Sennheiser RS 170 Review | 93 Data compared

The Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones are characterized by a mid-range focused sound with crystal-clear, non-fatiguing vocals suitable for long listening sessions, bolstered by a closed-back design that offers effective noise isolation. Key pros include the ability to maintain vocal clarity at varying volumes and a laid-back high-frequency response, making them ideal for dialogue-driven audio. Conversely, the headphones suffer from weak, loose bass performance that fails to satisfy in terms of punch, even when the "bass boost" feature is activated. Cons also include a lack of dynamic energy in the high frequencies when compared to premium, wired alternatives.

The Sennheiser RS 170 is a DJ-style wireless headphone system designed strictly for home use, featuring a black headset and a matching TE 170 desktop transmitter that serves as a charging dock. Setting up the device requires inserting the included rechargeable AA batteries into a hidden compartment under each earpad, then balancing the headset on the transmitter's three charging pins for an initial 16-hour charge, which provides roughly 24 hours of listening time. Once charged, pairing between the headset and the transmitter occurs automatically, allowing users to beam audio from a wide range of devices—such as MP3 players, Hi-Fi systems, game consoles, and televisions—using the supplied leads and adapters. It also supports sharing, with the ability to link up to four total headsets to a single transmitter base. A major benefit of this system is its excellent, crisp audio quality and reliable signal strength when operating within a 12-meter radius, which easily cuts through up to two internal walls. Additional pros include integrated right-earpad controls for volume, Surround-Sound, and Bass-Boost, alongside a comfortable design complete with generous padding and four-way...

The Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones are highly rated for home theater and home music listening. The system features an unencumbered wireless experience by pairing the headphones to a multi-purpose TX 170 base station. This base acts as both a transmitter and a charging dock for the internal AAA batteries. A major standout pro is the use of non-infrared digital transmission technology, allowing users to wander anywhere in the house without requiring a direct line-of-sight to the transmitter. Audio quality serves as another significant pro, with music performance described as exceptionally rich, clear, and immersive. Additionally, the hardware allows a single base station to pair with up to four headphone units simultaneously. The physical build is also surprisingly lightweight and comfortable for long-term use despite its bulky size. However, the headphones come with several distinct user experience and audio performance cons. A prominent issue is the poorly optimized button layout on the right ear cup. The power button is placed directly between the volume keys, resulting in frequent accidental power-offs when trying to adjust audio levels. From an audio standpoint,...

The Sennheiser RS 170 is a full-size set of wireless headphones priced at $279.95 that utilizes Kleer wireless technology to deliver lossless, CD-quality sound (16-bit/44.1-kHz). Designed for home entertainment, the package includes a black plastic transmitter base that doubles as a headphone stand and a battery charger for the dual NiMH AAA batteries, which provide up to 24 hours of playback. The closed-back headphones feature user-replaceable, oval faux-leather earpads and unique sound enhancement toggles, specifically a Surround Sound Simulator to widen the stereo image and a Dynamic Bass Boost feature. While it mostly provides a stable "line-of-sight" range up to 260 feet, the audio can occasionally cut out when sitting directly in front of a computer across the room. A major advantage of the RS 170 is its closed-back design, which ensures sound is contained entirely within the headset, making it ideal for bedroom use without disturbing others. Performance-wise, the headphones deliver clear sonic clarity, add zero background hiss, and support up to four headsets on a single transmitter base. However, the headset has notable drawbacks, including a tightly clustered,...

The Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones are described as a high-performance, practical solution for home cinema and audio, utilizing 2.4GHz Kleer technology to deliver uncompressed, CD-quality sound without background hiss. The closed-back design offers excellent noise isolation and a wide soundstage, boasting a punchy bass and detailed, balanced audio that excels during movies and gaming. Trusted ReviewsNotable drawbacks include flat on-ear volume controls that are difficult to locate by touch, often requiring users to remove the headset to make adjustments. Additionally, while effective, the closed-back design can result in a slightly boxy mid-range, and the premium price point represents a significant investment compared to budget alternatives.