Conquering the Empire as a Jedi knight without waking the neighbours? Conducting a symphony orchestra in fortissimo with the kids asleep in their beds? No longer a problem with the new wireless headphones from Sennheiser. No matter whether connected to a television set or a hi-fi system – the RS 160, RS 170 and RS 180 guarantee an excellent sound experience.

Dynamic sound transducers with powerful neodymium magnets ensure a clear, high-resolution audio playback whilst the Kleer transmission technology promises uncompressed transmission of the audio data. The three new headphones will be shown for the first time at the IFA in Berlin.

Everything you need to game like a pro. The Astro A40 Audio System ($250) combines crystal-clear voice communication with pinpoint-accurate 5.1 Dolby Digital and Dolby Headphone surround utilizing the most user-configurable headset on the planet. The A40 Audio System includes the external A40 MixAmp, providing Xbox and Xbox 360 users with combined voice and game sound — ideal for tournament play and discrete “midnight gaming” sessions. A discrete game/voice balance control enables you to find the ideal in-game setting.

Imagine yourself on a loud, crowded bus or a stuffy airplane full of chitchat and all you want to do is phase out the public and tune into your own private world. The new Image S4 ($80) and S2 ($50) in-ear headphones from Klipsch are designed to make that vision an affordable, comfortable and safe reality.

The S4 and S2 use the same proprietary ear tips as their pricier predecessors, continuing the company’s extreme comfort with superior noise isolation story.

Headphonies ($30; November 2008) are the coolest portable speakers I’ve seen in a long time. Each limited edition portable speaker set is adorned with artwork by various artists, and also includes two blank speakers for your own creative artwork.

(via SpankyStokes)

The sonic chair provides a unique audio experience, allowing you to sit at the very center of a sound system. Whether you enjoy listening to symphony orchestras, rock concerts, or audio books – the integrated satellite speakers are precisely adapted to your ears. The speakers are encased in a carefully crafted body that creates sufficient volume for powerful bass tones, while a specially developed body-focused sound membrane serves as backrest and further augment the lower frequencies – creating the feeling of a live performance.

The open design ensures a resonance-receptive, well-balanced sound environment. The active and passive sound insulation creates an acoustic island. Background noises will not disrupt the enjoyment of music or an audio book in the sonic chair, and what the listener chooses to hear is hardly audible beyond the chair.

Wood is capable of many things, but one thing that it doesn’t do is screw up music with unwanted resonance. They’ve been using wood to build speaker cabinets for decades, but Grado Labs has taken it a step further with their mahogany-fitted GS1000 headphones ($995).

The GS1000 retains a sound that is pure Grado, rich full-bodied vocals, excellent dynamics and an ultra smooth top end. The presentation is very detailed, the bass is deep and the music is very tight and non-fatiguing. All with a soundstage that is huge allowing for unbelievable separation and layering of the music which is simply stunning.

Hopefully, as an added bonus, they’ll also match the hardwood flooring in your pad.

I love listening to some nice jams when working out, but one of my biggest pet peeves is using wired headphones that tend to get tangled up, in the way, or disconnected from my portable music player.

Motorola’s new Bluetooth S9 Headphones ($TBA) is going to change all that. Developed with the active user in mind, the S9’s allow you to enjoy the freedom of wireless music. The design is made to stay on your head with a secure behind-the-head form and over-the-ear design. The entire set weighs barely an ounce, and each charge allows up to six hours of play.

A Bluetooth Stereo Adapter (sold separately) will be available for use with an iPod.

One of my biggest pet peeves are headphones that won’t stay on when I’m jogging or running. Sennheiser has solved this problem with their new MX75 Sport Headphones. These stereo sport headphones feature Sennheiser’s Twist-to-Fit holding system, providing a secure fit in your ear when you work out, run or play sports. They’re also moisture-resistant to prevent damage to the earphones when you sweat.

The only thing lacking is a choice of color other than neon green.

Sennheiser

Looking to stuff the stocking of a music lover? Check out AKG’s mini headphones. A perfect marriage of sound and design makes the K27i the ultimate mini headphones for any portable music archive. Incredibly light and with its 3D-Axis design for folding neatly into the supplied leatherette bag, the K 27 i will be ready for use anywhere, anytime. A volume control on the cable lets you set the loudness level as you like it in any situation. Best for portable MP3, MD, CD players and multimedia.

For more info, click here.

Logitech Curve Headphones for MP3 are easy on the ears, and tough where it counts. Designed for today’s portable digital audio players, these headphones use optimized 30mm neodymium drivers for premium audio with your music, games, and movies. And their behind-the-head design and detachable comfort rings keep them in place securely.

For more info, click here.