Some time ago I took a look at the state of Bluetooth technology and threw out some theories on why it hasn’t been accepted by music listeners. While Bluetooth earpieces for phones have become as common as Crocs, when it comes to headphones, most people opt for a model that sports a dangling cable.

The unpopularity of Bluetooth headphones vexes many in the industry as well. In fact, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group offered to send me a few pairs of recent Bluetooth headphones to check out the current status of Bluetooth audio tech. I must say, I was impressed by advances in engineering and design in the three models I used: a pair of Sony ear-covering cans (DR-BT50), a remarkably compact pair of Sony Ericsson earbuds (HBH-IS800), and some Samsung noise-cancelling headphones (SBH600).

So am I ready to throw away my corded headphones, swearing allegiance to wireless audio forever? Not quite. Hit the jump for what’s still holding Bluetooth audio tech back, and what headphones need to do before they’re ready for the big time.