Sunday, December 18, 2011

Great But Not Fantastic - Cordless Stereo Headphones Review

By David Russell


The quality of the RS-180 is pretty good. It only squeaks a little on the right side of the headset when I put them on, but after I have got them set, it does not squeak anymore. For those listening to passive sound sources (stereo, iPod) you can't go wrong. For those watching TV, as long as your TV or other equipment has delay compensation, you'll be fine, too.

The wireless range extends through multiple walls (YMMV). I've had these about a week and I think they're great. The sound is excellent. The controllers are much better indexed than those on the 140.

The Sennheiser RS 180 Headphones have restored my ability to hear Television and Music with all of the Bass, Treble, Voice, and Stereo sounds. I have an 80% hearing loss, and have been looking for something that would allow me to hear well without disturbing others. I should note that while I was listening to this selection I was moving around my approx. 1100 hem in an 1100 square foot apartment with no loss of fidelity at all.

Well, even though I was expecting a good overall experience with the product, my expectations were more than satisfied. The wireless headphone system has excellent sound and reception. When, in time, the batteries are exhausted, I can simply purchase replacements at the grocery store and change them out in less than a minute. I was SO PLEASED with the RS 180, that I purchased a second pair to carry with me to field locations. The high end could be just a tad broader, the soundstage is (IMHO) too wide, but for less than 300 bucks, you could not do better. I have five other pairs of high quality phones by Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic, but had given up on finding a decent pair of wireless phones until discovering these. Interestingly, when the models 110 and 120 go out of range you get static, but the 180 just cuts off (which is slightly better I think). The range is essentially exactly the same, maybe 70 feet for the models 110 and 120, and 72 feet for the model 180. The cheaper one was half the price, but it was junk. Don't buy a unit that uses infrared, which is directional, for the signal. The Sennheiser RS 180 is a solid performing unit thus far. It charges simply and easily. That is to say every note was rendered as a distinct and succinct item. If you want headphones that are strident, then look elsewhere.

The sound is excellent and they are comfortable even after hours of use. I've had no problems with range in our house -- work well in all rooms.




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