What we liked
- The Auracast compatibility
- The comprehensive Smart Control Plus app
- The Speech Clarity and Virtual Surround audio modes
- Being able to use the headphones separately via Bluetooth
We would have liked
- A less sensitive microphone
- To have been able to charge the headphones directly on the stand
Our expert’s opinion
The Sennheiser RS 275 heralds a new approach to TV headphones with Auracast and Bluetooth LC3. The discontinuation of radio frequency transmission changes the historical philosophy of the RS range, renowned for its quality and impressive wireless range. This positioning raises a central question: why use this pack with a dedicated TV transmitter, rather than using conventional Bluetooth headphones connected directly to the TV? In our test, the connection between the headphones and the BTA 1 transmitter was stable and perfectly synchronized. There was no audio-video lag, even during gaming sessions. The observed range was great. I was able go to the ground floor of a building while still listening to content on the headphones, despite the transmitter being located on the 3rd floor and the various obstacles (building facade, interior walls).
I appreciated this bundle's easy installation and simple use. The Virtual Surround and Speech Clarity modes are of immediate benefit, particularly in terms of dialogue clarity. In use, the experience is intuitive, both via the BTA 1 transmitter and with the headphones alone in Bluetooth mode. The Smart Control Plus app completes the package with a clear interface and extensive settings. It's also worth noting that the integrated microphone is particularly sensitive, enabling clear pick-up of both voice and ambient noise. Finally, the absence of direct charging via the stand means that the headphones have to be plugged in manually, which is less convenient. All in all, I found the Sennheiser RS 275 pack impressive for its modernity, stability, and versatility for use with the TV and via Bluetooth.
With the RS 275 package, comprising the HDR 275 Bluetooth headphones and Auracast-compatible BTA 1 transmitter, Sennheiser introduces a new generation of wireless TV headphones that use Bluetooth rather than radio frequency. This type of equipment responds above all to a simple need: to isolate oneself, to enjoy a comfortable listening volume without disturbing others, and to maintain perfect program clarity.
The Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones evolve the historic philosophy of the range by replacing the radio frequency transmission traditionally associated with the Sennheiser RS series headphones and TV headphones in general. This transition is based on Bluetooth LC3 and Auracast, recent technologies designed to offer a stable, latency-free connection and a range of up to 50 meters. This evolution enables the Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones to free themselves from traditional transmissions while retaining the requirements of TV use.
Supplied with a dedicated transmitter, a stand and versatile connectivity, the Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones are easy to install in just a few minutes. A claimed 50-hour battery life, dedicated audio processing for dialogue and latest-generation Bluetooth complete the package. We put the Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones through their paces with movies and TV series.
Introducing the Sennheiser RS 275 and BTA 1
The Sennheiser RS 275 is a pack that includes the HDR 275 TV headphones, a headphone stand and the BTA 1 transmitter. It is clearly designed for use in the living room, without any additional equipment. This approach sets the Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones apart from conventional Bluetooth headphones used on their own, offering a solution specifically designed for TV listening.
The BTA 1 transmitter is one of the most important elements of this bundle. Where a direct Bluetooth connection with a TV may present limitations in terms of latency, stability or codec compatibility, the Sennheiser BTA1 aims to guarantee reliable audio-video synchronization with a modern philosophy.
The BTA 1 transmitter can operate independently of the Sennheiser RS 275 headphones. Auracast compatible, it can stream sound to compatible headphones, earbuds or hearing aids. It is also available separately from the pack.
Packaging contents
The Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones come in a compact package, with clear internal organization despite the large amount of cardboard. All components are neatly arranged and immediately identifiable, making it easy to get to grips with.
The bundle includes:
- The HDR 275 TV headphones
- A metal stand
- The BTA 1 transmitter
- The cables required to connect the transmitter, each measuring 1.25 metres:
- Analog
- Optical
- Headphone power supply (USB-C to USB-C)
- Transmitter power supply (USB-A to USB-C)
- A quick start guide and legal warranty documents
Unlike some previous models, the Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones do not charge directly from the stand. Recharging is done using the USB-C cable, which can be plugged directly into the transmitter.
Handling and design
The Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones take a primarily functional approach. The metal stand and BTA 1 transmitter immediately inspire confidence. The headphones, on the other hand, appear simpler in design. In use, they make up for this with their low weight. The fabric earpads promote air circulation and stop your ears from getting too warm, a real plus during long sessions. The headband, adjustable simply by sliding it, is practical and intuitive; once the correct position is set, it’s doesn’t move from one use to the next.
However, the headphones can create a feeling of pressure around the ears over time, depending on the shape of your head. Overall though, the design clearly favors ergonomics and comfort.
Installation and connectors
The Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones can be easily integrated into any home TV setup. The BTA 1 transmitter provides several connection solutions for the most common configurations, including analog, HDMI ARC and USB Audio inputs. The active source is selected directly from the transmitter using the dedicated button.
Color codes on the connectors simplify connection from the very first installation. The cables supplied are long enough to connect up to 3 different sources, such as a TV, computer or hi-fi system.
The quick-start guide, featuring clear diagrams, helps you get to grips with the bundle the first time you use it, making it easy to connect the headphones to the transmitter.
Bluetooth and separate uses
The Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones go beyond transmitter operation. They can be used as conventional Bluetooth headphones, with quick pairing and a stable connection to a compatible smartphone, computer or TV. This dual use clearly enhances the pack’s versatility, allowing each element to be used independently on a daily basis.
The adoption of Auracast marks a major evolution for the RS range. Unlike previous generations using radio frequency, such as the RS 175-U or RS 195-U, the Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones are based on a more open transmission system, compatible with a wide ecosystem of devices.
Using the headphones with a direct Bluetooth connection, the experience is smooth and the controls responsive. The sound reproduction seems slightly less precise with this direct Bluetooth connection. This difference can be explained by dependence on the codec used by the source: the BTA 1 transmitter uses LC3 transmission, dedicated to low latency and greater stability. The built-in microphone ensures clear pickup. Its high sensitivity provides good voice reproduction, while requiring a relatively quiet environment to limit ambient noise, given the absence of noise reduction on the microphone.
The BTA 1 transmitter can be used independently of the Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones as an Auracast broadcast base. It can simultaneously connect an unlimited number of compatible headphones, earbuds or hearing aids, each with their own volume level and sound profile.
Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones: audio processing
The Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones feature two audio processing modes. The Virtual Surround mode comes into its own with spectacular films and series. It enhances the feeling of immersion while providing a more uniform sound reproduction. This smoothing of sound levels contributes to a more comfortable experience, particularly appreciated during action content. The width of the soundstage remains measured, however. The Speech Clarity mode significantly improves the legibility of voices. The pronounced emphasis on the high frequencies observed during certain scenes helps to accentuate the presence of voices and details. Dialogue comes through with greater presence, making content easier to understand. This mode is particularly useful for films and series such as dramas, thrillers and documentaries, where understanding voices is a central element of the experience.
All these settings are made on the transmitter by pressing the “Sound Mode” button, or in the Sennheiser Smart Control Plus app.
Sennheiser app
The Sennheiser Smart Control Plus app is the perfect companion to the Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones. From the get-go, the interface is clear and intuitive. The app provides access to the main audio settings. You can boost voice clarity, activate the bass boost and prioritize phone calls. Several EQ presets are also available, with the option of creating your own curves manually or using Sound Check, a guided process to quickly find the best EQ settings for your profile. The app also features transparency settings and left/right balance control, which are very useful for those with hearing loss in one ear.
Automatic power-down management and a battery protection mode, which maintains battery charge at optimal levels, are available. Audio notifications can be customized with the language of your choice.
The settings for the headphones and transmitter can be adjusted separately. The app clearly distinguishes between settings for listening, Bluetooth functions and Auracast broadcasting via the BTA 1. This separation improves legibility and control.
Software updates are performed directly from the app. In addition, an update installed during this review corrected the volume fluctuations observed during initial use.
🗒️ Note from the expert
When using an audio or video device for the first time, we strongly recommend that you check and install any available software updates. This will optimize stability, benefit from the latest improvements, and correct any malfunctions present in the initial version.
Controls and battery life
The physical buttons, grouped together on the right earcup of the Sennheiser RS 275, benefit from a generous format that makes them easy to identify by touch. In use, the controls are responsive. When viewing streaming content, the control named pause/play on the headphones triggers the mute function on the TV.
The manufacturer states that the autonomy reaches 50 hours with USB-C charging. When the battery is low, the headphones remain usable once plugged in. The Sennheiser RS 275 feature a replaceable battery and replaceable ear pads.
Key specifications
- Sennheiser RS 275 wireless TV headphones
- Connections: analog TV audio, HDMI ARC, USB audio
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Auracast and multipoint compatibility
- Audio modes: Virtual Surround / Speech Clarity
- Integrated buttons and microphones
- Battery life of up to 50 hours
- Replaceable battery and pads
- Charging via USB-C
Test conditions and impressions
I tested the Sennheiser RS 275 with a Philips 50-inch TV dating from 2021, and the BTA 1 transmitter was connected to the TV via HDMI.
Several sources and content accompanied the test: series on Netflix and Prime, YouTube videos and video games on the Xbox One. Additional Bluetooth tests were also carried out with a smartphone and a computer.
The Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones enabled me to watch series such as Bridgerton without disturbing my companion, who was reading nearby, a real bonus for avoiding arguments about what’s on the TV! As soon as I started listening, I immediately noticed an increase in immersion and spatialization. Content gained depth and dialogues benefited from greater clarity thanks to the Speech Clarity mode. The latter may, however, generate slight saturation in the high frequencies during certain scenes.
Thanks to the BTA1 receiver, there was no latency. The width of the soundstage was moderate, and the sound had a good level of detail. I also observed some volume fluctuations during initial use. This behavior disappeared after updating the headphones’ software.
The headphones’ light weight makes them a pleasure to wear on a daily basis, while the pressure exerted around the ears remains noticeable over time, depending on the shape of your ears and head. During gaming sessions, on Fortnite, for example, I found the synchronization and spatialization to be very impressive. Lastly, in terms of range, walls and partitions had no impact, allowing me to move around the whole building without sound cutting out, even when going down 3 floors in an elevator.
With regard to Auracast, tests were carried out with the Auracast-compatible KEF Muo Bluetooth speaker, but we couldn’t connect it. The BTA 1 transmitter seems to restrict the connection to compatible headphones, earbuds and hearing aids.
Sennheiser RS 275 compared with the Sennheiser RS 175-U
Compared with the previous generation, the Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones embody a change of philosophy from the Sennheiser RS 175-U. The latter uses radio-frequency (RF) transmission, historically recognized for its good stability, very low latency and extended range. This approach favors TV use, although it also works for music, with a dedicated transmitter base and integrated listening modes such as Bass Boost and Surround.
The Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones adopt a more open approach, based on Bluetooth LC3 and Auracast. This evolution aims to maintain reliable audio-video synchronization thanks to the BTA1 transmitter, while opening up the ecosystem to all Auracast-compatible devices. The abandonment of radio frequency divides the range by 2, to 50 meters for the RS 275, which is already very generous and sufficient for domestic use.
In terms of autonomy and usage, the RS 275 offers up to 50 hours of battery life, far more than the 18 hours of the RS 175-U, making it more suitable for long TV or multimedia sessions. However, the RS 275 doesn’t come with a charging stand, so you’ll have to remember to charge it, unlike the RS 175, which was less complex in this respect. The RS 275’s connectivity is more versatile, with HDMI ARC, USB audio, and analog inputs, while the RS 175-U relies mainly on an RF transmission base and classic optical/jack connections.
Overall, the Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones are a more modern and versatile solution than the Sennheiser RS 175-U. It brings a new listening experience, turning the page on radio frequency transmission in favor of Bluetooth LC3 and Auracast.
Who is it for?
The Sennheiser RS 275 is designed for users who are looking above all for the listening comfort of TV headphones: isolation, listening at sustained volume without disturbing others, and excellent clarity. It’s the perfect choice for everyday use at home, especially for films, TV series and dialogue-rich programs. The adoption of Bluetooth LC3 and Auracast modernizes the experience while maintaining the fundamentals expected for TV: low latency, a comfortable range, and seamless listening as you move around the home.
Last but not least, the Sennheiser RS 275 TV pack will appeal to those who want a more versatile solution than traditional TV headphones. The independent Bluetooth operation of the headphones enables them to be used with any smartphone or computer, while Auracast facilitates shared listening with several compatible headphones from the transmitter. All TVs are limited to two connections, or one simultaneous connection, so you can have one headphone per family member without any problem. This logic makes Auracast the ideal solution for today’s multimedia users, who want to continue listening to TV from the sofa to the kitchen, via the garage, or even the restroom!
Frequently asked questions about the Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones
The headphones in the RS 275 bundle can be used with the BTA 1 transmitter for optimized TV listening, or directly with a smartphone, tablet or computer.
The BTA 1 transmitter can broadcast an Auracast stream to Auracast-compatible headphones, earbuds and hearing aids, even from other brands.
The Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones use the latest generation of low-latency Bluetooth transmission, featuring the LC3 codec and Auracast technology, replacing the radio frequency (RF) used by previous RS TV headphones.
The Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones adapt to most TVs thanks to the analog, HDMI ARC and USB Audio connectors available on the transmitter.
Included in the bundle, the BTA 1 transmitter supports Auracast streaming, enabling the connection of several compatible headphones or earbuds.
The Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones have a battery life of up to 50 hours, and can still be used while charging via USB-C if the battery is low.
The Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones feature a replaceable battery and ear pads.
The Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones feature a Speech Clarity mode. This function significantly improves dialogue clarity, which is particularly useful for films and TV series.
The Smart Control Plus app lets you adjust numerous parameters (voice clarity, bass boost, equalization, left/right balance, auto power off) as well as install software updates, making it very comprehensive.
