Speakers are an essential component of a home theater. Still, headphones can offer a handy alternative. For instance, not everybody wants to invest in advanced speakers. More often, people buy speakers to enhance their TV’s sound, but they also want the option to keep the house quiet because the baby’s asleep or the apartment walls are thin.
Will Movie Headphones Work as Well as Speakers for Home Theater?
According to CNET, nobody can honestly say that speakers or headphones perform better. Audiophiles debate the merits of headphones versus speakers, but they both offer subjective arguments. Because of their nature, these two devices used to broadcast sound work differently.
For instance:
- Speakers deliver richer bass tones, and most think they sound more realistic.
- Headphones broadcast subtle details that get lost when the sound has to travel through a room.
Thus, headphones might deliver an excellent experience, but the sound won’t precisely mimic the speakers installed in movie theaters. On the other hand, some people may prefer the nuanced headphone experience.
Good Movie Headphones for a Home Theater
Home theater headphones vary considerably in price and features. Consider these top choices to help inform comparison shopping.
JVC XP-EXT1: A Great Choice for Dolby Atmos
Home theater purists with a generous budget can enjoy surround sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Since this is the same technology that the best movie theater speakers rely on,
these headphones come closest to delivering cinema-quality sound.
Wireless connections, advanced processors, and the ability to offer an immersive experience recommend these headphones, but the $1,000 price might turn some folks away.
Sony MDR-RF811RK: A Budget-Friendly Option for Two
The
Sony MDR-RF811RK headphones are affordable and perfect for buying multiple sets of headphones. This model only emits a basic stereo sound, but the base station can support two headphones. After all, most people want to share their home theater experience with a friend or family member some of the time.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7: Best for Bluetooth Connections
Bluetooth headphone manufacturers often optimize their products for video games, and connections to TV sets tend to suffer from lag. These
well-designed headphones rely on advanced processing to eliminate this problem, plus they come with active noise cancellation. The PX7 also connects to computers and other devices with a USB connection. Expect to pay about $399.
Connect Movie Headphones With a Top Extended Warranty
Today’s headphones come with all sorts of built-in features, like wireless connectivity and advanced processors. Unfortunately, headphones are still vulnerable to the same wear and damage that can plague other sophisticated electronics.
To better protect new headphones, consumers should purchase an extended warranty that offers coverage for manufacturing defects, accidental damage, sound failure, and pairing issues.
Upsie’s
extended warranties for headphones are affordable and comprehensive, with complete coverage for defects, early wear, and accidents. Upsie also offers 24-7 access to claims representatives by phone. Best of all, Upsie’s warranties cost up to 70 percent less than warranties from manufacturers or retailers.
Customers can purchase an Upsie warranty for headphones and speakers bought within the last 60 days and TVs bought within the last 11 months.
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