- 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
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Product Specifications
Brand NameSennheiser
Color NameBlack
Item Display Height9.30 inches
Product Details
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Product Description
From the Manufacturer
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| Sennheiser RS 170 | Beyerdynamic DT 660 Premium | |
| Sound Characteristics | Dynamic bass | Powerful |
| Application | Tablet/iPad/iPhone/ Smartphone/MP3/PC | Tablet/iPad/iPhone/ Smartphone/MP3/PC |
| Construction | Closed | Closed |
| Headband | Leatherette Headband | Foldable Plastic Headband with 90 degree swiveling earcups |
| Cable Length | 3.6 ft detachable cable | 10 ft / 3 m |
| Included Accessories |
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Product Description
Wireless headphones come in many shapes and sizes but few offer as pleasing a home cinema centric performance than the RS 170. This wireless headphone system comprises of a pair of wireless headphones and a multi-purpose transmitter which also functions as an 'easy-charge' cradle and docking station. The RS 170 utilizes Kleer's uncompressed digital wireless audio transmission, offering an effective range of 262.46ft. (line of sight), and can serve up to four pairs of headphones.
A weighty, full-bodied and detailed sound reproduction is what the RS 170 offers. Sporting a couple of switchable listening modes - Dynamic Bass and Surround Sound, it will let you enjoy pure thundering bass, a virtual surround soundscape, or both audio treatments for your music or movies!
The headphones' leatherette earpads and headband cushions provide for outstanding comfort while their closed, circumaural design prevents sound leakage. Ergonomic and adjustable headband for an excellent and secure fit Leatherette earpads and headband cushions for outstanding comfort No set-up required - Just plug and play! Carrier frequencies 2.4 - 2.48 GHz Range approx. 262.46ft. in the open area Audio input 3.5 mm stereo Audio output RCA Power consumption < 0.5 W Power supply 5 V CC, 500 mA Signal-to-noise ratio 85 dBA (0,5 Vrms, 1 kHz) 85 dBA (0.5 Vrms, 1kHz) Transducer principle (Headphones) closed, dynamic Ear coupling circumaural Sound pressure level (SPL) 110 dB THD, total harmonic distortion <0.5 % a 1 kHz, 100 dB SPL approx. 16 hours Frequency response 18 Hz - 21,000 Hz 2 AAA size NiMH rechargeable batteries, 1.2 V, 600 mAh Impedance 32 Ohms Charging time approx. 16 hours Power supply 2 NiMH-Akkus Typ AAA, 1,2 V, 600 mAh Operating time approx. 24 hours In the box - HDR 170 headphone (receiver) TX 170 transmitter Charger Detachable audio cable RCA cable 3.5 / 6.3mm adapter 2 AAA NiMH rechargeab
A weighty, full-bodied and detailed sound reproduction is what the RS 170 offers. Sporting a couple of switchable listening modes - Dynamic Bass and Surround Sound, it will let you enjoy pure thundering bass, a virtual surround soundscape, or both audio treatments for your music or movies!
The headphones' leatherette earpads and headband cushions provide for outstanding comfort while their closed, circumaural design prevents sound leakage. Ergonomic and adjustable headband for an excellent and secure fit Leatherette earpads and headband cushions for outstanding comfort No set-up required - Just plug and play! Carrier frequencies 2.4 - 2.48 GHz Range approx. 262.46ft. in the open area Audio input 3.5 mm stereo Audio output RCA Power consumption < 0.5 W Power supply 5 V CC, 500 mA Signal-to-noise ratio 85 dBA (0,5 Vrms, 1 kHz) 85 dBA (0.5 Vrms, 1kHz) Transducer principle (Headphones) closed, dynamic Ear coupling circumaural Sound pressure level (SPL) 110 dB THD, total harmonic distortion <0.5 % a 1 kHz, 100 dB SPL approx. 16 hours Frequency response 18 Hz - 21,000 Hz 2 AAA size NiMH rechargeable batteries, 1.2 V, 600 mAh Impedance 32 Ohms Charging time approx. 16 hours Power supply 2 NiMH-Akkus Typ AAA, 1,2 V, 600 mAh Operating time approx. 24 hours In the box - HDR 170 headphone (receiver) TX 170 transmitter Charger Detachable audio cable RCA cable 3.5 / 6.3mm adapter 2 AAA NiMH rechargeab
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
520 of 548 people found the following review helpful
By Paul Bishop
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.
87 of 92 people found the following review helpful
By busy dad
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
130 of 145 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
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sennheiser RS 170 Digital Wireless Headphone review
Meets all my expectations for build quality and sound for a Sennheiser product. Even the packaging is ace. Easy to set up, light to wear and very comfortable fit. Read more
Published 1 day ago by teflon_chook
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really good buy!
I have the Bose QC 15 and while I love the sound and noise cancel I hate the wire running across the room and having to take them off to move around. These are prefect? Read more
Published 2 days ago by David Washington
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quality and Performance and a Full Two Year Warranty
I had research several other brand names before settling on the Sennheiser RS 170 Digital Wireless Headset. Read more
Published 4 days ago by William Griffis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Works Great
Bought it for my home recording studio and it works great. Very few drop-outs or extraneous noises and the bass boost helps a noticeable amount. Read more
Published 5 days ago by F. Wise
5.0 out of 5 stars
free access music
Got my 170 head phones today. Minor glich the instruction manual diskPDF did not work. I was able to down load it from sennheiser directly- no minus points. Read more
Published 5 days ago by David Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars
These are wonderful ... ... ...
I bought these to replace some OLD worn out Sony Headphones ... for just a little bit more $$$, these are fantastic !!! Read more
Published 5 days ago by Robert Wingard
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awsome!
Got these for my "Hearing impaired" Brother. Went through several other flavors. Thank you Amazon for being so patient on the returns. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Brian E. Tomek
5.0 out of 5 stars
RS 170 Really Gets the Job Done!
Read a lot of reviews on-line and finally decided to give this thing a try. Glad I did! I can finally understand 95% of what I couldn't understand on TV the last few years, as my... Read more
Published 8 days ago by Jon K.
5.0 out of 5 stars
headphones
These headphones are worth every penny. I used the lower cost ones for years and upgraded to this set. the comfort of the headphones is amazing and the sound is better.
Published 9 days ago by Charlene Comfort
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT====
I tried many headphones before and these over excide my expectations. My wife loves the quiet and now I hear every word said as I watch TV. You will not be disappointed buy now.
Published 10 days ago by Tana Sparks
