RHA TrueConnect 2 review: Simply superb sound
A few minor niggles notwithstanding, RHA’s revamped earbuds are a cracking, no-fuss product
Pros
- Remarkable sound
- Excellent battery life
- Appealing price tag
Cons
- Fit can be finicky
- No ANC
Glasgow-based headphone manufacturer RHA is back with another pair of true wireless earbuds. They’re called the TrueConnect 2, and although at first glance they strongly resemble their prestigious predecessors, the company has been hard at work smoothing a few rough edges.
As a result, our verdict is much the same as it was before. Like their predecessors, the RHA TrueConnect 2 earbuds offer unrivalled audio in a stylish package – only now, they do so at an even keener price. If you’re hunting for a pair of AirPod-beating earbuds at a lower price point, look no further.
What do you get for the money?
The RHA TrueConnect 2 earbuds will set you back £130. That RHA has managed to shave £20 off the list price of the original TrueConnect earbuds is no mean feat: the TrueConnect 2 are better protected against the elements; they now sport touch-sensitive controls on each bud; they boast an improved battery life and they sound better.
More specifically, the TrueConnect 2 are IP55-rated, meaning they are sealed tight against both dust and heavy rain (just don’t take them for a swim). The buds themselves will last nine hours on a single charge and slotting them into their rather swish charging case will net you a further 35 hours of playback. Battery life was already pretty good, at 25 hours total – now, at 44 hours, it’s exceptional.
It is worth noting that these are relatively basic earbuds, with no active noise cancellation or ambient noise mode. If you want a pair with these features, you’ll have to spend a fair amount more, and the overall battery life will take a hit as a consequence. For this reason, the lack of ANC is not a crippling drawback.
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What are they like to use?
I have my misgivings about touch controls on wireless earbuds. More often than not, they are fiddly and respond sporadically – fortunately, this is not the case with the RHA TrueConnect 2. Swapping out the physical buttons for touch controls was a logical decision here: the broad, flat outer surface of the buds is ideally suited for whacking with an index finger, and I found that my inputs were recognised most of the time.
I’m also going to level praise at the case. It’s trim, stylish and inexplicably satisfying to use: the earbuds slot in so snugly (aided by two built-in magnets) you’ll find it a little tough to get them out again. It’s also charged via USB-C, which is an absolute blessing. The matte surface (of both case and buds) does pick up fingerprints quite easily but this is my only real niggle.
How do they sound?
Courtesy of a pair of 6mm dynamic drivers, the RHA TrueConnect 2 earbuds sound fantastic. Bass frequencies are weighty and controlled whilst upper registers come through with clarity and avoid the telltale hissing sibilance of weaker earbuds. These earbuds are just as comfortable with the crunching rhythm guitars and strained vocals of System of a Down’s “B.Y.O.B.” as they are with the wistful cor anglais and muted strings of Antonín Dvořák’s “New World Symphony”.
Instrumental separation is excellent. I was able to pick out the plucking of the string section, for example, in the closing moments of Frank and Nancy Sinatra’s crooning duet “Something Stupid”. Stick on a barebones demo (I went with Jim Croce’s “Operator”) and you’ll feel like you’re in the room with the artist.
True audiophiles might point out that the RHA TrueConnect 2 don’t support more advanced Bluetooth codecs (such as aptX or LDAC) but, frankly, the earbuds do such a good job with more basic SBC and AAC codecs that it really doesn’t matter.
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Are they comfortable?
The unusual shape of the RHA TrueConnect 2 earbuds presented a few difficulties. The cylindrical housing is distinctive, sure, but it’s also a little unforgiving; wearing these earbuds even remotely incorrectly can cause discomfort. Once you’ve figured out how to sit them in your ears properly, however, the TrueConnect 2 are perfectly comfortable – it’s just a fiddly process.
The more positive side effect of the TrueConnect 2’s unusual design is that adjusting them without accidentally activating the controls is less of a challenge – there’s a larger surface area around the sides for your fingers to grip.
One thing I should note is that these headphones may not suit runners. I took them on several long runs and found that I was having to press them back into my ear canals a tad more than I would have liked.
Should you buy the RHA TrueConnect 2?
Fiddly fit issues aside, the TrueConnect 2 earbuds are another stellar effort from RHA. I would happily recommend them to anyone looking for a pair of simple, high-quality wireless earbuds: they tick pretty much every box and tend to undercut the likes of Apple, Sennheiser or Jabra on price.
If you need ANC, look elsewhere, but if straightforward audio excellence is what you seek, the RHA TrueConnect 2 earbuds are a great choice.
