RBH Sound HP-1B Wireless and HP-2 Reference Headphones Preview

RBH sound has expanded their product line-up with the announcement of two new, over-the-ear headphone models, the HP-1B and HP-2.  RBH has previously impressed us with their in-ear offerings.  In fact, at Audioholics we have loved these in-ear models so much that we have named them among our top picks. The HP-1B and HP-2 signal the first time that RBH is stepping into the reference headphone market.  

At Audioholics, we’re certainly excited by RBH’s news.  One thing that has been constant from RBH is superb price-performance value.  This announcement means that consumers may be in store for incredible sound at unbelievable value price points (hopefully just in time for Christmas).  We were able to conduct an exclusive interview with RBH Sound Marketing Director Darren Egan to get the scoop on their new headphone products and bluetooth amplifier which is a must watch before reading the rest of this preview article.

YouTube Video Interview with RBH Sound on New Headphones and Bluetooth Amplifier

Looking at the models a bit more in-depth we’ll see that both they are closed back, over the ear designs. The two models target a different customer base. And that, in turn, has dictated some of the features that sets them apart.

The real highlight of the HP-1B is that it aims to be a portable reference headphone.  To that end, the HP-1B is wireless.  It supports the latest Bluetooth v4 standard and is compatible with the most recent smart phones and mobile devices from Apple, Samsung and the like.  

Frequency response is full range at 10 Hz to 22 kHz. Music and talk time is conservatively rated at 14 hours. In standby, these headphones will keep a charge for a whopping 540 hours or 22 1/2 days.  Given our previous experience with RBH's wireless in-ear monitors, we expect the real world numbers on the HP-1B to crush their notoriously conservative specs.

The HP-1B take about two hours to reach a full charge.  However, should you pound these headphones for days and forget to charge them, there's nothing to worry about.  You have the option of running the headphones wired.  Two cables are included. The first is a straight cable, which resembles the same high-quality tangle free cable found in the EP-3 in-ear monitor.  There is also a control cable with an included microphone as part of the bundle.

RBH HP-2 Ultra-Light Reference Headphone

The HP-2 sits at the top of RBH's performance ladder.  It is a traditional, wired headphone for reference-grade sound.  The HP-2 is a completely different design—not just a wired version of the HP-1B.  The HP-2 features a pair of 45mm beryllium coated drivers. The frequency range, as you’d expect from drivers featuring Beryllium is off the charts, coming in at 10Hz on the low end and topping out at 45kHz.  The sensitivity of the HP-2 is 98bB, making these reference-grade cans and easily load for smart phone or mobile amplifiers. 

Specs aside, there’s one very practical thing that makes reference-grade headphones a pain to reach for on a daily basis: their weight.  Yes, many reference-style headphones are heavy.  That weight makes wearing them all day or for extended listening sessions a bit fatiguing.   

RBH knew that a headphone’s weight and feel was an issue so they chose to tackle it heads-on in their design.  Boy did they succeed!  The HP-2 weighs a ridiculously light 8.82oz. To emphasize the point, the company refers to them as ultralight. 

What's the Cost You Say?

So how much do these headphones cost?  Well, the price-point of these headphones is something to take serious note of.  The HP-1B and HP-2 will both come to market for just under $200.   Gene DellaSala had a chance to get hands-on with these headphones and noted that the sound from the HP-1B and HP-2s was better than headphones he’s auditioned costing multiples of the pricing we’ll see with these new RBH headphones.  That’s exciting. 

Over the years, RBH has gradually expanded its product line, surprising us with each turn.  That being said, we’re not just looking forward to an extended review, we’re anxious to get them in-house for some extended listening.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.