Product Description

Cushioned, around-the-ear earcups with padded adjustable headband * CenterLock auto tuning * switchable SRS processor for 3D sound image * selectable 3-channel transmission * includes 2 NiMH rechargeable battery packs and built-in charger * operating range up to 300'

Product Details

• Color: Sennheiser RS-65 Wireless Headphones (Black)
• Brand: Sennheiser
• Model: 65
• Dimensions: 6.00" h x 2.00" w x 6.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

• Supra-aural, hi-fi stereo headphones for superb audio quality
• Automatic tuning for better reception
• Volume and transmission channel can be set individually on the headphones
• Expand with an additional set of headphones for multiperson use
• Soft, cloth-covered earpads and headband cushion for comfortable extended use

Customer Reviews

Decent sound over short distances, shoddy construction
These headphones wear out fast. The brackets holding the earpieces (both sides) came apart in less than a year of careful daily use due to the thin plastic they use. I glued them back together a few times, but it became a real hassle, and they didn't fit quite right from then on. The headphones themselves are quite ugly, and the earpieces are small and a bit tight around the ears. These are not practical to use for extended periods of time--more than an hour and you'll want a break.

Even within the effective range (about 50 ft. before the constant static becomes way too annoying for me) there are certain spots where the signal will just fade away. I most commonly used these headphones about 12 feet from the base, and sometimes I'd have to tilt my head a few degrees before the sound was clear again.

If you're in the right spot, you'll find the sound quality is better than most wired headsets. Sennheiser is synonymous with excellent sound, and the "SRS" feature does seem to add a little more depth. Overall, it's accurate, with tight bass and clear highs, but the all that high quality sound is worthless because they're wireless, and they have no option to use the set with a cord. Even at its best, there is a distinct background hum--which is not so annoying that you can't get past it, but it would make a dedicated music listener cringe. Re-"tuning" does not work at all, nor does changing the channel on the base.

I like how they designed the batteries. It included two of them (one for use, one on the charger) and you can change them quickly without removing the headset. Putting the headset on the charger base could be easier.

If you want a good high-quality set of headphones DON'T get these. The fact that it's wireless negates all the excellent engineering Sennheiser put into the sound reproduction. Spend the "extra" money from the wireless feature on a high-end set of real headphones and an extention cord.

If you want wireless headphones DON'T get these. The extra care taken in improving the sound quality makes them too expensive, and they're so delicate they aren't good for moving around with you. If you really need to go with wireless, you're better off getting a cheaper set.

Currently these headphones are gathering dust on my shelf--I'm back using my $20 Sonys on a 10 ft. cord.

Good sound - poor durability
I have now owned two sets of wireless Sennheisers, the RS-65 and the prior design, the T4-9. Sennheiser has made great design improvements in the past few years, especially regarding comfort. Specifically, the prior version had a flat foam surface that pressed against your whole ear. This version has a velvet-like cup that surounds your ear without pressing it into your head. It's interesting that some people say they are uncomfortable. I disagree - I find them light and reasonably comfortable.

The sound quality is good, but there is an important caveat: wireless headphones always come with more static than wired headphones. I found that it was not a problem when I was in the same room as the transmitter. In the old version the static would increase slowly as you walked away. The RS design blocks noise until a threshold S/N ratio is reached - then there is no sound at all. It would be nice if you could choose that functionality because when I'm using them for the TV it's more important to at least hear something than to hear clear sound and then no sound.

MY BIG COMPLAINT: The first Sennheisers I owned lasted for a year and then the structural headband broke. They still worked but you had to tape them up. The second Sennheisers I owned lasted for a year and then, you guessed it - SAME PROBLEM. I'm not knocking these things around, just taking on and off. For expensive headphones, these are just not made well enough.

I don't know if I would buy Sennheisers again without evidence that the band was made better. I strongly recommend you buy them with an extended warranty.

UPDATE: I have since moved into a city from a sparsley populated suburb and have found that the interference from neighboring buildings makes it impossible to use these. If you live in a densely populated area, be aware that you may need to return them because of transmission difficulties. However every area is different. I would only buy these again if a new model used a more advanced transmission scheme like 2.4GHz, and of course, if it appeared they had redesigned the headband.

sennheiser headphones rock
these headphones rock. i've hooked them up to my pc and when i'm not able to listen to my sheet-rock-unfriendly, thx-certified klipsch speakers, i put on these bad boys from Sennheiser.

The sound is crisp, both for highs and lows. I had read reviews on predecessors of the current rs-65's that dinged Sennheiser for headphones that didn't provide enough bass. It looks as though they took that criticism constructively when they designed the rs-65, because the bass comes out crystal clear. i use the headphones with glee for all my multimedia pc 'tasks'- gaming, dvd's, and music.

also, the distance of the wireless connection is phenomenal. i drove about 1/4 block away from my house before the signal died. of course, i can listen to them throughout my home.

if you're a hardware geek like me who needs the latest to hook up to his/her piv box, these will be a fine addition to your collection.

my one complaint for sennheiser's r&d department is: put a native bass and treble control on the headset. it's no fun getting up out of bed to adjust the pc settings when you're in the middle of the matrix.

last note: don't take just my word. Maximum PC gave these headphones a 9/10 rating in their November, 2001 issue.