Why You Can Trust CNET RHA SA950i review: Lightweight and likable on-ear headphones
While the RHA SA950i may not excel in any one area, it's an all-around solid set of on-ear headphones that won't break the bank at $60.
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You may have never heard of RHA -- short for Reid and Heath Acoustics products -- but it's a small Scottish headphone company that makes some pretty decent products for affordable prices. We've taken a look at some of its in-ear models, including the $50 MA450, but the SA950i model reviewed here is an on-ear model.
The Good
The Bad
The Bottom Line
What I liked about these headphones is that they're lightweight, offer a comfortable fit (especially for on-ears), have a detachable cloth-covered cord with a built-in Apple-friendly remote and microphone, and they sound good for the money.
The SA950i has a sort of retro design and while I can't rave about it, I will say that it's attractive enough and fairly distinct. If I have a few quibbles it's that there's a bit too much glossy plastic in the mix and I think the earcups will show scratches over time, but that may not be a bad thing for some people. They also don't fold up for storage.
Build quality seems good but not great. However, RHA does offer a three-year warranty on these guys, which is a couple of years longer than what you get with most headphones.
As for their sound, these headphones are more bound to please audiophile types who prefer well-balanced sound that doesn't accentuate the treble or bass. The SA950is offer smooth, clean sound, with good bass, but they're not incredibly detailed nor do they deliver incredibly deep, powerful bass despite their 40mm drivers. Speakerphone performance was fine.
Conclusion
The RHA SA950i is an all-around solid on-ear model that offers decent sound for the money. I can't say they excel in any one area (design, comfort, or performance), but they're lightweight and likable. I'd like to see them come in under $50, especially with all the competition in the $60-$80 price range, but the SA950i certainly holds its own soundwise with other headphones in its price class -- and it comes equipped with an inline remote and microphone.