Get it while you still can! These Sony headphones are terrific! This unit has been replaced in the Sony line up by a newer model. And while the newer model is excellent, this unit (Sony MDR-RF925RK) has features that may appeal to some discriminating users: user-replaceable batteries, induction charging, low-profile base station, cloth surrounds, and superior aesthetics.
I wrote a review of the newer model, the Sony MDR-RF985RK, a few weeks ago. Much of what I wrote about that model also applies to this one, the Sony MDR-RF925RK. I own both models and bought both of them here. Both models exceeded my needs.
This particular unit is connected to my Sony C79ES compact disk player. This particular CD player is from the Elevated Standard series from Sony, and it has an additional pair of variable output RCA jacks in the back. My intention was to have the option of listening to headphones late at night and not disturb others. During the daytime, I can run the sound through my JBL L20T speakers and listen normally. Nighttime is a different story and make the use of headphones a necessity.
Now, if you will recall my review of the RF985RK, my only criticism of that unit is that the sound it produced was not what you would call "warm". It was not shrill by any means, just not warm. However, in all fairness, I have only ever evaluated that unit while connected to either my Apple iPod or my computer system. After listening to the combination of these RF925RK and the C79ES CD player, I am reminded that the source has a profound effect on the quality of the eventual audio output. What I am saying is that this unit sounds warm and smooth. It sounds much better than the RF985RK that I reviewed weeks ago and that it most likely has to do with the signal source. Yes, a component CD player sounds much better than an iPod! The signal it produces, coming from a quality compact disk media is very much superior to what an iPOd and mp3 can ever hope to achieve! Take that how you will, but that has been my experience. So, most likely, the sound quality between the two Sony headphones are most likely equivalent. The difference is the quality of the signal source! Both would sound great if connected to a good quality component audio source.
Connected to the high-end CD player, these Sony MDR-RF925RK produces sound quality that is very, very hard to criticize. The sound is both warm and also smooth. Now, what does "warm" and "smooth" actually mean? I suspect that if you have ever only listend to music via your iPod, then you may have been missing out on these two qualities. Smooth means not edgy. If you have ever found yourself feeling tired after listening to music, that is most likely due to the sound quality having edginess. To me, that edge is not good quality. A lot of times, the sound quality produced by those tiny Apple ear-bud headphones tend to be shrill, overly vivid, and harsh. That is why you get tired of listening after a while. Now, you can listen all day to a smooth sounding pair of headphones and not feel worn out. These headphones are capable of producing warmth and smoothness, given a good quality signal source. In other words, these headphones sound great! And, because the sound is smooth, you can really turn up the volume and enjoy the music. For the test, I used the following CD sources: 1) Hooked on Classics (Louis Clarke and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra), 2) Silk Road (Kitaro), and 3) various songs from Kelly Clarkson.
Induction Charging: These headphones do not receive its recharge current via metal-to-metal contact with the base unit. There is no metal-to-metal contact! Basically, it recharges the same as a high-end electric toothbrush. Proximity of the rechargeable unit to the power source is all that it takes. Recharging is pretty much fool-proof and reliable. Basically, you set the headphones on the elegant base station and the batteries will start to charge. Is this type of fancy recharging system required from a pair of wireless headphones? Not really. There might be some cost-savings to the manufacturer with a normal direct metal contact connection. And direct metal contact is also fool-proof and as close to 100% reliability as you can get. I suspect cost reduction is why the replacement model uses direct metal-to-metal contact points to recharge the batteries. But, you cannot argue with the elegance and simplicity of the induction charging method in this model.
Replaceable Batteries: The batteries are located on the left-side "cans". (Yeah, these are pretty big "ear cans"!) And those batteries can be easily removed by taking the side cover off. The advantage here is that you as the user, can easily replace those batteries if they should ever prematurely go bad. The Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack can be ordered from the manufacturer and from many retailers such as this one. Some users feel this is an important feature to have. I think a lot of people have had bad experiences with rechargeable batteries from their mobile phones. I know that I have. Many times, those mobile phone batteries go bad even before your two-year contract is up! However, please keep in mind that those mobile phone batteries are lithium-ion based. And lithium-ion is not as durable, nor as rugged, as NiMH. I suspect that given normal usage, Nickel-Metal Hydride can last for many years. I do not foresee these headphones needing its batteries replaced anytime soon.
Aesthetics: If you read product and consumer reviews a lot like your good friend citan does, you will notice that some reviewers are reluctant to mention "aesthetics". Today, it seems reviewers will have you believe that it's bad to decide based on aesthetics. You would think that the subjective part of the decision-making is a sin and should not even be factored in. I watched one review of the gorgeous Range Rover Evoque on YouTube. One comment was made in response that 'it's a pity such a vehicle will be purchased more for its looks'. I say, "So What!". Never let anyone tell you that being subjective is bad. Being subjective is very, very important for Total Satisfaction. You see, most products at the same price range perform pretty much equivalent. Although there are some true stand-outs, like these Sony headphones, that fact holds true in most cases. So, the deciding factor is usually subjective. And let me assure you, there is nothing wrong with that. Feel, balance, aesthetics can all be subjective. I never shy away from admitting that aesthetics play a role in my decisions. That is why I would not buy a Toyota these days, preferring other makes instead. Aesthetics is just not high on the list of priorities for Toyota. Too bad citan cannot afford that Evoque!!! Anyway, this is an elegant wireless headphone system.
If you can no longer find this model, then the newer RF-985RK will do just as well. The base is not as elegant and lacks the induction charging system of the model being reviewed, but its head-set seems to offer a wider range of adjustment possibilities. Both are full-sized, circumaural, closed-back headphones. Yes, you will look like an alien wearing a crown in front of the bathroom mirror. But do not let the size fool you. These headphones are light and well-balanced. And they are very comfortable because of the circumaural design, the pressure is not sitting on your ears. The spring pressure is evenly distributed over a large area, around your ears and not on them. They are not the best choice to take to work though. One thing, they are not discreet. And, you will not be able to hear your boss walking up behind you when you're goofing off and watching videos on YouTube.
I have not tested maximum range, as that is not important for my use (my house is not that big!). Nor have I tested maximum battery life. The unit seems made of durable materials. You will have to periodically clean the headphone surrounds. More often if you have oily skin or oily scalp. I have seen a pair of Logitech chat headphones at work that got damaged by skin oils from the user. The plastic parts expanded after absorbing the oils and wrinkled. I do not foresee that happening to these, as the plastic parts of the Sony are made of a higher grade of material. Still, it would be a good idea to clean the parts that make contact with your skin oils often.
My first experiment with wireless headphones was back in 1996. Let me assure you that they have come a long way from those early days of wireless technology. This is one wireless device that you can count on. The signal is solid and reliable.
I can recommend this Sony MDR-RF925RK wireless headphone system to anyone who is looking for such a system. Get it while you still can. My grandaddy once told me that whenever you find a product that you really like, buy two of them. You never know when they might quit making them. Now, I do not put that advice into practice, but perhaps I should have done so with this model.
There is a newer model of this item:
Customers also search
Page 1 of 1Page 1 of 1
Compare with similar items
 | Sony MDR-IF240RK Wireless Headphone System | Sony WH-RF400 Wireless Home Theater Headphones Black Bundle with Tech Smart USA Audio Entertainment Essentials Bundle and 1 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack | Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 599 Open Back Headphone, Ivory | Sennheiser Consumer Audio RS 175 RF Wireless Headphone System for TV Listening with Bass Boost and Surround Sound Modes,Black | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | (677) | (1239) | (9) | (7921) | (6229) |
| Price | From $249.99 | $328.99 | $133.75 | $142.00 | $199.95 |
| Sold By | Available from these sellers | TE Distribution | Grenade Audio | ARF Tech | WORLD WIDE STEREO |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | Ivory | Black |
| Fit Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Form Factor | closed-back | On Ear | In Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.7 x 9.8 x 12.8 inches | 12 x 8.5 x 4.25 inches | 8.5 x 8 x 3.5 inches | 8.1 x 3.95 x 10.25 inches | 9.3 x 5.9 x 11.6 inches |
| Item Weight | 2.80 lbs | 2.03 lbs | 0.61 lbs | 0.55 lbs | 0.68 lbs |
| Special Feature | volume-control | android-phone-control, lightweight, volume-control | 40mm Drivers; Up to 20 Hours of Playback; Up to 150' Wireless Range| Built-In Noise Reduction System; Adjustable Twist-and-Tilt Design; Soft, Padded Earcups | Lightweight, Noise Cancellation | Noise Cancellation |
Videos
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
Videos for related products
1:40
Click to play video
Sennheiser HD Open Back Dynamic Headphones - Honest Review
Izabella Carlson
Videos for related products
1:29
Click to play video
Sennheiser HD 558 Headphones
Merchant Video
Videos for related products
0:50
Click to play video
Sennheiser HD 200 Pro Monitoring Headphones
✅⭐️ Pretty Damn Awesome
Videos for related products
1:10
Click to play video
Just how amazing IS the sound from these headphones?
Amy Cicconi
Top reviews from other countries
MVG
Sony MDR-RF925K 900MHz Wireless Headphones
Reviewed in Canada on September 1, 2011Lise Cloutier
pour les personne qui entende moins bien
Reviewed in Canada on July 18, 2019
