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Costco Sennheiser Sonite R

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Edited

I haven’t seen much on these posted probably because they’re very similar to the Phonak Lumity 90’s that have been discussed here. I have a moderate to sever hearing loss at the high frequencies and had been wearing Costco Kirkland KS10s (similar to the Phonak Paradise). I was having charging issues and Bluetooth issues with KS10s so it prompted me to search for some replacements.

I’ve always been an android user and I know Phonak seems to play the most nice with android vs some other brands. I was fitted and picked up the Sennheisers two days ago and thought I would give a brief review.

Now I understand these are not at the same tech level as the Phonak Sphere Infinios but at $1,599 plus a free tv connector this month at Costco I couldn’t jiustify $5K+ for the Spheres for the improved noisy environment and future availability.

I took the Sennheisers into to my usual noisy restaurant last night to do a comparison with my old KS10. For me, it was a noticeable difference. I had a much easier time hearing and understanding the five people at the table in the middle of the restaurant. This same situation that week with the KS10 left me straining to understand everyone.

I also noticed improved clarity listening to my wife in the car who tends to be a quiet speaker, but I’ve had little to no trouble hearing her with the Sennheisers.

Listening to programs and music with the Sennheisers is also much better than my KS10 even with open domes. They still don’t replace dedicated ear buds but more than sufficient for my needs.

I have to say, thus far I been very happy with the Sennheisers and continue to enjoy the service at Costco. I mentioned in another thread that I had to drive about 15 miles further than my closest Costco here in central Texas to get to the one of the Sennheiser trial Costcos. For me it was definately worth it. YMMV

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Since you have a six month return period at Costco, keep an eye open for the possible updated version in the next couple of months. There has been speculation here on the forum that might happen once the Sonova-Costco trial period is over.

Anybody hear anything if the trial is going to spread to other Costcos? I’d heard it was a 6 month trial but then recently heard from somebody at Costco that they were half way through the trial.
Perhaps @rasmus_braun or @Abram_D could provide some info? Thanks.

Same chapter, second verse. I had KS 10’s, got Sennheiser’s. They are a nice step up pretty much across the board. I do find that when listening to an Orchestra live the music prograom on the Sennheiser’s is way better than automatic. On the KS 10’s, it was the other way around.

In reply to @Longhorngary

I have the Spheres and my third set has now failed. Others have reported multiple problems with Spheres. If Costco brings in another unreliable product from Sonova that could be a huge problem.

I highly doubt they will, that’s Phonak’s flagship top product and it is selling very well. Phonak could sell the non-sphere Infinio, which is a current model.

Until yesterday, there was 1 Costco in the State of Oklahoma that sold the Sennheiser aids – not my local store. Sennheiser arrived at my local store yesterday.

In reply to @OcramSagev

Yes true it’s a good seller,but all the other manufacturers are selling their premium models and Phonak would increase sales considerably of the sphere, which is what the industry is all about, your right about infinio this could also be sold alongside.

Can anybody confirm that these are compatible with Roger On iN and other Phonak accessories (PartnerMic and TV connect)? Thanks. Our local Costco in California now has them and I’ll be going in next week.

Edited

I’ve done some poking and I’m pretty confident they’re compatible with PartnerMic and TV connect as Costco sells these accessories as well as a remote.
Roger compatibility remains a mystery. Several sources say no, they do not have internal Roger receivers. However they also claim the Sonite R have tcoils and I’m pretty sure they don’t from other sources.
Anybody know if the Sonite R have the ability to receive Roger “licenses”? Anybody used Roger devices with the Sonite R? It seems odd that Sonova would go to the trouble to remove the Roger capability but who knows?
Bonus question. Looks like there is only one compatible charger for the Sonite R and it doesn’t come with a battery?

@MDB said:

it doesn’t come with a battery?

If that is important to you, get a usb battery pack that is capable of very low current sustainment. Many cut off if the power delivery is very low. I can recommend one or two if you want.

WH

I don’t know how important it is but I thought it was a nice feature on the Infinio Sphere charger.
Is there a particular spec you look for? I have a INUI Power bank. Thanks!

There are at least two other voltaic brand chargers that show up when I look at it in the “ consider these available items” section at the top. They say “always on” in the descriptions. You want to see that or something like it in what you select. Paradise draws something like 10ma when charging and my old standard power bricks won’t stay on long enough. (I have meters to measure what goes on in a usb connection power-wise.)

WH

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