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
A great application for wireless headphones is using them for watching TV. Whether it’s a matter of not bothering anyone around you or helping someone who has hearing problems, they can be incredibly useful. Our wireless headphones selection provides plenty of options to choose from, let’s have a look at five of the best for watching the telly.
The RS120-II is a supra-aural wireless headphone system that uses FM (frequency modulation) to transmit the audio signal. The unit consists of a FM-transmitter and a receiver – the transmitter also acts as a charger for the headset, which uses two rechargeable NiMH AAA batteries included in the box. This set connects to devices through Analogue inputs, which can either be a headphone socket, SCART or phono RCA – thankfully, these connections can be found on most TV’s apart from the most recent.
The RS120-II provides great value for money as the sound quality is surprisingly good for an FM set, spacious and smooth with plenty of bass power. Due to the use of FM, the range is up to 100 metres and the signal can even go through walls. The volume level and other control elements are conveniently located on the side of the headset for easy use. As a plus, the transmitter is also wall-mountable.
The TV Ears 2.3 wireless set uses infrared technology to transmit the signal to the receiver, which in this case is a stethoscope-like headset. The receiver goes into the ear providing the user with good isolation and despite the relatively deep insertion, it is surprisingly comfortable thanks to foam ear tips. Due to the infrared transmission, the sound is clean with no background humming. As with all infrared units, the transmitter and the receiver do have to be in line of sight otherwise the signal can cut out.
As with the Sennheiser RS120, the transmitter also acts a charger for the headsets but in this case it can charge up to two at the same time. The set is highly recommended for the hearing impaired because of built-in “Voice Clarifying Circuitry” that elevates speech above background noise. The TV Ears 2.3 connects to Analogue audio outputs, in case you would like to have the TV speakers turned up whilst using the headset, make sure either the TV SCART or RCA/phono outputs are used. This will allow you to set the volume of the speakers separately from the headset.
The Sennheiser RS170 is a Kleer Digital Wireless System designed for home listening. This closed back headset provides an audiophile quality music or home cinema experience with the added benefit of not having cabling in the way. As with most Sennheiser wireless systems, the multi-purpose transmitter also functions as an ‘easy-charge’ storage cradle and can transmit a signal to up to four headsets. The base unit also has an effective range of 80 metres.
The sound is smooth, well-rounded and detailed. Thanks to the switchable listening modes – Dynamic Bass and Surround Sound – it can be fine tuned for the intended purpose, be it music or TV listening. The leatherette ear pads do a fine job in providing a comfortable fit and due to the circumaural design nobody will be bothered by sound leakage. If you are not concerned about the leakage and would prefer a more airy and open sound have a look at the RS180 as this headset has open back construction.
The SoundMAGIC WP10 is a full size digital wireless headphone, supplied with a very small transmitter for use on the move or to transport the unit easily. There is a large selection of accessories including a mains charger, the transmitter unit, a USB cable, a mini jack 3.5mm to RCA cable, a short 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable and a long 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable. You can keep these accesories in the excellent rigid carry case, also included. The WP10 is a very clever set of headphones, the transmitter also contains a USB DAC for superior sound from your PC or Mac, connection cables for pocket sized media players and an RCA lead for home Hifi connection. Should you run out of battery power while out and about it is possible to use the included cable to keep on listening! SoundMAGIC have really tried to cover every eventuality
The headphone itself has the same incredibly comfortable pads as the SoundMAGIC HP100 and HP200 wired Full size headphones, is reasonably lightweight and has a well thought out set of controls on the left ear cup. Sound quality is well above any RF headphone and superior to that of Bluetooth headphones as the WP10 uses a 2.4G 16 bit CD quality connection. The sound signature is generally bright and clean with deep but restrained bottom end.
Sennheiser RS220 is the wireless headphone we have all been waiting for. Ever since their appearance on the audio market there have always been complaints from audio enthusiasts as the sound of wireless headphones has never compared favourably to their cabled counterparts. The Rolls-Royce of the wireless scene is set to change this perception as it delivers sound performance that matches some of the better wired models. Be it digital (optical or coaxial) or analogue, the RS220 has been designed to merge with any audio setup.
The set uses what Sennheiser call Direct Sequenced Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology to provide the user with uncompressed, CD quality sound. The open back design enables the set to deliver an airy and transparent presentation. The entire system has been crafted using premium quality materials; the luxurious velour earpads deserve a special mention as they provide exceptional wearing comfort for longer listening sessions. Would you like audiophile sound with the benefit of cable free usage? Look no further, the RS220 will satisfy all your listening needs.
