Sennheiser RS 170 Wireless Headphones: review

First to mention some decent and fair reviews:

• TrustedReviews
• YouTube by (ThatSnazzyiPhoneGuy)

This should be quite enough to get the overall picture. I will just stress on some personal observations that might overlap partially with the reviews above.

Overall impression: Ultimate sound performance for it's class - any comparison to other headphones I have previously experienced (TMR-RF850R and MDR-RF840RK) leads to imaginary results! This is really how wireless headphones should be made. Worth every cent I have spent!

Let me mention few distinctive features that are still worth mentioning.

Fixed signal level normalization: 

Check the post about MDR-RF840RK to see what is wrong with the dynamic  level normalization. With the fixed version, one can control the volume from the audio source and the headphones. Perhaps this explanes the uncomfortable volume control buttons - you are supposed to use the volume controls on your CD, DVD, PC - whatever you use.

High volume: 

One of the reasons I want headphones is to listen to loud music, simply because I do not want to enroll my neighbors in my particular mood... at very unusual times... Otherwise, don't get me wrong, I am quite satisfied with my speakers performance. The last headphones I have bough MDR-RF840RK simply are worthless with this respect. RS 170 delivers everything I have expected!

Closed back design: 

Hm, this is difficult to say if it is bad or good. It completely isolates you from the sounds around you. With all other headphones I was still able to hear if somebody opens a door or screams at me for something. With this headphone  you don't hear anything from outside - phone rings does not have any chance.  Also, one can barely hear any sound from the headphones (this is particularly good in very quiet environment).

Pros:

• Perfect, just perfect sound quality, dynamic bass and surround options.
• Slick design, light, comfortable, very strong and stable sound.
• None of the usual RF side-effects like interference, interruption... none.
• Fixed (two positions) signal level normalization.

Cons:

• Volume controls are not easy to locate.
• One needs to turn on, both the station and the phones, to listen. Many other brands turn on automatically if input signal is detected and the headphones are not on the cradle. I miss that.
• Flashing LEDs... not my taste. (well, that doesn't worth mentioning)

Product description and specification for completeness with some important features, underlined below (original source).

Features

• Closed, circum-aural digital wireless headphones with Kleer's uncompressed audio transmission
• Dynamic transducer systems with powerful neodymium magnets for clear and detailed audio reproduction
• Multi-purpose transmitter - Also functions as 'easy-charge' cradle and docking station
• Multi-receiver transmission - Up to 4 people listening to the same source
• Dynamic Bass and Surround Sound listening modes
• Ergonomic and adjustable headband for an excellent and secure fit
• Leatherette earpads and headband cushions for outstanding comfort
• No set-up required – Just plug and play!
• 2 year warranty

Delivery Includes

• HDR 170 headphone (receiver)
• TX 170 transmitter
• Multi-country charger
• Detachable audio cable
• RCA cable
• 3.5 / 6.3mm adapter
• 2 AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries (unlike SONY that wants you to use there nonstandard size bateries)
  
• Instruction manuals