Tag Archives: headphones for tv use

Sennheiser RS175 – Review

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Sennheiser RS175 -Review

sennheiser rs175 - hifiheadphones.co.uk
Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Easy to operate when worn
  • Optical or analogue input
  • Great sound and soundstage
  • Bass boost and 2 virtual settings
  • Includes rechargeable AAA batteries

Cons

  • Can get slightly cluttered in midrange
  • Some may prefer velour earpads

Verdict

Even while being used to the excellent forerunner, the RS170, the Sennheiser RS175 impresses. Time marches on of course, and Sennheiser has marched along with some even more amazing wireless headphones which have left a right impression with everyone here. We feel that to parade around the house with these headphones would be an ideal use for them. We know the drill!


Intro

Following the popular RS170 closed-back model, Sennheiser have had their work cut out. However they’ve improved functionality and have added some useful features too.

Key Features

Flawless and lossless wireless transfer allows for uninterrupted and interference-free enjoyment of TV and music. Buttons on the headphones alter volume, enable bass boost and control virtual surround. Also, switching the headphones on or off will issue the same instruction to the transmitter, for convenient operation anywhere within the transmission range. The included AAA batteries can be recharged within the headphones while sitting on the transmitter which doubles as a stylish headphone stand.

Both analogue an optical cables can be connected; a switch on the back of the transmitter selects the input source. Working on a 2.4GHz frequency, they are free of interference; even when being used with Wi-Fi signals in close proximity, for instance wireless internet routers.

First Impressions

Once out of the box, the headphones feel lighter than they appear to be, and once on the head they are very comfortable – even when glasses are also worn. The ears are fully enclosed; there’s a generous amount of space within the earcups.

The positions of the buttons are intuitively placed; altering volume and enabling bass boost/virtual surround is a doddle. The Sennheiser RS175 promises to give hours of comfortable and trouble-free operation, allowing the user to concentate on the audio.

Sound Quality

The audio quality itself is certainly comparable to many similarly priced wired headphones; with the standard unaltered settings, bass is well controlled and has plenty of impact. Midrange is more prominent than the older RS170 model, improving speech intelligability with video and harmonics with music. There is a slight danger of clutter here if a lot is going on within the audio however. Treble is crisp and clear, but without getting overbearing. Soundstage is fantastic and separation is as good as any closed back at this price level.

Bass boost is more subtle than the name of the feature implies; it gives a gentle lift to the lower end of the bass without causing any bloating or muddying. It is just as well controlled, allowing the midrange and treble space through without being overpowered.

Virtual surround is a big improvement over the older RS170 model; audio which belongs in the centre of the soundstage stays there, while instruments/voices panned towards the left/right move further out. There are two levels of virtual surround and on the higher setting the presentation is truly immersive! Perfect for TV and films.


Summary

The new Sennheiser RS175 is a far cry from the image of the crackly and noisy wireless headphones of years ago. Sennheiser have hit the right spot with the RS175, and the new range of wireless models, the RS165, RS175, RS185 and RS195 promises to dominate the high quality TV headphones market for some time to come.

Score 9/10

Lindy WHF-45 Wireless TV Headphones – Review

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Lindy WHF-45 Wireless TV Headphones – Review

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Sounds extraordinary for the price
  • Simple operation
  • Includes DAC (decodes digital audio)

Cons

No included batteries

Quick verdict

A perfect and low cost introduction to the world of wireless audio; now there’s no need to miss any of your favourite show’s dialogue if the cat needs to be put out, or if you need that cup of tea. For the asking price, the Lindy WHF-45 is second to none.

 

Intro

Wireless headphones have been around for a while, but are often to be found at the £100 mark or higher. Step forward Lindy, who have introduced some amazing specimens for almost half that – £54.98! Older transmission methods such as Radio Frequency/FM (used by the Sennheiser RS120-II for instance) have been around for some years and are still popular, but the 2.4GHz digital transmission method employed by the Lindy WHF-45 is less susceptible to interference, even when used near Wi-Fi routers and other similar devices.

 

Key Features

Features are basic with a volume control and ‘connect’ button on the headphones, for helping with connection to the transmitter. The transmitter itself outdoes many higher-priced equivalents in that it doubles as a DAC (digital to analogue converter) for direct connection to a computer for online TV services, or for music. It can also be powered via the same USB connection, or with the supplied mains adapter if an analogue signal is fed into it via the 3.5mm socket.

 

First Impressions

The headphones are very light; they’re obviously designed with comfort in mind, for relaxing in front of a favourite TV show for instance. Pairing is a doddle, transmitter and headphones were able to spot each other straight away when switched on, and music began to play with very little work.

Sound Quality

The headphones perform far above expectations, given the asking price. These are being tested with high quality and well produced music such as Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ and with thrilling results! Soundstage is very wide and immersive, bass is deep. Mid-range and treble are also very good for any headphone at this price, never mind a wireless model.

Some people may be aware that digital wireless headphones can introduce a slight delay while the sound is converted to wireless and back again; with the Lindy WHF-45 this is minimal; certainly when watching somebody speaking, there is no noticeable delay between the video and audio from the headphones.


Summary

It’s great to see digital wireless headphones at this price; and especially with this audio quality. Now there can be no excuse for noisy night time excursions to Hollywood and beyond – for under £60 any long-suffering hubby or housemate can be guaranteed a good night’s sleep with the Lindy WHF-45!
Score 8.5/10

How To Choose Wireless TV Headphones

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In my last article I wrote about the different ways you can set up wireless headphones with a TV. This time I will talk about the different types of headphones available and how to choose the correct one for you.

So you’ve determined which outputs your TV has and now it’s time to pick your headphone – here is a list of the best wireless TV headphones for each connection type.

RCA Phono/Jack Plug (analogue)

Thomson WHP3311

This is our most popular wireless TV headphone. Amazing value for money – packaged with a charging dock as well as offering clarity and comfort. the Thomson WHP3311 is the best TV headphone we’ve come across for under £50.

 

Sennheiser RS165

Sennheiser SET 840 TV

The SET 840 TV is the ultimate assistive listening wireless headphone. Great sound quality and three selectable hearing settings on transmitter for optimised speech intelligibility. The volume control has left and right balance settings as well as tone control.

 

Sennheiser RS120-II (DISCONTINUED)

If you’re looking for a sub £100 wireless headphone then you can’t go wrong with the RS120-II. The transmitter can charge the headphones and uses RF (radio frequency) to transmit audio – this gives you a very long range but can be susceptible to interference. The headphones are open back so they will leak sound – but will provide a natural sound with good width.

 

TV Ears 2.3 (DISCONTINUED)

For the hard of hearing, the TV Ears 2.3 is very hard to fault at the very low price of £59.95. They use infra red to transmit audio so you get a clear sound, they are susceptible to interference though. The sound quality is what you’d expect for the price but as they are designed for the hard of hearing their main focus is on the upper frequencies – so for this purpose they work very well.

Coaxial/Optical (digital)

Sennheiser RS175

The RS175 transmits digitally using Sennheiser’s advanced technology, this provides a much clearer sound with no interference. The headphones are extremely comfortable and they are closed back so they isolate sound very well. The transmitter acts as a charging station for the headphones and also provides Dynamic Bass and Surround Sound listening modes and the built in DAC allows a digital connection via Optical cable.

Sennheiser RS185

The RS185 is almost identical to the RS175 except the headphones are open backed. This means that the headphones will leak sound, but you will get a wider and more natural sound from them. You can also adjust the balance for left and right channels separately.

FiiO D03K

If your TV only has digital outputs and you don’t want to go for the Sennheiser RS220, the FiiO D03K can solve your problem. Adding this to the chain between the TV (coaxial or optical output) and wireless headphone means that you can use any of the headphones I have mentioned in this article. A very handy piece of kit!

Sennheiser RS220 (DISCONTINUED)

The Swiss army knife of wireless headphones – The RS220 can connect itself to analogue (RCA) and digital (coaxial and optical) sources. The headphones themselves are open backed and provide an audiophile experience. The transmitter has a built in DAC (digital to analogue converter) so when used with a digital source, the sound is superb! The headphones feature balance control for left and right channels, a charging docking station and Sennheiser offer an extended 5 year warranty.