Sunday, December 11, 2011

What happened to WireFreeHiFi? Who cares, they still sell the Opera S5 wireless earbuds

I stop paying attention for just a little bit and the world changes around me. 

WireFreeHiFi, aka Dipecomm, used to have a ton of Kleer-based wireless audio products. Now they're just down to the Digifi Opera S5 and the CyFi bicycle speaker. Both great products, but WireFreeHiFi used to have other products, my favorite being the one that essentially turned any MP3 speaker into an Apple wireless speaker. How? Well they had a dongle (transmitter) that fitted onto your iPod/iPhone and then the receiver component fitted into the cradle of your MP3 speaker. Then you could walk around your room, change tracks, etc. without the wires. I wonder if Apple finally caught up to them, that is, the Apple legal team did. Who knows, but the good news is that they're still selling the Opera S5 wireless earbuds via Amazon UK

Why is this good news?


Cause you can purchase the Opera S5 wireless earbuds that also come with the Apple-certified transmitter. Now the transmitter might be a bit old, that is, not too sure what iPods it still works with. But as I recall, the transmitter uses the Apple 30-pin transmitter so it plugs into practically all Apple devices. It's just you might get an error message, but just close that message and it should still work. As always, do due diligence and ask the retailer WireFreeHiFi what Apple devices it still works with (iPod, iPhone, iPad). 

So, you ask, why should I care that WireFreeHiFi still sells the Opera S5 wireless earbuds via Amazon UK?

Because, it is uses Kleer technology. 

So?

Here's the kicker about Kleer technology that a lot of people forget about or don't use. All Kleer-based technology is interoperable. That means all the Kleer-based wireless headphones/earbuds/earphones/speakers and transmitters can all "talk" to each other. 

For example, you can use the AKG K 840 KL  Kleer-based transmitter to deliver music to Sennheiser Kleer-based headphones. You need to "pair" them together but this is a relatively easy process and the directions should be in the manuels of pairing extra wireless receivers (headphones, earbuds) to one transmitter/dongle. But in this case, instead of associating four Sennheiser Kleer-based wireless headphones to one transmitter, you're going to add the AKG K 840 KL wireless headphones, or the Opera S5, or the new Sync by 50.  

NOTE: You can only associate to a maximum of four wireless headphones, but those Kleer-based headphones can be any manufacturer. And, another note, the Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds (discontinued sadly) count as two as each earbud takes a spot.
So?
To make a short story long, you can purchase the Arcam rWand iPod Wireless Stream Device that uses Kleer technology to stream to the Arcam rCube wireless speaker

But it costs  £49.95 (approx $78.12 USD) on Amazon UK. Someone is also trying to sell it on Amazon UK for £69.95 (approx $109.41 USD), but ignore them.

You can also purchase the Arcam rWand on Amazon.com (which is news to me but there it is) for $99.95 USD. 

Or, instead of buying the Arcam rWand, purchase the Opera S5 wireless earbuds on Amazon UK and you get a Kleer-based Apple 30-pin transmitter that can be associated with any Kleer-based receiver (headphones/earbuds/earphones/speakers) for £79.95 (approx $125.05 USD) and wireless earbuds.

Just saying, look for the value, and understand that Kleer-based products are interoperable: transmitters (dongles) can be associated to other manufacturer's Kleer-based receivers (wireless headphones/earbuds/earphones/speakers).

And then, one of the drawbacks of the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones is that it is designed for listening to TV audio, not for walking around outside. 

Using a Kleer-based transmitter (one that uses the 3.5 mm audio jack or an Apple-certified transmitter), associate it with the Sennheiser RS 180 and you're mobile. 

Confusing in some ways, easy in others. Do some research, find out what you want from your Kleer-based technology (regardless of manufacturer), then mix and match appropriately. 

Opera S5 wireless earbuds still available on Amazon UK, can ship to States and Canada

Looks like you can still purchase the Apple-certified Opera S5 wireless earbuds from Amazon UK and that they'll ship to the States, Canada, Europe.  I thought they'd been discontinued as well, like the Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds.  If they haven't been discontinued, they've still have enough in stock on Amazon UK. Costs £79.95, approx: $125.05 USD. Shipped from WireFree HiFi, who has a 95% positive from 39 total ratings.

Because the dongle (transmitter) is Apple-certified, you have audio and track control directly to your iPod from the wireless earbuds. This means you don't need to fish out your iPod to change tracks or volume, you have the controls on your earbuds. 


Check out the price and product description on Amazon UK >>

 

Saturday, December 10, 2011

MX W1 true wireless earbuds discontinued?


Can't find the Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds on Amazon.com anymore. Looks like they've been cancelled, that they're not making them anymore. The MX W1 wireless earbuds were a great concept piece for Sennheiser and Kleer as they demonstrated the ability to deliver wireless audio in stereo. The amazing part about the MX W1 wireless earbuds is that they were "true" wireless as there was no wire between the left and right earbud. And they were delivered CD-quality, lossless, uncompressed digital audio in stereo. So you heard the music designed for the left speaker through the left-designated MX W1 and the right speaker through the right-designated earbud. Pretty sure that the success of the MX W1 laid the groundwork for the Sennheiser RS 160, 170, and 180 wireless headphones. The earbuds could be charged connecting to a wire or you could charge the cradle and you could could charge the earbuds there as the cradle could charge them independently for a while. Was a pretty cool design.

Guess you could still probably find them on eBay.

Kleer-based Sennheiser RS 180 review: "It really delivered"



Hey, the price of the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones is dropping in price on Amazon.com. Used to go for $389.95 USD, now $268.99 USD. That's a big drop, just in time for the holidays.


"I ordered these partly to be able to watch TV without disturbing others and partly in the hope of clarifying dialogue, particularly in the genre of dramas in which the characters tend to mumble or whisper in the background. It really delivered. Dialogue is crystal clear, even the background stuff. And the fidelity is stunning -much better than my surround sound speaker system and no noise at all. Unlike my speakers, they are absolutely silent during breaks between scenes. I did not experience any delay between the TV speakers and the headphones as some users have described. I suspect this problem may be more prominent with home theatre systems than with the TV speakers. My only quibble would be the tiny control buttons.

Setup was simple, except for a problem that was the fault of my home theatre system, not the headphones. There was no headphone jack on the back of the sound system! Moreover, while the home theatre setup had a setting for HDMI sound to go to the TV (and therefore out using the TV jacks), it automatically switched back to its own speakers and would not allow the HDMI setting to stay locked. After removing the system completely and plugging the headphones into the TV, I discovered a better workaround solution: connect the phones directly to the sound sources: The DVR/cable box and the DVD player. This worked like a charm, permitting the TV to be muted at will and still get sound through the phones. If you have more than one sound source, you will just need a couple of (1 female to 2 male) audio splitters from Radio Shack to plug into both sources. And you will never need a home theatre again!" 

The Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones were designed for watching TV as the latency is low enough on these wireless headphones so that you don't have any discrepancy between what you hear and what you see, i.e., what people say is timed properly with their lips. 

And, as the RS 180 use Kleer wireless audio technology, you hear uncompressed, lossless, CD-quality, digital stereo audio. 

Review: Kleer-based Harman AKG K840KL On-Ear Wireless Headphones


So the Harman AKG K840KL on-ear wireless headphones that use Kleer wireless audio technology are also coming down in price. From $359.00 USD to $198.36 on Amazon.com.

Here's a section of the review on Amazon.com:

"I decided to buy AKG for various reasons. Great product. Wireless connectivity is superb. Minimal hiss in idle mode. Once you start the movie or the music, you really cant notice the hiss. So far they feel solid. Comfortable on the ears. Everything is great, the sound quality is great but then I compared them to the QC sound and that is where QC wins. Specifically, Bose has more depth/Bass to it, while the K840 has a comparatively flat sound. Now that is highly subjective. I personally like slightly high bass (hence I prefer the QCs) but not everyone does. Besides this little difference, the sound quality of K840 is simply great. All frequencies are clear and crisp. I would buy them again if they last me longer than the QCs did. Never a Bose QC again."

The review's a little confusing, but he does like the AKG wireless headphones. And remember, these headphones use Kleer wireless audio so you get CD-quality, lossless, uncompressed, CD-quality audio. You hear the music the way the musician wanted you to hear it.

And the AKG transmitter uses a 3.5 mm audio jack so pretty universal and portable. You can also plug it into your laptop when you're at work. 


Friday, December 9, 2011

50 cents talks with TechCrunch about his new Kleer-based wireless headphones

Here's a photo of the new Sync by 50 (photo courtesy of TechCrunch).  Comes in three different colors: black, white, and blue. The article on TechCrunch just mentions white and black so who knows exactly what color options there'll be.

50 is releasing two new headphones, one wired, one wireless. The wired is called "Street by 50" for $299.95 and the wireless is called "Sync by 50" for $399.95.

Interesting to see the dongle (transmitter) using the 3.5 mm audio jack. I don't know why, but I was kinda hoping for some Apple iPod/iPhone integration. Oh well, maybe next rev.  But the good thing about the 3.5 mm jack is it is universal, plug it practically anywhere and listen to wireless goodness for up to 50 feet away. 

And by the look on the wireless headphones, you have audio and track control if I'm interpreting the symbols correctly. Now, the little bit I know, with the 3.5 mm audio jack, you have only local audio control, that is you're not changing the audio levels at the source (laptop, iPod, stereo system). But I don't think that you can have track control via a 3.5 mm audio jack. Maybe those symbols are for the wired? But that doesn't make sense either. I know the only wireless earphones/earbuds that have track control are iPod/iPhone certified and use the Apple-certified transmitter connected to an iPod/iPhone, etc. Who knows, maybe Kleer being bought out by SMSC introduced some new technology.

TechCrunch also has a video interview up with 50 as well. Great that he mentions Kleer wireless audio. And that's the big difference between any other rapper-based headphones: Sync by 50 wireless earphones offer uncompressed, lossless, CD-quality, digital stereo audio.

As 50 says in his interview, he wants people to hear music the way he hears it. Which is where Kleer wireless audio technology comes in as it streams it unchanged. You hear the music the way the musician intended it to be heard.


"50 Cent" talks about his new Kleer-based wireless headphones on Fast Company

 Photo courtesy of Fast Company
Well, well, well. 

So 50 is still bringing out wireless headphones that use Kleer technology. Thank goodness. I thought when the deal feel through between 50 and Sleek Audio, that he would also not use Kleer wireless audio technology for his wireless headphones. Good to see I was wrong. I still wish he'd gone with Sleek Audio as they make awesome wired/wireless earphones. Oh well, something went down that I'm unaware of between them. 

So 50's has built his headphones using SMS Audio, which recently purchased KonoAudio to support its sound technology. All good. And he's delivering up two headphones: Street by 50 (wired) and Sync by 50 (wireless).

Here's an excerpt from his interview with Fast Company:

"It uses Kleer technology, which is a higher level of technology than what's presented with Bluetooth," he says. For his Sync headphones, for example, up to four headphones can be wirelessly synced to one single source, enabling users to hear CD-quality music as far as 50 feet away, be it from an iPhone or stereo system"

Funny to me how they don't mention that Kleer delivers wireless audio that is CD-quality, lossless, uncompressed stereo audio. Those are still the key value statements for me about Kleer wireless audio.
And, FYI, Kleer wireless audio technology is also used in the Sennheiser RS 180, RS 170, and RS 160 wireless headphones; in the Harman AKG K840KL On-Ear Wireless Headphones, the TDK WR700, and the Sleek Audio SA6 Wireless Earbud Bundle. Used in some wireless speakers too. 

Street by 50 and Sync by 50 headphones are available now for $299.95 and $399.95 respectively.

Can't wait for these 50 cans to hit the street. Should be a serious boost for Kleer technology.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Review Harman AKG K840KL On-Ear Wireless Headphone: "Clean sound and portable too"

Positive review from 2 August 2011 on Amazon.com of the Harman AKG K840KL On-Ear Wireless Headphones that use Kleer wireless audio technology. 


Here's the review:

"Love the sound of the headphones. Very clean the bass is not over driven but deep and tight enough for Bach or Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The high crystal Clear not hissy and more volume then you can use. The phones are comfortable they sit on your ear not covering it I can wear them for hours. Ear bud headphones hurt my ears after a short time. AKG give you slew of accessories from the transmitter as small as a Bic lighter, cables for charging and listening three power adapters for any country and two black rubber band not listed in the manual. I found out they are to attach the transmitter to your iPod and they work with the touch screen.

Like I said in the title portable too most wireless headphones have large transmitters that need to be plug into power the transmitter for the AKGs is small and rechargeable like the headphones both charge fast and last a long time I had mine for three weeks now and only have recharged them once after the first time.

AKG....All Kinds of Great sound"

Always helps that the AKG uses Kleer wireless audio technology. This means you hear uncompressed, lossless, CD-quality wireless audio. 

View price on Amazon.com >>

So here's the crazy thing. As of 5 August 2011, the listed price of the AKG K 840 wireless headphones is $299.00. But if you go to Amazon UK, the cost listed today is £290.99 (current exchange rate, that works out to 465.15 USD). 

That is one whacked price difference. 

Buyer beware, do your research, look for best price. 

Sleek Audio And 50 Cent Break Up, Kill Wireless Headphone Dreams

Wohee, been a while since my last post. 

I think I got kind of down when I found out that Sleek Audio and 50 Cent weren't going to be working together on wireless headphones. I know that may sound a little weird, but I really like Kleer technology and was really looking forward to a new Sleek Audio product. And with Fiddy, it was hopefully going to be a more commercial product, available everywhere. Ah well, didn't work out.

But this also makes me question: Where are the new wireless audio products that use Kleer technology? Did the purchase by SMSC kill the technology?

Who knows. But all I know is that I'm looking forward to new products. It's just that I'm waiting and have been waiting for a long time.

Anyways, here's the press release from Sleek Audio:



"Sleek Audio and G-Unit Brands, Inc, 50 Cent's Licensing Company, Cancel Plans to Develop Products Under the "Sleek by 50" Brand

Palmetto, Fl. May 6th, 2011 – Sleek Audio today announced the termination of the Brand License Agreement between Sleek Audio LLC ("Sleek") and G-Unit Brands, Inc. ("G-Unit"), 50 Cent's licensing company. In addition, the Brand License Agreement, including video production, between TV Goods, Inc, Sleek and G-Unit has also been terminated.

"We will be re-evaluating our Wireless Hybrid over-the-ear headphones at a later date. Currently we are working to bring our new, U.S.-made in-ear products to the market," said Mark Krywko, CEO of Sleek Audio.

Sleek Audio is in production of the highly anticipated, U.S.-made SA6-R Wireless Hybrid earphone and award-winning SA7 earphone, which earned the Best of Innovations title in the headphone category at CES 2011. Sleek is also producing its acclaimed PRO Series comprised of hand-made, Wireless Hybrid custom earphones including the CT6 and all-new CT7.
"

Saturday, March 19, 2011

AKG K 840 Kleer-based wireless headphone reviews

This makes sense. As AKG (Harmon Karden) is a German company, the AKG K 840 wireless headphones that use Kleer wireless audio technology would be first available on the Amazon Germany website. Even though the reviews on Amazon Germany don't translate all that well to English (close enough though using Google Translate and Babel Fish), what does translate easily enough is that both reviewers have given these wireless headphones 5 out of 5 stars. 

However, my German is rusty to non-existent. So I have to really on Google Translate and Babel Fish. 

Here's the original German review of the AKG K 840 wireless headphones from February 10, 2011:

"Echte Spitzenklasse!

Es ist wirklich nicht viel, was AKG mit diesem Produkt verspricht: Musik (oder auch Filme) - ohne Kabel und die Anderen in der Wohnung stören zu müssen - bei sehr gutem Klang zu genießen. Meinen Wunsch, SACDs ungestört und in entsprechender Qualität anhören zu können, erfüllt dieser Kopfhörer vollkommen. Der kristallklare Ton - ebenso in Tiefen, wie in Hohen Bereichen - wird einwandfrei, störungsfrei und hörbar unkomprimiert wiedergegeben. Dabei werden Geräusche aus der Umgebung kaum noch wahrgenommen. Wenn ich damit das Wohnzimmer verlasse, kommen erste Aussetzer erst nach 8-9 Metern, je nach Wand dazwischen. Mehr als 13 Jahre lang habe ich den Hearo 777 gehabt und der Wechsel zum K 840 hat sich gelohnt! Der Preis ist vielleicht noch etwas überraschend, wenn man den Klang vorher noch nicht gehört hat. Alternativen wären zum Preis weit über dessen gewesen, kann also nicht klagen, schöner Klang ist halt seinen Preis wert. Zu mp3 Fans: Selbst mein Handy kling über diesen Kopfhörer fantastisch, meine selbstgedrehten älteren Filme noch mit mpeg2 Ton lassen sich wirklich genießen. Wer Interesse daran hat und es sich leisten kann, dem kann ich den AKG K 840 KL nur empfehlen. Viel Spaß damit!"


Here's the Google Translate version:

"Real Class!

It really is not much that AKG promises with this product: music (or movies) - without cable and disturb the others in the apartment to have - with very good sound to enjoy. My desire to listen to SACDs undisturbed and in qualitative met, these headphones perfect. The crystal-clear sound - just as in depth as in high areas - is perfect, trouble-free and listen to native played. It sounds from the environment are hardly noticed. If I use it to leave the living room, first come first misfire at 8-9 meters, depending on the wall in between. More than 13 years I have had the Hearo 777 and the change to K 840 has been worth it! The price is perhaps a bit surprising if you have not yet heard the sound before. Alternatives would be at a price far been on the can, so do not complain, beautiful sound's just worth the price. For mp3 fans: Even my cell phone sounding fantastic on these headphones, my old self-made video with MPEG2 audio can really enjoy. Anyone who is interested and can afford it, I can recommend the AKG K 840 KL only. Have fun!" 

And the Babel Fish version:

"Genuine Top Class!

It is not really much that promises AKG with this product: Music (or also films) - to have to disturb without cables and the others in the dwelling - to enjoy with very good sound. Mean desire to be able to listen to SACDs unimpaired and in appropriate quality fulfills to this headphone perfectly. The crystal-clear clay/tone - likewise in depths, like within high ranges - is audibly unkomprimiert shown perfectly, troublefree and. Noises from the environment are hardly still noticed. If I leave thereby the living room, first misfires interfere only according to 8-9 meters, depending upon wall. More than 13 years long I had the Hearo 777 and was worthwhile myself the changes to the K 840! The price is perhaps some more surprising, if one did not hear the sound before yet. Alternative ones would have been at the price far over its, can not complain, beautiful sound are thus not worth to stop its price. To mp3 fan: Even my mobile phone sound fantastisch over these headphones, my turned older films still with mpeg2 clay/tone can be really enjoyed. Who has interest in it and it can afford, to which I can only recommend the AKG K 840 KL. Much fun thereby!"


And here's the original German review of the AKG K 840 wireless headphones from March 2, 2011:

"Sehr guter Klang, Rauschfrei!

Plus: Sehr guter Klang, kein Rauschen. Empfang im Haus bis zu 10 Meter (auch durch Gipskartonwände und Holztüren) sind kein Problem. Guter Tragekomfort. Sendeeinheit fungiert am MP3/Radio-Player als Antenne (Radioempfang auch drahtlos möglich). Auch "funklos" mittels beigelegtem Kabel zu verwenden.
Minus: vielleicht der Verkaufspreis in Europa"

First up, the Google Translate version:

"Very good sound, noise free!

Plus: Very good sound, no noise. Reception in the house up to 10 meters (including through plasterboard walls and wood doors) are not a problem. Good fit. Transmitter acts as an antenna on MP3/Radio-Player (radio and wireless available). Also "funklos" means to use the enclosed cables.

Minus: perhaps the sale price in Europe"

And the Babel Fish version:

"Very good sound, intoxication freely!

Plus: Very good sound, no noise. Receipt in the house up to 10 meters (also by gypsum cardboard walls and wood doors) are no problem. Good stretcher comfort. Transmission unit functions at the MP3/Radio-Player as antenna (wireless reception also wirelessly possible). Also " funklos" to use by means of settled cable. 

Minus: perhaps the selling price in Europe"

And there we have it. The AKG K 840 wireless headphones look to be popular in Germany. Looking forward to further distribution of these excellent wireless headphones worldwide. 

Arcam rWand and rWave Kleer-based transmitters (dongles) available end of month

Arcam provides two types of Kleer-based transmitters (dongles). The rWand, is a 30-pin connector for iPods, iPhones, and iPads.  And the rWave, a USB transmitter, is ideal for your laptop/computer, Mac or Windows. (Watch a video to learn how to associate the rWave with the rCube speaker.) 


The Arcam rWand is expected to cost £70, and the rWave £80.
They're designed to connect to the Arcam rCube or rDac. And, as these transmitters are Kleer-based, you can also associate them with other Kleer-based receivers, such as the AKG K 840 wireless headphones, TDK WR700 wireless headphones, and Sennheiser RS 160, 170, 180 wireless headphones.


But here's the thing.

You can purchase the Opera S5+ for £79.95 from the WireFreeHiFi website (UK-based, ships to UK, Europe, and North America). Or from Amazon UK where they charge a little more. The Opera S5 also uses a 30-pin connector for the iPhone and iPad. 

This means you can purchase a Kleer-based iPod/iPhone/iPad transmitter AND wireless earbuds for like £10 (approximately) more than just the Arcam rWand.  

And since the Kleer-based transmitters are compatible with Kleer-based receivers, the Opera S5 transmitter should work with the Arcam rCube as well.


So that's my smart shopping tip for the day. 

And the USB Kleer-based transmitter, the Arcam rWave looks pretty sweet and doesn't have any competing products (yet). 


As I listen to the majority of music at work, I do enjoy hearing CD-quality music without the wires. I even miss the weight of the wires. You don't notice it until you don't use wires.  Here's a picture of the Arcam rWave. 
Oh yeah, one more thing. As these transmitters use Kleer wireless audio technology, that means you hear CD-quality, digital, stereo, lossless, uncompressed music. 

Arcam rCube Connection to Kleer-based rWand Video Tutorial

Pretty cool stuff. Watch a quick video from YouTube on connecting the Arcam rWand (a Kleer-based wirless audio dongle/transmitter) to an iPad, which streams music without wires to the Arcam rCube speaker.




And because the Arcam rCube and Arcam rWand use Kleer wireless audio technology, this means you stream uncompressed, lossless, CD-quality digital stereo audio. Without the wires. Now Bluetooth can also stream wireless audio, but it compresses the sound. Which means, with Bluetooth, you don't hear the music the way the artist intended it to be. But with Kleer, it's just as the artist wanted you to listen to their music.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Sleek by 50 Cent signup

So still not much information on the new Sleek by 50 Cent, but if you go to the website at sleekby50.com, you can signup for info.  



Review: AKG K840 Wireless Headphones on CrunchGear: Kleer version



Good review of the new AKG K840 wireless headphones that use Kleer wireless audio technology on CrunchGear from March 8, 2011. They're also available in Bluetooth, but as the reviewer mentions, if you're serious about audio, then go for the Kleer version (even though they cost a little more).

Read the entire review on CrunchGear >>

Kleer version comes with a dongle (transmitter) that connects to your music source using the headphones jack. Here's another image from CrunchGear.



And the headphones have volume control on them. But as the reviewer notes, "Once they’re going, you can adjust the volume by hitting the +/- buttons on the left earcup. I found these to be rather imprecise and overly “clicky.” I’d have much preferred pressing something along the rim of the earcup, or a cool dial like on Nox Audio’s headset. These buttons felt clumsy and clicked loudly in my ear. They worked, but I found myself reaching for the speaker or software volume instead. Set it to “75%” and forget about it is my advice."

The reviewer noticed what I noticed too. That these look very similar to the TDK wireless headphones that use Kleer technology. Nothing wrong with that, as I'm sure these use AKG technology. Still, looks like there is a cost difference and I wonder if these outperform the TDK so that the difference is worth it. Something tells me the price will come down. When, who knows.

Check out the price on Amazon UK >>

Looks like you can also purchase directly from the AKG (Harman Kardon) website

Purchase from Harmon Kardon >>

Saturday, January 22, 2011

TDK WR700 wireless headphones $99.99 USD on Amazon


Don't know how long this sale is going to last for but checking today, the TDK WR700 wireless on-ear headphones that use Kleer wireless technology (no Bluetooth) can be had for $99.99 USD from J&R Music and Computer World. Pretty sweet deal.

You may not have this price appear as the default when you visit the TDK WR700 page on Amazon, but you should see it in the choices on the right. And if you don't, the offer is over.

Here's some of the latest reviews of the TDK wireless headphones on Amazon:

From January 6, 2011: "I got these for my girlfriend for Christmas. She absolutely loves them. Ive tested them out too and they are pretty darn good. I'm happy with my purchase so there that is."

And from December 29, 2010: "I just bought two pairs of these headphones as gifts for Xmas, and the recipients love them. Thankfully, they also let me listen to them for a while (they're lucky to get them back)! I've owned other wireless headphones before (Sony, Sennheiser) and this blows them out of the water. The KLEER wireless technology is hands-down the best wireless audio technology, it's CD quality. Great range, great bass. Not one problem with interference. Worth every penny. The range is fantastic and the battery life is outstanding thus far. They're on-ear, not over-ear so they don't look obnoxious when wearing them either. The leather ear cups and headband are as comfortable as can be. They fold away for compact storage as well in the carrying sleeve. All in all, I can't think of anything to criticize.

Why would anyone pay double for Beats by Dre or Bose when you can get the same quality at a lower price with the freedom of wireless?!"


You may not have this price appear as the default when you visit the TDK WR700 page on Amazon, but you should see it in the choices on the right. And if you don't, the offer is over.


And remember, the TDK wireless headphones use Kleer wireless audio technology, not Bluetooth. This means you hear CD-quality, lossless, uncompressed, digital stereo audio without the wires!



Saturday, January 15, 2011

AKG Wireless On-Ear Headphones Kleer-based

UPDATED (Jan 22, 2011): So I got a comment on this blog from someone wondering when I was going to talk about the AKG Kleer-based wireless headphones. Or, more officially, the AKG K 840 KL Premium Class Wireless On-Ear Headphone. Check out the cost and vendors on Amazon UK >>

Sounds pretty exciting to me. Pairing AKG with Kleer wireless technology, a match made in heaven that will give Sennheiser a run for it's money.

To be honest though, I didn't know AKG had released its wireless headphones. I had a strong idea AKG was working on them, but didn't know they were available. I guess that's my other issue. They appear to only be available in Europe. And even at that, very limited. I couldn't find any reviews either. Which surprises me as I would have thought AKG would have swamped all the typical consumer electronic blogs (Engadget, etc.) and given them review copies of their new wireless headphones. 

So all I've got to go on is the official press release from AKG on Sept 10, 2010 (whoa, that's a long time ago. I was asleep at the wheel on this one).

AKG® K 840 KL On-Ear Mini Headphones Brings Lossless Audio with Kleer® Wireless Technology

Streaming CD-Quality Audio Wirelessly Is Now Possible with Less Interference, Greater Ease and Portability

HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE:HAR), today announced the availability of new wireless headphones, the K 840 KL, which provide a best-in-class, cordless listening experience for consumers with an on-the-go lifestyle. Audiophiles and music lovers can now lose themselves in rich, pristine sound on the go with a brand-new pair of wireless headphones that can be played further wirelessly and with longer battery power than any other wireless competitors. The K 840 KL feature Kleer® wireless technology, which streams lossless CD-quality sound over the air from an iPod or iPhone, or any other music player.

The K 840 KL delivers pure, uncompressed 16-bit stereo audio over a robust 2.4 GHz radio link so listeners can hear the intricacies of their music, with virtually no interference. With these wireless mini on-ear headphones, music lovers can move up to 20 metres from the audio source and still have a high-quality sound experience. 

The K 840 KL also feature an extended battery life that recharges quickly to give listeners more playback time, less downtime and up to two weeks of normal usage.

The K 840 KL is design, sound engineering and wireless technology at its finest’, said Thijs Linthorst, general manager, HARMAN International EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Asia), Russia and India. ’This product is truly the cream of the crop when it comes to a pair of wireless headphones boasting the highest standard of sound quality with the most elegant, intuitive design.

The K 840 KL mini on-ear headphones have a proprietary 3D-Axis2 folding headband which doesn’t compromise a comfortable fit for hours of use.

AvailabilityThe AKG K 840 KL mini headphones will be available in October 2010 and will cost: €349. For more information, please visit http://www.akg.com/.

One last thing. Looking at the image, it looks like AKG decided to go with the 3.5 mm universal audio jack. Nothing wrong with that, but it comes with a short cord. Again, nothing wrong with that, but my concern is how that will work with an iPod. In many ways, doesn't really matter as you'll probably hook the transmitter up to your iPod then put it in your knapsack, purse, pocket, etc. To me, that type of short cord is ideal for listening to music at work from your laptop. I know I do the majority of music listening at work, where it's great to be wire free and not yank your head off when you move your chair away from your laptop. 


One last thing. The vendor doesn't appear to have any ratings yet. So buyer beware. Check out the vendor's return policy and protect yourself! Not saying don't trust the vendor, but like Ronald Reagan said "Trust but verify."

UPDATED (March 10, 2011): Looks like the vendor has changed. This vendor has a overall positive rating. Still, always good to review the vendor's rating, do some research. Heck, even contact the vendor, find out their return policy if you have any questions.

Arcam rWand Wireless iPod transmitter for rCube and rDAC

UPDATED (Jan 22, 2011) So this is interesting. On Amazon UK, a vendor is selling the iPod transmitter made for Arcam (only one available, what's up with that?) for £69.95. 

And what I didn't realize (as I'm a little out of the loop) is that there is another Arcam sound system that looks like it supports the Kleer wireless audio protoocol, the Arcam rDAC

One thing I don't know is if the Arcam iPod wireless transmitter is only specific to the Arcam music systems (rCube and rDac). I'm almost positive that it isn't, that these wireless transmitters based on Kleer technology can be associated to any Kleer-based wireless earbuds/headphones/speakers. 

But don't quote me as you never know. And since I don't have this system, I can't be positive. But like I said, Kleer technology usually allows any Kleer-based transmitter to any Kleer-based receiver (wireless earbuds/headphones/speakers). 

If you own the Arcam rCube of Arcam rDac and you have a different manufacturer's Kleer-based transmitter, you'd need to be able to put the Arcam products into association mode so that they would pair with your new Kleer-based transmitter. But I don't know if the Arcam products have a button for that. Sorry. I suspect they do, but suspicion is a lot like making an assumption and assumptions usually never end well for me. Needs further investigation.
My other concern with someone selling the Arcam iPod wireless transmitter is the price of £69.95. Looks a little hefty in comparison to the Airphonic Standard Kit for £79.95 from the WireFreeHiFi website, which sells numerous Kleer-based products. 

The Airphonic standard system consists of two small dongles, the S5T+ transmitter which connects to any iPad/Pod/Phone, and the RX1 receiver replaces an iPod etc in a compatible docking system (make sure it's compatible). And the Airphonic transmitter and receiver only cost £79.95. 

So for 10 more Pounds, you get a iPod-compatible receiver. Just wanted to point that out. At the same time, if you already own Kleer-based wireless headphones, especially the Sennheiser RS 160, 170, 180 which are designed for watching television, then the Arcam rWand will allow you to make the RS series mobile (again, it should if it can go into association mode).

The vendor of the Arcam rWand Wireless iPod transmitter for rCube and rDAC currently has a 98% approval rating on Amazon UK, so that's always a good sign. 

UPDATE (Jan 22, 2011) : As my technical writer friends always say, RTFM. Here's a link to the Arcam rCube manual (PDF). In it, it describes how you put the dongles/transmitters into association mode and how you put the rCube speaker into association mode. I knew there had to be a way. The manual is great, easy to read, easy to understand. 



Monday, January 10, 2011

50 Cent launches Kleer-based Hybrid (wireless/wired) Headphones



Wow. 50 Cent has decided to launch his own brand of headphones called "Sleek By 50 Cent". And he decided to go with Sleek Audio technology. Sleek Audio is known for its high quality earbuds and customs. And it's known for its use of Kleer wireless audio technology which is also featured in the new Sleek By 50 Cent headphones. That means you'll be able to enjoy either wired or wireless with his headphones. No pricing yet, but the announcement was made at CES 2011 in Las Vegas. Here's some info and pictures from Trusted Reviews.

And the website of http://www.sleekby50.com/ right now is just a landing page but more info will follow soon.








Finally, both Sleek Audio and Kleer are getting the attention they deserve. Thanks Fiddy!