Hi Everyone,

I'm in a bind: I have a 46" Panasonic plasma that I want to listen to via headphones. Currently, I have a set of headphones plugged into the R&L audio outputs, but I cannot control the volume (it's a fixed level, and fairly low). I can use the remote to change the volume, but that affects the TV, not the headset.

I don't have a receiver, and infrared headphones get too much interference from the TV. What do you recommend that I do to get higher volume? I'm not against buying a new headset, I'm just not sure what to buy. Thanks for your replies!

You need to buy this or something similar:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MFVCAN

or you could try this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/MENG-6P1-6AQ5-x4-Push-Pull-Valve-Integrated-Tube-Amp-SV_W0QQitemZ250508039811QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVintage_Electroni cs_R2?hash=item3a53715683

Vacuum tube headphone amp :) The headphone output in on the front.

You can get a headphone amp as one option listed above.

Another option would be a cheap used receiver with a headphone out. That would probably be the cheaper of the two options. Craigslist, thirft store and yard sales are great places to find really cheap receivers.

Or...
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2407171&tab=techSpecs
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-RS120-Wireless-Headphones-Charging/dp/B0001FTVEK

You sure theres no way to change the RCA outputs to variable within a menu?

Hi Everyone,

I'm in a bind: ...
infrared headphones get too much interference from the TV.

My wife really likes these Senhieser RF wireless 'phones (http://www.sennheiserusa.com/private_headphones_wireless-headphones_009920). They have a built in volume control. Because they are RF rather than IR there are no issues with display interference.

Hm-m-m? You mean the ones I provided a link for in post #5. :)

*Maybe* headphones with volume control would work, but if the source signal from the TV is too low, would turning the headphones up to max to allow the full signal through actually do anything? My guess would be that volume wouldn't change at all without some sort of amp, unless you get headphones with a lot lower Ohm rating, that would also increase volume. I still think an amp of some sort would be the better option. Whether it be a read headphone amp, or a cheap receiver with a headphone jack doesn't really matter if you are just trying to get it louder.

From Sennheiser website/specs:
"Compatible with set-top DVD & Blu-Ray players, DVR's, satellite receivers, a/v receivers, laptops, mac/PC, MP3 players, LCD, Plasma and standard televisions that feature RCA outputs (red and white outputs) and/or 1/8" and 1/4" headphone sockets "

I'm sure that line level output of all the above would provide adequate volume levels, especially since Headphone output jacks are pretty hard to find today on most equipment.

*Maybe* headphones with volume control would work, but if the source signal from the TV is too low, would turning the headphones up to max to allow the full signal through actually do anything? My guess would be that volume wouldn't change at all without some sort of amp, unless you get headphones with a lot lower Ohm rating, that would also increase volume. I still think an amp of some sort would be the better option. Whether it be a read headphone amp, or a cheap receiver with a headphone jack doesn't really matter if you are just trying to get it louder.


No, a passive volume control will not increase the volume.
Lowering the impedance will not make it louder either...the 'phones are connected to a line output which is expecting to 'see' a high impedance, not low.
An amplifier is required.

An amplifier is required.
Which is incorporated into the headphones or x-mitter for the headphones.

If it doesn't, can someone explain how they sell these things? :D

Which is incorporated into the headphones or x-mitter for the headphones.

or it could be in a seperate box. In any case, an amplifier is still required.

I would disagree based on the spec sheets and reviews.

I.E. (Amazon review)
"I hooked these up to the RCA out of my TV - and poof, I have perfect sound. On many TV's including mine, the RCA's are not variable - meaning that the only volume control that affects the headset is on the headset - but this is perfect for me. "

You disagree that an amplifier is required to 'boost' the volume?

Ok.

I disagree that you'd find an audio amplifier in a wireless headphone transmitter....but you have the "spec sheets and reviews".

Hm-m-m? You mean the ones I provided a link for in post #5. :)

I admit that this is another case of someone not reading your post carefully. :oThere are some other examples in this thread.

I hope that the OP is able to cut through the noise and assumptions about the Senheiser 'phones not being able to work with some imagined low voltage output.

The OP is connecting his headphones directly to the TV's R/L audio out jacks. Nothing is said about a headphone jack. If that's true it is a big clue. They are line level and not suitable for directly driving headphones. But line level is exactly what the wireless phones are designed to use.

So to be clear he needs either an external headphone amplifier or a spiffy pair of new Sennheiser RF headphones. My wife says to get the Sennheiser.;)

You disagree that an amplifier is required to 'boost' the volume?.
NO.... I state that the amp is either in the headphones or x-mitter.

Rather than me typing... prove me wrong and I'll apologize. :rolleyes:
Read instead of arguing/assuming.

You disagree that an amplifier is required to 'boost' the volume?

Ok.

I disagree that you'd find an audio amplifier in a wireless headphone transmitter....but you have the "spec sheets and reviews".

Sadly we won't find it in the specs. But what we do find is the that the base unit is an FM stereo transmitter. Logically then the 'phones must contain both a tuner and an audio amplifier.

But nothing is certain and if the OP's line level out is sufficiently below industry standards, Sennhiser says that the transmitter may treat this as a no signal condition and shut down. In that case an external amp must be used ahead of the base unit.

NO.... I state that the amp is either in the headphones or x-mitter.

Rather than me typing... prove me wrong and I'll apologize. :rolleyes:
Read instead of arguing/assuming.

no need to get upset.

The OP stated that the audio level is too low and that he's driving headphones with a line level signal.
In order to get a louder signal he needs an amplifier. This amp can be in a wireless headset or in a box, connected by wires. It doesn't matter.
An amplifier is required, that 's all I said. You've made some false assumptions.

This amp can be in a wireless headset or in a box, connected by wires. It doesn't matter.
An amplifier is required, that 's all I said.
Perhaps that's all that was intended in a roundabout way. ;)
You probably could have said less and just agreed that the Sennheiser's will probably work just fine.

You probably could have said less and just agreed that the Sennheiser's will probably work just fine.

As would any other amp and headset.

You seem to need validation for everything you post, why?

No validation required. I try to keep suggestions/recommendations as simple as possible to be helpful.

If you have any other recommendations for the OP, please feel free to contribute.

No validation required.

Based on your "look at me" posts, I'd have to disagree.

I try to keep suggestions/recommendations as simple as possible to be helpful.

Simple would have been to add a headphone amp, since the OP already has everything else.

please feel free to contribute.

Gee, thanks.

I see you like to pretend to be a moderator as well. It's cute ;)

Based on the majority of your posts, I'd suggest that you are more "look at me" than a "helpy helper". ;)

IMO, it make more sense to try the Sennheiser RF headphone as it is:
1) less expensive
2) no wires
3) no IR interference
4) solves the volume issue

Thanks for the replies everyone - it seems that the Sennheiser RF headphones are the way to go! Finally, I'll be able to listen to movies and games at a reasonable volume!