 "Amazing sound quality, great for not annoying roommates" | 2008-07-14 |
| - Reviewed By archon_x |
I love my DVDs, a good sci-fi or action flick always sounds better in 5.1 sound. However, my roommates don't appreciate me blasting movies and time sharing the TV is a bit cumbersome. I wanted a way to make my MacBook Pro into my DVD player and using this coupled with a toslink cable with a mini-plug fit the bill nicely.
When I am listening to a movie, the sound is completely immersive. The bass is deep and rumbling and the highs are crisp and clear. The sound is truly surrounding you, it's amazing how well it replicates 5.1.
Comfort is very good. I wear glasses and it fits around the arm of my glasses, it does not create hot spots and I can wear them for two movies without issue. I bought two of these, one for me to wear and one for my girlfriend so we can both watch movies. One transmitter drives two headphones without ANY problems since it just pushes out infrared beams.
It comes with two AA NiMH rechargeable batteries, but I recommend using Sanyo Eneloops as the Eneloops give you alkaline performance (don't lose a charge when not used) with NiMH capabilities. I watched four movies before putting the Eneloops in the charger (even though the headphones weren't indicating low battery power).
The front display tells you what mode it's in (Digital, Pro Logic II or DTS). The other banks of LEDs tell you what headphone mode it's in (dampened room, normal room , concert hall) and if it's movie, music or auto mode for Pro Logic II processing.
A note for Mac owners to make this recognize digital input:
1) Insert TOSLINK cable (either toslink > Toslink or mini-plug > Toslink) so your Mac goes into digital output mode.
2) Open up DVD player without a disk inserted
3) Click on Preferences > Disc Setup
4) In Audio Source, select "Digital"
5) Play DVD and enjoy rich digital sound
These headphones will not disappoint you! |
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 "Great way to tune out background noise" | 2008-07-10 |
| - Reviewed By digitos |
Pros: The headphones eliminate the problem of the TV having to compete with the sounds of kids, dishes, pots, pans, phones, doorbells and other household chaos. They're comfortable. The infrared signal remains strong (unless you hold something in front of you, like a magazine, that blocks the signal). Battery life is decent. Sound quality is decent.
Cons: Couldn't they have at least made the "MADE IN CHINA" label a little smaller? The volume knob on the headphones is awkward. It should stick out a little more so you can get your fingers around it. The amplifier in the headphones could be a little more robust. Volume levels for most movies and TV programs is adequate, but it could really be better for music, concert DVDs, etc. (I use the optical connection to the source and it's still not enough).
If you must have wireless headphones these are pretty nice... if you can swallow the price (I paid $269 from JR Music in NY). |
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| "INCREDIBLE! AMAZING!! UNBELEIVEABLE!!! GET THE POINT????" | 2008-05-07 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2FZRO46DF0UHN |
First off, I'm an Audiophile and have enjoyed music to unhealthy levels for 25+ years AND don't wear a hearing aid.... although, I'll be first to admit, my hearing with background noise is not good.... although, one on one with no loud ambient noise is good.
Here goes.... These things speak for themselves!! The people with the negative comments have no clue what they're talking about!! Possible problems:
1) have a totally different brand, model and decade.
2) hooked up horrible incorrect.
3) a defective pair.
4) have never had a pair of headphones on their heads EVER.....and have only ever heard Pink Floyd through a Carver Amp and 1,000 watt speakers placed 3 feet away from each ear respectively.
5) TERRIBLE source material.
6) need an amazing hearing aid.
Bottom line, the better the connection and material, the better they will sound. If you want INCREDIBLE bass, either listen to Hip-Hop/Rap OR pump in or record your ROCK with the EQ put in to the recording/source material. Easily done, just use a little imagination with your material and connections..... and these will TOTALLY SCREAM if you make ANY effort towards that end.... you could be writing this review instead of one damning them all to heck!!
Now, the only downside is line-of-sight..... I use these when I'm on the couch at night.... When I'm running in and out of the room for food....lol... I grab my Sennheiser's RS-130's . They're GREAT for going through walls. They're not as loud and of course, the like WOW... and where did that come from isn't there.... but hey, you pay for the walls. Still, before I finally sprang for these, I thought those were good.... they still are....just that these are GREAT! Case in point, I don't write reviews..... but I couldn't stand people RIPPING on these babies any longer..... It's a TOTAL injustice!!
One last thing.... The sound is FOR REAL.... I feel terribly guilty.... At times, I'm thinking my loud speakers are on..... and CRANKIN.... or that people gotta be hearing this..... alotta weird brain things... hard to explain, the surround, the whole deal is real and it will bend reality and perception.... YOU really gotta experience them... Do me a favor and take your cheap-A$$ to the checkout and PURCHASE THEM. Worst case, re-sell them on Ebay...... But trust me, if you're reading this review, you WANT these, you NEED these and will NEVER part with "THEM" |
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| "WIRELESS HEADSET" | 2008-04-28 |
| - Reviewed By User: AVWAW8CH08MWJ |
| Like being in the middle of the action. Takes getting used to. I kept moving my head left and right to see what was over there where I heard the sound coming from. My hearing has been diminished due to jet engine noise from flying in the USAF, poor between 2000 and 3000 cycles and almost nothing above 3000 cycles; yet, I had no problems hearing and understanding what was said, much better than in the movies or a surround sound setting. |
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| "Good - But buyer beware" | 2008-04-26 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3CWCTL0UUTQM9 |
These are definately the best wireless headphones I have ever used, but the buyer should be aware that the plasma TV interference is NO JOKE! A few things: 1) It seems to be much worse on the 'analog' input, I can't get threw a whole movie without a few clicks on analog 2) While the digital is much better, if the screen goes completely white, it will click. 3) Fresh batteries seem to matter alot. Whenever i start to get alot of clicking, i change the batteries and it gets somewhat better. 4) positioning of the unit is key. I found that keeping it as close to eye level, and a bit off to the side was best.
So, all in all, these are AWESOME headphones, if you don't use them with a plasma TV, buy them RIGHT NOW. The surround technology is freakin cool. If you have a plasma, well what choice do you have? Its not like RF will be any better! At least not for me! I have neighbors with wireless, I have wireless....RF leakage everywhere. So whats that leave? Putting up with the minimal clicks in infrared I suppose.
I heard there was a company working on 'plasma safe infrared wireless'. That needs to come to consumer products! |
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| "Pioneer 800c vs. Panasonic WH5000s" | 2008-04-02 |
| - Reviewed By User: A37NPQDOBHQOYR |
Is it worth the extra $100?
I purchased the Panasonic model 2 years ago for about $200 and have been extremely satisfied with them. Even my non-technical wife enjoys using them and has even fallen asleep with them on. I use them while watching TV/movies since the infrared is line of site and limited distance. I liked them so much I decided to get a second pair. There isn't a huge choice of digital wireless headphones at a reasonable price and I narrowed it down to the Pioneer, Panasonic, and Sony. Then decided to see why the Pioneer was more expensive. Please keep in mind this is just my opinion, but I hope you find at least some of it useful.
Exceptional:
Sound quality- I first believe it is necessary to point out that this is wireless and cannot be held to the same measures that wired headphones are held to. Pioneer provides some very crisp sound with this headset. Background noise is almost non-existent and is about equal to the Panasonics. It is important to note that I am using the optical digital connection, so the source is digital quality. My point is that they hold the quality when using digital connections. The multiple selections for sound dynamics offer slight variations in sound, allowing you to choose your personal preferences, an expanded feature over the Panasonics, which offers music, cinema, and voice. The 5.1 simulation works to a point that you can appreciate what the headphones are attempting to do. But don't expect to get clear front to back movement. The appearance of movement is there but you have to be realistic about the sound coming from directly over your ear and the limitation this presents. This is emulation not true 5.1 with 6 speakers on your head. Maybe in the next version..... When cranking up the volume the Pioneer out performed the Panasonic by a noticeable margin. Where the Panasonic started to break up a bit the Pioneer held crisp sound. Either set will leave your ears ringing if you keep the volume too high too long. Analog connections on both headsets have a low hum in the background. I ignore it and after a few minutes forget that its there. I only notice it when I listen for it or during low or quiet scenes in movies/music.
Base features- The Pioneer base was the deciding factor for me. I really liked that it has multiple digital inputs as well as an analog input. Fantastic, now I can connect the PS3, Cable, and Ipod and just select at a touch of a button from the base. Unfortunately, if you want menu control you will have to opt for a Bluetooth headset and sacrifice the digital. Panasonic does have the auto
Comfort- Panasonic is slightly larger and heavier than the Pioneer due to its larger earpad with thick cushion. But the comfort is much better. The Pioneer isn't uncomfortable and I easily watch full length movies without irritation. I've only had then a short time but get the feeling they will be more comfortable after they are broken in. However, as stated in other reviews I have read, I can see how they might be uncomfortable due to the smaller size earpad and material.
Indifferent:
Charging- It would seem that not being able to base charge would be a simple feature Pioneer should have added. I would like to note that reviews on Sony's and the Panasonic that I have, which offer this feature, are cumbersome and can take just as long to get set perfectly on the stand to charge as it does to place the batteries in the charger of the Pioneer. I do think it should be a feature Pioneer included but it seems the other "guys" don't really get this right either. One way or the other it's not as easy as it should be.
Overall:
I am extremely satisfied with the Pioneer just as I was when getting the Panasonic. Audio performace and base features are better than the Panasonic. On the other hand, the Panasonic is more comfortable, more convenient to use, and less expensive. I don't think its worth the extra $100 but I was fortunate to have a gift card and went with the Pioneer at the $285 price. Certainly these are not worth the full $400 retail price and I would have returned them and purchased another Panasonic if not for the gift card. Pioneer should drop the price a bit or add convenience features (auto on/off and base charging).
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| "TV headphones" | 2008-03-23 |
| - Reviewed By User: AB6KW0XLW1MR7 |
These are my 5th headphones for the tv, and certainly the best, though not perfect.
The previous headphones (900 mhz, 2.4, Sony infrared) each had irritating noise. The noise on the Sony Infrared came from my Panasonic flatscreen tv.
These Panasonic headphones are very expensive, but mostly serve their purpose. My wife goes to sleep later than I do and I dont want to hear the tv sound when I sleep. The sound quality is excellent and there is no noise. However, occasionally the sounds fades away without apparent reason. |
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| "Great sound" | 2008-03-16 |
| - Reviewed By litalm |
| The fidelity and tone are above what I expected. They really give you a since of clarity and softness that is difficult to achieve with a 5.1 or 7.1 system. Very close to studio sound. |
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| "Great Headphones" | 2008-03-06 |
| - Reviewed By d_eiland |
I searched for a good pair of wireless headphones for my XBOX360 and PS3 and finally bought these. The first pair had something wrong with the right side, but Amazon shipped me out a new one and paid for shipping the bad one back. (That is why not 5 stars) The new set is working great and here is the breakdown:
Setup: Easy to setup and use. Just plug and play :-) It has optical, coaxial, and av inputs. So you can hook up just about anything to the base unit. The volume control on the headphones allows for easy adjusting and you can set the base unit to auto detect the format. The batteries are easy to remove and place in the charger built into the base unit.
Sound: As with most headphones it takes some time to burn them in and get the best sound. The system detects if you have Dolby, DTS, or analog and the surround sound is quite good for a two speaker set. I played Mass Effect and was amazed with surround sound. The bass is not as good as real speakers, but it wasnt bad once I turned up the volume some. I only run them with volume just under the halfway mark too. The dolby headphone is what makes the surround sound so good. You will hear stuff you would not hear with a sound system unless its cranked up and wakes the wife :-) I tried the Movie Descent and it sounded good with the headphones. The best part is that the heaphones help block out much of the surrounding environment sounds.
Durability: I don't know yet, but I purchased the Amazon extended warranty and I'm very careful when taking them on or off. They are light weight and seem study enough though.
Overall: I'm happy with my purchase and would recomend these to someone wanting to play games while rest of the family is trying to sleep. I was skeptical about a two speaker set, but these changed my view about that
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| "Needs an RF connection too" | 2008-03-06 |
| - Reviewed By vallero2 |
| Wonderful sound and comfort. For this dough, it should have an option to be RF or IR. Beware...not RF... you need to have the base within view of the phones. |
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