Sennheiser RS 170 - 08-09 User manual

RS 170
Digital Wireless System
Instruction manual

1
Contents
Contents
Important safety information ........................................................................... 2
The RS 170 digital RF headphone system ...................................................... 4
Delivery includes .................................................................................................. 5
Product overview ................................................................................................. 6
Overview of the HDR 170 headphones ..................................................... 6
Overview of the TR 170 transmitter .......................................................... 7
Overview of the indicators and acoustic signals ..................................... 8
Overview of the connection stages .......................................................... 10
Putting the RS 170 into operation ................................................................. 11
Setting up the transmitter ......................................................................... 11
Connecting the transmitter to a sound source ...................................... 12
Connecting the transmitter to the mains ............................................... 15
Inserting and changing the rechargeable batteries ............................. 16
Charging the headphones’ rechargeable batteries ............................... 17
Adjusting the headband of the headphones ......................................... 17
Using the RS 170 ............................................................................................... 18
Switching the transmitter on and off ...................................................... 18
Switching the headphones on and off .................................................... 20
Adjusting the volume on the headphones ............................................. 21
Adjusting the sound of the RS 170 to your needs ................................ 22
Associating the headphones to the transmitter ................................... 24
Listening with several headphones simultaneously ............................ 27
Cleaning the RS 170 .......................................................................................... 28
If a problem occurs ... ........................................................................................ 29
Accessories and spare parts ............................................................................ 31
Specifications ...................................................................................................... 32
Manufacturer declarations ............................................................................... 33

Important safety information
2
Important safety information
• Please read this instruction manual carefully and completely before
using the product.
• Make this instruction manual easily accessible to all users at all times.
Always include this instruction manual when passing the product on to
third parties.
• Do not use the product in situations which require special attention
(e.g. in traffic or when performing skilled jobs).
• Always keep the product dry and do not expose it to extreme
temperatures (normal operating temperatures: 0 °C/32 °F to 40 °C/
104 °F).
• Use the product with care and store it in a clean, dust-free
environment.
• Switch the headphones off after use to conserve battery power.
Remove the batteries if the product will not be used for extended
periods of time.
• The headphones contain magnets that generate a magnetic field which
could cause interference with cardiac pacemakers and implanted
defibrillators. Keep the headphones at least 1.2” (3 cm) from cardiac
pacemakers or implanted defibrillators.
• Please protect your hearing from high volume levels. Sennheiser
headphones also sound exceptionally good at low volumes.
• Only use the Sennheiser supplied power supply units.
• To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not use the product near
water and do not expose it to rain or moisture.
• Unplug the power supply unit from the wall socket
– to completely disconnect the product from the mains
– during lightning storms or
– when unused for long periods of time.
• Only operate the power supply unit from the type of power source
specified in the chapter “Specifications” (see page 32).
• Ensure that the power supply unit is
– in a safe operating condition and easily accessible,
– properly plugged into the wall socket,
– only operated within the permissible temperature range,
– not covered or exposed to direct sunlight for longer periods of time
in order to prevent heat accumulation (see “Specifications” on
page 32).
• Do not operate the product near any heat sources.
• Only use attachments/accessories specified by Sennheiser (see
“Accessories and spare parts” on page 31).

3
Important safety information
Replacement parts
When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician uses
replacement parts specified by Sennheiser or those having the same
characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result
in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
Intended use
Intended use of the product includes
• having read this instruction manual, especially the chapter “Important
safety instructions” on page 2,
• using the product within the operating conditions and limitations
described in this instruction manual.
“Improper use” means using the product other than as described in this
instruction manual, or under operating conditions which differ from those
described herein.
Safety instructions for the NiMH rechargeable batteries
If abused or misused, the rechargeable batteries may leak. In extreme
cases, they may even present
Please understand that Sennheiser does not accept liability for damage
arising from abuse or misuse.
• a heat hazard,
• a fire hazard,
• an explosion hazard,
• a smoke or gas hazard.
Keep away from
children.
Only use rechargeable batteries
recommended by Sennheiser.
Observe correct polarity. Do not short-circuit.
Do not expose to
moisture.
Switch rechargeable battery-
powered products off after use.
Do not pack charged
batteries loose – danger
of shorting out/fire
hazard.
When not using rechargeable
batteries for extended periods
of time, charge them regularly
(about every 3 months).
Only charge
rechargeable batteries
at ambient
temperatures between
10 °C/50 °F and 40 °C/
104 °F.
Do not heat above 70 °C/
158 °F, e.g. do not expose to
sunlight or throw into a fire.
Do not mutilate or
dismantle.
Do not continue to use
defective rechargeable
batteries.
Immediately remove
rechargeable batteries
from obviously
defective devices.
Dispose of rechargeable
batteries at special collection
points or return them to your
specialist dealer.

The RS 170 digital RF headphone system
4
The RS 170 digital RF headphone system
The RS 170 is an RF stereo hi-fi headphone system with comprehensive
technical features. Its transparent and balanced sound image with
excellent bass response makes this system an ideal choice for hi-fi, home
cinema and TV use.
The rechargeable batteries can conveniently be recharged while in the
headphones. Enjoy total freedom of sound, stylish design and maximum
comfort.
Additional features of the RS 170 headphone system
• Transmits uncompressed audio over a robust 2.4 GHz digital link,
enabling you to enjoy your music without the hassles of cables.
• Dynamic transducer systems with powerful neodymium magnets
deliver clear and detailed audio reproduction.
• Kleer’s uncompressed digital wireless transmission delivers CD-quality
sound.
• No set-up required – just plug and play. Simply connect the transmitter
to your personal audio/video player, put on the headphones and turn
it on!
• TR 170 transmitter with multi-receiver capability, enabling up to 4
people to listen to the same sound source.
KleerTM wireless transmission technology
The RS 170 headphone system features the digital wireless audio
transmission technology from Kleer. The Kleer company has developed an
RF-based wireless transmission standard (of the same name) that offers
lossless audio transmission in CD-quality while consuming minimal power.

5
Delivery includes
Delivery includes
1 HDR 170 headphones
1 TR 170 transmitter
1 power supply unit with country adapters
1 stereo audio cable with 3.5 mm jack plugs
1 adapter 3.5 mm jack socket to ¼“ (6.3 mm) jack plug
1 adapter 3.5 mm jack socket to 2 RCA plugs
2 AAA size NiMH rechargeable batteries, 1.2 V
1 cable dresser
1 cable binder
1 quick guide incl. CD ROM with detailed instruction manual (PDF file)
1safetyguide

Product overview
6
Product overview
Overview of the HDR 170 headphones
HD
R
1
7
0
쐇
쐋
쐃
쐅
쐄
쐆
쐂쐊쐎
쐏
쐏
쐃Headband 쐄VOLUME + button
쐇Charging contacts 쐂Multi-function button
쐋Ear pads 쐆VOLUME – button
쐏Battery compartments 쐊SURR button
쐎BASS button
쐅Multi-function LED
With the multi-function button 쐂, you can switch the
headphones on/to standby mode, set the headphones to multi-user
operation, mute the headphones and associate the headphones.

7
Product overview
Overview of the TR 170 transmitter
햲CHARGE LED, orange
햳BASS button, backlit in green
햴SURROUND button, backlit in green
햵Multi-function button , backlit in green
햶Charging contacts for charging the headphones
햷Audio input (AUDIO IN)
햸ATTENUATOR switch
햹Socket for power supply unit (DC 5V 0.5A)
햺Cable dresser
With the multi-function button 햵, you can switch the
transmitter on/to standby mode, set the transmitter to multi-user
operation and associate the transmitter.
1
2
3
5
6
7
8
9
4

Product overview
8
Overview of the indicators and acoustic signals
Meaning of the pictograms for the different LEDs
Indicators on the headphones
Status Meaning
The LED is lit.
The LED flashes once per second.
The LED flashes twice every 5 seconds.
Indicator Status Meaning
Multi-function LED 쐅The rechargeable batteries
are almost flat.
The headphones are in
enrollment mode (searching
for a transmitter to pair
with).
The headphones are in
association mode
(exchanging device
information with the
transmitter).
The headphones receive an
audio signal.
1s
5s
1s
1s
1s
5s

9
Product overview
Indicators on the transmitter
Acoustic signal of the headphones
Indicator Status Meaning
CHARGE LED 햲The rechargeable batteries
are being charged.
off The rechargeable batteries
are fully charged.
BASS button 햳The dynamic bass boost is
activated.
SURR button 햴3D surround sound is
activated.
Multi-function
button 햵
off The transmitter is in
standby mode.
The transmitter is in
enrollment mode (searching
for headphones to pair
with).
The transmitter is in
association mode
(exchanging device
information with the
headphones).
The transmitter is in single-
user operation.
The transmitter is in multi-
user operation.
1 short beep Meaning
The minimum volume is reached.
The maximum volume is reached.
The SURR button 쐊is being pressed.
The BASS button 쐎is being pressed.
1s
1s
5s
5s

Product overview
10
Overview of the connection stages
Connection establishment
Enrollment mode When you switch the headphones and the transmitter on, the headphones
search for a suitable transmitter.
Pairing The headphones and the transmitter have recognized each other and the
headphones are paired with the transmitter.
Single-user and multi-user operation
Single-user operation You can listen to your sound source via one pair of headphones. By default,
the transmitter is set to single-user operation (see page 24).
Multi-user operation In order to be able to listen to your sound source with several headphones
simultaneously, you have to set your transmitter to multi-user operation
(see page 27).
1s
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5s
5s
5s
HD
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HD
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H
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1
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H
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H
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11
Putting the RS 170 into operation
Putting the RS 170 into operation
Setting up the transmitter
왘Choose a suitable place near your sound source (e.g. TV, stereo or home
cinema system).
왘Do not place the transmitter close to metal objects such as shelf bars,
reinforced concrete walls, etc. as this can decrease the transmitter’s
range.
Cable dresser
왘Snap the cable dresser 햺into the opening at the rear of the
transmitter.
왘Dress the cables through the small slit of the cable dresser 햺. The cable
dresser prevents the cables from slipping out of the sockets or being
kinked.
왘Use the cable binder to conceal the cables.
Music
Photos
Videos
Extras
Settings
ShuffleSongs
It is not necessary that the transmitter and headphones are in the
same room, so you can move around freely in the home or outside
in the garden.
99

Putting the RS 170 into operation
12
Connecting the transmitter to a sound source
You can connect the TR 170 transmitter to different sound sources, such
as a TV, a DVD player or a stereo system.
왘Switch your sound source off before connecting the transmitter.
왘Connect the audio cable 햻to the audio input 햷of the transmitter.
왘Check the connection possibility of your sound source.
왘Follow the instructions in the corresponding chapter in order to connect
your transmitter to the sound source.
Chapter Connection possibility Type of socket
Headphone socket
RCA sockets (output)
6
0
A
B
LR

13
Putting the RS 170 into operation
Connecting the transmitter to a headphone socket
Depending on your sound source, you have to change the setting of the
ATTENUATOR switch 햸in order to optimally adjust the signal of the sound
source.
왘Adjust the volume of the headphone socket on your sound source to a
medium level. This improves the quality of wireless sound
transmission. If necessary, check the settings of your sound source.
왘Connect the audio cable 햻to the headphone socket of your sound
source.
If the plug on the audio cable 햻is too small for your headphone socket,
plug the adapter to ¼“ (6.3 mm) jack plug 햽onto the audio cable.
A
Music
Photos
Videos
Extras
Settings
ShuffleSongs
Portable sound source
(MP3 player, mobile telephone)
Stationary sound source
(hi-fi system, amplifier)
왘Set the ATTENUATOR switch 햸
to “0 dB”.
왘Set the ATTENUATOR switch 햸
to “–8 dB”.
0
A
7

Putting the RS 170 into operation
14
Connecting the transmitter to RCA sockets (output)
Depending on your sound source, you have to change the setting of the
ATTENUATOR switch 햸in order to optimally adjust the signal of the sound
source.
왘Plug the adapter for RCA sockets 햾onto the audio cable 햻.
왘Connect the red connector of the adapter 햾to the red socket Rof your
sound source.
왘Connect the white connector of the adapter 햾to the white or black
socket Lof your sound source.
B
WARNING Danger of hearing damage due to high volumes!
You can suffer hearing damage if you are using other Kleer
compatible headphones without integrated volume control,
such as the Sennheiser MX W1, with the TR 170 transmitter:
왘In this case, do not connect the transmitter to the RCA
sockets (output) of your sound source, but to the
headphone socket of your sound source.
왘Before putting the headphones on, set the volume on the
sound source to a low level.
Music
Photos
Videos
Extras
Settings
ShuffleSongs
Portable sound source
(MP3 player, mobile telephone)
Stationary sound source
(hi-fi system, amplifier)
왘Set the ATTENUATOR switch 햸
to “0 dB”.
왘Set the ATTENUATOR switch 햸
to “–8 dB”.
If your sound source has several RCA sockets, use the RCA outputs
(usually “Audio Out”).
0
B
7

15
Putting the RS 170 into operation
Connecting the transmitter to the mains
왘Select the suitable country adapter 헀for your wall socket.
왘Slide the country adapter 헀onto the power supply unit 햿until it locks
into place.
왘Connect the connector 헁of the power supply unit to the socket 햹.
왘Plug the power supply unit 햿into a wall socket.
The transmitter switches on. The multi-function button 햵flashes
green after 9 seconds. The transmitter is in enrollment mode.
AU
EU UK US
C
D
4
8
E
1s

Putting the RS 170 into operation
16
Inserting and changing the rechargeable batteries
For powering the headphones, you can use:
• standard batteries (AAA size, 1.5 V)
• NiMH rechargeable batteries (AAA size, 1.2 V, 600 mAh)
If you are using standard batteries, the headphones must not be placed on
the headphone holder/charger of the transmitter.
왘Remove the ear pads 쐋from both ear cups by turning the ear pads in
the direction of the arrow until you overcome a slight resistance.
왘Lift the ear pads 쐋off the ear cups.
왘Remove the depeleted rechargeable batteries (where applies).
왘Insert the rechargeable batteries. Observe correct polarity when
inserting the batteries.
왘Secure the ear pads 쐋to the ear cups.
쐋
쐋

17
Putting the RS 170 into operation
Charging the headphones’ rechargeable batteries
Charge the rechargeable batteries for at least 16 hours prior to first time
use. Subsequent charging time is about half of the previous operating
time. The operating time is up to 24 hours.
왘Place the headphones on the headphone holder/charger of the
transmitter. Make sure that the headphones make good contact with
the charging contacts 햶.
The rechargeable batteries are being charged. The CHARGE LED 햲
lights up orange.
When the rechargeable batteries are fully charged, the CHARGE LED 햲
goes off.
Adjusting the headband of the headphones
For good sound quality and best possible comfort, the headband has to be
adjusted to properly fit your head. To do so, adjust the headband 쐃via its
snap-in locking mechanism:
왘Wear the headphones so that the headband 쐃runs over the top of
your head.
왘Adjust the length of the headband so that
– your ears are completely inside the earpads,
– you feel even, gentle pressure around your ears,
– a snug fit of the headband 쐃on the head is ensured.
CAUTION Danger of damage to the headphones!
If standard batteries are inserted into the headphones and
you place the headphones on the headphone holder/charger
of the transmitter, the batteries can leak and damage your
headphones.
왘Only place the headphones on the headphone holder/
charger of the transmitter if rechargeable batteries are
inserted.
16h
Always store the headphones on the headphone holder/charger to
ensure that they are fully charged when they are needed.
HD
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1
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쐃
H
DR 170

Using the RS 170
18
Using the RS 170
To switch the product on and to listen to your sound source, proceed as
follows:
Switching the transmitter on and off
Switching the transmitter on
왘Press the multi-function button 햵for approx. 1 second.
The transmitter switches on. The multi-function button 햵flashes
green, indicating that the transmitter is in enrollment mode.
Once the transmitter has found suitable headphones, it pairs with the
headphones and transmits an audio signal. The multi-function LED 쐅
of the headphones and the multi-function button 햵of the
transmitter flash slowly.
Sequence of steps Page
1. Make sure that the rechargeable batteries are charged. 17
2. Switch your sound source on. –
3. Switch your transmitter on. 20
4. Switch your headphones on. 20
5. Adjust the desired volume. 21
1s
5s
4
쐅

19
Using the RS 170
Switching the transmitter off
왘Press the multi-function button 햵for approx. 1 second.
The multi-function button 햵goes off. The transmitter is in standby
mode.
To disconnect the transmitter from the mains:
왘Pull out the mains plug from the wall socket.
Please note that In this case, the headphones’ rechargeable batteries
will not be recharged.
If the headphones are outside the transmission range or switched
off for more than 5 minutes, the transmitter automatically switches
to standby mode. The multi-function button 햵goes off. In
standby mode, the transmitter’s power consumption is very low so
that it can remain connected to the mains.