Kleer-based Sennheiser RS 180 review: "It really delivered"

Hey, the price of the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones is dropping in price on Amazon.com. Used to go for $389.95 USD, now $268.99 USD. That's a big drop, just in time for the holidays.

Here's a review of the RS 180 wireless headphones from Dec 7, 2011:

"I ordered these partly to be able to watch TV without disturbing others and partly in the hope of clarifying dialogue, particularly in the genre of dramas in which the characters tend to mumble or whisper in the background. It really delivered. Dialogue is crystal clear, even the background stuff. And the fidelity is stunning -much better than my surround sound speaker system and no noise at all. Unlike my speakers, they are absolutely silent during breaks between scenes. I did not experience any delay between the TV speakers and the headphones as some users have described. I suspect this problem may be more prominent with home theatre systems than with the TV speakers. My only quibble would be the tiny control buttons.

Setup was simple, except for a problem that was the fault of my home theatre system, not the headphones. There was no headphone jack on the back of the sound system! Moreover, while the home theatre setup had a setting for HDMI sound to go to the TV (and therefore out using the TV jacks), it automatically switched back to its own speakers and would not allow the HDMI setting to stay locked. After removing the system completely and plugging the headphones into the TV, I discovered a better workaround solution: connect the phones directly to the sound sources: The DVR/cable box and the DVD player. This worked like a charm, permitting the TV to be muted at will and still get sound through the phones. If you have more than one sound source, you will just need a couple of (1 female to 2 male) audio splitters from Radio Shack to plug into both sources. And you will never need a home theatre again!" 

The Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones were designed for watching TV as the latency is low enough on these wireless headphones so that you don't have any discrepancy between what you hear and what you see, i.e., what people say is timed properly with their lips. 

And, as the RS 180 use Kleer wireless audio technology, you hear uncompressed, lossless, CD-quality, digital stereo audio. 

DigiFi Opera S2 wireless earbuds review: "I love these headphones"

Ah, yes, the DigiFi Opera S2 wireless earbuds (headphones), the upgrade from the Opera S1, which are no longer available (not even on eBay at the moment). The Opera S2 uses Kleer wireless audio technology, so the wireless audio you hear is CD-quality, uncompressed, lossless, digital stereo audio. The transmitter uses a 3.5 mm connection, so that it will connect to any regular headphone audio jack, so an iPod, Touch, etc., laptop, and stereo system.  Just make sure it fits with an Apple product as some of them have made odd headphone jacks.

The major upgrades from the Opera S1 are better audio components were used in the headphones, so better overall sound. And the best upgrade is that the wireless headphones have volume controls located on the wireless earbuds, meaning you can turn up or down volume without having to fish out your iPod, or turn it down on your laptop. 

Here's the review from Amazon UK:

"I love these headphones. Great sound, very comfortable, and long range. I can plug the transmitter in on my 2nd floor, and still hear clear sound from my basement. 

They come with a few different sized earpieces which allow you to select the best fit for your own ears. For me, when I when wear them in the normal position (left earbud in left year, right earbud in right ear), the receiver hanging behind the neck tends to pull the earbuds out of my ears, even though it weighs just about nothing. So I wear them backwards (left earbud in right ear, right earbud in left ear), wrapping the wire from each earbud up and around each ear. This is even more comfortable for me, and keeps each earbud securely in place even during intense exercise, and keeps the receiver snugly against the neck instead of flopping around. 

I highly recommend these if you're looking for comfortable wireless earbuds with great sound and a 3.5 mm mini plug to connect to just about any audio device." 

And as you noticed, the review is from the Amazon UK website. These are not currently available on the Amazon.com site. But the good news is that these ship to the USA, Canada, rest of Europe from WireFreeHiFi, which is based in the UK. 

Purchase the Opera S2 wireless headphones from Amazon UK (ships to North America, and more) >>

Review: TDK WR700 wireless headphones: "Great headphones"

Short and sweet review of the TDK WR700 on Amazon from June 14, 2010. These are on ear headphones, which some people prefer as they block out ambient sound better. Here's the review:

"I have had thse headphones for a month now and they are great. The sound quality is excellent and they are very light and comfortable. I like having the freedom to move around without the wires. The transmitter is so small. Though they are a little more expensive the quality really stands out."

And the wireless audio is delivered by Kleer wireless technology (no Bluetooth). Kleer delivers uncompressed, lossless, CD-quality digital stereo audio. And the transmitter works with any regular audio headphone jack.

Purchase the TDK WR700 wireless headphones on Amazon.com >>

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Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones review: "Excellent Wireless Functionality, Great Sound, EZ to set up"

Great review on Amazon from October 23, 2010 about the Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones.  Best line: "I think the sound is excellent and I enjoy it." Now he does mention that his audiophile friends would laugh at him for that statement, but as the RS 170 use Kleer wireless audio technology, they deliver CD-quality, uncompressed, lossless, digital stereo audio. So, they may not snicker for long once they try them. 

Here's the review on Amazon: "Since we have a small home, I need to use headphones when my kid studies. The house is single story, has plaster walls, and a fair amount of windows. In this environment, these headphones system have provided outstanding wireless function. I have been using these fairly extensively for about one month and can walk anywhere in the house, attached carport, and outdoor patio and get clear crisp sound (in the most distant room's most distant corner there is a micro cutout of signal if I turn my head in one particular way). The system was very simple to hook up, is easy to use and has a very durable feel. I think the sound is excellent and I enjoy it. Although I have extreme audiophile friends who would undoubtedly snicker at that statement. The headphones are over the ear and are comfortable and have a sturdy feel. The built in recharging stand on the transmitter and the rechargeable batteries in the headphones have worked great. Heck, even the wife likes these headphones and I will probably buy another pair of the headphones, so we can both watch a movie while the kid studies. "

And that's the other great thing with the Sennheiser wireless headphones. You can still watch TV without interrupting anyone else, without waking someone up, you get the drift. 

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones on Amazon.com >>

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Review Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones: "Simply the best"

The author of this review also reviewed the Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds (here's a link to my excerpts on this blog) as he owns two sets of the RS 180 wireless headphones and one MX W1 wireless earbuds.

As this one from October 9, 2010 is a short review (his MX W1 review was longer, but also included some thoughts on the RS 180 wireless headphones), here it is in its entirety:

"I've been using these headphones for five months and I can find no fault in them.

In every respect -- from sound quality to comfort to quality of construction and everything in between -- these are simply the best. 
 
Even the aesthetics of the product are pleasing -- it is like a work of art nestled in my home theater."

Great review. I like that he's been using them for five months now so that his review takes the amount of time he's been using the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones into account. And he knows what he's talking about as he was able to pair the Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds with the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones transmitter. Very cool. 

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones on Amazon.com >>

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Review Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds: "sound quality is outstanding"

Photograph courtesy of Music TO GO!

Interesting and honest review of the Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds on Amazon from June 9, 2010. What's interesting about this review is that the author also owns two sets of the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones. And the author takes full advantage that you can pair the MX W1 wireless earbuds with the RS 180 transmitter (and vice versa, pair the RS 180 wireless headphones with the MX W1 transmitter if the author wanted.). 

The reason the author can pair the different product's transmitters with different wireless earbuds/headphones is that both the MX W1 and the RS 180 use Kleer technology (no Bluetooth). Kleer provides uncompressed, lossless, CD-quality, digital stereo audio. And, as the author proves, you can pair Kleer-based transmitters with other Kleer-based wireless earbuds and headphones. 

The author notes that the "RS 180s are used in the home theater room and the master bedroom (allowing for 2 headphone sets in either room)". 

He also writes: "I have some quibbles with the MX W1. But, overall, I believe they will suit my purpose -- to provide wireless headphones for listening to TV in bed (but only when paired with the RS 180 transmitter). Others may or may not be happy with this purchase. The sound quality probably beats any ear bud on the market. So, those seeking superior audio quality in a wireless ear bud will probably judge the advantages to outweigh the disadvantages."

Purchase the Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds on Amazon.com >>

Purchase the Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds on Amazon UK >>

And here's the author's summary: "Again, I use the MX W1 as a wireless headphone for listening to TV in bed. The RS 180 headphones work well for this purpose. But, resting my head on the pillow is then problematic (the pillow pushes on the bulky headphones). Pairing the MX W1 ear pieces with the RS 180 transmitter has provided a satisfactory, but still less than ideal, solution -- at a VERY high price. Of all my Sennheiser purchases, I am most pleased with the RS 180s and least pleased (relatively speaking) with the MX W1. The MX W1 is a great product. But, it could be better. Others may want to think long and hard about how well this expensive device will meet their needs and expectations."

Again, the author demonstrates the strength of Kleer-based wireless audio products: the high quality wireless audio, the ability to pair different Kleer-based transmitters with other Kleer-based wireless earbuds/headphones. 

And, I did notice that he likes the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones that he purchased two. I found his review of the RS 180 headphones on Amazon and it is very positive as you'd might expect.

Purchase the Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds on Amazon.com >>

Purchase the Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds on Amazon UK >>

Review Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds: "Fantastic Wireless Technology"

Photograph courtesy of Music TO GO!

Positive review on Amazon of the Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds from March 8, 2010. These wireless earbuds are untethered, meaning there is no wire connecting them. This is why they're called "true" wireless as there is no wires from the audio device to the earbuds and no wires connecting the earbuds to each other. 

Here's the review: "This is a great product for wireless technology. You can work within a range of about 20ft at the most between walls. I do wish they had a longer range for use. The fit is good from beginning for me. Battery life is within range as stated in instructions from manufacturer. One thing to mention the adjustable rubber angle piece at top of ear bud keeps falling off of one and I called the customer service line and they will send me a new pair in the mail, great customer service help. I would recommend this to anyone."

To deliver the audio without the wires, these earbuds use Kleer technology. Kleer provides CD-quality, uncompressed, lossless, digital stereo audio. And as Kleer technology provides stereo audio, the left wireless earbud provides the left stereo audio, the right wireless earbud provides the right stereo audio.

The carrying case also acts as a charger, which can be very handy when you're on the road.

Purchase the Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds on Amazon.com >>

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Review Sennheiser RS 160 wireless headphones: "Utterly blown away by the sound quality"

Great review on Amazon of the Sennheiser RS 160 wireless headphones that use Kleer technology. When you use these wireless headphones, you listen to uncompressed, lossless, CD-quality, digital stereo audio thanks to Kleer technology (no Bluetooth). 

Here's the review: "I bought these not expecting much and was utterly blown away by the sound quality. The KLEER technology they use results in audiophile grade sound without any of the noise or interference I have had with previous wireless units. I have used them constantly for television and critical listening to music (I'm a musician) for over a month and the batteries in the phones are still holding up. The batteries in the small transmitter gave way after a week but it was easy to set up the supplied wall wart power. They are especially great for late night TV and listening to music in my condo without disturbing the neighbors. Reception is great even upstairs. The phones design is very comfortable and they are well made. The only disappointment was the lag in transmission made them unusable for playing my guitar. For everything else you don't really notice it. Highly recommended and worth the price!"

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 160 wireless headphones on Amazon.com >>

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And the author has a point: there is just enough of a lag that using them to listen to guitar doesn't work. But they weren't designed for live guitar playing (sorry), they were designed for listening to television and music. Which the author mentions, for everything else, you don't notice the delay.

Review Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones: "These have clearly been the best wireless phones I have ever owned"

Great review from Oct 29, 2010 on Amazon of the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones that use Kleer technology (no Bluetooth). Kleer technology delivers the wireless audio that is CD-quality, uncompressed, lossless, digital stereo audio. Coupled with Sennheiser audio components, it's a winning combination. Best line from the review: "Like most things some people will not like these and some will think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread." I appreciate the author's honesty: it's true, these might not be for everyone, but for others, they are the best wireless headphones they've ever owned.

Imagine, no more getting tangled up in wires when watching television or listening to music.

And as the reviewer points out, if purchased from Amazon, you can return. Here's another excerpt:

"I have owned many wireless headphones. I am not an electronic geek but have all the geek equipment. In the final analysis the most important thing is how do they sound to you, comfort, and ability to deliver what you want. These have clearly been the best wireless phones I have ever owned."

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones on Amazon.com >>

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones on Amazon UK >>

Review Sleek Audio W1s wireless components: "The W-1s are superb"

Good review on Amazon from Nov 20, 2010 of the Sleek Audio wireless components that use Kleer wireless audio technology. 

My favorite line: "I use them constantly when I travel, usually on airplanes, and the battery reliability and duration is fantastic." 

NOTE: This review is only for the wireless component of the Sleek Audio earbuds. You still need to purchase Sleek Audio earbuds from their website. Or from Amazon. 

Sleek Audio also offers custom earbuds so that the fit in your ear is superb. And all the Sleek Audio earbuds can be fitted into the Kleer-based wireless components. One of the major advantages is that if the battery on the wireless runs out, you can always swap to your wires in literally seconds. Here's an excerpt from the review

"I have used the Sleek W-1 for several years. In fact, I have purchased four over time and adapted them for use with my UE10 and 11 in-ear custom monitors and iPod Classic. I use them constantly when I travel, usually on airplanes, and the battery reliability and duration is fantastic. One one flight to France I cycled through nearly all of Beethoven's 16 string quartets before the battery died -- that was about 7-8 hours of constant listening. The Sleek/Kleer wireless technology puts Bluetooth to shame in terms of sound quality -- with lossless sound files on my iPod Classic it's equivalent to listening to a CD. After using the W-1s I would never touch Bluetooth again."

Purchase the Sleek Audio wireless components on Amazon >>

Purchase Sleek Audio earbuds from Amazon >>

Review Cy-Fi Wireless Sports Speaker for iPod: "Cy-Fi, would buy again"

Somebody who purchased the Cy-Fi wireless bike speaker for iPod likes it a lot. The review from Sept 23, 2010 is up on Amazon. Here's the review:

"Short and sweet. Very light and about the size of a deck of cards. Stays charged about five hours and is very easy to use. Sound quality could be better but with the wind noise you do not notice it that much. I went from the iHome water bottle style player to the Cy Fi and I am glad I did." 

Also, as the Cy-Fi uses Kleer wireless audio technology, when you connect the transmitter to the iPod, you have audio and track control from the Cy-Fi bike speaker. This means you don't have to fish your iPod to changes songs or change volume, you can do all that from the Cy-Fi wireless speaker. 

Purchase the Cy-Fi wireless bike speaker on Amazon >>

Review TDK WR700 wireless headphones: "these are awesome!!"

Good review of the TDK WR700 wireless headphones on Amazon.These are on-ear wireless headphones that use Kleer wireless audio technology. Kleer delivers CD-quality, uncompressed, lossless, digital stereo audio. My favorite line from the review: "I have been looking for wireless headphones and these are awesome!!"

Here's the review: "I wanted no wires to mess with for my ipad, iphone and cd player as I travel with my husband and I can listen to my music-audio books and watch movies on my ipad and not disturb anyone. They could be better for sterio sound but I am very happy with them and so glad to get them through AMAZON!! I LOVE TO SHOP AT AMAZON. UPDATE: After using these headphones more I would like to say the stereo sound is awesome as I finally figured out how to use them and I LOVE them. I go on the patio to listen to my music or audio books and they are beyond GREAT!!!"

As the author mentions, they hook the transmitter to their iPad, iPhone, and cd player as the transmitter uses a 3.5 mm, same as the regular audio jack.

Purchase the TDK WR700 wireless headphones on Amazon >>

Review Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds: "Sound like wired headphones"

One of my favorite reviews on Amazon of the Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds  that use Kleer technology. My favorite line: "These headphones sound fantastic!" And the reason they are called "true" wireless is that there is no wire connecting the earbuds, no leash that hangs on the back of your neck. The audio you hear from the left wireless earbud is the left stereo sound. And the audio you hear from the right, is the right stereo sound. And, finally, the author mentions Kleer technology. Kleer is the wireless audio technology that delivers the CD-quality, uncompressed, lossless, digital stereo audio.

Here's an excerpt: "They produce a well balanced sound across a wide frequency. Bass, mid range and treble all sound excellent. I haven't heard any distortion. Kleer definitely produces a crisp, clear sound and the headphones allow you to hear an incredible level of detail. I would have thought these were wired if I tested these blindfolded. Operation is simple. Activate the headphones, then activate the transmitter and you have sound!"

Purchase the Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds on Amazon.com >>

Purchase the Sennheiser MX W1 true wireless earbuds on Amazon UK >>

Review Sennheiser RS 160 wireless headphones: "Very Good Wireless Headphones"

Positive review of the Sennheiser RS 160 wireless headphones on Amazon from Sept, 2010. Here's the review as it's not very long:

"This is my second set of Sennheiser headphones and this one is even better than my original set. The sound quality is excellent and it has no static sounds nor fading reception based on the orientation of your head! The only negative is that the sound volume controls and on/off switch are difficult to operate while wearing the headphones. While a little pricey, it's worth the money!"

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 160 wireless headphones on Amazon.com >>

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 160 wireless headphones on Amazon UK >>

The author mentions no static sounds nor fading reception. That's because the Sennheiser RS 160 wireless headphones use Kleer wireless audio technology. That means you hear CD-quality, uncompressed, lossless, CD-quality audio.

Review Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones: "Sennheiser RS170 Headphones: Comfortable, Easy to Use and Excellent Sound Quality"

The Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones continue to gather great reviews on Amazon, this one posted on Sept 23, 2010. What's interesting about this review is that the author mentions that his previous Sennheiser wireless headphones  has a "constant hissing and RF noise in the background."

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones on Amazon.com >> 

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones on Amazon UK >>

The reason the Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones don't have a hiss or RF background noise is that they use Kleer technology to stream wireless audio. Kleer delivers CD-quality, uncompressed, lossless, digital stereo audio. Without the wires! Here's a larger excerpt:

"I purchased these headphones several days ago and was pretty excited when I opened them for the first time, after reading all the other good reviews on Amazon. I used the stock rechargeable batteries provided and let them charge for 16 hours, as mentioned in the manual. After turning the headphones on for the first time, I marveled at the sound quality while listening to my iTunes collection. The headphones are very comfortable and I didn't even notice I was wearing them after a while, and I had them on for a couple of hours. I listened to a variety of hip-hop and electronic music and was quite impressed with the overall clarity of the sound. The previous Sennheiser wireless headphones I owned, the RS120, were quite a disappointment after a while due to the constant hissing and RF noise in the background. However, there is absolutely no noise or hissing with these headphones. All in all, a great purchase so far and highly recommended!"

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones on Amazon.com >>

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Review Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones: "Wireless headphones that sound as wired -- really!"

Very positive review of the Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones up on Amazon. To stream the high-quality audio, these wireless cans use Kleer technology, so the sound you hear is uncompressed, CD-quality. Combine that with Sennheiser audio technology, and it's a winning combination. Here's an excerpt from the review:

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones on Amazon.com >>

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones on Amazon UK >>

"I've owned Sennheiser headphones for 15 years -- and I love the overall brand. I've owned previous versions of their wireless headphones and have always been disappointed. They'd have low grade hiss and would lose signal very quickly. Not anymore. The RS-170s offer flawless playback and sound. No changing channels, no tuning, they just work.

The sound is what you expect from a mid-to-high end of Sennheiser cans -- really good. Clear vocals, crisp instruments, and good bass. These are not heavy heavy bass headphones but if you like heavy bass there is a bass boost button that definitely kicks it up. I've experienced a little distortion on the low end with some deep strong bass with bass enhancement turned on."

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones on Amazon.com >>

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Review: Sennheiser RS 180 Kleer-based wireless headphones: "I can hear things on my games I never knew existed and the music and television is awesome"

Review up on Amazon from July 30, 2010. My favorite line from the review is: "I am impressed I can hear things on my games I never knew existed and the music and television is awesome." Too bad the reviewer didn't mention that the RS 180 wireless headphones also use Kleer wireless audio technology. Kleer technology delivers CD-quality, uncompressed, lossless, digital stereo audio.Here's an excerpt from the review:

"So I bought these because the RF headset that I normally use was starting to break down physically. I had used it for years with no real problem. Panasonic I think. I wanted to spend the money and get something with better sound and more comfort. I use these for watching TV when my wife has gone to bed or play my video game when so she can listen to the radio and we don't compete with each other for sound. I have to say the sound quality is there. I am impressed I can hear things on my games I never knew existed and the music and television is awesome. Plus these are much more comfortable than the older set that I had. If the game is going very well and lasting a long time I don't feel like my ears are rubbing off."

So far up on Amazon, 7 out of 7 people have found the review useful. 

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones on Amazon.com >>  

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Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones review: "I am blown away by this one ... it's the best yet still affordable headphone"

Great review on Amazon of the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones from late Oct, 2010.  Here's what the person wrote:

"I simply couldn't put it down. Now I can walk around the house, upstairs and downstairs, even the patio area of backyard, and not losing a bit of the sound quality. Extremely simple in setting it up, comfy and pure, just incredibly nice. I've had various Sennheiser headphones through the years, never disappointed, but this is the best wireless set I ever had. The charging cradle is superb in both function and look. Very well built. Look, you do not have to have it, you can stick with what you have or stay away from it due the price tag, whatever else reason ... but you just have no idea what you have missed"  

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones on Amazon.com >>

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones on Amazon UK >>

And remember, these wireless headphones use Kleer technology to stream CD-quality, lossless, uncompressed, stereo audio. No Bluetooth, only Kleer. Kleer technology also allows you pair up to four Kleer-based devices to one transmitter, regardless of the manufacturer. 

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones on Amazon >>

Purchase the Sennheiser RS 180 wireless headphones on Amazon UK >>