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Best TV Headphones Buyers Guide 2015 – Expert Review

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Now with summer gone and nights getting longer, the temptation is to stay in and relax with the gogglebox. However some of us may have trouble properly hearing everything which is said; others may wish not to disturb others with our nocturnal viewing and still others might just want to keep our questionable viewing habits to ourselves – this is where TV headphones come in! The neighbours need not know about our fondness for ‘Neighbours’.

TV headphones can be wireless or physically connected to the TV by a cable; we’ll start with a couple of low-cost wired models. These require an analogue output on your set, so a headphone socket is required.

 

Wired

Thomson HED2112

Thomson HED2112

A closed-back with a long 5m cable, the Thomson allows for volume adjustment for each ear independently, and is our lowest cost TV headphone and incredible value.

Sennheiser HD65 TV

The closed-back HD65 TV comes with a 5.2m extension cable for a total of 6m reach, and the extension cable features a volume control which again can adjust the level for each ear. Also, there’s the open-back HD35 TV model with the same extension cable accessory.

Wireless (Analogue)

Wireless models free us up even more, and allow us to go and put the kettle on without missing any of the action. The transmission can go through walls so there need not be any interruptions!

All the following will require your TV to have an analogue output, ideally the red and white RCA phono connections.

Thomson WHP3001

The closed-back WHP3001 is light and comfortable with textile earpads, and the internal battery can be recharged simply by placing the headphones on the supplied transmitter stand between uses.

Lindy WHF-45

The closed-back Lindy WHF-45 is useful for the TV and can also be connected directly to a computer via USB for watching videos on Youtube, whatever that is.

Sennheiser RS165

The closed-back Sennheiser RS165 is a very comfortable and lightweight model which steps up the quality in terms of build and sound. It includes a combined transmitter and charger for easy charging between uses, just like the remaining models in this article.

Sennheiser SET 840TV

The SET 840TV model features a stethoscope-style headset, and can also adjust balance for left and right volume levels. There is also a hearing loop version for those with the appropriate hearing aids – the SET 840S.

Wireless (Digital)

The following models can connect to your TV either by analogue or digital outputs, using the RCA connection or Optical for digital audio.

Sennheiser RS185

Boasting both a digital optical and analogue RCA connection, the RS185 open-back model is excellent for use for both the TV and music with a balance control too.

Sennheiser RS195

Top of the line is the Sennheiser RS195; this closed-back model features both analogue and digital inputs and sound quality which rivals many premium (and wired) headphones. This model features both a balance control and options to boost certain frequencies and improve speech intelligibility.

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.