Monday, 23 May 2011
Wireless Headphones - sennheiser, cordless headphones
I bought my SENNHEISER RS 110 from Bestbuy for $79.99. It was all worth it for the price. This headphone is simply amazing! I tried both Sony and RCA models before settling for a SENNHEISER and both Sony and RCA doesnt even come close to the performance of the RS 110. The sound reproduction is very distinct, no "very highs" or "very lows" on the frequency range. Just right. The range is just about right for the indicated 300 feet. It is light enough to be worn for extended periods of time and the fit is very comfortable. You dont feel that "tightness" even after wearing it for several hours. In my point of view, the sound reproduction even comes close to the BOSE noise cancelling headphones except that the SENNHEISER doesnt cancel the noise. An upgraded model, the RS 120, can be recharged by placing the headset on the transmitter--this (the recharging feature) however is the only difference. Performance is solid both ways. After making extensive evaluation on my RS 110, the only feature I could think they can add to this model is a light indicator on the main headphone unit to "visually" see if it is turned on without actually looking at the power switch. Overall, the headphone is an excellent buy compared to other models in the same price range. I highly recommend this entry level wireless headphone from SENNHEISER if you're in the market looking for one. Sennheiser RS110 Over-Ear 926 Mhz Wireless Rf Headphones
These are some pretty decent RF headphones. Very little hiss in the background, great range - the only thing I don't like is the auto on/off feature. For those who don't know what this is, the transmitter on the base doesn't start transmitting unless it "hears" enough sound for it to go. When the sound source is turned off and it doesn't "hear" anything anymore, it stops transmitting after a few minutes and you hear static in the headphones. It's basically a good idea, but not practical if/when working with different types of audio sources.
This feature can be difficult if (in my case) you are working with the headphones on a computer, where sounds come and go at different intervals (IM noises, prompts, pausing a DVD, etc.). I also use the headphones with a 15" television (no cable) that has headphone port for private viewing. While watching the TV with the headphones (the included L/R-1/16 adapter is very nice) the headphone transition cuts out every 5 minutes for a few seconds then starts again. This is probably because of the low audio strength coming from the cable-less TV, but it's just another reason why there should be a manual ON/OFF TRANSMIT switch on the base unit.
The only other drawback is that, unlike many other headphone types, Sennheiser has chosen to make very flat ear pieces. Most other headphones have the "can" type, which have a thick outer rim, allowing your ears to be closer to their natural position. With these Sennheisers my ears are frequently squished against my head, sometimes for many hours - which anyone will tell you has its own definition of pain. I'll point out that the pain only happens when I wear glasses and have the headphones on for a long time. If I have contacts in (which is mostly the case) or place the legs of the glasses above my ears, it rarely hurts to have the headphones on for the same time.
All in all, pretty good wireless headphones for consistent audio listeners, and people without glasses.
A sound engineer's perspective...
Great Sennheiser quality - strikingly similar to some of their wired models (HD202, ect). What I expected. People say don't even bother with other brands. For the great prices Sennheiser offers, I know I don't.
Works in a large house or large condo. Static (as with all wireless headphones) occurs under 4 feet. Some people don't understand that this is natural. I've been probably 50' to 100' away from the base and have had no dropouts. Static occurs over 20' but is sparse and only in certain 'spots' - usally about two square feet. The solution - avoid those 'spots' or mess with the tuning knob.
PROS:
Fairly flat frequency response - VERY nice mids and highs
Close in quality to many mid-range wired models
Almost flawless reception when in the same room
Comfortable, open-aire design - not too tight, not too loose
CONS:
Big (but so are all wireless phones)
Silver accent color (makes them look even bigger)
No rechargeable batteries
May slip off of smaller heads when bending over (mine is big though)
Lacks a bit of bass because of the open-aire design (makes it perfect for TV but leaves a tad to be desired for music)
IMPORTANT:
Your TV has RCA OUTputs
Your volume has to be UP on the TV a little for these to work - how to circumvent this? Run your cable through a VCR and take the base station out of the RCA outputs of your VCR - now you can mute the TV, but your phones will still work through your VCR volume.
The verdict? Hard to beat for the price. Wireless headphones are not perfect, but these are about as good as you can get. Want rechargeables? Upgrade to the Sennheiser RS-120s - the same electronics, but you pay $30 more for rechargeables. Want a closed-aire design? Upgrade to the RS 140s. Want something that is open-aire and rechargeable but a bit more 'stylish' - ie. all black and less 'grandpa grey' - get the HS 130s.
I understand that the 130s and 140s have 'automatic' tuning. I would think however this could be a blessing and also a curse. Also, for those who have hearing loss in one ear - the 140s have adjustable left/right balance.
Old people hate these at first because it's essentially admitting that they have hearing loss, but give them 2 days and they LOVE them. - Sennheiser Wireless Headphones - Sennheiser - Cordless Headphones - Headphones'
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