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Sennheiser RS 140 Wireless Balanced Headphones | 
 enlarge | Brand: Sennheiser
Category: CE
List Price: $239.95
Buy Refurbished: $100.00
You Save: $139.95 (58%)
New (32)
Avg. Customer Rating:  191 reviews
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Number Of Items: 1
Batteries Included: Yes
Battery: 1 NiMHbattery pack
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2
Dimensions (in): 8 x 9 x 4
Legal Disclaimer: Warranty does not cover misuse of product.
Warranty: 2 years warranty
MPN: RS 140
Model: RS 140
UPC: 615104099272
EAN: 0615104099272
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: 100% PERFECT... AUTHORIZED SENNHEISER DEALERS.... WITH F U L L 2 YEAR WARRANTY...SHIPS IN 1 DAY
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| Features:
| • | Wireless, rechargeable hi-fi headphones with switchable dynamic compression system | | • | Maximizes clarity of spoken voices to enhance TV sound or assist people with moderate hearing loss | | • | Intelligent auto tuning and automatic signal control ensure high-quality reception | | • | Transmission range of up to 150 meters; 18 Hz to 21 kHz frequency response | | • | Includes NiMH battery pack, charging stand, transmitter, and 1/4-inch plug adapter |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Product Description
The Sennheiser RS 140 Wireless Balanced Headphones use a switchable dynamic compression system for excellent sound accuracy and balance control for optimum right/left volume adjustment. The adjustable high output level can compensate for minor hearing loss, and the auto-tuning mechanism with memory function finds crisp, clear music. The self-learning automatic level control provides optimum signal reception. Power comes from NiMH batteries that are recharged by simply putting the headphones on their transmitter base that can be mounted to a wall. A charge lasts for 23 hours. The RS 140 is backed by a two-year warranty.
Product Description
cushioned, over-the-ear design with closed earcups and a padded, adjustable headband * 900 MHz RF (radio frequency) wireless transmission * selectable 3-channel transmission * switchable compression *
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| Customer Reviews: Read 186 more reviews...
 All in all, nearly perfect for what they are: low-cost wireless December 1, 2005
464 out of 467 found this review helpful
Audio choices are obviously very personal, so I hesitate to recommend anything too strongly here. Tastes and tolerances differ so greatly, and wireless audio products really seem to push those differences. Maybe some of my needs and wants will match yours, maybe not, but please consider my thoughts here in light of the many personal qualifiers that I add. Those qualifiers may or may not relate well to your own situation.
BACKGROUND
I'm about as picky as they come when sound is the issue. I have a home recording studio, with 30 years of experience as a semi-pro musician (jazz, rock, classical, country). That said, I approach every musical equipment purchase with thorough research and comparison. Since I already have good wired phones (Senn 280s and others) in my studio, I wanted some wireless cans mostly for moving around the house and yard while listening to music from my home stereo system, kind of a self-indulgent luxury. I've read enough to know that any wireless models using a radio signal (the best type of signal if you'll be in a different room than the transmitter) will produce some hiss and pop on occasion. I accepted this fact before buying. Still, I decided I would not accept something else: poor sound quality, in a musical sense. Two of the sub-$200 phones with rather consistently high reviews (in magazines and online) were the Senn 130 and 140 models. So I ordered both models to compare them in the privacy of my home. (I paid about $115 for the RS-130 and $135 for the RS-140; be patient because the prices here fluctuate often.)
TEST EQUIPMENT
A 100-watt/channel JVC receiver and JVC CD player--both typical (low-end) home stereo components. I used mostly flat EQ settings, with a 4db boost at 60hz (the sub-freqs) to add some depth to the bass.
FOR MUSIC NOT TV
I've used these cans mostly for listening to music, which usually masks any low-grade background noise. TV use, with its emphasis on dialogue, would be demanding in other ways, so I'd defer to other reviewers for feedback concerning that application.
LIKES
In short, both models sound as good as I'd hoped. In fact, they sound great. When I've been wearing them while working outside, I sometimes have to stop what I'm doing, raise the volume, and just listen for a while. They sound that good. I wouldn't use them in my studio, but considering the low price and mobility, I'm very satisfed. As I'd read, the open-back 130s sound (and look) a bit like Senn's popular 580 audiophile (wired) model--open, smooth, warm, and clear as a bell. The closed-back 140s have a similar sound, maybe a bit boxier, overall, as is typical of closed cans. I think that some folks (such as heavy rock n' rollers, rappers, computer gamers, the hearing impaired, and even office workers) might prefer the 140s for their enhanced isolation, but I found the 130s, which offer the spacious open-back sound that made Senn famous, to provide the flatest, truest sound, overall. After a lot of back and forth listening to verify my impressions, I kept the 130s. The 140s would be a perfectly acceptable alternative, though.
Both models are cushy comfortable, and the features and controls are top-notch. I've never liked surround-sound simulations and the like, so I can't comment on that feature (130s). But I find everything very simple to use, and all works fine. Like easy? Hang these Senns up and they turn off and charge automatically. Press a button and they tune their reception and then memorize it, also automatically. The reception's acceptable, too, after I improved it significantly by moving the transmitter unit to a slightly higher shelf. Remember this if you buy. (By the way, I've read that you may experience much greater interference noise if you live in a heavily congested area, which I don't.)
DISLIKES
No review would be complete without some criticism and warning, so here's mine. Above all, choosing musical equipment involves personal tastes, which vary greatly, so try to listen before buying. Trust your own ears. If you do buy either Senn wireless model, you should expect some hiss and pop and hum at times, especially if you move around, and almost certainly if you move outside or into another room. You'll even notice the sound strengthen and weaken on occasion. In this price range, at least, I think you'll need to accept such reception problems or else stay with wired cans. Period. Wireless freedom is never perfect, is it? Beyond that, I wish these cans were as snug-fitting as my Senn 280s, which grip my head tightly. These wireless phones are like light pillows, very comfortable, but I'd bet that some folks with smaller heads could find them to be a bit loose when walking around. And finally, another obvious point--bad or good, depending on your situation--is that the 130s (which I prefer in terms of smoother, truer sound) are open-air cans, meaning that you'll hear your family if in the same room. That's good for staying in contact but bad if you want to get away from outside noise. The closed 140s are certainly better for blocking out a barking dog or not disturbing a nearby loved one.
OVERALL
All in all, both models of these phones admirably met my picky expectations although being realistic about the limits of low-cost wireless sound was a necessary starting point. No, these wireless phones surely aren't perfect, but I think they offer a heckuva value for $100 plus change. An enthusiastic 4 1/2 stars from me, for what they are. Well done, Senn. Happy listening, all.
P.S. TO ANYONE WITH HEARING LOSS
If you have reduced hearing, particularly in one ear, you should probably choose the RS-140 model. The addition of the closed back (for isolation), L-R balance control, and compression switch (to equalize the overall volume) could be helpful.
UPDATE
A quick June 2008 update, two and a half years of almost daily use later: no surprises, no regrets, and the original batteries are still kicking. I stand by my review fully. I did find one time that the headphones didn't work, but a quick jiggle of the audio input in the base unit brought them back to life. True, as some folks have noted, there is indeed annoying interference sometimes, especially when moving around in another room or outdoors. That's clearly a deal-breaker for some people. But the surprisingly good music quality and thoughtful design at this low price point is the real story here for me and my primarily music needs. If you eventually decide to give the Senns a try, just be sure that you can easily return them if they don't fit your own wants and needs. I typically return about half of the audio equipment I buy, even after thorough research, and have learned the value of a simple return policy. Good luck to you.
Man oh Man!!! May 1, 2005
85 out of 89 found this review helpful
I purchased a Bose wired "Triport" headphones to replace my 5 year old Sennheisler wireless... Thinking I can't go wrong..A wire connection has to be better, Right? Wrong! I gave the Bose away to my kid and purchases the Sennheisler RS140 wireless...There is no comparison... It's not even in the same league....The sound is unbelievable!!!!
Wonderful Product April 9, 2005
54 out of 56 found this review helpful
Sennheiser is an old and trusted name when it comes to headphones. I purchased the wireless RS140 because I have a hearing loss and do not want to wear my hearing aids all day long. I primarily wanted them so I wouldn't have to turn up the tv to understand what was being said. After I hooked them up, I turned them on and only had to adjust the volume. I found I could walk around my apartment go into other rooms and not miss a word. The sound is perfect.
 The sound is great, but... October 8, 2005
32 out of 35 found this review helpful
EDITED REVIEW- NOT 2 STARS- 5 STARS!!!!
Original Review:
The sound is great on these headphones and based solely on that criteria I'd give them 5 stars, BUT... The design has a very SERIOUS flaw. If you want to use these headphones while laying down on a sofa, or in a recliner or in bed to watch TV, you might as well forget it. Whoever designed the placement of the balance and volume dials ought to be fired. They're the kind you move up or down, not left or right and they're placed on the rear edge of the right earpiece which means that if you lay your head back against a pillow or cushion, the volume gets inadvertantly turned completely down (annoying) or completely up (painful) and the balance gets shifted as well. I can't understand why they placed the knobs in this configuration. If you're looking for headphones to use in bed or relaxing on a sofa, don't buy these ones.
Revised Review:
I'm sorry, I need to amend this review. I usually watch my TV laying across the foot of my bed or sofa and use my hand resting on the earpiece to keep the side of my head propped up, or resting the side of my head on a pillow or cushion. Right when I got the headphones I really wasn't used to having headphones on when I watched TV... I'm used to them now (which didn't take very long), and avoiding the knobs is not a problem anymore and hasn't been for quite awhile... These headphones are GREAT, convenient and easy to recharge- I'm SO glad I bought them. I've had them now for two or three years. I think and they work like a CHAMP!
 Poor next-room performance; too heavy; other problems. February 19, 2006
32 out of 35 found this review helpful
We bought the RS 140 to replace an earlier Sennheiser product that chewed through their proprietary $25. batteries at a rapid and unacceptable rate.
The RS 140 uses standard rechargeable batteries. It has reasonable (but sometimes with some static) reception in the same room as the transmitter but is much worse than the earlier model if only one room away where there are many high static or dead spots.
The set is heavy, hot to wear and very bulky. The three controls (right side rear) are too close together and undifferentiated.
This model may the "best available" of the current Sennheisers but it has plenty of room for improvement.
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