Panasonic Over Ear HT161K Headphones

The Panasonic RP-HT161-K Headphones are a lightweight over-the-ear option that delivers clear sound and extra bass. With a sleek design and comfortable fit, these headphones offer a great listening experience for extended periods. This article will discuss the features, user feedback, and overall pros and cons of the Panasonic RP-HT161-K Headphones.

Information

• Item Weight: 5.6 ounces
• ASIN: B075LT8YLR
• Item model number: RP-HT161-K
• Best Sellers Rank: #967 in Electronics, #62 in Over-Ear Headphones
• Date First Available: September 11, 2017
• Manufacturer: Panasonic

Key Features

• Wired over-the-ear headphones: The full-size, classic-style headphones provide balanced, high-frequency sound comparable to higher-priced models.
• Powerful bass and clear vocals: Equipped with dual 30mm neodymium driver units, these headphones offer satisfying bass, mid-range, and high-frequency trebles for clear vocals and lyrics.
• Padded for comfort: The plush padded earpads provide a comfortable fit and help minimize ambient noise and distractions. The quick-adjust headband ensures an optimum fit.
• Extended headphone cord: The 6.6 feet audio cord allows flexibility while watching movies, TV, or gaming.
• Sleek design: The distinctive matte black finish and lightweight design make these headphones stylish and comfortable for on-the-go use.

Design and Comfort

The Panasonic RP-HT161-K Headphones have a simple but stylish matte black design. The large over-ear cups provide good passive noise isolation and the plush padding prevents discomfort over long listening sessions. The adjustable headband also ensures a secure and customized fit for different head sizes. At just over 10 ounces, these lightweight headphones won’t weigh you down. The 6.5-foot cable gives you plenty of slack to connect the 3.5mm jack to your device.

Sound Quality

For the price, the Panasonic RP-HT161-K Headphones deliver surprisingly full and balanced sound. The large 50mm neodymium drivers produce tight bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. While the sound signature leans slightly warm and the highs can sound somewhat muted at times, the Panasonic RP-HT161-K Headphones provides an enjoyable listening experience for casual music, videos, gaming, and more. The sound quality isn’t audiophile-grade but punches well above its budget price point.

Features

The HT161K headphones include an inline control with built-in mic for taking calls and controlling playback. The over-ear design also provides passive noise isolation to block out ambient noise. A 3.5mm connector allows for plug-and-play use with most devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and MP3 players.

Battery Life and Connectivity

As wired headphones, the Panasonic RP-HT161-K Headphones does not require any battery or wireless connectivity. It connects directly to your device’s 3.5mm headphone jack.

Use Cases and Applications

The Panasonic Over Ear HT161K Headphones are a great choice for:

• Casual music and multimedia listening - With their balanced sound, comfortable over-ear design and inline controls, the Panasonic RP-HT161-K Headphones are ideal for enjoying your favorite music, streaming content, audiobooks and more on the go.

• Gaming - The large drivers provide an immersive listening experience for gaming on your PC, console or mobile device. The long 6.5-foot cable gives you plenty of slack to sit back from your screen.

• Video and movie watching - Watch videos, movies, TV shows and other content in comfort thanks to the over-ear padding that helps block out ambient noise.

• Phone calls - Take calls with the built-in microphone and inline controls. The over-ear fit also helps reduce call noise for the person on the other end of the line.

• Air travel - The lightweight, foldable design of the Panasonic RP-HT161-K Headphones makes them easy to pack and transport. They provide entertainment and help block out noise on long flights.

User Feedback and Ratings

Based on more than 9,000 customer reviews on Amazon, the Panasonic RP-HT161-K Headphones have received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Users have praised the headphones for their value, comfort, and sound quality. Some of the common positive aspects mentioned in user feedback include:

• Value for money: Many users consider these headphones a great value for the price, comparing them to higher-end models.
• Comfortable fit: The padded earpads and adjustable headband ensure a snug and comfortable fit.
• Good sound quality: Users appreciate the clear sound, powerful bass, and balanced vocals provided by the headphones.

However, some users have mentioned a few drawbacks, such as:

• Durability concerns: A few users reported that the headphones stopped working after a few months of use.
• Loose adjustment: Some users found the length adjustment of the headphones to be too loose, causing them to slide when putting on or taking off.

Pros:

• Clear sound with extra bass
• Lightweight and comfortable design
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Some durability concerns
• Loose adjustment for length

Price and Value

At under $20, the Panasonic Over Ear HT161K Headphones offer tremendous value for budget-conscious buyers looking for a pair of casual over-ear headphones. For the price, it’s difficult to find another model that matches the Panasonic RP-HT161-K Headphones in sound quality, comfort, and features. If you’re on a tight budget but still want a solid set of wired over-ear headphones, the Panasonic RP-HT161-K Headphones should be at the top of your list.

Conclusion

The Panasonic RP-HT161-K Headphones offer a compelling combination of clear sound, lightweight design, and affordable price. With positive user feedback regarding value, comfort, and sound quality, these headphones are a recommended choice for those seeking an enjoyable listening experience. However, there have been some durability concerns reported by users, so it’s important to take this into consideration before making a purchase.

Specifications

• Driver unit: 50mm neodymium
• Frequency response: 10Hz-27kHz
• Maximum power input: 1000mW
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Cable length: 6.5 feet
• Plug: 3.5mm stereo
• Weight: 10.2 ounces

What’s in the Box

• Panasonic Over Ear HT161K Headphones

How to Use

1. Connect the 3.5mm plug to your device’s headphone jack. This includes smartphones, tablets, laptops, in-flight entertainment systems and more.

2. Adjust the headband so the ear cups fit comfortably and securely over your ears. The headband is adjustable to fit most head sizes.

3. Use the inline controls to adjust volume, play/pause music or take calls. The center button is for playback control and call management. The + and - buttons control volume.

4. Enjoy your audio through the large 50mm neodymium drivers. The over-ear design helps passively block out ambient noise for an immersive listening experience.

5. Fold the ear cups in to pack the headphones for travel or storage when not in use. Be sure not to drop or crush the headphones to avoid damage.

6. Replace or repair the headphones if you experience issues like cutting in and out, significant sound imbalance between the left and right drivers or damage to the ear pads, headband or drivers. The headphones do not have a user-replaceable battery.

7. Recycle the headphones properly when they reach the end of their lifespan. Do not throw them in the trash. Check with local regulations for electronics recycling in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Panasonic Over Ear HT161K Headphones fully enclose the ears or press against them?

The Panasonic Over Ear HT161K Headphones have earpads that softly surround the entire ear to minimize ambient noise and distractions. However, one user noted that with a center hole inside the padding of only about 1 & 3/4 inches around, these headphones did not fully enclose their ears. This indicates that while the headphones are designed to cover the ears, the fit may vary depending on the individual’s ear size.

Will the headphone jack of the Panasonic Over Ear HT161K Headphones fit through the headphone jack on an iPhone 5s life proof case?

Yes, the headphone jack of the Panasonic Over Ear HT161K Headphones is designed to fit through standard cases. For instance, one user confirmed that it fits fine through their Otterbox Defender case for the iPhone 5S, suggesting compatibility with similar cases.

Can 2-inch-diameter replacement foam earpads fit the Panasonic Over Ear HT161K Headphones?

The earpads of the Panasonic Over Ear HT161K Headphones are actually oval, not circular, with approximate dimensions of 2.25 x 1.75 inches. Since they are more than 2 inches at the longest dimension, standard 2-inch-diameter replacement foam earpads are unlikely to fit properly.

Are the Panasonic Over Ear HT161K Headphones suitable for outdoor activities like brisk walking or running?

The Panasonic Over Ear HT161K Headphones are lightweight and designed for long-lasting comfort. However, they might not be ideal for running due to potential movement issues. They could be suitable for a brisk walk, but for more vigorous activities, they might not provide the necessary stability.

Tips

• To ensure a comfortable fit, adjust the headband of the Panasonic Over Ear HT161K Headphones to conform to your head properly. The plush padded earpads should fit snugly around the entire ear to provide optimal comfort and noise isolation.
• Take advantage of the extended 6.6 feet audio cord, which gives you ample space to move around while listening to music or watching TV, enhancing your overall listening experience.
• Remember that while the Panasonic Over Ear HT161K Headphones deliver balanced high-frequency sound and powerful bass, they are designed without a built-in microphone, so they may not be suitable for activities requiring voice communication.