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TDK WR700 review (Black)

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CNET Editors' Rating

3.5 stars Very good

CNET Editors' Rating

3.5 stars Very good
  • Overall rating: 7.0
  • Design: 6.0
  • Features: 7.0
  • Performance: 8.0
Review Date:

Average User Rating

3.5 stars 3 user reviews

The good: Wireless headphones with Kleer technology; good sound quality, especially for wireless headphones; easy connection; compatible with all audio devices using a 3.5mm headphone port; adapter for AV receivers; cloth carrying case included.

The bad: Requires using the included receiver dongle, which is somewhat bulky; transmitter and headphones each require two pairs of AAA batteries; headphones could be slightly more comfortable.

The bottom line: Despite a few shortcomings, TDK's WR700 wireless headphones--which use Kleer wireless technology instead of Bluetooth--deliver good sound for a reasonable price.

Thanks to the increasing prevalence of Bluetooth-compatible devices (such as iPads, iPhones, and nearly all other smartphones), wireless headphones are starting to proliferate like never before. However, the only problem with Bluetooth is that it takes already compressed audio (usually MP3) and compresses it even more, so it loses a little something in transmission.

On the other hand, a company called Kleer promises to deliver wirelessly uncompressed digital audio at CD quality. It says that when you compare it with other technologies like Bluetooth, you'll hear the difference, and--at least with TDK's Kleer-powered WR700 wireless headphones--we did.

Of course, the problem with a fledgling standard like Kleer is that--unlike Bluetooth--it's not built in to a wide range of mainstream devices. To get around that, you'll need to connect the included Kleer transmitter--it's powered by two AAA batteries--into your in-home stereo system or mobile audio device and sync it with the headphones, which are also powered by two AAA batteries. You don't have to worry about "pairing" the device like you do with Bluetooth; the headphones connect very quickly to the transmitter.

Ergonomically, the headphones are fairly comfortable--and they seem pretty well-built--but they aren't supercomfy and we found ourselves making little adjustments after listening to them for a while. That said, they have a nice padded headband and earcups that sit on your ears but don't totally cover them. Like most closed-back on-ear or over-the-ear headphones, they can get a little steamy after using them for several minutes, particularly if you're using them in a warm environment.

When you're not wearing the WR700s, the earcups fold flat, and TDK throws in a cloth carrying case for easy transportation.

 

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Quick Specifications

  • Headphones Type Headphones - Binaural
  • Product type Headphones
  • Design Ear-cup
  • Color Black
  • Sound output mode Stereo
  • Connector type Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm

Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable e-reader and e-publishing expert. He's also the author of the novels Knife Music and The Big Exit. Both titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, and Nook e-books. Full Bio

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