteeing more than enough power for a full day, and even beyond. 

Microphone Sound Quality - Yay Or Nay?

Check & check. The Poly CS540 was designed to provide professional grade sound quality, and to that end, it succeeds. The voice audio quality is very good, and it does a decent job at removing unwanted background noise. It’s important to note that there isn’t a headset available that removes all the noise, as headsets vary greatly in their ability to silence background noise. 

If the CS540 was lacking in voice audio quality, and background noise suppression, how would it be able to maintain the high level of interest and popularity it has held for so long? In part, its staying power can be attributed to the audio quality it provides.

neep the noise. If you want to remove all the noise in your workspace, and the headset or audio device you’re now using just isn’t cutting it, then I invite you to check out neep Ai noise canceling software. It not only removes noise from your background, but your caller's background as well. To find out more, or to arrange for a free trial of neep, just go to neep.com

Conference Feature

For those who want to collaborate with coworkers, jump on conference calls, or improve coaching, counseling and training, then you’ll want to take advantage of a standard feature found on the Poly CS540 wireless headset. 

The conference feature allows you to pair up to four Poly CS540’s to one base. Once paired, each conference participant can go whichever direction they choose, while being on the call. They can walk, talk, collaborate, and even multi-task and get more done in the process. 

And if it’s training that you need, you can shadow and coach new hires, or seasoned staff through monitoring calls for improving customer service, and elevating job performance. To learn more about this highly useful feature found on the Poly CS540 wireless headset, here’s an informative video that breaks it down.

Overall Thoughts of The Poly CS540 Headset

I, for one, am a big fan of the Poly CS540. Though it’s been around for a while, it remains a highly popular headset and for a lot of good reasons.

So when you add these things up, it’s hard to argue that this isn’t a headset worth your time to consider. And if you’re shopping for headsets, you’ve probably discovered most are worn over the head, with earpiece style headsets, or convertible models being more challenging to find.  And, not everyone prefers a headset worn over the head as some people get headaches with things worn over their head. That makes the wearing versatility of the Poly CS540 all the more valuable.

The Poly CS540 is a headset with an impressive track record that's highly rated, and one you should consider.

Ways To Save On CS540 Headsets

If you're like most people, you like getting a deal when one's available. Then make sure to use  Coupon Code BLOG when checking out on our website. Saving money never goes out of style, and using this coupon code is  one sure way to trim the price. 

Want To Save Even More? Trade-in Your Old Headsets

Of course you do! Then round up those old headsets you have gathering dust in the storeroom, and contact us to let us know what you have. We have a trade-in program that can be the ticket to an even better price on Poly CS540 wireless headsets. 

And as a little insider tip, you can combine the coupon code with the trade-in credit which is a real win-win situation.

Prefer A Monthly Plan? Headset Lease Is Affordable

For those who prefer a monthly plan, Headset Advisor offers a unique headset lease program for those who qualify. One low monthly rate allows you to outfit you, and your team with new headsets for a fraction of the price of buying outright. There are a lot of good reasons to lease your headsets, so contact us and one of our helpful Advisors will give you all the details.

Have Questions Or Need Some Help?

Shopping for new headsets can be confusing with so many different choices available. Headset Advisor has been assisting customers with their communication needs since 1994, so I’m confident that we have the answers to your communication questions. Our trained Advisors can assist you with finding the right, compatible headset solution guaranteed to work with your specific system. Contact us today for some expert advice!

Datasheet

Poly CS540 datasheet

Videos