Headphone Options

[BWLover]

Hello all. My parents have a predicament. My step mom likes to watch tv to fall asleep to, and my dad can't sleep with the tv on. The only audio output on the tv is a digital optical jack. Is there some sort of headphone amp that accepts this form of connection? It does not need to be audiophile quality. Just needs to get the job done. Thanks everyone.

[G8YU]

A few cheaper options I found are the Topping TP-D2, Audioengine D1 and Fiio E17. More expensive options are the Leckerton UHA-6S MKII and Teac UDH01-S.
If you got a cheap D/A converter like the Fiio D3 then you could use any cheap headphone amp with it.
Keep in mind that the television will have to output PCM on the optical jack, so you'll want to check the tv instruction manual or settings menu for that option. If the TV only outputs DTS or Dolby on the optical connection then none of these headphone amps will work.

[jdandy]

BWLover.......The Sennheiser RS 220 Wireless Headphone system offers optical or coaxial digital audio inputs as well as analog.

[HiFiGuy528]

Wireless does not have a good reputation. I would skip it. Consider this. Or a cheapo
DD & DTS receiver with Dolby Headphones out.

beyerdynamic Headzone: Virtual surround-sound system for headphones

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by HiFiGuy528

Wireless does not have a good reputation. I would skip it.

Mike.......Sorry, but I disagree. Granted, there are many el-cheap-o wireless headphones out there, and some middle of the road wireless headphones as well. The Sennheiser RS220 I posted above is quite the exception.

The OP is only interested in TV sound in the bedroom to keep from disturbing a mate, so it isn't like almost any wireless headphone that is a closed model will not fit that bill. I realize the RS220 I posted is way overkill for that application, but it can easily stand with many good wired headphones in its price range.

It is easy to have an audiophile attitude toward wireless headphones when you have been playing with some of the industry's best cans and headphone amps, but Sennheiser has been doing wireless pretty darn well for a number of years. You might enjoy reviewing the RS220. I think you will be impressed with its wireless capability and sound, especially at its price point. Amazon has them for $399.00.