Own a pair, not great at blocking out the table saw noise in the shop, but I can still hear the music, running the planer I can hardly make out the music unless I’ve also got earplugs in. Distance wise, they are pretty darn good for about 60 feet, even through a couple of walls, but once you hit the end of range they cut in and out buzzing.
Also, how did Meh get there hands on Woot’s left overs?
@Ohmygato Sponsored gamer and audio engineer checking in. I worked in Japan for Sony as a project manager, with the sole responsibility of maximizing compatibility for peripherals for the PS4. Great question you’re asking, thanks. For your PS4 I would recommend just purchasing a normal controller.
I’d totally be all over this (seriously) because I use headphones for my TV so I don’t wake my kid (I have noticeable hearing loss, and I has berry small house)… if I hadn’t already gotten Sony’s BT/wireless headphones from Costco and a BT transmitter for my TV.
The charging stand makes it very helpful as well, IMO. (This is not meant to be construed as a review.)
I have an old pair of wireless headphones with a base unit from ~2005 like this collecting dust. What I want? Wireless headsets with cups like these that have their entire base unit plugged into an unobtrusive set of plugs that works better with a laptop. No extra power cords needed.
@Jamileigh17 I hate to say you’re expecting too much. Driving a wireless transmitter like that takes a pretty significant amount of power to have any meaningful range. You could probably get a set of bluetooth friendly headphones but your range probably won’t get you very far.
@jbartus I haven’t found any of those with good ear cups. My ears are rather deep (Not long, but deep) and most bluetooth ones I’ve tried get uncomfortable real fast. (Range is less a concern, I’m rarely going further than about 20 ft when i’d want them, and most of that’s line of sight)
@Jamileigh17 Best Buy had a sale going on in March for a set of Sony Bluetooth headphones that was pretty terrific. I think it came out to be $100 or so for $150 pair of headphones got em for my brother for his birthday and he loves them
Dumb this down for me, please. Can I plug the adapter into something on my laptop and have them work properly? Will they sound better than the 808 duos that I already have?
I own a pair of these. The sound quality and range are good. However, I’m not a huge fan because I find them heavy. I only use them if I am going to be sitting still & it’s absolutely necessary.
@glindagw I agree that these are Big headphones. But I find them perfect for listening to TV/Movies while the rest of the family is asleep. These are over the ear, but not isolating headphones. I can have them loud enough to experience the full dynamic range of whatever I’m listening to, and still hear the baby monitor. YMMV
"they reek strongly like maybe gasoline with a tinge of rotting fruit."
I’m confused…do they really smell bad? I bought a wireless keyboard that smelled like that. It took about 2 months for the bad smell to go away!
/
As a professional wannabe disk jockey and full-time cubicle surfer working for the man, I know good low-end audio equipment when I see it and boy, do I ever see it. When you think top notch low-end RF wireless headphones, think of the Sony MDRRF985RK Wireless RF Headphone and click on Buy, Buy, Buy!
Nothing is more satisfying than freeing oneself of the hassle and dangers of cords. Did I say dangers? You bet I did, just imagine, you might get tangled up in them, or worse, your cat might! There, there, Mister Whiskers, it’s okay, they’re gone now. Where was I… oh right. With the Sony MDRRF985RK Wireless RF Headphones from Sony you’ll never again have to risk life and limb to listen to your music. Don’t let those negative reviews fool you, the loss of audio at a distance of 30 feet is not a flaw with the product, it’s a flaw with the user, Sony never promised long range wireless connectivity now did they? I didn’t think so.
If you’re in the market for new headphones this year click on Buy Buy Buy right now, don’t let this offer get away from you. While you’re purchasing, don’t forget to pick up a VMP membership, it’s the best value in entry level audio solutions.
@mcanavino these have 3 channels to choose from. I get a little static interference from my vtech monitor on channel 2, but I’ve never noticed tv sound on the monitor or baby’s sounds on the headphones.
@wootcat I’m not sure they’d work like that, though at this price you could buy two for nearly the price of one on any other day and give it a try. Even if the headphones were sold separately they’d probably be $60 anyhow. Worst case you could get a stereo splitter and feed both bases from the same source.
Non user-replaceable batteries design kills this deal for me. I can’t find replacement batteries to purchase online even if one’s willing to void the warranty.
@KhoaTon Anything’s user replaceable if you’re determined…anyhoo; this battery is soldered into place, but there seems to be enough room inside the case to remove the battery and install a aaa or smaller battery box.
Why would I buy these ugly Sony things when I have these amazing House of Marley headphones from the end of March that look awesome, sound awesome, and have both Bluetooth and wired as options? No thanks. Meh.
My dad is in a nursing home and watches TV a lot. He needs it loud, however. We bought him this (although from a different manufacturer, and he loves them. He can hear the TV fine and he doesn’t bother anyone else. Works great. I think I paid around $60 on Amazon, but they were not Sony.
I bought this this morning, so I got mine. I know y’all are “meh meh-ing” these, but I did not hesitate getting one.
I had purchased its predecessor so I can watch TV w/o blasting the volume. It’s comfortable for my large head and the earcups actually go AROUND my ears. So many “around ear” headphones are more like “on ear” for me. However, mine are wearing out and had to replace the battery pack with NiMH batteries.
I tried a Bluetooth transmitter on the TV with a BT headphone, but BT introduces an audio delay that I don’t get with the Sony wireless headphones.
I am eagerly waiting for these to arrive in the mail in a few weeks.
@sjk3 on your ears huh… do you get satellite on those things?
I jest, I jest, I actually know your pain. It’s like the Klipsh version of the Bose QC-2 headphones I got from Woot awhile back, the cups are just way too small. I can get my ears inside but only if I fold them in carefully.
So, either the pair I got are duds, or these won’t actually work with the base plugged into a laptop, or there’s user error that I can’t figure out yet. I picked the package up from the post office earlier and charged the headphones. I just sat down to watch a show, and nothing I do will make them work. I mean, they turn on, but I can’t get sound out of them. Any suggestions?
@thismyusername Good call. Plugged it into my phone and the phone also does not recognize that a headset is plugged in and played music over the speaker. I have one of those cords that you can use on an aux port in your car to plug your phone in if you don’t have Bluetooth so I tried that, too. Nothing out of the headset or phone speaker then, and phone still doesn’t show that there’s a headset connected.
@PurplePawprints I say DOA… is the cable detachable? if so might try a spare… if not… support awaits! and if you feel bad about it, I saw these in Best Buy for $109… so you are still ahead on the cost!
@thismyusername Yeah, the cable is detachable which is why I tried one of my own. I can’t get it to work, but I keep feeling like it must be my fault. I read the directions and everything though, dammit! Anyway, thanks for helping me try to troubleshoot it.
Update I called into Sony’s warranty support and after much hilarity in trying to get him to spell my name correctly, he took my info and put me on hold. When he came back, he asked if it was plugged into the wall or a power strip. It was, of course, plugged into . He told me to try to plug it directly into the wall instead. I was pretty skeptical, but after a bit of struggle, and more hilarity keeping the puppy from eating the now exposed cords, I got everything switched over and low and behold, I had sound. After getting off the phone with him, I plugged it back into the power strip, but in a different slot, and still had sound.
TL;DR If anyone else has issues getting sound while using a power strip, try plugging the transmitter directly into a wall socket and see if it makes a difference.
@cinoclav I just plugged my phone into that socket and it’s still registering a rapid charge so I guess it works. I realized afterward that it was an “accessory” slot, so I’m guessing maybe it doesn’t pull as much power. I don’t know. The “not getting enough power” was the reason I was given for it needing to be plugged into the wall.
@Ignorant Yes, it was a green one. I switched it to the middle blue one.
@PurplePawprints if the GreenPower button is enabled then all the green outlets will shut off when the power to whatever device is plugged into the main outlet is off. Not sure if that’s the issue. Make sure GreenPower isn’t enabled if you haven’t already.
Idk if I’m using it right but it’s been acting like shit the day I got it, and now it’s even worse. When I first got it there was always static going on. Moving the cable that connects it to the computer, even slightly, is a gurantee for a huige rush of static. And now I can only hear out of one end of the headphones.
@thekenya I get static when moving the cord, but they are fine otherwise. Did you get in touch with the manufacturer? I called them when I first got mine because I thought they were dead and they were very helpful.
Specs
Condition: New
Warranty: 1 Year Sony
Estimated Delivery: 6/8 - 6/10
Shipping: $5 or free with VMP
What’s in the Box?
1x Headphones
1x RF Transmitter base
1x AC Adapter
1x Phono to Stereo Mini cable
Pictures
On the stand
Side view
Headphones
Base
Retail packaging
Price Comparison
$107.99 at Amazon (fulfilled by Amazon, 3177 reviews)
Find a relevant price comparison? Please share it in a comment in this thread
Warranty
90 days
Do they support…oh, whatever.
BT all day
Stopped by to carp in the forum a bit.
Sounds a bit meh to me.
How many ears do you guys think we have?
@MehnofLaMehncha
OW! Not so loud!
Own a pair, not great at blocking out the table saw noise in the shop, but I can still hear the music, running the planer I can hardly make out the music unless I’ve also got earplugs in. Distance wise, they are pretty darn good for about 60 feet, even through a couple of walls, but once you hit the end of range they cut in and out buzzing.
Also, how did Meh get there hands on Woot’s left overs?
@sixsmith Isn’t that the very definition on “meh”?
@chacham not at all, I’m actually quite happy with them, I am simply using them in an environment they were not intended for.
How good do these work with a ps4?
@Ohmygato Sponsored gamer and audio engineer checking in. I worked in Japan for Sony as a project manager, with the sole responsibility of maximizing compatibility for peripherals for the PS4. Great question you’re asking, thanks. For your PS4 I would recommend just purchasing a normal controller.
@Ohmygato You know you can plug headphones into the controller, right?
@FightingMongoos sure. But these are wireless.
I’d totally be all over this (seriously) because I use headphones for my TV so I don’t wake my kid (I have noticeable hearing loss, and I has berry small house)… if I hadn’t already gotten Sony’s BT/wireless headphones from Costco and a BT transmitter for my TV.
The charging stand makes it very helpful as well, IMO. (This is not meant to be construed as a review.)
I have an old pair of wireless headphones with a base unit from ~2005 like this collecting dust. What I want? Wireless headsets with cups like these that have their entire base unit plugged into an unobtrusive set of plugs that works better with a laptop. No extra power cords needed.
@Jamileigh17 I hate to say you’re expecting too much. Driving a wireless transmitter like that takes a pretty significant amount of power to have any meaningful range. You could probably get a set of bluetooth friendly headphones but your range probably won’t get you very far.
@jbartus I haven’t found any of those with good ear cups. My ears are rather deep (Not long, but deep) and most bluetooth ones I’ve tried get uncomfortable real fast. (Range is less a concern, I’m rarely going further than about 20 ft when i’d want them, and most of that’s line of sight)
@Jamileigh17 Best Buy had a sale going on in March for a set of Sony Bluetooth headphones that was pretty terrific. I think it came out to be $100 or so for $150 pair of headphones got em for my brother for his birthday and he loves them
Dumb this down for me, please. Can I plug the adapter into something on my laptop and have them work properly? Will they sound better than the 808 duos that I already have?
@PurplePawprints my brother has a pair of these and he’s able to do that. Should be an aux or line in port on the base.
Meh phone - Hear hear – so who needs (Sony) "s these ?
$60? More like $20 maybe…
I own a pair of these. The sound quality and range are good. However, I’m not a huge fan because I find them heavy. I only use them if I am going to be sitting still & it’s absolutely necessary.
@glindagw I agree that these are Big headphones. But I find them perfect for listening to TV/Movies while the rest of the family is asleep. These are over the ear, but not isolating headphones. I can have them loud enough to experience the full dynamic range of whatever I’m listening to, and still hear the baby monitor. YMMV
"they reek strongly like maybe gasoline with a tinge of rotting fruit."
I’m confused…do they really smell bad? I bought a wireless keyboard that smelled like that. It took about 2 months for the bad smell to go away!
No.
They’re great! Incredible! Inconceivably immeasurably wonderful!!!
I am providing this review in anticipation of a free sample from Meh so I can try them.
As a professional wannabe disk jockey and full-time cubicle surfer working for the man, I know good low-end audio equipment when I see it and boy, do I ever see it. When you think top notch low-end RF wireless headphones, think of the Sony MDRRF985RK Wireless RF Headphone and click on Buy, Buy, Buy!
Nothing is more satisfying than freeing oneself of the hassle and dangers of cords. Did I say dangers? You bet I did, just imagine, you might get tangled up in them, or worse, your cat might! There, there, Mister Whiskers, it’s okay, they’re gone now. Where was I… oh right. With the Sony MDRRF985RK Wireless RF Headphones from Sony you’ll never again have to risk life and limb to listen to your music. Don’t let those negative reviews fool you, the loss of audio at a distance of 30 feet is not a flaw with the product, it’s a flaw with the user, Sony never promised long range wireless connectivity now did they? I didn’t think so.
If you’re in the market for new headphones this year click on Buy Buy Buy right now, don’t let this offer get away from you. While you’re purchasing, don’t forget to pick up a VMP membership, it’s the best value in entry level audio solutions.
@SHillman LMAO!
At least success isn’t getting to your heads that you’re just phoning it in.
At 900mhz, will the baby monitor transmit to the headphones, or will the base station play music out of the monitor?
@mcanavino that would depend on the frequency the monitor operates at…
@mcanavino these have 3 channels to choose from. I get a little static interference from my vtech monitor on channel 2, but I’ve never noticed tv sound on the monitor or baby’s sounds on the headphones.
I don’t see what you did there, Meh.
Yes
Does anyone sell the headphones separately? I’m interested, but only if we could set this up so wife and I could both listen at the same time.
@wootcat I’m not sure they’d work like that, though at this price you could buy two for nearly the price of one on any other day and give it a try. Even if the headphones were sold separately they’d probably be $60 anyhow. Worst case you could get a stereo splitter and feed both bases from the same source.
@wootcat Just sit really close and put the headphones over the outside ears.
Or one of you wears the headphones but has to repeat everything you hear
@wootcat Get a splitter and plug two of these into the splitter. Done.
@wootcat One of the reviews says that two people, provided they are in range, can listen to the same music.
Quit selling stuff I already have a better version of…
How would these work for me?
@f00l Zaphod! Dude!
Several reviews state that the rechargeable batteries are not user replaceable.
@Kidsandliz But are the users battery replaceable?
Non user-replaceable batteries design kills this deal for me. I can’t find replacement batteries to purchase online even if one’s willing to void the warranty.
@KhoaTon Anything’s user replaceable if you’re determined…anyhoo; this battery is soldered into place, but there seems to be enough room inside the case to remove the battery and install a aaa or smaller battery box.
I heard 900mhz gives you cancer!
Why would I buy these ugly Sony things when I have these amazing House of Marley headphones from the end of March that look awesome, sound awesome, and have both Bluetooth and wired as options? No thanks. Meh.
My dad is in a nursing home and watches TV a lot. He needs it loud, however. We bought him this (although from a different manufacturer, and he loves them. He can hear the TV fine and he doesn’t bother anyone else. Works great. I think I paid around $60 on Amazon, but they were not Sony.
I bought this this morning, so I got mine. I know y’all are “meh meh-ing” these, but I did not hesitate getting one.
I had purchased its predecessor so I can watch TV w/o blasting the volume. It’s comfortable for my large head and the earcups actually go AROUND my ears. So many “around ear” headphones are more like “on ear” for me. However, mine are wearing out and had to replace the battery pack with NiMH batteries.
I tried a Bluetooth transmitter on the TV with a BT headphone, but BT introduces an audio delay that I don’t get with the Sony wireless headphones.
I am eagerly waiting for these to arrive in the mail in a few weeks.
@sjk3 on your ears huh… do you get satellite on those things?
I jest, I jest, I actually know your pain. It’s like the Klipsh version of the Bose QC-2 headphones I got from Woot awhile back, the cups are just way too small. I can get my ears inside but only if I fold them in carefully.
RF? Really? I had some of these in the 90s.
@Chakolate WiFi is RF, LTE is RF, bluetooth is RF, all cell phones are RF pretty much everything wireless is RF… really!
So, either the pair I got are duds, or these won’t actually work with the base plugged into a laptop, or there’s user error that I can’t figure out yet. I picked the package up from the post office earlier and charged the headphones. I just sat down to watch a show, and nothing I do will make them work. I mean, they turn on, but I can’t get sound out of them. Any suggestions?
@PurplePawprints try the other hole if your laptop has 2 holes (one for mic one for headphones).
@thismyusername It only has one.
@PurplePawprints got another device to test with? a phone or walkman?
@thismyusername Good call. Plugged it into my phone and the phone also does not recognize that a headset is plugged in and played music over the speaker. I have one of those cords that you can use on an aux port in your car to plug your phone in if you don’t have Bluetooth so I tried that, too. Nothing out of the headset or phone speaker then, and phone still doesn’t show that there’s a headset connected.
@PurplePawprints I say DOA… is the cable detachable? if so might try a spare… if not… support awaits!
and if you feel bad about it, I saw these in Best Buy for $109… so you are still ahead on the cost!
@thismyusername Yeah, the cable is detachable which is why I tried one of my own. I can’t get it to work, but I keep feeling like it must be my fault. I read the directions and everything though, dammit! Anyway, thanks for helping me try to troubleshoot it.
Update I called into Sony’s warranty support and after much hilarity in trying to get him to spell my name correctly, he took my info and put me on hold. When he came back, he asked if it was plugged into the wall or a power strip. It was, of course, plugged into . He told me to try to plug it directly into the wall instead. I was pretty skeptical, but after a bit of struggle, and more hilarity keeping the puppy from eating the now exposed cords, I got everything switched over and low and behold, I had sound. After getting off the phone with him, I plugged it back into the power strip, but in a different slot, and still had sound.
TL;DR If anyone else has issues getting sound while using a power strip, try plugging the transmitter directly into a wall socket and see if it makes a difference.
Well, that’s an interesting new feature. If we link to a prior sale, it apparently brings up a pic from the sale rather than the text.
@PurplePawprints Really, really odd. Now I want to know if anything else has an issue being plugged into that particular socket on the power strip.
@PurplePawprints was it plugged into one of the green outlets?
@cinoclav I just plugged my phone into that socket and it’s still registering a rapid charge so I guess it works. I realized afterward that it was an “accessory” slot, so I’m guessing maybe it doesn’t pull as much power. I don’t know. The “not getting enough power” was the reason I was given for it needing to be plugged into the wall.
@Ignorant Yes, it was a green one. I switched it to the middle blue one.
@PurplePawprints if the GreenPower button is enabled then all the green outlets will shut off when the power to whatever device is plugged into the main outlet is off. Not sure if that’s the issue. Make sure GreenPower isn’t enabled if you haven’t already.
@Ignorant I’m pretty sure it’s shut off. I think my husband said he did when I wanted to use the extra power strip for all my crap by the bed.
@PurplePawprints oh well. Was hoping for an easy answer.
Idk if I’m using it right but it’s been acting like shit the day I got it, and now it’s even worse. When I first got it there was always static going on. Moving the cable that connects it to the computer, even slightly, is a gurantee for a huige rush of static. And now I can only hear out of one end of the headphones.
@thekenya I get static when moving the cord, but they are fine otherwise. Did you get in touch with the manufacturer? I called them when I first got mine because I thought they were dead and they were very helpful.
@PurplePawprints no I didn’t but I’ll try if you say that they are actually helpful
@thekenya The comment posted above yours details the experience I had when I called them.
Can someone reply to my comment so I don’t feel like the only one with this problem?
@thekenya I didn’t buy them, but I will reply to your comment.
DId that help you feel like you are not the only one with the problem?
If sony gives you any problems with the included 1 year warranty, just contact meh support and let them know why/how sony wasn’t helping!