Audio T Verdict
The Sennheiser RS 120-W are one of those products that solve a very specific problem extremely well. If you want to watch television at your preferred volume without filling the room with sound, they provide a wonderfully straightforward solution: connect the transmitter to your TV's analogue audio output, put the headphones on and adjust the volume directly from the earcup.
They are deliberately simpler than Sennheiser's more sophisticated RS 275. There is no app, phone pairing, Virtual Surround or complicated menu system. Instead, you get three useful listening modes, a generous 60-metre wireless range, up to 20 hours battery life and a transmitter that also acts as the charging stand.
We particularly like the replaceable AAA rechargeable batteries. Rather than sealing a proprietary battery permanently inside the headphones, Sennheiser uses conventional NiMH cells that can be replaced when they eventually wear out. Add the ability to broadcast the same television audio to multiple compatible HDR 120-W headphones and the RS 120-W become a very practical home listening system.
Analogue TV Connection Only
The RS 120-W transmitter connects to an analogue audio output. It does not have optical, HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC inputs. Check that your television has a suitable 3.5mm headphone / analogue output or RCA audio output before purchasing. If your television only provides digital audio outputs, you will need a suitable converter or may prefer the more comprehensively connected Sennheiser RS 275.
Sennheiser RS 120-W Wireless TV Headphone System
The Sennheiser RS 120-W is a complete wireless television listening system consisting of the HDR 120-W on-ear headphones and TR 120-W transmitter, docking station and charger.
The system uses Bluetooth LE Audio technology and the efficient LC3 codec to create a dedicated wireless connection between the transmitter and headphones. Simply connect the transmitter to a suitable analogue audio output on your television or other source and enjoy private listening with independent headphone volume control.
With up to 60 metres of wireless range, up to 20 hours battery life and three selectable sound modes, the RS 120-W are designed to make everyday television, music and spoken-word listening as straightforward as possible.
- Complete wireless TV headphone system
- HDR 120-W headphones included
- TR 120-W transmitter / docking station included
- Open on-ear / supra-aural design
- 30mm dynamic drivers
- 22Hz to 19.5kHz frequency response
- 24-ohm headphone impedance
- 100dB SPL sensitivity
- Less than 0.7% THD
- Bluetooth LE Audio transmission
- LC3 audio codec
- Dedicated transmitter-to-headphone wireless connection
- Up to 60m wireless range
- Speech sound mode
- Music sound mode
- Neutral sound mode
- Volume control directly on the headphones
- Up to 20 hours battery life
- 2 x AAA rechargeable NiMH batteries
- User-replaceable batteries
- Approximately five-hour charge to more than 95%
- Transmitter doubles as charging stand
- Broadcast Audio for multiple compatible headphones
- Analogue TV / source connection
- 3.5mm audio adapter supplied
- Lightweight 215g headphone design including batteries
Designed for Television Listening
The RS 120-W are primarily designed for people who want their own television listening level without necessarily changing the volume for everybody else in the room.
Sound is delivered directly to the headphones, which can make dialogue easier to follow and removes much of the influence that room acoustics and listening distance can have on television sound.
The large volume wheel on the headphones allows you to set your own listening level independently of the television's normal speaker volume where the TV supports simultaneous audio output.
Can the TV Speakers Stay On?
This depends on the television. Some TVs allow their speakers and analogue audio output to operate simultaneously, while others automatically mute the internal speakers when a headphone or analogue output is used. Check the audio settings or user manual for your particular television if simultaneous listening is important.
Not Conventional Bluetooth Headphones
The RS 120-W use Bluetooth Low Energy technology internally, but they should not be confused with ordinary Bluetooth headphones.
The HDR 120-W headphones are designed to receive audio from their compatible TR 120-W transmitter. They do not pair directly with a normal smartphone, tablet, laptop or television Bluetooth menu.
No Direct Phone or Tablet Pairing
Despite the Bluetooth LE technology used by the wireless system, Sennheiser specifically confirms that the RS 120-W do not function as conventional Bluetooth headphones. If you want headphones that can connect directly to your TV transmitter and also pair normally with a phone or tablet, consider the newer Sennheiser RS 275.
Bluetooth LE Audio and LC3
The dedicated wireless link is based on Bluetooth LE Audio and uses the LC3 codec.
LC3 was designed as part of the newer generation of Bluetooth Low Energy audio technology and combines efficient data transmission with low power consumption.
In the RS 120-W, the technology is used to create a reliable home wireless listening system rather than to turn the headphones into a general-purpose Bluetooth headset.
Up to 60 Metres Wireless Range
Sennheiser specifies a maximum wireless range of up to 60 metres under suitable conditions.
That provides considerably more freedom than a conventional headphone cable and allows you to move around the house without immediately losing the television sound.
You can, for example:
- Walk into the kitchen while continuing to follow a programme
- Move around the living room without removing the headphones
- Listen from another nearby room where signal conditions allow
- Continue listening from a patio or balcony within suitable range
60 Metres Is a Maximum Figure
The quoted range assumes favourable conditions. Walls, floors, building materials and other wireless equipment can reduce the achievable distance inside a real home.
Three Listening Modes
The TR 120-W transmitter provides three selectable sound modes to suit different material.
Choose between:
The modes are selected at the transmitter rather than through an app or complicated on-screen menu.
Speech Mode
Speech mode is intended to make voices easier to follow.
It can be particularly useful with:
- Television dramas
- News
- Documentaries
- Talk programmes
- Podcasts
- Radio
Music Mode
Music mode is intended for a fuller presentation when listening to music, concerts and programmes where the overall soundtrack matters more than emphasising speech.
Neutral Mode
Neutral provides the more straightforward setting when you want the signal reproduced without the additional emphasis of the dedicated Speech or Music modes.
Which Mode Should You Use?
There is no technically 'correct' setting for every programme. Start with Neutral and switch to Speech if dialogue needs more presence or Music if you prefer a fuller presentation. Use whichever sounds clearest and most natural to you.
30mm Dynamic Drivers
The HDR 120-W headphones use 30mm dynamic transducers.
Sennheiser specifies the system from 22Hz to 19.5kHz, providing the bandwidth needed for television dialogue, music, films and everyday entertainment.
100dB Maximum Listening Level
Sennheiser specifies 100dB SPL sensitivity and also describes 100dB as the system's maximum volume level.
The useful advantage is not simply the ability to make television louder. Delivering the signal directly to the ears can improve perceived clarity without asking the TV speakers to fill the entire room at the same level.
Listen at Sensible Levels
The RS 120-W can produce high sound levels. Use only the volume required for comfortable, clear listening and reduce the level if you experience discomfort or listening fatigue.
Open On-Ear Design
The HDR 120-W are officially described by Sennheiser as open, supra-aural headphones.
That means the cushions rest on the ears rather than surrounding them completely.
The open construction also allows more airflow around the ears, which can be useful during longer television sessions.
Lightweight 215g Headphones
The HDR 120-W weigh approximately 215g including the rechargeable batteries.
That relatively low mass, combined with fabric ear cushions and Sennheiser's low-pressure headband design, helps make the system comfortable during longer films or several consecutive television episodes.
Fabric Ear Cushions
Sennheiser uses fabric rather than synthetic leather for the ear pads.
The breathable material helps reduce the warm, sealed feeling sometimes associated with closed full-sized headphones during extended listening.
Open Headphones Do Leak Some Sound
The open supra-aural design does not isolate the listener in the same way as a sealed closed-back headphone.
Some sound can therefore escape into the room and some surrounding sound remains audible.
For most television listening at normal levels this is unlikely to be a problem, but it is worth considering if another person is sleeping immediately beside you.
Volume Control on the Headphones
A large rotary control on the HDR 120-W allows the headphone level to be adjusted directly from your listening position.
This removes the need to reach for the television remote simply to change your private listening volume.
Up to 20 Hours Battery Life
Sennheiser specifies up to approximately 20 hours of operating time from a fully charged pair of batteries.
That comfortably covers several films or a substantial amount of everyday television before the headphones need returning to the charging stand.
Replaceable AAA NiMH Batteries
The HDR 120-W use two conventional 1.2V AAA rechargeable NiMH batteries.
This is an important practical advantage because the batteries are replaceable rather than permanently sealed into the headphones.
If their capacity eventually falls after years of use, the rechargeable cells can be renewed without replacing the entire headphone system.
Use Rechargeable NiMH Batteries for Dock Charging
The charging system is designed around rechargeable AAA NiMH cells. Do not place disposable alkaline batteries in the headphones and then attempt to charge them on the docking station.
Approximately Five-Hour Charging Time
Sennheiser specifies approximately five hours to charge the batteries beyond 95%.
In everyday use, simply placing the headphones back on the TR 120-W stand after watching television means they can recharge while not being used.
Transmitter, Charger and Stand in One
The supplied TR 120-W performs three jobs:
- Receives the analogue audio signal from your source
- Broadcasts the wireless LE Audio signal to the headphones
- Acts as the storage and charging stand
This keeps the system tidy and gives the headphones an obvious place to live between listening sessions.
Analogue Audio Connection
The transmitter is supplied with a stereo RCA audio cable plus a 3.5mm audio adapter.
This allows connection to suitable analogue outputs on televisions and other equipment.
Potential sources include:
- Televisions with a headphone output
- Televisions with suitable analogue RCA output
- Hi-fi equipment with an appropriate analogue output
- Radios
- Other line-level or headphone-level analogue sources
No Optical Input
The RS 120-W do not contain an optical digital input.
This is increasingly important because some modern televisions no longer provide a conventional analogue headphone connection.
Check Your Television Before Buying
If your television only has optical digital or HDMI ARC / eARC audio outputs, the RS 120-W cannot connect to those sockets directly. A suitable digital-to-analogue converter would be required, or the Sennheiser RS 275 may provide a neater solution.
No HDMI ARC or eARC
The TR 120-W does not connect through HDMI.
If HDMI ARC integration is a priority, the newer RS 275 system uses Sennheiser's BTA1 transmitter and provides a much broader selection of TV connection options.
Broadcast Audio for Multiple Headphones
The LE Audio platform allows one TR 120-W transmitter to broadcast the same programme to multiple compatible HDR 120-W headphones.
Sennheiser states that dozens of compatible headphones can receive the broadcast simultaneously.
This is useful when several listeners want the same TV or music programme but each person wants their own headphone volume.
Additional HDR 120-W Headphones
Sennheiser continues to sell the HDR 120-W separately as an additional or replacement receiver.
This means a second compatible headset can be added without buying another complete transmitter system.
RS, HDR and TR - What's the Difference?
RS 120-W refers to the complete system. HDR 120-W is the headphone receiver, while TR 120-W is the transmitter / charging base.
Broadcast Audio Is Not Auracast
The RS 120-W uses the Broadcast Audio capability of its LE Audio platform, but it should not be confused with Sennheiser's newer Auracast products.
The HDR 120-W is intended for use with its compatible TR 120-W transmitter and does not operate as a general-purpose Auracast or conventional Bluetooth headphone.
If broad Auracast compatibility matters, the RS 275 is the more modern solution.
RS 120-W or RS 275?
RS 120-W
- Open on-ear headphones
- 30mm dynamic drivers
- Dedicated LE Audio transmitter system
- LC3 transmission
- Up to 60m range
- Up to 20 hours battery
- Replaceable AAA NiMH batteries
- Speech / Music / Neutral modes
- Analogue audio connection
- Broadcast Audio to multiple HDR 120-W receivers
- No direct phone Bluetooth pairing
- Simple charging stand included
RS 275
- Over-ear headphones
- 37mm dynamic drivers
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Standard Bluetooth device pairing
- Auracast Broadcast Audio
- Up to 50m range
- Up to 50 hours battery
- User-replaceable rechargeable battery
- Virtual Surround Sound
- Speech Clarity
- Normalize Volume
- Four hearing profiles
- Optical, HDMI ARC and analogue TV connectivity
Which Should You Choose?
The RS 120-W are ideal if you want a straightforward dedicated TV headphone system and your television provides a suitable analogue audio output.
The Sennheiser RS 275 are the more sophisticated option if you need optical or HDMI ARC connectivity, direct Bluetooth pairing with phones and tablets, Auracast, much longer battery life or features such as Virtual Surround and Speech Clarity.
There is a sizeable difference in capability between the two systems, so the correct choice depends as much on your television and intended use as it does on sound quality.
Useful for Late-Night Television
The RS 120-W allow you to listen at your own level without asking the television speakers to fill the entire room.
That makes them especially useful when somebody else is reading, working or prefers a lower television volume.
Useful Where Dialogue Is Difficult to Follow
Delivering sound directly to the ears can make spoken dialogue easier to follow, while the dedicated Speech mode provides another useful adjustment when voices need more prominence.
The RS 120-W are not a medical hearing device, but their dedicated headphone presentation and simple sound modes can make everyday TV listening considerably more comfortable for many users.
Useful for Music Too
The system is not restricted to television.
Any compatible analogue audio source can feed the transmitter, making the RS 120-W useful for music, radio, podcasts and other home listening applications too.
No App Required
There is no smartphone app involved in everyday RS 120-W operation.
Source connection, listening mode and volume are all handled through the physical system itself.
For anybody who prefers a product that works without accounts, software updates or phone configuration, that simplicity is a genuine advantage.
No Active Noise Cancellation
The RS 120-W do not have ANC.
They are open on-ear headphones intended for home listening, where comfort and awareness of the room are generally more useful than completely shutting out the surroundings.
Who Are the Sennheiser RS 120-W For?
- People wanting private television listening
- Late-night television viewers
- Listeners wanting independent TV volume
- People who find television dialogue difficult to follow
- Users wanting a straightforward plug-and-play system
- Listeners who prefer physical controls rather than apps
- Homes with a suitable analogue TV audio output
- People wanting a long 60m wireless range
- Listeners wanting replaceable rechargeable batteries
- Households wanting multiple compatible headphones from one transmitter
- People who prefer a lightweight open on-ear fit
Who Are They Not For?
- People wanting ordinary Bluetooth headphones for a phone or tablet
- Customers needing optical digital input
- Customers needing HDMI ARC or eARC
- People wanting Auracast compatibility with general devices
- Listeners wanting Active Noise Cancellation
- People wanting closed-back isolation
- Customers wanting an over-ear headphone design
- People wanting smartphone app control
- Users needing the more sophisticated hearing and processing features of RS 275
Key Features
- Sennheiser RS 120-W
- Complete TV headphone system
- Article number 700171
- HDR 120-W headphones included
- HDR 120-W article number 700241
- TR 120-W transmitter included
- TR 120-W article number 700242
- Open on-ear / supra-aural design
- 30mm dynamic drivers
- 22Hz to 19.5kHz frequency response
- 24-ohm impedance
- 100dB SPL sensitivity
- Less than 0.7% THD at 1kHz / 100dB SPL
- Bluetooth LE Audio wireless platform
- LC3 codec
- 2.4 to 2.4835GHz frequency range
- Up to 60m wireless range
- Speech sound mode
- Music sound mode
- Neutral sound mode
- Headphone volume wheel
- Broadcast Audio support
- Multiple compatible HDR 120-W receivers supported
- No conventional Bluetooth device pairing
- Analogue source connectivity
- No optical digital input
- No HDMI ARC / eARC
- Up to 20 hours battery life
- 2 x AAA 1.2V rechargeable NiMH batteries
- User-replaceable batteries
- Approximately five-hour charging time to more than 95%
- TR 120-W doubles as charging stand
- Fabric ear pads
- 215g headphone weight including batteries
- Black finish
- 12-month manufacturer's warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Sennheiser RS 120-W still current?
Yes. The RS 120-W remain part of Sennheiser's current UK television headphone range.
Is this the complete system?
Yes. The RS 120-W package includes the HDR 120-W headphones and the TR 120-W transmitter, charging stand and docking station.
What is the difference between RS 120-W and HDR 120-W?
RS 120-W refers to the complete system. HDR 120-W is the headphone receiver supplied as part of that system and also available separately.
What is the TR 120-W?
The TR 120-W is the transmitter, docking station and charger used by the RS 120-W system.
Are the RS 120-W over-ear headphones?
No. Sennheiser officially describes them as open on-ear / supra-aural headphones.
Are they closed-back?
No. They use an open acoustic design.
What size drivers do they use?
30mm dynamic transducers.
What is the frequency response?
22Hz to 19.5kHz.
What is the impedance?
24 ohms.
What is the maximum volume?
Sennheiser specifies a maximum level of approximately 100dB.
Are RS 120-W Bluetooth headphones?
They use Bluetooth LE Audio technology for the dedicated connection between the headphones and transmitter, but they do not work as conventional Bluetooth headphones.
Can I pair them directly with my phone?
No.
Can I pair them directly with my tablet?
No.
Can I pair them directly with my laptop?
No. Audio must normally be routed through the TR 120-W transmitter.
Can I pair them directly with my Bluetooth television?
No. The system uses its dedicated TR 120-W transmitter rather than conventional TV Bluetooth pairing.
What wireless technology do they use?
Bluetooth LE Audio with the LC3 codec for the dedicated transmitter-to-headphone connection.
Are they Auracast headphones?
No. The RS 120-W use their own LE Audio Broadcast Audio system with the TR 120-W transmitter rather than functioning as general-purpose Auracast headphones.
What is the wireless range?
Up to approximately 60 metres in favourable conditions.
Can I walk into another room?
Often, yes, although walls, floors and building materials can reduce the maximum wireless range.
How do I connect the RS 120-W to my television?
Connect the TR 120-W transmitter to a suitable analogue audio output on your television using the supplied connection and 3.5mm adapter where required.
Does the RS 120-W have an optical input?
No.
Does it have HDMI ARC?
No.
What if my television only has optical audio?
You will need a suitable digital-to-analogue converter, or you may prefer a TV headphone system with an optical input such as the Sennheiser RS 275.
Will plugging them in mute my television speakers?
That depends on the television and its audio settings. Some TVs allow simultaneous speaker and analogue-output operation, while others mute their speakers automatically.
What sound modes are available?
Speech, Music and Neutral.
Where are the sound modes selected?
On the TR 120-W transmitter.
Can I control the volume from the headphones?
Yes. A rotary volume control is built directly into the HDR 120-W.
How long does the battery last?
Up to approximately 20 hours.
What batteries do they use?
Two rechargeable 1.2V AAA NiMH batteries.
Can the batteries be replaced?
Yes. They use replaceable AAA rechargeable NiMH cells.
How long do they take to charge?
Sennheiser specifies approximately five hours to reach more than 95% charge.
How are they charged?
Place the HDR 120-W onto the TR 120-W docking station.
Can I use ordinary disposable AAA batteries?
The charging system is intended for rechargeable NiMH cells. Do not attempt to recharge disposable alkaline batteries on the docking station.
Can I use more than one pair of headphones?
Yes. Sennheiser's Broadcast Audio system allows multiple compatible HDR 120-W receivers to listen to the same TR 120-W transmission.
How many headphones can listen at once?
Sennheiser describes the transmitter as capable of broadcasting to dozens of compatible RS 120-W / HDR 120-W headphones simultaneously.
Can I buy another HDR 120-W?
Yes. Sennheiser currently sells the HDR 120-W separately as an additional or replacement receiver.
Do they have Active Noise Cancellation?
No.
Do they need an app?
No.
Do they have a microphone for calls?
No. They are dedicated home listening headphones rather than a Bluetooth communications headset.
How much do the headphones weigh?
Approximately 215g including batteries.
What is the difference between RS 120-W and RS 275?
The RS 120-W are a simpler open on-ear system with analogue TV connectivity, 60m range, 20-hour replaceable AAA battery system and dedicated LE Audio transmission. The newer RS 275 are over-ear headphones with conventional Bluetooth pairing, Auracast, optical and HDMI ARC connectivity, 50-hour battery life and additional features including Virtual Surround, Speech Clarity and hearing profiles.
How long is the manufacturer's warranty?
Sennheiser's current European warranty schedule lists the RS 120-W in its 12-month manufacturer warranty category. This voluntary warranty is separate from your statutory consumer rights.
What comes in the box?
The package includes HDR 120-W headphones, TR 120-W transmitter with stereo RCA audio cable, power supply with EU / UK / US / AU adapters, two rechargeable AAA NiMH batteries, 3.5mm audio connection adapter, Quick Guide and Safety Guide.
Related Sennheiser Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy the Sennheiser RS 120-W From Audio T?
Wireless television headphones are wonderfully simple once they are set up correctly, but modern televisions can make choosing the right connection surprisingly confusing. Some provide analogue audio, some only optical or HDMI, and some disable their own speakers when headphones are connected.
Audio T can help you check that the RS 120-W are compatible with your television before you buy, explain the three listening modes and advise whether the more comprehensively connected RS 275 would be a better fit for your particular setup.
- Friendly specialist headphone advice
- TV connection guidance
- Analogue audio setup advice
- RS 120-W and RS 275 comparisons
- Additional HDR 120-W receiver guidance
- Broadcast Audio setup advice
- Battery replacement guidance
- Sound-mode guidance
- Home wireless headphone demonstrations where available
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like help checking compatibility or setting up the Sennheiser RS 120-W with your television or home audio system.