Amphony and Pioneer seem to receive the best ratings in the wireless headphone reviews. In this study, we'll first focus on the three models from Amphony, a German technology company. Though Amphony wireless headphones work on radio frequency technology, they have a different range of transmission. That is around 2,4 GHz for Amphony 1000 and Amphony 2000, and 5,8 GHz for the 2500 model.
This means more or less static interference, depending on the other electronic devices you own. Cordless phones for example: older models used to work on a 900 MHz frequency, while newer models work on the 2,4 GHz frequency.
The problem with wireless headphones is you never know what the transmission quality will be at your house, before testing. If testing is not possible, we suggest at least be sure that you can return the item to the vendor if it doesn't work.
Amphony Model 1000 - RF 2,4 GHz wireless headphones
The Amphony 1000 wireless headphones operate at 2,4 GHz. Apart from the interference issue, this frequency should ease communication between the base (transmitter) and headphones (receiver).
The transmission range through walls and furniture is up to 35 feet. In an open field, manufacturers say range is up to 200 feet.
The Amphony 1000 pack comes with the headphones, the transmitter, and a 1/8 inch cable that runs to the analog RCA jacks. The base converts the analog signal to digital data, without compression.
Considering their price, which is around $130, the Amphonies 1000 are worth trying. The sound is clear, with rich bass, but it gets a bit flat on the high end.
Amphony Model 2000 - RF 2,4 GHz wireless headphones
The difference from the previous model is that the base automatically detects the input available (analog or digital) and switches to it.
The 2000 set comes with two pairs of batteries (AA NiMH), so when one of them is being used, the other one can recharge in the base unit.
These sets also feature a "Data Out" port for the optional RangeBooster Transmitter (not included), that should improve the reception quality and range.
Amphony Model 2500 - RF 5,8 GHz wireless headphones
This one is the "high end" model from Amphony, available from $200. The system's transmitter works at a higher frequency range (5,8 GHz), which is supposed to eliminate current interference problems.
The others
Advent ADVW791 - RF 900 MHz wireless headphones
These are the classic RF 900 MHz transmitting range type, that promise a 300 ft. reception area and variable frequency adjustment (unlike Sennheiser headphones for instance, that have a three-channel tuning system). The Advent system is low-range priced, starting from $70.
In fact, all the wireless headphones brands inherited from Recoton (Acoustic Research, Advent and Jensen) are said to perform well, but only if placed in that one tiny, lucky spot. Otherwise, the sound gets hissy and noisy.
Pioneer SE-DIR800C Cordless Surround Headphones
Pioneer headphones use the infrared technology. They sound clear while you stay in range. It appears that in their best conditions, these headphones can deliver approximately 90% of the surround action, which is pretty good. They are not quite the start-pricers. You can find them available from $400.