Wireless Audio Headphones

Back in the 70’s I well remember using headphones to listen to rock music deemed unfit for delicate parental ears at the time. The only drawback was that my headphones had wires and that meant being tethered to the Hi Fi system so long as I wanted to listen.

With the introduction of wireless technology, Bluetooth and the like it is now possible to stroll around unhindered using a set of wireless audio headphones. Early offerings had nowhere near the sound quality of wired headphones however today makers such as Sennheiser, Sony and JVC have improved the technology to such a degree that there is now hardly a difference. So if you are in the market for a new set of wireless audio headphones where do you begin?

Firstly you need to be aware that there are two types of wireless headphone technology on the market, the choice comes down to whether you want to buy them for music, TV or PC use.

RF (Radio Frequency) Wireless Headphones
These use radio waves to transmit a signal from your Hi-Fi system, TV or IPod to a receiver in the headphone. No matter where you are, provided that you stay, within range of the transmission you will still hear what you are listening to. Many of these wireless headsets have ranges beyond 300 ft and radio signals will pass easily through walls around your home.

IR (Infrared) Wireless Headphones.
No radio signals here, IR wireless headphones use an infrared light beam to carry the transmission to the headphone which may well be a drawback if you want to be more mobile. If the infrared light beam can’t see the receiver in your headphone (light does not bend around corners easily!) then the signal is lost and you will hear nothing. Therefore for TV listening, where presumably you will always be in the same room so that you can see the TV screen, IR wireless headphones may well be a good choice.

Most new wireless audio headphones are usually stereo reception so as to get the best from music listening. However there are Mono versions around so don’t assume anything, check out the specification exactly so that you get what you expect. For watching TV you may want to go one notch further and consider surround sound wireless headphones. These are great for those blockbuster action movies where Dolby surround sound adds to the excitement. Be warned though, some may find the surround sound a little over the top and distracting, it depends on the individual. See if there is an option to turn off the surround sound there should be on the best wireless headphones.

You will come across two features in high quality wireless audio headphones that may confuse the reader. These are noise cancellation and noise isolation. Similar descriptions but entirely different concepts as we will try to explain.

Noise cancellation
A clever system this, the electronics in the headphones monitor external sound not transmitted from the sender device whether it be hifi stereo, TV, IPod or MP3 player. In other words ambient sound from your surroundings that you do not want to hear (does that include your spouse? Sorry only joking). Another identical sound wave to the incoming noise is produced exactly 180 degrees adrift which amazingly cancels out the initial sound wave. Think of it as a lake with ripples. If you filled in all the troughs then the water would be flat right? That’s how noise cancellation, or if you prefer, noise free headphones  works.

Noise Isolation
More like insulation really. Each headphone is designed in such a way that they literally block out external sound, stopping sound coming in, or for that matter, getting out. Studio headphones often use noise isolation technology where it is important that unwanted external noise and sounds are kept to minimum.

The benefit of both these technologies for wireless audio headphones, and consequently the listener, is a huge one. If external noise is cancelled out there is no need to turn your wireless headphones to high to listen. This has to be good news for the eardrums.

Another way of producing noise isolation wireless headphones is to design them as wireless earbuds. Popular among joggers and sports fans theses ear buds are similar but fit deeper inside the ear to block out extraneous noise. Watch out though, if you use wireless earbud earphones while jogging you need to be alert to traffic so think carefully before you decide to block out all the ambient noise.

Wireless audio headphones are also popular with computer users. With so many of computer and PC peripherals now wireless, headphones without wires dangling all over your desk has to be an easier option. PC wireless headphones are available with microphones too so if you conference call or use Skype a lot then these are for you.

Manufacturers are plentiful so you have lots of choice. among the more well known are Sennheiser, JVC and Sony. There are lots more which also make excellent wireless headphones Acoustic Research, Motorola, RCA, Bose & Soundstorm are huge in this market you might wish to look at what they have to offer. While not wanting to take anything from any particular manufacturer there’s no doubt that Sennheiser wireless headphones are extremely well sought after today.

When buying your first set of wireless audio headphones take your time, look at these suppliers first, you should find exactly what you are looking for.