Call them earphones for multitaskers. These wireless muffs let you listen to music or follow a movie while taking out the trash. The catch? They're really just short-range radios, meaning they're prone to interference and grainy sound. The best have built-in din reduction, autotuning, and extended battery life.
SPLURGE
Sennheiser RS 85 (pictured)
This top seller combines solid construction with true luxury. The precision speakers deliver the subtle textures of Furtwängler or Pink Floyd, and at 925 MHz, you can wander 300 feet from your sound system without missing a beat. Digital transmission knocks out noise and sharpens reception. As an added perk, the padding cups your ears so your lobes won't get squashed.
$290, www.sennheiserusa.com.
BEST BUY
Amphony Model 1000
Until now, digital transmission was exclusively an upmarket option. Amphony makes it affordable for the masses. But you'll pay for the lower price in features: These 'phones take analog inputs only and max out at 200 feet. Nevertheless, the 2.4-GHz unit can run for up to 100 hours before requiring a battery change (it takes AA batteries; the other models reviewed come with built-in rechargeables).
$129, www.amphony.com.
OVERRATED
Sony MDR-RF915RK
Sony's entry-level headset seems like a great way to go wireless on the cheap — its 900-MHz signal offers a 150-foot range. But you'll regret not having a digital signal and an automatic tuner. Manual tuning dooms you to fumbling with a tiny dial and wondering whether you've found the base station's exact wavelength. Frankly, it's enough to make you want your old cord back.
$100, www.sonystyle.com.
PLAY
Blonde Ambition
Maxed Out
Geek vs. Geek
Boy Toy
Ben Kenney, The Roots
Life Imitates Star Trek
Read Me
The Republic of AI
Talking Fashion
Containment Strategy
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Gusgus
Elvis Presley
Sonic Youth
SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals
UFC Throwdown
Toxic Grind
All About Lily Chou-Chou
One Hour Photo
fetish
Free-Range Sound
Digital Filmmakers
Debug It Yourself
Plug-and-Play Camp
Hi-Fi, Lo-Effort
One Suite Fits All
