SENNHEISER RS170 REVIEW
The Sennheiser RS 170 conforms to the company’s promise of bring great sonic quality to the market. Albeit, like all other Sennheiser headphones, the RS 170 is also expensive; but your money is worth the headphones. It is rather lightweight, weighing only 216 g. the feather weight feature is owing to its plastic build, and it is still sturdy and durable. It is mostly black with silver on the surface of the ear cups.
The Sennheiser logo is carved into both the ear cups. The headband is copiously padded and ensures a comfortable fit and no discomfort from long wear. The ear cups are cushioned by black leather like material, which is oval in shape as against the round shaped ones available on other headphones in the category. The oval shape lends immense comfort to the ear by conforming to it. All the control buttons are to be found in the base of the right ear cup.
However, getting around them can be a tad bit difficult. The power button is found between the volumes up and down buttons; so it is not unlikely that you hit the power button trying to control the volume. The Surround sound Stimulator and the dynamic Bass Boost buttons are even tinier and difficult to locate. The Sennheiser RS 170 is powered by 2 AAA nickel-metal hydride batteries in each ear cup. According to company claims, the two batteries can provide a 24 hour playback time, at a stretch.
The charging cradle for the Sennheiser RS 170 doubles up as the transmitter as well as the storage stand when the headphones are not in use. The headphones have a single 3.5 mm analog input, which, although some people may find problematic, is mostly okay. You can plug the headphones with the TV or the AV anyway. So if you must connect more audio sources, connect them to the TV, and connect the TV to the single input of the headphones.
The RS 170 employs the 2.4- 2.8GHz Kleer technology, granting impeccable clarity to sound. Even though the RS 170 is a pair of wireless headphones, it emits great sound. A good, resounding lower range is to be found with clear mid and higher ranges, a lot of which is owing to its closed back feature. Sennheiser claims that the headphones have a 260 feet “line-of-sight” range, which basically implies that sound clarity remains unaffected as far 260 feet from the audio source. As the least expensive of Sennheiser headphones, the RS 170 is a good investment for budget-minded buyers.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
The RS170 is effectively a wireless headphone system, that is made up of a pair of high-quality wireless headphones and an impressive multi-purpose transmitter that can be used also used for charging. In terms of sound, the RS 170 is strong in bass, having a Dynamic Bass Boost as well as a surround sound simulation which is ideal for listening to music and watching movies. The technical product details are as follows:
- 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)
WHO SHOULD BE BUYING THE SENNHEISER RS 170?
The RS170 is not a conventional headset, and is aimed at a highly demanding audience, who is looking for a top-range pair of wireless headphones with some impressive high-tech functions. It is ideal for watching movies and listening to music from a multifunctional audio system.
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