Sennheiser RS 220 Review | 93 Data compared

The Sennheiser RS 220 is an outstanding, large circumaural wireless headphone system engineered exclusively for home audio and home theater setups. Abandoning traditional Bluetooth or Kleer compression, it utilizes Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology to transmit an uncompressed 2.4 GHz signal. This results in an accurate dynamic range, pristine audio fidelity across sharp mids and deep bass, and virtually zero latency for video syncing. The system includes a multi-input glossy black transmitter dock that doubles as an automatic charging stand, supporting analog, coaxial, and optical connections. The core advantages of the system lie in its excellent, uncompressed audio performance, generous velour-padded comfort, and versatile connectivity suite. However, the RS 220 has notable drawbacks, including a steep retail price of $599.95, a strictly home-restricted design, and a wireless operating range limited to roughly 30 feet. Minor design complaints include the ease of accidentally pressing the ear-cup controls when adjusting the headset and slight outward audio leakage at high volumes. Despite these minor flaws, its benchmark-setting performance earns it an Editors' Choice award.

The Sennheiser RS220 wireless audiophile headphones consist of two main components: the open-back headphones and a multi-purpose transmitter base station. Designed to deliver uncompressed audio without the restriction of cables, they provide a comfortable listening experience featuring large earcups equipped with soft, velour-lined ear pads and a leather-padded headband. On the performance side, the headphones deliver a rich, detailed audio response across the mid-range and bass, and they incorporate physical volume, balance, and input controls directly onto the earcups. The accompanying transmitter base station handles multiple tasks simultaneously, acting as a wireless uncompressed audio streamer, a physical connectivity hub with digital coaxial and analog RCA inputs, and a vertical charging cradle when the headset is resting on it. The review highlights several distinct pros and cons regarding the system's design and real-world usage. On the positive side, the RS220 achieves superb, audiophile-grade audio quality wirelessly with zero loss of signal fidelity, and it offers great comfort for long listening sessions. While the theoretical line-of-sight range is rated up to 100 meters, real-world in-home testing successfully yielded a solid 25-meter range...

The WIRED review highlights the Sennheiser RS 220 as a high-end, audiophile-grade wireless system utilizing Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology to deliver uncompressed audio, resulting in a rich, natural sound with deep bass and detailed, crisp highs. The system features a versatile transmitter docking station with optical, coaxial, and analog inputs, plus intuitive on-ear controls for volume and source selection. WIREDsn._setImageSrc('img-kIkYapWbIMDXwPAPrsTQ4Qg_1','data:image\/png;base64, t7haWVpSUlMaGRpqaWpYV1hKS0xGRkdycnNjY2QBYaviAAAAbklEQVQYlY3OyxbCIAwEUAgh5RFKLVpA5f9\/0w20suss78nkjBB3IpWcYTF2NucZAq1rvC4QNg\/7pjs89pZCAPN0HTS9ElEmvwzAIyPmYkYllapbU5ZhfI2W2ULFE8Sb3edLLf9vdXTMg6WK4l5+IZcENLY3q\/0AAAAASUVORK5CYII\x3d')Transcribing...

The Trusted Reviews analysis of the Sennheiser RS 220 highlights these open-back headphones for delivering high-fidelity, uncompressed 2.4GHz audio, resulting in an exceptionally wide soundstage and comfortable, long-term listening experience. The system also boasts impressive wireless range and a highly versatile transmitter base station featuring extensive connectivity options. Conversely, the review notes a warm, laid-back sonic signature that may not suit listeners seeking an aggressive sound, alongside a high price point and limited noise isolation due to the open-back design. The setup is also restricted by its dependence on a bulky, non-portable transmitter.

The What Hi-Fi? Sennheiser RS 220 review evaluates a premium set of over-ear wireless headphones tested at £350, designed to provide an uncompromised, cable-free home audio experience. The system features a versatile transmitter that utilizes uncompressed 2.4GHz wireless transmission to deliver audiophile-level performance directly to the headphones, effectively minimizing the typical background hiss associated with wireless models. A major functional highlight of this design is that the transmitter doubles as a neat charging dock and is equipped with optical, coaxial, and analogue inputs, offering comprehensive connectivity for various home entertainment systems. What Hi-Fi? In terms of performance, the headphones deliver clear, tonally balanced sound through firm yet comfortable earcups, boasting a wide soundstage with strong stereo focus and distinct separation of musical instruments. However, the review notes a couple of drawbacks: the headphones occasionally suffer from slight audio crackles, and they still do not entirely match the audio excitement provided by similarly priced wired alternatives. Despite these minor compromises, the verdict concludes that the RS 220 is an exceptional, neat solution for users prioritizing a high-quality, cord-free listening experience.

The Sennheiser RS 220 ($599) is a premium, open-back wireless headphone system engineered to deliver audiophile-grade sound similar to the company's famous wired 600 series. On the positive side, it features an advanced DSSS lossless wireless technology that provides exceptional clarity, a spacious sound field, and a highly reliable connection up to 100 feet indoors. For comfort, it utilizes plush black velour ear cushions and an oval-shaped design. The system includes versatile connectivity options like stereo RCA analog, coaxial, and Toslink optical inputs. The transmitter base also acts as a convenient headphone stand and battery charger. However, the headphones suffer from several design and performance drawbacks. Its shiny black plastic construction feels cheap and does not live up to its ambitious price tag. On the technical side, the digital connection fails to decode Dolby or DTS audio signals, requiring users to manually switch their audio sources to PCM digital. Because the DSSS technology demands heavy power, the battery life is limited to a brief 6 to 8 hours. Additionally, it cannot play at super loud volumes, which makes it hard...

The Headfonia review of the Sennheiser RS180 and RS220 highlights two distinct approaches to high-end wireless audio, with the RS180 praised for its fun, rich midrange, comfortable, lightweight design, and reliable KLEER technology. However, the RS180 is limited by a narrower soundstage and looser bass, offering a less detailed sound compared to wired alternatives. In contrast, the RS220 delivers a significant upgrade, offering an expansive soundstage, tighter, more detailed bass, and superior balance closer to audiophile standards. The RS220's, however, include shorter battery life, a firmer, less comfortable headband, and a higher price point.

The Headfonics review of the Sennheiser RS 220 characterizes it as an uncompressed, 2.4GHz digital wireless system delivering audiophile-grade audio with a balanced, neutral, and smooth sound signature reminiscent of the wired HD600. Key pros highlighted include exceptional detail retrieval, a wide soundstage, and lively, punchy musicality that performs well across genres, making it a strong, wire-free option. Conversely, the RS 220 exhibits limitations, specifically a lack of deep low-end slam and reduced midrange richness compared to top-tier wired models. Additionally, the high-fidelity transmission causes moderate, 6–8 hour battery life, while the 2.4GHz system is susceptible to connectivity dropouts in environments with heavy Wi-Fi interference.

The Sennheiser RS 220, detailed in Head-Fi reviews, is lauded as an audiophile-grade wireless system offering uncompressed, premium sound with an expansive soundstage, high-quality built-in DACs, and exceptional comfort due to plush velour ear pads. However, the system is criticized for poor wireless range, with the uncompressed signal susceptible to interference, alongside short battery life and a high price point for its mostly plastic build.