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Deewear FlyOne Dark Wireless Earphone Review – More Sounds with No Strings

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Deewear FlyOne Dark Bluetooth In Ear Headphone Review

Flyone Deewear

 

Wireless Bluetooth headphones are getting ever more popular, and we’re worried that we’ll run out of titles. Never mind, as the convenience offered by Bluetooth earphones such as Deewear’s FlyOne Dark will give our wits a chance to catch up with the world of technology. Hopefully.

It’s no surprise that the FlyOne Dark is aimed at the sporty segment of the market, but to be fair it’s not bad when sitting still either.

When turning on, a female voice states ‘power on’ and ‘connected successfully’ when getting going. Since these earphones are from Italy it could be hoped that this would be more representative of that part of the world, but you can’t have everything.

Pros:

  • Wireless convenience
  • Good sound for exercising to
  • Fits in ears firmly
  • Sturdy build

Cons:

  • Some may prefer a more refined sound
  • Some signal issues (depending on handset)

 

Design and Appearance

The Deewear FlyOne Dark is perhaps designed with function in mind rather than looks, but it does a good job of fitting in with whatever the wearer is doing, whether it be exercise or something more sedate. The cable connecting the left and right earbuds of the FlyOne Dark has a light-reflecting coating on one side to help the wearer be seen during the hours of darkness, which is a nice thought.

Durability and Build quality

The earphones themselves have a strong and solid build, but retain a lightness which will certainly help them stay in the ear, along with the ‘shark’s fin’ attachment which holds things in place nicely. I imagine that any mishaps or falls will not put the FlyOne Dark out of action for long.

Comfort

Everyone’s experience will be different I’m sure, but the FlyOne Dark sits firmly in the ear and the supplied eartips form a good seal with no trouble. The earphones can be worn for extended periods with no discomfort.

 

Suitability for intended application

Volume can be adjusted and play/pause found easily, although this may require some practice when in the heat of battle. With the cable around the back of the neck, the mic and control is just behind the right ear. It does not seem to cause a problem with being heard if making a call indoors, but this may be different if out in a noisy environment or strong wind.

Battery life is good for an earphone of this type; it keeps on going beyond expectations and should certainly outlast the energy levels of the most enthused athletes. When the battery is reaching exhaustion, the music is interrupted now and again by our female MC stating ‘battery low’ which can be a little annoying but it’s not that often, and it’s probably less annoying that being faced with a flat battery the next day.

Recharging is done via a socket hidden on the back of one of the earpieces; a micro-USB cable is supplied for this purpose.

 

Sound isolation

Isolation is fair; it’s quite common for joggers to want a certain amount of situational awareness and this should suit them, but there’s also enough to drown out a decent amount of piped-in gym music, the scourge of many a gym-goer.

Sound characteristics

There were some interruptions to the audio in the form of very brief ‘hiccups’ when the signal was slightly broken; almost like pops on a record. This reviewer went shopping last night and the experience was good; when the mind is on other things, these issues are not bothersome. Handsets other than the cheap Android which was used for this review may transmit better, so take this with a grain of salt.

The sound of the earphones can be dramatically affected by the position of the eartips, so when trying them be prepared to get the angle and position right to ensure that they are sounding their best. The earfins will keep them in place once a decent sound is achieved.

Tuned for exercising, the FlyOne Dark gives a good amount of bass with quite a presence in the high-midrange region; good for bouncy genres like dance and pop. The volume control does not communicate with the phone; rather the earphones have their own volume scale so the level can potentially be made to be quite high with the handset volume already on maximum.

  • Bass (e.g. punch, low extension)

Bass has a decent amount of body, but the FlyOne Dark is not bass heavy. Bass is fairly well controlled with a good amount of texture; the midrange is left uncluttered. Tracks which feature a low bass or a lot of it will be reproduced quite well.

  • Mids (e.g. vocals, acoustic instruments)

There appears to be a slight increase in the high-mid presence when compared to low-mid, and some may think (perhaps ironically) that the FlyOne Dark is a little on the bright side here. It does however make the most of harmonics and vocals which may be a little blunted due to the sound quality limitations imposed by the Bluetooth transmission method. It’s not a bad thing but may be an area of sensitivity for some.

  • Treble (e.g. high hats)

As above, the sound quality limitations of Bluetooth do affect higher frequencies more and there is some graininess when it comes to higher frequencies. The effect makes for a more ‘Rock n’ Roll’ sound which is not a problem but it is less refined than some may wish for.

Soundstage and Separation

Soundstage and imaging/separation are not as good as with a wired earphone but are still OK. The selling point of the Deewear FlyOne Dark is definitely the wireless aspect, and deeper aspects of the sound quality take a back seat which is going to be an acceptable trade-off for many.

Music genres good for and why

Anything with a driving beat such as pop, hip-hop and dance music will be best for the FlyOne Dark, with genres known for their subtlety and atmosphere not doing so well

Summary

Given that a lot of other wireless sporty earphones are twice the price of the FlyOne Dark, this represents quite a bargain and may encourage a lot of people to give wireless earphones a try, whether they are joggers, gym goers or casual users.

Jaybird X2 Wireless earphones Review

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Jaybird X2 Wireless earphones Review -The No Bother Jogger/training without the draining

 

Intro

Being New Year, resolutions abound; after Christmas we feel like losing the pounds we gained during the festivities and seek to turn over a new leaf. Cue the Jaybird X2 wireless, which is the perfect pacing partner and will still keep us entertained when we inevitably just take to sitting around the house eating pizza instead. Usually by February.

After the good intentions have become a distant memory however, the Jaybird X2 can still provide good and useful service as a decent wireless earphone when commuting or frying chips.

Design and appearance (e.g. attractiveness, feel)

The Jaybird X2 is sleek and discreet; its looks blend in with all types of lycra and the supplied earhooks help to keep the earphones in; whether running, jumping, or just bent over whilst gasping for breath. The X2 can be worn either with the cable going over the back of the ears or with the cable coming straight down.

Durability & build quality (e.g. cabling, connectors, materials)

The X2 earphones are certainly built with an eye on the needs of exercise fans. They are rugged and will shrug off sweat, splashes of water and the odd impact like it’s a run in the park. The flat cable is well finished and the X2 even comes with some little parts to place on the cable and take up the slack when it’s worn. This cuts down on a lot of the ‘microphonics’, or audible vibrations which travel up the cable when it is in motion.

Comfort:

Certainly with the correct sized earfins, the X2 stays put so we can concentrate on our chosen exercise. There are Comply eartips included in the pack as well as the more familiar silicone ones, so a bit of experimenting gets a perfect fit.

Sound isolation (if applicable)

Isolation is very good, however there’s always a danger with earphones being too effective when we are out and about. The Jaybird X2 earphones hits the right balance between audio seclusion and being struck by a Mack truck. Most of what can safely be ignored will go unnoticed!

Sound characteristics:

The sound of the X2 is aimed at fans of most genres which get the blood pumping. The overall sound signature is comfortable and enjoyable; there is no chance of fatigue with the Jaybird X2 (well, listening fatigue anyway).

Bass (e.g. punch, low extension):

Bass starts low, and is slightly accentuated but has good amount of texture and leaves the midrange relatively uncluttered. Control could be better but is quite acceptable.

Mids (e.g. vocals, acoustic instruments):

Vocals and acoustic tracks are warmed up slightly by the bass presence, but there is still a good deal of clarity here; harmonics and delays are noticeable but may be a little recessed for some tastes.

Treble (e.g. high hats):

Higher frequencies are on the gentle side and for a majority of users, this is preferable. Percussion and other high frequency sounds are there, but have no chance of hurting the ears and hindering concentration.

Soundstage & Separation:

Soundstage is fair, with separation of instruments OK too. The wireless nature of the headphones and the bluetooth transmission method does lead to some compromises when it comes to sound quality, and this impacts on clarity dependent attributes such as soundstage and imaging/separation.

Music genres good for and why:

Being aimed at exercise and training enthusiasts, the Jaybird X2 excels in training-montage friendly genres such as rock, dance, pop and rap. Anything which benefits from an increased bass response will be in the sweet spot and will help to not feel the burn.

Pros:

Perfect for keep fit folks
A good wireless option for general use
Nice selection of accessories

Cons:

Not for those who want a no-compromise sound –
Battery will need to be kept charged

 

Summary:

Wireless earphones are getting more and more popular, and the Jaybird brand has a good pedigree in this field. The Jaybird X2 earphone is a very neat and effective solution for those who want a wire-free earphone, whether exercise is intended or not!

Sennheiser Urbanite XL Wireless Review

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In recent years, Sennheiser has introduced some wildly popular headphones for more portable uses; from the almost ubiquitous PX100 series to the larger closed back Momentum and Urbanite models, both full-size and on-ear.

And never one to sit still, Sennheiser has introduced another flavour for the similarly restless – the Urbanite XL Wireless.

Pros

Wireless operation and track/volume control
Amazing sound
Foldable for easy storage
Comfortable for long periods
Cable can be used to save battery power

Cons

Non-removeable battery
Supplied pouch could be more protective

Verdict

Overall, a very good quality headphone with versatility to match. Perfect for travel and for relaxing at home alike, the Sennheiser Urbanite XL Wireless presents the great Sennheiser sound which anyone can enjoy. A good all-rounder, with which any genre can be enjoyed.

Key Features

The main point of note is the wireless bluetooth feature of course, and there is an intuitive touch-sensitive panel on the right side by which the user can select tracks, alter volume and answer calls. There are no buttons, a more ‘swipey’ approach has been employed, so a tap pauses, a double tap skips to the next track and a swipe up or down changes the volume.

Should the battery become depleted, a universal cable is included with similar functionality so the music needn’t stop.

The battery can be recharged via the supplied Micro-B USB cable, and like its wired forebears the Urbanite XL Bluetooth can be folded up for easy storage.

An audio cable is also supplied to save on battery power or if it is exhausted, and a soft cloth pouch for storage.

First Impressions

Given that we’re no strangers to the previously released Urbanite XL model, the design and extras are no surprise. The stylish looks, solid build and comfortable fit are never a problem to experience again but even so, the extra Bluetooth functionality has stolen the show! With an Android handset playing on one side of the office here, the headphones made it all the way to the other side of the building (some 15 metres) and no drop-outs were encountered.

The control panel on the right side is a very slick feature; however there’s always a chance that a quick touch to adjust the position of the headphones might result in an unintentional track skip but with practice this can be avoided.

Sound Quality

It should go without saying that a certain amount of quality is lost within the Bluetooth transfer method, but the result is still very pleasing; also with the MP3 still being the king of formats for many, this is not a major concern.

The bass is very well controlled and clear with plenty of punch; the micro-velour type earpads may soak up a little of the lower sub-bass region but overall the bass impact is very impressive.

Midrange gives a wonderful sense of space and both male and female vocal are well complimented, with reverb/echo easily cutting through. There’s next to no clutter here and harmonics shine.

Treble is rolled off slightly; the Urbanite XL Wireless does not hold it back, but there are brighter-sounding headphones. As it is, there is enough treble to enhance details such as percussion, but without much chance of fatigue – it’s a good comfortable sound.

Separation and soundstage are excellent; individual instruments can be picked out with the soundstage extending beyond the physical confines of the headphones themselves.

Using the cable, maximum volume was lower although this of course depends on the maximum amplification of the smartphone being used. The Urbanite XL Wireless has an internal amp which only comes into play when used along with its wireless capability.

Isolation is fair, but you may be inadvertantly sharing your music with those nearby if listening at high volume levels.

Summary

It’s a time of year when we are all looking forward to the longer days and warmer temperatures promised by summer (at least in the northern hemisphere!) and we’re to be found making plans and dreaming about lazy days in the sunshine. Snag-free music seems like a great way to enhance that feeling of freedom and those carefree (cable-free?) moments out there. With the Urbanite XL Bluetooth being worn with it’s XL earpads, our ears might be in the dark but at the same time most enlightened!

Best wireless headphones for TV, movies & sports

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Best Wireless Headphones

Looking for wireless headphones?  Our headphone experts have collected the best performing wireless headphones available and reviewed them.  Whether you are looking for headphones for watching TV, movies or gaming check out our reviews below.

Scroll down for in depth reviews of our favourite wireless headphones.

More: Visit our wireless headphones store

More: Visit our TV headphones store

 

Lindy WHF-45

We’re often asked for a sensibly priced pair of wireless headphones and until the Lindy WHF-45 came along we had trouble giving a satisfactory answer.  Many of the cheaper wireless headphones on the market from the big brands like Philips and Sony are cheaply made and of low quality.  The Lindy WHF-45 breaks the mould and brings high quality at an affordable price.

The headset is well made and sound quality is impressive for the price.  The audio signal can be fed into the transmitter either via 3.5mm stereo connection or by plugging to a computer USB socket (the transmitter will appear as a soundcard audio output on the computer).  Combined with a device like the FiiO D3K these headphones can be plugged into modern TVs with digital audio outputs.

Volume can be controlled from the headset, meaning you can stay in your seat.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

Better quality than many of the big name brands, the Lindy WHF-45 is a budget wireless headphone that we can highly recommend.  Perfect for watching TV without disturbing others in the room.

 

Sennheiser RS120-II

The Sennheiser RS120-II is high quality open back analogue wireless headphone, although it leaks very little noise into the environment. This is a great product for those watching TV in a noisy environment or who want to keep the audio level down for others.

Typical Sennheiser levels of build quality and readily available spare parts make this a headphone you can invest in for the long term.

A built-in volume control on the side of the headphones allows control anywhere in your house, while a control on the transmitter lets you fine-tune the wireless reception.

Supplied with rechargeable batteries, the RS120s innovative “easy recharge” function offers the ultimate in convenience when it comes to charging and storing your wireless headphones.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

With a range of up to 100m, through thin walls and ceilings, you can even listen whilst sitting in the garden. making the RS120 an ideal choice for all types of media and TV applications in the household.

 

Sennheiser RS170
Sennheiser RS180

Sennheiser RS170 closed back and Sennheiser RS180 open back headphones are Kleer Digital Wireless Systems designed for home listening. These cable-free headsets provide an audiophile quality music or home cinema experience without cluttering your living room floor. These wireless systems are comprised of a single pair of wire free headphones and a multi-purpose transmitter which also functions as an ‘easy-charge’ storage cradle.

Sennheiser’s RS170 and RS180 utilise Kleer’s uncompressed digital wireless audio transmission, the transmitters have an effective range of 80m and can serve up to four pairs of headphones. The leatherette ear pads and headband cushions provide for outstanding comfort even during long listening sessions.

The Sennheiser RS170 closed back headphone offers a weighty, full-bodied and detailed sound, sporting a couple of switchable listening modes – Dynamic Bass and Surround Sound. It will let you enjoy pure thundering bass, a virtual surround sound, or both audio treatments for your music or movies. The leatherette earpads and headband cushions provide great isolation; the circumaural design also prevents sound leakage.

Sennheiser RS180 Sennheiser’s RS180 open back headphone is comparable to some similarly priced wired headphones, making the RS 180 the choice for audiophiles seeking to cut the cord. The sound is big and spacious, fully reproducing a movie’s room filling surround effects. The RS 180 has Automatic Level Control (ALC), which maintains a consistent volume level for movies and TV shows. ALC is very useful when the quieter scenes of a movie are difficult to hear.

Both RS170 and RS180 come equipped with volume controls and include a 3.5mm-male-to-3.5mm-male analogue cable, a female-3.5mm-to-stereo-male RCA connector cable, and a 3.5mm-to-6.3mm adapter plug.

 

Sennheiser SET 840

When it comes to wireless headphones, one of the best solutions for those with difficulties understanding speech on TV is the Sennheiser SET 840, a headphone set that can reveal extra detail of what is said.

With selectable options to for optimised speech intelligibility the SET 840 is a headphone that makes technology work for you.

The stethoscope-style fit makes it perfect for use while watching with others; the headset can be easily removed from the ears and a volume wheel on the unit ensures full control.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

If you are finding the television needs to be turned up loud but you still cannot clearly understand the dialogue, the SET 840 will definitely help. You will more clearly hear the elements of the voice that make words distinct.

 

Sennheiser RS175

From Sennheiser’s latest generation of digital wireless headphones comes the RS175.  The closed back design ensures external noise from the room is kept out and also that only a little sound leaks from the headphones.

With a theoretical range of 100m (compared with just 30m from the RS165) the RS175 is practical for walking between rooms (depending on the density of wall materials) while enjoying your audio.

Sound quality is very good for a wireless headphone and will put many of the cheaper wireless offerings from Sony and Philips to shame.

Connectivity is good as the RS175 includes both analogue and digital optical input.  The digital input is particularly useful for the latest generation of TVs, which often no longer include analogue outs.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

A well thought out wireless headphone with digital signal inputs and high quality audio.

 

Sennheiser RS220

The RS220 is part of a big refresh of Sennheiser higher-end models. Not only is this the top Sennheiser wireless headphone but almost certainly the best and most fully featured wireless headphone anyone has made to date. Rather than the Kleer technology used in previous Sennheiser digital wireless systems, the RS 220 uses DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum). The difference is that DSSS transmits using an uncompressed audio signal over 2.4 GHz. Features include an onboard DAC with both optical and coax input and output as well as analogue (RCA) input and output. All functions including source, volume, left and right balance and On/Off can be controlled from the headphone. The design looks great and should be acceptable in even the grandest of living rooms

The Sennheiser RS220 is supplied with the wireless headphone unit, transmitter/ DAC/ charging unit, 6ft RCA cable, RCA to 3.5mm adaptor, coaxial cable, CD and physical instruction manual. The wireless range is good for wandering around the house, perfect for avoiding cabling on the living room or bedroom floor.

Sound quality is really impressive, plenty of well behaved bottom end that never becomes overbearing. From the mids up it is very clear, the EQ seems sensibly placed to work for a whole host of music and watching HD films. Very clean sound which avoids any harshness feels quick and defined. Definitely the most detailed wireless headphones we have heard; the sound stage is wide which helps live recordings feel natural and realistic.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

This is the best and most fully featured wireless headphone on the market at present. Digital and analogue inputs and outputs make this unit very easy to integrate into an existing set up. Not only are the Sennheiser RS220 very serious sonically but they are also well made and extremely well thought out, the controls on the cups work well and the whole unit has a luxurious feel.

 

SoundMAGIC WP10 with included USB DAC transmitter 

Audiophile quality full-size wireless headphones needn’t stay indoors; the WP10 can go wherever you wish with a pocket-sized transmitter (connected via USB to your computer), which is just as home in your hotel room as on your coffee table.

A generously padded headphone provides superb isolation and comfort while the combined transmitter and DAC can do justice to any audio, sourced either from a 3.5mm jack cable or a computer USB socket. The WP10 uses a 2.4GHz CD quality transfer standard so no detail need be lost.

Suitable for watching TV, radio listening, Youtube and a multitude of other uses, you needn’t be tethered again!

Hifiheadphones verdict:

SoundMAGIC once again offers good value with exceptional quality with this wireless model – the fun, engaging sound for which this maker is known is now literally unleashed!

 

Sennheiser PX210 BT

For all their diminutive size these really pack a punch! These days wirelessness and compactness needn’t mean a compromise in the sound, the PX210 BT can testify to that.

They have impactful bass with good midrange presence and sparkly highs which don’t overbear. Great for travel and staying home alike.

Can be used with the included cable should battery life need to be preserved.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

Attitudes towards the sound quality possible from wireless Bluetooth headphones have changed, thanks to models such as this. If you liked the Sennheiser HD-25 and its variations, this is the next logical step.

 

Jaybird Bluebuds X

The Bluebuds X is great for more active pursuits, where wires may otherwise get caught or might just be distracting.

The sound signature is warm and engaging with a slight roll-off on the treble end so that listener fatigue will not set in as you exercise, even if physical fatigue does!

Isolation can be improved still further by using TX-500 Comply tips; these feature a ‘waxguard’ to help increase protection from dirt, wax and sweat.

If you do not have this technology already built into your phone, or if you would like to use these headphones with non-bluetooth enabled devices such as your TV, the Jaybird uSport Universal Bluetooth adapter is available.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

There’s no snags when it comes to sporting these earphones; the earfin design ensures they stay in securely, allowing the wearer full concentration.

 

Parrot Zik wireless noise cancelling Smartphone

The Parrot Zik , designed by Philippe Starck, is a wireless headphone with gesture control, noise cancelling technology and its very own app. Surely designed to be a gadget fan’s dream audio accessory, it has a host of host of features including a sensor that pauses the music when you take the headphones off.

The aesthetics are really impressive, the ear cups are covered with smooth matte rubber, the metal frame is in matte steel finish. Pairing the headphones up using Bluetooth is simple and gives a decent range but the Ziks also feature Near Field Communication (NFC) for quick pairing – a first for headphones – although your music player will need this technology too.The Ziks have their own custom-made Parrot Audio Suite app which is available on iTunes. You can use it to monitor battery life, control noise-cancelling and add a “Concert Hall” effect, which can give the impression of listening in a variety of settings. There’s also EQ so you can fiddle until the sound is just right.

Sound quality is impressive for a Bluetooth wireless set. As mentioned you have a lot of control, so it is hard to describe a distinct sound signature. They are warm with a quite quickly rolled off top end, they have a comfortable and fun sound and in wireless mode have really nice stereo characteristics. They do not retain their character when used with the included cable however, in this passive mode without their technology they are unimpressive.
The Parrot Zik will also enable you to make and receive calls when paired to your phone. They use several microphones along with a bone conduction system to enable your voice to cut through surrounding noise

World Cup 2014 Headphone Guide

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World Cup 2014 Headphone Guide

World Cup 2014 is on its way and now that FIFA have banned branded headphones, we have come up with a list of headphones to help you keep up with all of the matches. Whether you listen to the radio on the go, stream the games on your iPad or just want to watch the football at home without disturbing anyone.

Here is our pick of headphones that will help you enjoy the World Cup and sound great!

Portable Streaming

Ideal for listening on the go with portable devices. These headphones are small, lightweight, they have good isolation and will reduce the amount of sound leaking out.. You can follow the World Cup in style.

SoundMAGIC E10

Voted best in-ear for under £40 3 years running. The E10 is the go to earphone for great sound and value.

Jaybird BlueBuds X

If you like using in-ears but want something wireless these are perfect! They use Bluetooth so will be able to connect to most mobile phones and modern portable devices.

Beyerdynamic DTX501p

These are great for portable listening. Very comfortable, they fold neatly into the supplied case and they sound great too.

Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear

If you’re after a bit more luxury then the Momentum On-Ear is for you. They are the portable sized version of the popular full sized Momentum. They have a lush sound with great clarity and soundstage. They are also extremely comfortable and they look great too!

Audiofly AF78/M

The AF78 uses hybrid technology, so you get a dynamic driver (for rich bass) and a balanced armature driver (for clarity and detail). This combination gives you great punchy sound with clear detail. The M version comes with a universal in-line microphone and one button control.

Sennheiser MM450-X

To fully immerse yourself you can go for the ultimate portable headphone. The MM450-X not only sounds great, they have noise cancelling – this will help block out background noise so you can listen in peace.

Home Streaming

Full size, comfortable and easily driven. Perfect for private listening at home with any source device.

Grado SR80i

These are open backed headphones so they will leak sound, but very good sound! They are probably the best value for money headphone we do.

Sennheiser HD380

Closed back and extremely comfortable. They have a warm and open sound – great for the price.

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro

One of the best sub £200 closed back headphones we do. Very good sound isolation and adjustable bass ports lets you customise the sound for your taste. Very comfortable and has a replaceable cable.

SoundMAGIC HP200

Another open backed headphone so sound will leak. These have a surprisingly warm sound for an open back headphone with great bass and natural detail.

Final Audio Pandora Hope IV

This closed back headphone gives you the best of both – a balanced armature driver for crisp top end detail and a dynamic driver for rich, punchy lows. Once burned in these headphones sound amazing – you’ll want to wear them all day long!

Beyerdynamic T70p

The T70p has great clarity and top end detail with tight bass and an overall neutral sound. The P version is designed for portable devices, if you use a headphone amplifier then I would recommend the T70 (non P version).

Watching TV

If you’re going to be watching the games live on TV then you will be doing some late night viewing. These headphones will be able to connect to your TV and get you fully immersed in the World Cup without disturbing anyone else in the house.

Sennheiser RS160 or Sennheiser RS170

The ultimate in TV quiet listening. Both the RS160 and RS170 are closed back and will isolate sound extremely well. The RS160 comes with a portable transmitter which can be powered by batteries whereas the RS170 has a more powerful transmitter that also acts a holder and charging station for the headphones.

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.

The Sennheiser RS170 Review – Cans’ Best Friend

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Attention spans are ever shorter these days, and I’m no exception; planning to sit down and listen to music seems to require the will to be tethered to the spot for the duration. Maybe it’s psychology but the kettle starts to beckon, pressure builds in the bladder and – did I detect a knock at the door?

Not being one for compromise (too much), I found that Sennheiser‘s current crop of wireless headphones using ‘Kleer’ technology give sound quality which easily matches most wired headphones in their price bracket. The advantage of being able to take the music with me should I need to cross the room cannot be underestimated; the cable on my good old AKG K240s has me creeping around like a cat burglar in case I snag it, or knock over something  brittle and expensive.

The Sennheiser RS170 is a closed-backed headphone; meaning that I am isolated from environmental sounds to a certain extent and those around me cannot easily be disturbed by what I am listening to. The ‘closed’ type of headphone historically has had problems with standing waves and resonance within the earcups, and any soundstage has appeared narrower. Which makes it all the more surprising when I have to remove the headphones to check I have not left my speakers on! I have also felt as if someone has crept up to me and purred a few lyrics over my shoulder. Closed-back headphones have really come a long way.

The headphones are very light which makes them excellent for wearing whilst engaged in various household tasks such as head-shaking, hand-wringing and general procrastination; also they are right at home outside, and can be used for working or relaxing in the garden. I find mine are invaluable if I’m working on or cleaning my motorbike at the front of the house; the noise from the road drowns out my radio, and the wire involved with in-ear headphones and a MP3 player causes problems. Over the winter they have also kept my ears warm out there!

The RS170 features a bass-boost button which works very well for a bass fan such as myself; although it is by no means overpowering. It is well balanced with the higher frequencies being slightly accentuated when this is active. Also there’s a virtual surround setting which works very well for watching films and the like, but not so well for music or speech/radio. I find that anything in the centre of the soundstage is shifted slightly to the right and a little bit of clarity is lost. The control buttons on the right earcup are a little bit of a struggle for a lot of people as they are close together and most find them tricky, but I got used to them within a week. Tip – feel for the gap between the volume/power buttons and the bass boost/surround buttons.

The leatherette earpads are comfortable enough and provide a good seal; however I have modded mine by using a thin, stretchy fabric intended for use as an insect screen and placing this over the parts which contact my head. My ears can breath a little more easily and I can listen for longer. Velour earpads are available as an alternative; these are for the RS180 but fit the RS170 also.

Being a practical-minded chap, I was happy to find the headphones are powered by a pair of the ubiquitous AAA-sized batteries which will be easy to replace when the time comes. Indeed I’m confident that other spares will be available for some time to come, as Sennheiser obviously realise the value of post-sales support when it comes to spare parts.

TV wireless headphones – Set up guide

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How to set up TV wireless headphones

This is a question that comes up a lot at HiFi Headphones, so here is our easy guide on setting up TV wireless headphones.

Before you go and buy your wireless headphones it is important to find out what audio outputs
your TV has. This is the best starting point as it will determine which wireless headphones are
compatible and if you need any extra devices, such as a DAC.

Based on the type of outputs, there are two types of TV’s:

TVs with analogue output:

Headphone Output/Jack

This is the most commonly known type of audio output, but not necessarily the best. Using the headphone output on your TV will cut the sound from the built in speakers so only you (or anyone else connected to the wireless system) will be able to listen to the TV.

The majority of TV wireless headphones come with a mini jack cable so there won’t be any problems connecting them via the headphone socket.

RCA Phono

This output is generally located at the back of the TV and has two circular sockets, one red and one white. This provides a pure line out signal and therefore won’t interfere with the built in speakers. This is probably the best option as the majority of wireless headphones out there use analogue inputs, and most of them will include appropriate adapters to connect to the RCA phono output.

Even though there will always be a way of connecting TV wireless headphones to the RCA phono socket, some models come with their own adapter to make this easier. Here are a few that I would recommend:

TV Ears Wireless Voice Clarifying Listening System
Sennheiser RS120-II Wireless Stereo Headphones
Sennheiser RS180 Digital Wireless Headphone System
Sennheiser SET 840 S Wireless TV Listening System for Hearing Aids

TVs with digital output:

Optical/Coaxial (Digital)

A lot of modern TVs now only have digital audio outputs, this is either as optical or coaxial. If your wireless headphone transmitter only accepts analogue audio then it’s not the end of the world, you can buy a device called a DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter). This device will sit in the chain between your TV and wireless headphone transmitter. You will need a digital cable to go from the TV to the DAC, this will be either optical or coaxial depending on the output. Then from the DAC you will need an RCA phono cable to feed into the transmitter.

With digital outputs becoming more and more popular, there are now headphones that can take a digital signal and convert it to analogue with their own built in DAC. This way you get a much higher quality of sound. Here are a couple that I would recommend:

SoundMAGIC WP10 Digital Wireless Headphone System with DAC
Sennheiser RS220 Wireless Audiophile Headphone System

With such a wide range of TV wireless headphones and accessories on the market at the moment, it doesn’t matter what TV you have; there will be a wireless headphone out there for your set up.

Nakamichi NW501 Digital Wireless Headphones – New Product Announcement

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The HiFi Headphones team is pleased to announce that the new wireless on-ear model from Nakamichi, the NW501 is now available to be purchased on our website.

With the development of the wireless NW501 headphones legendary Japanese audio company Nakamichi have created the perfect partner for Apple devices. Tangled cables are now a thing of the past when enjoying music from your iPod, iPhone or iPad. The NW501 wireless headphones feature 2.4GHz digital technology with digital paring with a range of up to 5 metres without interference for mobile music without compromise.

  • Nakamichi NW501 – Free Your Apple Device
  • Made for iPod, iPhone and iPad
  • True High-Fidelity Musical Enjoyment
  • 2.4GHz Digital Wireless Technology
  • Rechargeable via USB Cable
  • Automatic Shut-Off Saves Battery Life
  • Wide Transmission Distance of 5 Metres

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy Nakamichi NW501 Digital Wireless Headphones

Denon AH-NCW500 Noise-Cancelling Headphones – New Product Announcement

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The HiFi Headphones team is pleased to announce that the new noise cancelling on-ear model from Denon, the AH-NCW500 is now available to be purchased on our website.

Denon’s AH-NCW500 Globe Cruiser on-ear headphones feature a 40mm driver, an integrated amplifier and AAC and aptX decoding for CD quality audio over a wireless connection. The design’s control wheel also allows you to effortlessly control Apple iPhone, iPad or other Bluetooth devices. Incorporating advanced noise cancellation circuitry via Bluetooth 3.0 wireless or a wired connection, Denon’s Globe Cruiser AH-NCW500 headphones actively eliminate unwanted ambient noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music, wherever you are. They are available in silver and black.

  • Denon AH-NCW500 Globe Cruiser – Your Perfect Travel Partner
  • Noise Cancelling Circuitry Blocks Ambient Noise
  • CD Quality Wireless Sound (Bluetooth aptX)
  • Full Control of Apple Devices & Smartphones
  • Pentagonal-Shaped Earpads with Memory Foam
  • Flat Folding Design for Convenient Packing
  • Two-Axis Earcup Connection for Perfect Fit

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy Denon AH-NCW500 Headphones

Sennheiser MM550-X TRAVEL Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones – Product Review

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Product Information

Product type – Wireless Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones

Price at the time of review – £349.99

Product Link – Buy Sennheiser MM550-X

Summary

Verdict – Portable headphones with built-in noise cancellation, bluetooth connectivity and mic/remote features.

Pro’s – The MM 550-X sound good enough that you’ll feel like it’s money well spent, especially when using it wirelessly. Its active noise cancellation, while not class leading, is still fairly effective; if you want the best and don’t need a wireless pair, the PSB M4U2 is a great alternative.

Con’s – There is huge choice in the world of portable headphones, if you do not require all of the features on offer here you can save yourself money without experiencing a big drop in sound quality.

In-Depth Review

Introduction – This is Sennheiser’s portable that does it all, and at £300 most people would be expecting that. Although they are not the most beautiful cans we have ever seen the build quality is excellent, they are more a model of German Efficiency than a statement of urban sophistication. The Sennheiser MM550X are circumaural with soft pleather earpads for long listening sessions in comfort. Despite the generous cups they are a small size, easily transportable. The right earcup is laden with controls, not surprising given the list of available functionality. Extremely flexible headphones, impressive technology, of course as with all wireless headphones, not all of the money goes into sound quality. The MM550Xs pair with a phone easily, charge over USB, and they fold easily into a portable carry case.

Included peripherals –As well as a lovely pair of foldable travel headphones, you get – USB mains charger, USB charging cable, in-flight adapters, an audio cable, a neat carry case and the user manual.

Application – Headphones don’t come much more feature-packed than the Sennheiser MM550X. CD quality apt-X, NoiseGard sound cancelling technology, TalkThrough (a button turns on the external microphone so you can talk without removing the headset), Invisible microphone, cable option when power runs out, neodymium drivers, SRS WOW HD technology, integrated track and volume controls. To save on weight, most of the unit is plastic, Steel runs through the headband to give flexibility and strength.

Description – Sennheiser say the battery should provide 8 hours of listening with Bluetooth and NoiseGuard enabled, 10 hours Bluetooth without NoiseGuard and 20 hours using the cable with NoiseGuard activated. If you are looking for all the features on offer here then the MM550X are a good bet, however if you want the best sound quality then a well isolated closed back cabled headphone may be a better fit. If the NoiseGuard is the most appealing feature there are similar quality alternatives which have excellent noise canceling abilities for less.

Describe the sound – The sound quality is pretty impressive in standard mode although maybe a tiny bit Mid shy. On most occasions Bluetooth headphones still don’t match up to their cabled cousins but here the sound is nearly identical in cabled or Bluetooth mode, feeling much better than most traveling wireless headphones. Sennheiser’s NoiseGard canceling technology is a different matter though, audibly degrading the great sound from standard mode. The SRS WOW HD button is in our opinion a pointless addition. It seems to add an aggressive smile curve EQ simultaneously making the top end a little scratchy and the bass muddy and over emphasized.

Comparisons – Also see Sennheiser PX210, Jaybird SB2, Volume DH-B38, Sennheiser MM400X.


SoundMAGIC WP10 Digital Wireless Headphones with DAC – Product Review

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SoundMAGIC WP10 Digital Wireless Headphones with DAC

 

Product Type – Full size Digital Wireless Headphones with built in DAC

Price at the time of review – £239

Product Link – Buy SoundMAGIC WP10

Verdict – A well thought-out wireless set with innovative features at a great price point

Pro’s – The list of features and uses for this wireless headphone with a USB DAC make it a superb all rounder. 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 placed thoughtfully on the left ear cup.

Cons – It isn’t the most expensive wireless headphone on the market, but not too far off. To make up for the price just about every accessory you could need has been included.

Introduction – SoundMAGIC have been an up and coming headphone brand for the past few years. With a few awards and a lot of recommendations from magazines and gadget blogs, SoundMAGIC have been expanding beyond the low budget – high performance IEMs they are already well known for. Perhaps looking to demonstrate their clear technological know how by producing these advanced wireless headphones. Because of the features, sound quality and comfort the WP10 must be taken seriously, particularly if you have a range of uses in mind for your cable free cans.

Description – Features of the Transmitter include an onboard USB DAC as well as an analogue input – it is tiny and so incredibly portable. The WP10s have a functional look – they look like headphones! – But are by no means un-attractive. Controls are simple and well placed.

Included peripherals – SoundMAGIC WP10 package comes with the wireless headphones themselves, an excellent carry case, the transmitter/DAC unit, USB mains Charger and cable, 3.5mm to RCA cable, 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable and a physical instruction manual.

Application – This is a very clever set of headphones, the transmitter also contains the USB DAC for superior sound from your PC or Mac, connection cables for pocket sized media players and RCA for home HiFi connectivity. 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.

Describe the sound – Sound quality is well above that of 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 bright and clean with punchy bottom end. It’s not really fair to compare the sound to a similarly priced cabled headphone; the DAC technology in the transmitter obviously costs a pretty penny. The WP10 gives clean audio with decent sound stage which helps live recordings and film sound and feel realistic.

Comparisons – Similar features to the king of wireless headphones, the Sennheiser RS220, but less luxury oriented and more application rich. Very usable for portable applications they have the edge over the Sennheiser RS160 as the SoundMAGIC transmitter is smaller and more advanced.

Parrot Zik Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Smartphone Headset – Product Review

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Product Type – Circumaural, wireless headphones with smartphone features

Price at the time of review – £349.99

Product Link – Buy Parrot Zik

Verdict – Perfect portable choice for those looking for innovative features and a lovely design.

Pro’s – Beautifully designed and filled with technology, plenty of opportunity to adjust sound to taste.

Con’s – The high sound quality is not retained when using the cable in passive mode.

Introduction – The Parrot Zik, designed by Philippe Starck, is a wireless headphone with gesture control, noise cancelling technology and their very own app. Surely designed to be a gadget fan’s dream audio accessory, they have a host of features including a sensor that pauses the music when you take them off.

Description – The aesthetics are really impressive, the ear cups are covered with smooth matte rubber, the metal frame is in matte steel finish. Pairing the headphones up using Bluetooth is simple and gives a decent range but the Ziks also feature Near Field Communication (NFC) for quick pairing – a first for headphones – although your music player will need this technology too. The Ziks have their own custom-made Parrot Audio Suite app which is available on iTunes. You can use it to monitor battery life, control noise-cancelling, add a “Concert Hall” effect, which can give the impression of listening in a variety of settings. There’s also EQ so you can fiddle until the sound is just right.

Included peripherals – With your Parrot Zik headphones you will get a Micro USB cable, Line in cable (3.5mm), a Li-ion battery (800mAh), a Protective pouch and a helpful Quick-start guide.

Application – The Parrot Zik will also enable you to make and receive calls when paired to your phone. They use several microphones along with a bone conduction to enable your voice to cut through surrounding noise.

Describe the sound – Sound quality is impressive for a Bluetooth wireless set, as mentioned you have a lot of control so it is hard to describe a distinct sound signature. They are warm with a quite quickly rolled off top end, they have a comfortable and fun sound and in wireless mode have really nice stereo characteristics, they do not retain their character when used with the included cable however, in this passive mode without their technology they are unimpressive.

Comparisons – Also see Sennheiser PX210, Jaybird SB2, Volume DH-B38, Sennheiser MM550X.

Volume DH-B38 Bluetooth Headphones – Product Review

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Product Type – On-Ear Stereo Bluetooth Headphones with mic and remote controls

Price at the time of review – £69.95

Product link – Buy Volume DH-B38 Bluetooth

Verdict – A very impressive sound at an affordable price, great option for those looking for a cord free set below £100. No wires. No worries.

Pro’s – Small yet comfortable on-ear, lightweight and durable. The big surprise is that they sound great, impressive stereo imaging for an on ear. Bluetooth headphones for under £100 often seem a bit bargain basement, the Volumes tick all the boxes for functionality, do not compromise on quality and still come in at a cheap price!

Con’s – None if you have under £100 to spend! AptX CD quality sound would be a great addition but at this price that just seems greedy.

Introduction – Volume is a new audio company proudly making headphones in Taiwan, the brainchild of the son of a British family owned components manufacturing company. After finishing his education in London and becoming disillusioned working in the city he decided to return to Taiwan to make high quality portable audio products at a sensible price. This high-spec, low price philosophy underpins the current collection of Bluetooth headphones with mic and on board controls.

Description –Available in a range of attractive colour ways the Volume DH-B38 has controls for volume, changing track, pause and play. Special features include a high quality omni-directional mic, Class 1 Bluetooth – giving up to 100m range and the ability to fold flat for storage. The headphones themselves are very light and do not clamp making them pretty comfortable for on-ears, the soft leatherette ear cushions are shaped well. Build quality is impressive, no corners have been visibly cut.

Included peripherals – Volume DH-B38 are supplied with a soft carry bag.

Application – If you are looking for some portable headphones for commuting or being mobile in general these have all the features you could need. Listen to music, answer and end calls without having to touch your phone and they should easily fit into an already cramped bag too. Because of their longer than average range they would also work well for listening around the house or getting out in the garden. Low weight and comfy fit means they also work very well in the Gym.

Describe the sound – A typically warm feel for consumer headphones, punchy smile curve EQ with much more detail than you would expect. The bass will handle everything from chart pop to huge electro basslines. Classical and Acoustic don’t sound bad either as they have a bit of sparkle to them, the fact they do sound good does mean you can hear small Bluetooth sonic problems which less capable headphones might mask. The sound is fun and involving but not too aggressive for everyday use or long journeys.

Comparisons – Also see Sennheiser PX210BT, Jaybird SB2, Parrot Zik, Sennheiser MM-400X.

Sennheiser RS 220 – New Product Announcement

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The Hifiheadphones team is pleased to announce that the flagship wireless headphone model from Sennheiser, the RS 220 is now available to be purchased on our website.

  • Open, circumaural digital wireless headphone
  • Uncompressed lossless digital audio transmission
  • Transmitter features analogue audio input
  • Range of up to 100m (line of sight) from sound source and up to 30m indoors
  • Power on/off, balance control and volume control integrated on headphones
  • Multi-purpose transmitter also functions as ‘easy-charge’ cradle and docking station
  • Extremely comfortable and luxurious velour ear pads
  • Rechargeable, integrated batteries
  • Extended 5-year warranty
  • Available for demonstration – call us now!


Audiophile listening has gone wireless: Sennheiser’s RS 220 takes cable-free listening to new realms. This digital wireless headphone system delivers pure sound performance matching high-grade wired headphones.

To purchase the set, please visit our website:

Buy Sennheiser RS220