Sennheiser MX W1 In-Ear Totally Wireless Headphone with Digital High-Fidelity Stereo Sound
by Sennheiser
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: SennheiserModel: MX W1
Color: Navy/Silver
Product features:
- True lossless, digital wireless high-fidelity stereo sound
- No setup required, simply plug the transmitter to your personal audio/video player, put on the earphones and turn it on
- Twist-to-fit system for a secure, stable fit without compromising bass or comfort
- Carrying case with quick-charge functionality enables up to three full recharges to receivers while on the move
- Compatible with all MP3, DVD, CD players and iPod
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sennheiser MX W1 In-Ear Totally Wireless Headphone with Digital High-Fidelity Stereo Sound
Customer Review: Battery Replacement Issues
Summary: 3 Stars
8/12/10 Update:
The bottom line is that I am happy with this purchase -- these earphones serve the purpose I hoped they would. There are issues. They are difficult to place in the ear and I still need the assistance of a mirror to ensure proper placement. They are somewhat uncomfortable. If worn for more than 1 hour, they can become painful. Some will find them painful, others will not. It depends on the structure of your ear. In my case, only my left ear becomes painful. As the title of this review indicates, there are battery replacement issues (see the original review below for details on this issue and other more minor issues).
Again, on the plus side, the sound quality is outstanding.
I could justify raising my rating to 4 stars. But, for now, I'll leave it at 3 stars.
Original Review Follows:
This is a preliminary review which I may update over time.
I own the Sennheiser RS 180 (two sets), RS 120 (1 set, two pairs of headphones) and -- most recently -- this MX W1.
RS 180s are used in the home theater room and the master bedroom (allowing for 2 headphone sets in either room).
RS 120s are used in the guest room.
MX W1s are also used in the master bedroom.
I have some quibbles with the MX W1. But, overall, I believe they will suit my purpose -- to provide wireless headphones for listening to TV in bed (but only when paired with the RS 180 transmitter). Others may or may not be happy with this purchase. The sound quality probably beats any ear bud on the market. So, those seeking superior audio quality in a wireless ear bud will probably judge the advantages to outweigh the disadvantages.
1) Battery replacement issues:
Sennheiser warns that using any replacement battery but their own will void the warranty. One reviewer claims Sennheiser wants $17 per battery. Still, my guess is that any LIR2032 battery should work in the ear pieces. The worst part is that Sennheiser telephone support confirms that the rechargeable batteries in the MW W1 transmitter and the MX W1 docking station are not designed to be replaced by the consumer. The entire unit (transmitter and/or docking station) must either be replaced or mailed in for service. How stupid is that? Then again, by the time these batteries wear out, it might be time for an upgrade anyway.
2) The MX W1 transmitter is best suited for use with portable devices:
Unless some sort of attenuation is applied to the input, I do NOT recommend the MX W1 transmitter for TVs or other non-portable devices. I have paired the MX W1 headphones with the RS 180 transmitter. The only advantage that offers is the ability to attenuate the input from the headphone jack by 8dB. The RS 180 transmitter has a switch which applies 0dB or 8dB of attenuation. For iPods and similar devices, 0dB is recommended. For TVs, receivers, etc., 8dB is recommended. I found the MX W1 transmitter signal was so loud that I had to reduce the TV volume to very low single digit levels. That might increase the likelihood of static or poor signal to noise ratios.
3) The short range can be problematic:
The MX W1 has a short range and easily loses connection to the transmitter (even the RS 180 transmitter). At a distance of 12 feet, cupping my hand over a single ear piece is all that is required to drop the sound from one or both ear pieces. In fact, doing so can actually cause the connection with the transmitter to be lost -- at which point the earpieces have to be removed from the ears and the connection reestablished. Oddly enough, the MX W1 does fine when a wall is in the way. But, a cupped hand is the kiss of death. My current impression is that so long as I cater to the demands of this temperamental device, I will (in my case) have no problem maintaining the connection.
The transmission range weaknesses in the MX W1 appear to reside in the ear pieces -- no range advantage seems to be gained by pairing the MX W1 with the RS 180 transmitter.
4) Is the niche well thought out?
Clearly, the MX W1 is intended to fill the niche of wireless ear buds for portable devices (like an iPod). Audiophiles may be willing to trade less comfort for better sound. For others, wired ear buds might be better suited to this purpose.
5) "Twist-to-fit" takes some getting used to:
There are multiple techniques for getting the unique "twist-to-fit" design snugly fitted. And, it may take time and patience to figure out which of the three sizes of "twist-to-fit-pads" works best for you. But, I think most people will adapt to this fairly quickly and with a reasonable -- but less than ideal -- comfort level.
Summary:
Again, I use the MX W1 as a wireless headphone for listening to TV in bed. The RS 180 headphones work well for this purpose. But, resting my head on the pillow is then problematic (the pillow pushes on the bulky headphones). Pairing the MX W1 ear pieces with the RS 180 transmitter has provided a satisfactory, but still less than ideal, solution -- at a VERY high price. Of all my Sennheiser purchases, I am most pleased with the RS 180s and least pleased (relatively speaking) with the MX W1. The MX W1 is a great product. But, it could be better.
Others may want to think long and hard about how well this expensive device will meet their needs and expectations.
More Sennheiser MX W1 In-Ear Totally Wireless Headphone with Digital High-Fidelity Stereo Sound reviews:
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1 2 3 4 5
Description of Sennheiser MX W1 In-Ear Totally Wireless Headphone with Digital High-Fidelity Stereo Sound
The Sennheiser MX W1 delivers the ultimate in listening freedom and detailed stereo sound. It communicates uncompressed audio over a robust digital link enabling you to enjoy your music without the hassle of cords. It utilizes "Kleer Technologies" uncompressed digital wireless transmission of high-fidelity sound directly to the "twist to Fit" earphones. The entire system consists of two earphones (left and right), a small transmitter that connects to the MP3 player or other portable device, and a carrying case with built-in quick charge function that enables up to three full recharges while on the go.Digital Cameras & Photo Categories
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