Sennheiser RS 195 vs 185 vs 175 vs 165 vs 135, Which TV Headphone Is For You?

Sennheiser has a very special series of headphones designed for wireless use with your television. The RS series equips users with a pair of Sennheiser wireless headphones and a transmitter you connect with your system. However, each headset-transmitter unit is different. This “Sennheiser RS 195 vs 185 vs 175 vs 165 vs 135” article explains the distinctive features in each so you can determine which Sennheiser TV headphone is for you.

RS 135

The RS 135 TV unit consists of a transmitter that doubles as a docking and charging station for the headphones. This set-up is what you’ll find with all of the units. With the RS 135 being one of the earlier models, it has a retro look with the charging dock consisting of a metal stand perched on the top. The top of the transmitter features an LED light for both the power on/off and charging. As for the headphones, the cans are closed back and look similar to Sennheiser’s HD 500 line-up, but in a slimmer frame. The ear cups are ergonomically shaped and feature soft replaceable fabric ear cushions with the same padding lining the underbelly of the headband. This unit is also equipped to save energy and shuts off the transmitter 5 minutes after you turn off your audio source. The RS 135 normally retails at $129.95, but is available at the best price on Audio46 when you use discount code “majorhifi” during checkout. It is also sold on Amazon at a competitive price from authorized retailers.

RS 165

The headphone dock of the RS 165 also acts as a charging station for when the headphones aren’t in use, but it got a sleek upgrade – looking more like a thin, upright-standing black box. It features a battery light indicator on the front and connects to your audio source via audio analog cable. One point to note, depending on your audio source you may connect using a 3.5 mm headphone jack, red and white RCA audio outputs, or even a digital output. The transmitter can accommodate any of them and reach a range of up to 100 feet. The RS 165 headphone also differs from that of the RS 135. It has a sleek black exterior to match the transmitter and is built with better fitting and cushioned ear cups. As for sound, the RS 165 provides the signature Sennheiser sound, balanced and accurate, along with the option of a bass boost. The headphones reach a frequency response range of 18-21,000 Hertz. It also has a run time of 18 hours once fully charged. P.S. Once the headphones are turned on so is the RS 165 transmitter. The unit normally retails for $219.95, but is available at the best price on Audio46 when you use discount code “majorhifi” during checkout. It is also sold on Amazon at a competitive price from authorized retailers.

RS 175

This TV headphone and transmitter unit is comprised of over-ear closed-back headphones and a wireless transmitter that also doubles as a charging dock. The dock features an optical output, 3.5 mm standard jack output, and a RCA analog output which means you can connect the transmitter to any audio source or television. P.S. The necessary cables are included with your purchase, so that’s a win! As for the headphones, though they don’t feature super plush leather ear cushions, the cheaper alternative is still comfortable. But, you may have to remove the headphones about a few hours in. These cans, like the RS 165 reach a similar frequency response range between 17 – 22,000 Hertz and can run for up to 18 hours. Also, like its predecessor, turning on the headphones automatically pairs them to the transmitter. So how does this unit truly separate itself from RS 165? It’s got bass boost and surround sound options and triples its reach, spanning 300 feet. RS 175 normally retails for $279.95, but is available at the best price on Audio46 when you use discount code “majorhifi” during checkout. It is also sold on Amazon at a competitive price from authorized retailers.

RS 185

The following unit is RS 185. The transmitter unit is equipped to handle either a RCA or optical connection and can reach a range of up to 328 feet. This unit costs about $100 more than RS 175, but for good reason. The headphones have up-ed the ante featuring velvety soft ear cushions and the ability to either manually or automatically adjust the differences in volume for a better listening experience. There are also balance controls for right/left volume adjustments. Finally, the ear cups on these headphones are open-back which allows your music to breathe and provides you with a more immersive listening experience. For those into the specs, these headphones also reach a frequency response range of 17-22,000 Hertz and run for up to 18 hours. RS 185 normally retails for $399.95, but is available at the best price on Audio46 when you use discount code “majorhifi” during checkout. It is also sold on Amazon at a competitive price from authorized retailers.

RS 195

Comparisons between Sennheiser RS 195 vs 185, the latest edition takes things just a bit further to provide listeners with the ultimate high-res listening experience while retaining the finer features of the RS 185 (which include open-back ear cups, right and left balance controls, and manually and automatic volume adjustments). This unit allows wearers to further  customize their experience with the ability to choose the most adapted setting from 7 profiles. Then, there are also two different listening modes to choose from. There’s “Speech Mode” which reduces background noise and enhances speech intelligibility while “Music Mode” reproduces music with an increased dynamic range to perfectly preserve the sound image, advises Sennheiser. This unit hooks up to an AV source using either a 3.5 mm or optical connection. To note, RS 195 features a closed-back headphone while RS 185 is open. This unit also reaches a frequency response between 17-22,000 Hertz and transmits a signal up to 328 feet. RS 195 normally retails for $499.95, but is available at the best price on Audio46 when you use discount code “majorhifi” during checkout. It is also sold on Amazon at a competitive price from authorized retailers.