Sennheiser RS 275 TV Headphones Review

DISCLOSURE -THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.

Reviewed by Alexander Wilde

The following is written from my perspective, and I am certainly no audiophile – that’s to say if you are hi-fi enthusiast and are looking for a technical review of the Sennheiser RS 275 TV Headphones, then this may not be for you. However, if you are looking to invest in your first, or next, pair of high-quality headphones then my layman’s appraisal may be of use.

In a busy family home, with an open kitchen near our lounge, I often watch the television with subtitles and crank up the volume for every boil of the kettle and when the washing machine gets particularly excited. Alongside this, flatscreen TVs do not have the space for large speakers, and although they look great mounted on the wall, the sound quality can suffer. So, would the RS 275 enhance my viewing experience? I’ve been using this product for the last two weeks and have a definitive answer…

The RS 275 bundle arrived well packaged with the contents sectioned into neat, recyclable compartments. Inside the box you will find: TV headphones, TV transmitter (BTA1 model), a stand; two charging cables; analog and digital audio cables; cable clips; and a quick start guide.

When receiving a new device, the ease of use can easily measured by the ability to ‘plug and play’ without the necessity to consult the manual or quick start guide. The labelled cables and stickers on the outside of the earcups aided in the simplicity. I placed the headphones on charge via the USB-C cable and a standard household charger, whilst I connected the transmitter to our TV using two cables of ample length: power via the USB-A to USB-C and audio via the digital optical cable.

Audio can alternatively be transmitted via HDMI (not included, but who hasn’t got a multitude of these cables), an analog 3.5mm jack (included) for older devices, or direct to your TV or media device if they are Bluetooth enabled.

My TV recognised the input immediately and gave me the option to change the source. After tidying the cables using the included clips, I took the headphone off-charge and switched them on. As I was in close proximity to the transmitter, they connected automatically, alerted me to the connection and began audio playback from the TV. Adjusting the headphones as I placed them on my head was simple and smooth. I played around with the volume buttons and found the headphones spoke to me when I reached the minimum volume. The RS 275 absolutely ‘works straight out of the box’.

With set-up completed, and initial testing required, I had the best excuse to watch a Hollywood blockbuster with a bowl of popcorn. The audio clarity, depth and range were evident from the outset. There was zero latency between the action and audio, with clear and crisp dialogue, cinematic surround sound and immersive scores. Subtitles were in not required; the outside world was cancelled out. I found the headphones to be comfortable, cool and lightweight. The headband and luxuriously soft fabric of the earcup cushions modelled perfectly with my head. After three hours of viewing, their presence was barely perceptible. I was seriously impressed.

I decided to explore the customisation and wider features of the headphones and transmitter through the Sennheiser ‘Smart Control Plus’ app. This was linked by QR code in the quick start guide and on the headphone label. The intuitive app guided me through connecting my iPhone via Bluetooth and configuration options for both the headphones and transmitter. Whilst connected to my handset, I received an incoming call and was pleasantly surprised to find I could answer the call via the headphones multi-function button. There is an inbuilt microphone allowing for two-way conversations.

The app unlocks a range of useful features that enabled me personalise the listening experience. I could: fine-tune the sound with a custom EQ; create a personalised hearing profile; adjust left and right balance; enhance speech clarity; boost the bass and switch on transparency mode – allowing in more external sounds – when I need to stay aware of my surroundings. The app also keeps the product up to date with firmware updates and security settings. I felt the app added genuine value rather than simply duplicating the simple and tactile physical controls on the headphones.

After daily use over the last two weeks, I am yet to charge the headphones – this aligns with the advertised ‘up to 50 hours of playback on a single charge’. For a quick top-up though, the USB-C cable can be connected to the transmitter for pass through charging. I also discovered that the headphones still operate whilst charging.

Another simple design feature I liked was that the TV transmitter is a detached component to the stand allowing you to place them separately depending on your media set-up and personal preference. Our TV peripherals are stored in a sideboard and the transmitter has joined them – this in no way impacted the audio latency or signal. The sleek stand with the headphones is in arms reach of the sofa.

After doing some additional research, I discovered that Auracast, which is a fairly new Bluetooth technology, could be one of the RS 275 TV Bundle’s most significant long-term advantages. Auracast is being championed as the next generation of assistive listening technology, with trials already taking place in theatres, transport hubs and other public venues. Therefore, Sennheiser has built the headphones around a technology with genuine potential to improve accessibility well beyond the living room.

Other than the Walkman headphones of my youth, those bundled with mobile phones and my Apple Airpods, I’ve never purchased a dedicated audio accessory; the RS 275 has very much shown what I’ve been missing! I will definitely be investing in another pair of the headphones for shared viewing.

In conclusion, my viewing experienced has very much been enhanced by the superb Sennheiser product. They have produced an incredible pair of comfortable, lightweight, smart looking, feature rich, wireless headphones which provide flawlessly synchronised sound with TVs or Bluetooth devices, at a fantastic price point. Undisturbed wireless bliss has arrived!

Rating: 5/5

Price: £219.99.
Available direct from https://uk.sennheiser-hearing.com/products/rs-275?srsltid=AfmBOoptWGF6TECFYNxSxMjaNbtmFM5SFeLtpfRJl24atsjSvvA1_hah with free shipping, or via a range of online retailers.

Sennheiser is a German audio company renowned for high-quality microphones, headphones, and professional solutions, with a legacy of innovation spanning over 75 years. Their products range from the competitively premium to high-end luxury.