Sennheiser goes wireless at CES with Bluetooth Momentums, Urbanites

CES was all about cutting cords, at least for headphone specialists Sennheiser. The company launched a slew of new wireless models to compliment its existing Momentum and Urbanite headphone ranges, and updated its wireless home entertainment range with four new additions. We got to listen to them all, as well as the jaw-dropping Orpheus electrostatic headphones, but seeing as those are no longer on sale let's move right along to what's new for 2015.

First up, the Urbanite wireless XL . Sennheiser has switched out the cable for Bluetooth 4.0 and the less-lossy aptX codec for clearer wireless audio, while retaining the same signature style of the original Urbanite over-ears. That means they have the same comfy velour earpads, denim-like texture on the headband, ultra-flexible build quality and deep bass from the drivers, but can be paired to up to eight devices for cable-free listening.

A touch-sensitive panel built into the ear cup lets you swipe up and down to change volume, or tap to control music playback. When paired to a smartphone, a tap can also answer incoming calls. Of course, there's still a 3.5mm audio jack in case you run out of battery and want to carry on listening. On a full charge, it should last up to 25 hours of playback.

It will be going on sale in the coming months for £249.99.

The highlight of the new range is the updated Momentum on-ears and over-ears , which have been given a flexible hinge system to let you fold the ear cups away when you want to throw them in a bag for travelling. Both models now have wireless versions too, gaining the same Bluetooth 4.0 and aptX compatibility as the wireless Urbanites, as well as active noise cancellation. Four microphones automatically block out ambient noise as soon as you connect the headphones to a device - there's no way to listen via Bluetooth without ANC, but thankfully we couldn't detect any of the hiss typical of lesser ANC systems.

Playback controls can be found on the earcups, and each pair of headphones should be able to last 22 hours on a full charge. Otherwise they retain the same gorgeous styling, premium materials and build quality, and importantly the same signature sound as the old models. The Momentum 2.0 on-ear Wireless should cost around £290, while the over-ear model will set you back £380.

Finally, the RS digital wireless headphone range is designed to have a permanent place as part of your home cinema system, for when you don't want to wake the neighbours with your full sound system. The entry-level RS 165 is designed primarily for TV viewing and music, while the step up RS 175 adds surround sound for films and games. The top-end RS 185 has an open back design and has manual level controls to suit your personal preference. Finally, the RS 195 was built for anyone with specific hearing needs, with dedicated modes and presets for making speech easier to hear. The range starts at £180 and goes up to £350 for the RS 195.

We're hoping to get something new from each of the updated ranges in for review a little closer to launch, so be sure to check back to find out if it's time to invest in a new set of wireless cans.