I've had about 10 hours on the new RS-180. I've been listening to my old vinyl records and I have to say that I'm very impressed with these cans. They sound Fantastic. I'm comparing them to the MDR-7506 Sony's I use for Editing Video and listening to music off my computer while I'm working. The Sony's are just harsh and very one dimensional. It's seems like everything is up front and center. The RS-180s are so much nicer to listen to especially at low volume. I still prefer to listen to my speakers but this type of listening is really appealing to me. It's very different.
So I'll complain just a little. I can't believe how light these are. That's a good thing I know but the plastic feels just ok. There is some creaking that happens when you remove them or put them on. A little disappointing. They're fine once on and very comfy but just creaky with normal handling. I'd expect it after a few years but right out of the box?
OK. Answers... there is a switch in the back of the transmitter that switches from 0 to -8db. One is recommended for Ipods or portable devices and the other is for Home Hifi. I use the -8 DC setting and I use the provided adapter to hook it directly to my source. I use the Pro-ject SE II Tubebox. I noticed the the levels on the headphones need to be up in the higher range and I tried to switch it to the 0 setting but it was just too loud. Not distorted or clipping as you say but definitely way to loud for my liking.
As far as range, it's pretty incredible. I went downstairs to wash my car as I live in a three story condo and I'm on the third floor and heard no difference but just the ambient noise from other cars and such. No dropping at all. The only times it cuts out for a split second is in front of the nuker. just walking by it will cause it to drop. just briefly however. There is a manual pairing option but I haven't felt the need to do that just yet.
I wish I can say more about the SQ but I'm just not experienced. I really like how the mids sound. Vocals, electric and acoustic guitars are excellent. I've since just listen mostly to Cat Stevens and a bunch of Mark Knopfler stuff and the RS-180 are so much sweeter and fuller than my MDR-7506s. I know they're totally different cans but its my only reference. I really like accurate and responsive mids and as far as the sens they're delivering. This is my first open Headphones and I'm liking a...lot.
I've got a question to throw back at everyone. I know amplification is super important. I don't know if these wireless cans need it since I don't have one. I've talked to my Stereo Repair, Vinyl Sensei here in town and he said for best results, I should just go straight the source. Meaning straight from the phone stage through RCAs or the headphone jack from my Yamaha CD player. It's sounds great to me but getting new gear is so much fun. BTW, if you can get your hands on a Yamaha CDX 820, 920, 1100 or whatever, you should this CD player, it rocks. Sounds great. and cheap. My Audio Sensei played one side by side by side to some customer CD players and he and I just smiled and went straight to fleabay. He's buys any he can get his hands on and makes his tweaks and voila, I've unplugged my adcom CD Player.
Anyhow, I'm full rambling now so I guess it's time for bed. Peace everyone. I've really enjoyed this forum. Great stuff.