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Product Specifications
Brand NameSennheiser
Color NameBlack
Item Display Height9.3 inches
Technical Details
- Closed circumaural digital wireless headphones
- Dynamic headphones with clear and detailed audio reproduction
- Multipurpose transmitter also functions as an "easy charge" cradle and docking station
- Multi receiver transmission: up to 4 people can listen from the same source
- Dynamic bass and surround sound listening modes
Product Details
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Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Wireless headphones come in many shapes and sizes but few offer better home theater performance than the Sennheiser RS 170. This wireless headphone system is made up of a pair of wireless headphones (HDR 170) and a multi-purpose transmitter (TX 170) which also functions as an 'easy-charge' cradle and docking station. The RS 170 also features a Dynamic Bass Boost and Surround Sound simulation mode for edge-of-your-seat excitement with your favorite music and movies.
Few offer better home theater performance than the Sennheiser RS 170
There's no setup needed--simply plug the transmitter's cable into your HDTV or home theater system's output and you're ready to go. The wireless headphones operate on 2 AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries, which are included. The transmitter also acts as a charging stand for the headphones when not in use, and can fully recharge depleted headphone batteries in about 16 hours.
KLEER Wireless Audio
The RS 170 utilizes KLEER's lossless digital wireless audio transmission, offering a range of up to 260 feet for audiophile-grade sound and reception to four optional pairs of Sennheiser KLEER headphones. Never fuss with tuning again thanks to automatic, interference-free pairing between the headphone and transmitter. KLEER technology will not interfere with wireless networks or other 2.4GHz devices. Up to 4 compatible Sennhesier KLEER heaphones can be paired with the same transmitter for private listening for multiple individuals.
Offering a range of up to 260 feet for audiophile-grade sound and reception
Audiophile-Grade Performance
Audiophile-level transducer systems with powerful neodymium magnets deliver clear and detailed audio reproduction. An exceptionally detailed, full-bodied sound reproduction is pumped into the listeners ears, filling the sealed, private earcups with liquid smooth audio. Selectable Dynamic Bass Boost delivers deep, slamming bass response on demand, while Selectable Surround Sound simulation provides immersing depth for a state-of-the-art movie theater experience. The headphones' leatherette earpads and headband cushions deliver outstanding comfort while their closed, around-the-ear design prevents sound leakage.
About Sennheiser
For more than 60 years the name Sennheiser has stood for the highest quality products and customised solutions across all areas of sound recording, transmission and reproduction. As one of the world's leading providers of integrated solutions for electro-acoustic products, systems and services, Sennheiser constantly meets the challenges of developing creative answers which satisfy the requests and requirements of customers.
What's in the Box?
Sennheiser HDR 170 headphone, TR 170 transmitter/charging station, multi-country AC wall adapter, detachable audio cable, 1/8" female to RCA male audio adapter, 1/8" female to 1/4" inch male audio adapter, 2 AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries, operating instructions, warranty.
Technical Specifications
- Carrier frequency: 2.4 - 2.8 GHz (auto selecting)
- Range: Up to 260 feet
- Operating time: Up to 24 hours per charge
- Audio input: 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo headphone plug (includes 1/4" and RCA adapters)
- Transducer type: Sealed
- Headphone type: Circumaural
- Sound pressure level (SPL): 110 dB
- Total harmonic distortion (THD): <0.5% a 1 kHz
- Signal-to-noise-ratio: 85 dBA (0,5 Vrms, 1 kHz)
- Frequency response (headphones): 18 Hz - 21,000 Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Charging time: 16 hours
- Battery: 2 x AAA size NiMH rechargeable batteries
- Dimensions (transmitter): 4.7" x 4.3" x 9"
- Weight (transmitter): 7.6 oz (216g)
- Weight (headset): 7.6 oz (216g)
Product Description
Wireless headphones come in many shapes and sizes but few offer better home theater performance than the Sennheiser RS 170. This wireless headphone system is made up of a pair of wireless headphones (HDR 170) and a multi-purpose transmitter (TX 170) which also functions as an 'easy-charge' cradle and docking station. The RS 170 also features a Dynamic Bass Boost and Surround Sound simulation mode for edge-of-your-seat excitement with your favorite music and movies.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
366 of 388 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
I've only had the RS 170 phones for a few days. I had expected to rate them 10 stars because of the excellent crystal-clear sound; but I believe they have a flaw that may render them unacceptable for some people (see CONS, below). I'm giving them 4 stars because they are so good - I should probably rate them either excellent or "not acceptable".
Here is my take - you may not have the same experience or have the same needs or expectations.
TYPES OF WIRELESS HEADPHONES: For those that don't know, there are broadly 3 ways by which wireless headphones receive their signal:
IR (infrared) -- these use a line-of-sight signal and avoid radio interference. They have the disadvantages of short range and reduced mobility (you have to remain within sight of the base station), but they usually do produce a clean sound.
900 MHz -- these are analogue radio headphones. The main disadvantage is susceptibility to hiss and other noise, especially when you move your head or move to another room.
2.4 GHz -- these are digital radio headphones, like the RS 170, and are more likely to be free from hiss and noise.
I bought the RS 170 phones to replace cheap ones I've been using for late-night TV, and which operate on 900 MHz, providing constant hiss, much worse when I move about.
The RS 170 sound brilliant. I've used them for late night TV and movies, and for music (radio and CDs) allowing me to move to other rooms in the house. They're comfortable to wear and I'm sure they'd be great for use on a treadmill or working out. All over my home, and in most of the garden, the sound is crystal clear with no hiss or extraneous noise. Except, that is, for the echo ...
CONS: Having read scores of reviews of wireless headphones, it seems that some people buy them to listen to movies/ music without disturbing other people. For that these phones are brilliant.
But some people buy wireless headphones because they have hearing loss (or just want the clarity that headphones provide) and use them to watch TV while their spouse listens through the TV speakers. The RS 170 phones seem to operate with a slight time shift (delay). If the loudspeakers are also on, albeit at low volume, the effect of the time shift is to produce an ECHO - this is very noticeable with dialogue, and is really annoying.
It might mean that if you listen to movies/ TV, and have the sound coming through the TV speakers as well, the RS 170 phones may not be acceptable.
If you turn the TV speakers down (or "mute") you won't notice the effect, but then no-one else in the room will be able to hear anything unless they have headphones as well.
The RS 170 are of a "closed" design, which means that sound is not supposed to leak out, and in combination with the comfortable ear-pads, they greatly attenuate ambient noise - but they don't eliminate ambient noise completely (they are not "noise-cancelling"). I wrote to SennheiserUSA yesterday morning, and received this prompt response:
"The RS 170 should block out the sound of the TV speakers. Check to
see that you have them on correctly so that there is a nice seal to
block out ambient noise.
Let me know if you have any additional questions."
Eric Palonen
Sennheiser Headphones + Headsets
1 Enterprise Drive
Old Lyme, CT 06371"
It's true that the ear-pad seal does greatly attenuate ambient sound, but it does not eliminate it. The problem is so serious that I cannot use the phones to watch TV if my girlfriend is watching also.
The more expensive model RS 180 is an "open" design - the echo problem is likely to be even worse. The more I think about this, the more I am torn -- if you have hearing loss, you might not notice, or care about, the echo.
OTHER FEATURES:
-- sound: The quality of the sound is better than I'd expected.
Listening to movies, I hear subtle sounds that I can't hear with loudspeakers. I can only describe the sound as crisp and clean with adequate, but not booming, bass.
I listened to some classical music CDs (Elgar) with delicate sounds as well as a full orchestra and timpani. The detail is excellent; even when I walk up my driveway the sound eventually cuts out, but there is no hiss as far as I can tell. My previous headphones were all hiss and crackle as I moved away from the base.
-- price. These are expensive, and may not be discounted for quite some time.
-- buttons. Lots of people criticised the prior design (RS 130/ 140) because the rotating volume control could catch on a pillow and move. The RS 170 has buttons for volume, mode, plus bass and [faux] surround sound. The disadvantage of buttons is that they're hard to find by touch alone. I think a lot of people will wind up taking the phones off to press the buttons. One advantage of the design is that the volume-up button is closest to the front and it doesn't take much practice to find it with your right thumb or finger. The BASS and SURROUND controls can be activated from the base unit.
-- bass. The bass is not intrusive, even with the "bass boost" engaged. Fine for me, but some people like exaggerated bass for rock-N-roll, and they may find the bass to be light.
-- surround sound. It's simlated surround sound, and I haven't used it enough to have an opinion. I think I shall wind up not using it (just like the CNET reviewers who tested the prior model RS 130).
-- charging batteries - yes they need 16 hours for first charge, but it only takes a moment to slip in standard alkaline batteries (just don't leave them in when you put the headset on the charger).
-- connecting - connecting is very easy - I took the time to route the wires through the coiled conduit. Some people will want to connect to a TV set. I connected to an AV receiver (I used "tape monitor out") so I can quickly switch between TV, radio and CD player. I also connected them to my iPod, but somehow that seems like a tautology.
-- range - Sennheiser claim 260 feet range. My house was built to defeat cell phone signals and may not be a good test. They work all over the house and in some of the garden and the driveway, but they do cut out at much less than 260 feet. That may just be a feature of my house. I didn't buy them for extreme range and I'm very satisfied.
In summary I think these phones are great - they so enhance the experience of watching a movie that I'm not sure I want to forgo them when watching movies with my girlfriend. The echo problem may be a deal breaker for some.
Here is my take - you may not have the same experience or have the same needs or expectations.
TYPES OF WIRELESS HEADPHONES: For those that don't know, there are broadly 3 ways by which wireless headphones receive their signal:
IR (infrared) -- these use a line-of-sight signal and avoid radio interference. They have the disadvantages of short range and reduced mobility (you have to remain within sight of the base station), but they usually do produce a clean sound.
900 MHz -- these are analogue radio headphones. The main disadvantage is susceptibility to hiss and other noise, especially when you move your head or move to another room.
2.4 GHz -- these are digital radio headphones, like the RS 170, and are more likely to be free from hiss and noise.
I bought the RS 170 phones to replace cheap ones I've been using for late-night TV, and which operate on 900 MHz, providing constant hiss, much worse when I move about.
The RS 170 sound brilliant. I've used them for late night TV and movies, and for music (radio and CDs) allowing me to move to other rooms in the house. They're comfortable to wear and I'm sure they'd be great for use on a treadmill or working out. All over my home, and in most of the garden, the sound is crystal clear with no hiss or extraneous noise. Except, that is, for the echo ...
CONS: Having read scores of reviews of wireless headphones, it seems that some people buy them to listen to movies/ music without disturbing other people. For that these phones are brilliant.
But some people buy wireless headphones because they have hearing loss (or just want the clarity that headphones provide) and use them to watch TV while their spouse listens through the TV speakers. The RS 170 phones seem to operate with a slight time shift (delay). If the loudspeakers are also on, albeit at low volume, the effect of the time shift is to produce an ECHO - this is very noticeable with dialogue, and is really annoying.
It might mean that if you listen to movies/ TV, and have the sound coming through the TV speakers as well, the RS 170 phones may not be acceptable.
If you turn the TV speakers down (or "mute") you won't notice the effect, but then no-one else in the room will be able to hear anything unless they have headphones as well.
The RS 170 are of a "closed" design, which means that sound is not supposed to leak out, and in combination with the comfortable ear-pads, they greatly attenuate ambient noise - but they don't eliminate ambient noise completely (they are not "noise-cancelling"). I wrote to SennheiserUSA yesterday morning, and received this prompt response:
"The RS 170 should block out the sound of the TV speakers. Check to
see that you have them on correctly so that there is a nice seal to
block out ambient noise.
Let me know if you have any additional questions."
Eric Palonen
Sennheiser Headphones + Headsets
1 Enterprise Drive
Old Lyme, CT 06371"
It's true that the ear-pad seal does greatly attenuate ambient sound, but it does not eliminate it. The problem is so serious that I cannot use the phones to watch TV if my girlfriend is watching also.
The more expensive model RS 180 is an "open" design - the echo problem is likely to be even worse. The more I think about this, the more I am torn -- if you have hearing loss, you might not notice, or care about, the echo.
OTHER FEATURES:
-- sound: The quality of the sound is better than I'd expected.
Listening to movies, I hear subtle sounds that I can't hear with loudspeakers. I can only describe the sound as crisp and clean with adequate, but not booming, bass.
I listened to some classical music CDs (Elgar) with delicate sounds as well as a full orchestra and timpani. The detail is excellent; even when I walk up my driveway the sound eventually cuts out, but there is no hiss as far as I can tell. My previous headphones were all hiss and crackle as I moved away from the base.
-- price. These are expensive, and may not be discounted for quite some time.
-- buttons. Lots of people criticised the prior design (RS 130/ 140) because the rotating volume control could catch on a pillow and move. The RS 170 has buttons for volume, mode, plus bass and [faux] surround sound. The disadvantage of buttons is that they're hard to find by touch alone. I think a lot of people will wind up taking the phones off to press the buttons. One advantage of the design is that the volume-up button is closest to the front and it doesn't take much practice to find it with your right thumb or finger. The BASS and SURROUND controls can be activated from the base unit.
-- bass. The bass is not intrusive, even with the "bass boost" engaged. Fine for me, but some people like exaggerated bass for rock-N-roll, and they may find the bass to be light.
-- surround sound. It's simlated surround sound, and I haven't used it enough to have an opinion. I think I shall wind up not using it (just like the CNET reviewers who tested the prior model RS 130).
-- charging batteries - yes they need 16 hours for first charge, but it only takes a moment to slip in standard alkaline batteries (just don't leave them in when you put the headset on the charger).
-- connecting - connecting is very easy - I took the time to route the wires through the coiled conduit. Some people will want to connect to a TV set. I connected to an AV receiver (I used "tape monitor out") so I can quickly switch between TV, radio and CD player. I also connected them to my iPod, but somehow that seems like a tautology.
-- range - Sennheiser claim 260 feet range. My house was built to defeat cell phone signals and may not be a good test. They work all over the house and in some of the garden and the driveway, but they do cut out at much less than 260 feet. That may just be a feature of my house. I didn't buy them for extreme range and I'm very satisfied.
In summary I think these phones are great - they so enhance the experience of watching a movie that I'm not sure I want to forgo them when watching movies with my girlfriend. The echo problem may be a deal breaker for some.
61 of 65 people found the following review helpful
Let me say that the main reason I bought these headphones was for watching movies with out hearing lip for having my home theater too loud.
I enjoy using the surround feature and the Bass boost for movies. I have a high end home theater and I do not miss it as much as I thought I would. Does the Bass feel like my two 1,000 watt powered subs. Of course not, but the bass is very good.
The main time I would use the headphones is times when I have my system very low so the headphones sound much better then my system when it is played at a low decibel level. While I have a movie in I can walk all over my house and it never breaks up. The sound is crystal clear all over the house.
The closed headphones are a nice feature so you can shut out most noise but you can still hear someone calling you if needed.
The only problem I have so far is an occasional sound dropout. I moved the transmitter and manually paired the headphones. Since then I have had no problems but it is too soon to be sure if it worked.
I highly recommend these headphones for watching movies. I am not a music guy so I could not comment on that.
7/14/10 I would like to give a quick update. The sound from the headphones for movies is still great. I do not get any sound dropout when I am close to the unit. I do tend to agree with a previous post that the range is not great. My house is decent size and when I go to some rooms the sound does drop out.
I enjoy using the surround feature and the Bass boost for movies. I have a high end home theater and I do not miss it as much as I thought I would. Does the Bass feel like my two 1,000 watt powered subs. Of course not, but the bass is very good.
The main time I would use the headphones is times when I have my system very low so the headphones sound much better then my system when it is played at a low decibel level. While I have a movie in I can walk all over my house and it never breaks up. The sound is crystal clear all over the house.
The closed headphones are a nice feature so you can shut out most noise but you can still hear someone calling you if needed.
The only problem I have so far is an occasional sound dropout. I moved the transmitter and manually paired the headphones. Since then I have had no problems but it is too soon to be sure if it worked.
I highly recommend these headphones for watching movies. I am not a music guy so I could not comment on that.
7/14/10 I would like to give a quick update. The sound from the headphones for movies is still great. I do not get any sound dropout when I am close to the unit. I do tend to agree with a previous post that the range is not great. My house is decent size and when I go to some rooms the sound does drop out.
The manufacturer commented on the review below
97 of 108 people found the following review helpful
I bought the older Sennheiser wireless headphones (analog) two years ago. I wore them almost every day and liked them, except that the volume control wore out. I took it apart, cleaned it, and it worked perfectly after that.
I bought the HDR 170 two months ago. The sound is better and they are comfortable. However, I have three complaints. First, the volume controls are difficult to use. There are five buttons - up volume, on/off, down volume, surround, and bass. No problem if you take off the headphones and look at the buttons, but while you're wearing them you can't feel which button is which, so I turn the headphones off when I want to change the volume, etc. Sennheiser should have made the buttons feel different.
The second problem is that the range is shorter. With the old analog headphones I could go in the backyard to hang laundry and the sound was weak and scratchy, but I could hear it. With the HDR 170 headphones the sound switches on and off annoyingly. Our house isn't big, if you live in a big house you might lose reception in some rooms.
The third problem is interference. When I'm in the kitchen and switch on the microwave oven, the headphones shut off the sound. Even small electric motors such as my desoldering iron make the headphones switch off.
I bought the HDR 170 two months ago. The sound is better and they are comfortable. However, I have three complaints. First, the volume controls are difficult to use. There are five buttons - up volume, on/off, down volume, surround, and bass. No problem if you take off the headphones and look at the buttons, but while you're wearing them you can't feel which button is which, so I turn the headphones off when I want to change the volume, etc. Sennheiser should have made the buttons feel different.
The second problem is that the range is shorter. With the old analog headphones I could go in the backyard to hang laundry and the sound was weak and scratchy, but I could hear it. With the HDR 170 headphones the sound switches on and off annoyingly. Our house isn't big, if you live in a big house you might lose reception in some rooms.
The third problem is interference. When I'm in the kitchen and switch on the microwave oven, the headphones shut off the sound. Even small electric motors such as my desoldering iron make the headphones switch off.
The manufacturer commented on this review
(What's this?)
Hello- The RS 170 uses Kleer (operating on 2.4 gHz)...this allows us to get more information and a cleaner signal to you, but the waves simply will not permeate ceilings and walls as well as a 900 mHz set. The tradeoff, however, is much better sound quality and no noise/interference. We always note that the range is UP TO a certain rating, which is absolutely achievable. We do suggest those who want to use these in the garden, etc, just simply get a portable headphone that doesn't mind getting dirty (CX 680 or PMX 680 comes to mind) and hooking it up to an iPod, etc, in your pocket. Just like a cordless phone or mobile phone, the radio waves are at the mercy of the environment (walls, building materials, etc). We are happy to address any concerns or comments and do provide a global 2 year warranty when purchased from an authorized dealer. Our contact information is: +1 877 736 6434, info@sennheiserusa.com. We constantly review and refine manufacturing processes and are happy to address any questions.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great Headphones
The headphones are exceptionally light and comfortable! The audio is incredible and the simulated surround sound is unique--not surround sound, but it does give the impression of... Read more
Published 6 days ago by Etronguru
As expected
The item came as expected in good condition. We are happy with it. It was easy to install and easy to use.
Published 18 days ago by Dorothy Mathews
When you are looking for the best
I am not an expert by any means. I just listen and see if I like what I hear. I found the RS170 to be very comfortable and easy to wear. Read more
Published 23 days ago by Jerry Goodbar
These Headphones ROCK I have had 6 pair in the last 40 years
Sen's are the Bose of the headphone industry they are studio quality and used by arits
s like the Beber Aim M & M and the like. Read more
s like the Beber Aim M & M and the like. Read more
Published 26 days ago by Dev
AWESOMENESS~!
OK, I've got all these. The RS 160, 170 and 180 's along with the ear buds, MX W1 . They all sound great for their sizes and all have special attributes. Read more
Published 1 month ago by D. Mertins
crisp sound for picky listener
I got this for my very picky, music-loving husband. He knows a lot about sound quality and can distinguish good from excellent (which I can't). Read more
Published 1 month ago by munci9
This does the job
I have some hearing loss, and the speakers on my TV are not nearly of the same quality as the picture. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Charlie Webster
RS170 - Best Wireless Headset You Can Get
I now own my own pair of these RS170 headsets and I can tell you they are really the best wireless units I have ever owned. Everything GOOD in these reviews is accurate. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Middle Class Man
Best I've tried!!
Not sure what it is at my house that causes interference with wireless headphones but I've amassed quite a list of brands and models I've tried and all of them except this one have... Read more
Published 1 month ago by ksflatlander
Echo problem solved
I bought the Sennheiser RS 170 digital, wireless headphone based on the strong ratings of the product posted here, despite a few warnings about echo. Read more
Published 1 month ago by B C Smith
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