Sennheiser RS 120

Bottom line

They've been around for a while, but the still-popular Sennheiser RS 120 wireless headphones deliver excellent range and sound on a budget. Experts and users say that if it weren't for some occasional hiss and interference from other devices, performance would be on par with wired headphones. Opinions about comfort vary from user to user; some say the RS 120 is great even for long listening sessions while others complain of a too-loose fit.

Performance

Some annoyances, but performance exceeds cost. The RS 120 gets high marks from experts and owners for delivering clear sound under most circumstances. However, users report some RF interference when in close proximity to other RF-emitting devices like cell phones. The specified 300-foot range also gets cut significantly as you put more walls between these wireless stereo headphones and a transmitter, but many owners still get great usability throughout their homes despite a weakened signal. Some complain of hissing, but others attribute this to the action of the headphone's automatic gain control and say workarounds largely fix the problem.

Comfort

A little loose for vigorous use. Professional reviews and many user posts say the Sennheiser RS 120 is a comfortable fit, even for long listening sessions. However, those who have a smaller head often complain of a loose fit. Some owners say the headphones slip off or require frequent adjusting after simple movements like bending or stooping. Another potential downside: The two buttons that control volume and wireless channel are placed close together on one earpiece. CNET's Steve Guttenberg says testers were "sometimes treated to a blast of static when we just wanted to adjust the volume."

Value

Lower price with few concessions. Far cheaper than other Sennheiser wireless stereo headphones, the RS 120 packs a strong enough performance that users and pro reviewers say the value outweighs any weak spots. Even with the quirks and sporadic issues reported by some owners, many agree that these headphones are well worth their price.