Wireless headphones on a budget?

[Quattro Pete]

Wife is a bit of a night owl. Sometimes she likes to watch TV late late into the night while in the bedroom. Sometimes I'm so tired I don't even care. Other times I can't fall asleep when I hear the TV. Running a wired set of headphones is impractical in this particular situation. Would $55 buy a decent set of wireless headphones? I found Sennheiser RS120 at this price with fairly decent reviews. Some people complain about static/hissing noise, but I suspect it has to do with interference from other electronics in their particular setup. I guess I won't know if my setup will be affected by this until I try it.

What say you? Worth a try? Or am I going to have to spend a lot more on a decent set?

Any other suggestions in this price range?

Thanks!

 

[HerrStig]

Somewhere in the vast cable TV channel world someone has been running an advert for a brand X set for 29 bucks with a spare set of phones. Didn't pay a lot of attention but will look for the aid.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Upon further research, these Sennheisers have a serious design flaw - the transmitter auto shuts off if it doesn't detect any audio signal within 30 seconds and this causes the headphones to emit very loud static sound. Seems fairly annoying.

 

[97prizm]

I would go with the Panasonic RP-WF930-S they have a better ear surround to keep noise out and, while senheiser is good, for the price level I'd go with the Panasonics. I've owned a few panasonic headphones over the years and they seem to hold up well. From wht I've seen the panasonics I mentioned above tend to edge out the Senheisers at least at this price range. If money is no object go with a set of Grados- They'll set you back $3,000,

Malcolm

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: 97prizm

I would go with the Panasonic RP-WF930-S

Thanks, but this model has been discontinued. It looks like Panasonic may have pulled out of the wireless headphone business. They don't show any on their website currently.

 

[Rand]

Sennheiser rs120
they are analog which means no echo effect if the tv volume is also on..

they also sound fine with no hiss.

about $50 or so.

generic amazon link
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-RS120-Wireless-Headphones-Charging/dp/tech-data/B0001FTVEK

I have 2 sets of these both have worked fine.

they also use generic AAA NI-MH batteries which is a big plus.
they seem to last 12-14 hours on average use..
aftermarket ones do better.. they dont exactly ship with the best ones money can buy.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Rand
Sennheiser rs120
they are analog which means no echo effect if the tv volume is also on..

they also sound fine with no hiss.

So you don't experience the auto shut-off problem that many reviewers are complaining about on Amazon? It sounds like it would be very annoying if you were to get blasted with full volume of noise after a moment of inactivity/no sound.

 

[Rand]

Nope hasnt happened yet. but I dont pause tv or anything.

only thing annoying is the volume and tuning knobs next to each other but you get used to it.

its one of the best under 100$

if you want to spend 250$ and dont listen to the tv speakers at the same time.. some of the digital ones are better.

(the digital ones introduce a delay so its really annoying echo if you have tv speakers/surround system on also)

I dont really walk around with them on.

I sit in chair with them on. If I want to go make food i take them off.

I guess if you pause tv and run around the house alot they may not be the best. They work good for what I use them for and sound good. I didnt want to pay 250$ I also listen to them loud while tv is on and want to actually hear them talk vs me saying "what did they say" constantly because GF has hypersonic hearing and can listen to it on volume 2 :\

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Rand
I also listen to them loud while tv is on and want to actually hear them talk vs me saying "what did they say" constantly because GF has hypersonic hearing and can listen to it on volume 2 :\

LOL!

So here is my other issue. The TV these headphones would be used with only has a FIXED audio output, which means that you can't adjust the volume level of the signal coming out of it. When I hook up my wired Audio Technica studio monitors to it, they don't sound particularly loud, but enough to hear clearly I suppose. I hope these Sennheisers will sound at least as loud with their volume knob on max.

 

[UNC036]

Same Problem here.

My solution... http://www.jaybirdgear.com

It will serve for night time tv viewing as well as a headset for her iPhone.

Jim

 

[Quattro Pete]

Thanks. Everything I've read says that current bluetooth technology does not provide enough bandwidth for high quality sound reproduction. That is why none of the well known headphone manufacturers use this technology. But it's funny to see how these Jay Bird guys make it sound like the lack of bandwidth to provide a full audible frequency spectrum is actually an advantage:

Quote:
Freedom is tuned with emphasis on sub-bass, while reducing the listener fatigue ranges of mids and extreme treble.


Still, for casual TV watching, it may be sufficient. After all, my wife is not an audiophile by any stretch of imagination.

Which Jay Bird model do you have? How does it sound compared to traditional headphones? How is the range? I know current theoretical BT limit is about 33 feet, but it's probably quite a bit less in practice.

 

[UNC036]

Pete,

I should have said: My solution would/will be...

I do not have them yet, but I will pick up the JF3 Freedom in ear model for my wife.

Sorry bout that, Jim

 

[Quattro Pete]

Thanks. Let me know how like them once you get them.

 

[ankaka]

Take a look at Panasonic RP-WF930-S.

 

[UNC036]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Thanks. Let me know how like them once you get them.


I finally picked up a set...

jaybird freedom sportsband 2

Very pleased. She can watch her internet shows, and I can sleep.

All is well, Jim