I bought the Sandstrom SWHP-12 and was very disappointed with the audio quality - not a patch on the Sony Infra-red type. (Can't remember the model number for the latter.)

To be fair, Currys gave me a refund at once but is it the case that the infra-red type provide better audio quality than the wireless type?

I'm looking for good quality audio and a set of phones that don't require pairing or tuning. I've got another pair that drifts off frequency and often needs re-tuning via a fiddly little wheel on the right side. And how about the foam rubber ear-pieces? I had a terrible barny with Philips some years ago: they did (do?) not not sell replacement foam rubber ear pieces. I'd like to be able to buy new foam rubber ear-pieces when required.

Any suggestions, pse?

W

For quality, it's infra red first, then radio frequency second..

Who the hell are Sandstrom? [Googles a bit] Oh, an "exclusive" brand to Currys. Right. All quality Scandinavian inspired "quality" are just lining up to be tied to an electrical retailer that also sells fridges, microwaves, toasters and hair straighteners. Hmmm.... clever marketing makeover for some lukewarm budget electronics much?

A bit of slick product styling, a lifestyle website and hey presto, silk purses from sows ears. A bit of style over substance I think. Stick with recognised brands who get the technology inside right first.

It is not the technology that determines sound quality but the implementation of the technology. And the quality of the transducers in the headphones probably play a far larger role in the quality of the sound than what medium is used to get the audio signal to the headphones.

I would agree - Wireless is probably far better, as IR is too easily disrupted - but a decent IR system will obviously sound better than a crappy wireless one.

Thanks to everyone for their helpful replies.
W