You may also be wondering just how you connect other headphones to the transmitter via Auracast. As I said earlier, Sennheiser’s HDR 275 connect to the system automatically on power-up, though they can also break free and connect to your phone over regular Bluetooth to take them on the go. Other options have their own methods; JBL’s Tour Pro 3 buds let you connect with their specialized transmitter case, while the Momentum 4 connect over the Sennheiser Smart Plus app.

The app is your primary settings hub for both the transmitter and Sennheiser headphones, so you’ll want to download it straight away. It’s easy to set up, searching for devices with a tap and offering basic settings, including three sound modes for options like speech enhancement, Virtual Surround, and a mix of both. I didn’t think any of the modes were an upgrade, instead creating a thinner, more tinny sound signature, so I mainly kept the system in Neutral.

The app can be sluggish, and I sometimes needed to close and reopen it to find devices or control settings. This is a new system, so some of these issues may be smoothed out via firmware updates, but it’s something to note if you’re a stickler for perfect UI.

Basic Cans

Photograph: Ryan Waniata

My main critique with the RS 275 bundle is that the included headphones are just OK. While they’re fairly comfy and do offer transparency mode so you can hear your surroundings, it’s not the most effective, and there’s no noise canceling available. That wasn’t an issue for me while listening at home, but at this price, it would have been a nice addition for traveling (as would a carrying case). On the bright side, the package includes a snazzy (and durable) headphones stand, and the headphones offer a mighty 50-hour battery life.