This week we reviewed the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless in-ear headphones, featuring Bluetooth aptX transmission, an integrated microphone, and Transparent Hearing technology.
The fewer wires there are and the happier we should be. The current trend of True Wireless earbuds is in full swing and many brands are jumping on the bandwagon. After Bose, Sony, Audio-Technica, Jabra and Master & Dynamic, it is Sennheiser’s turn to release a model of entirely wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphones featuring an amplification module and integrated batteries.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless: complete freedom
The main advantage of True Wireless headphones is of course the unparalleled freedom they offer. No cable connected to the smartphone or going around your neck, absolutely nothing, to the point that we almost feel like something is missing. Another strength, more geared toward audiophiles, is the integration of an amplifier powered by its own battery in each earbud. Admittedly, the sound transmitted via radio frequency is compressed, but the benefits of a double mono amplification directly connected to the transducers (7mm here) are indisputable.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless: battery life
Because there is no wired remote control, Sennheiser had to install a battery in each earbud. The batteries are inevitably very small in order to limit the weight of each earbud. As a result, the headphones battery life is limited to a maximum of 4 hours. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless headphones will be fully recharged after about 1h30 in the charging case. The case is also fitted with a battery and can ensure two successive charges before needing to be recharged itself. To charge the case, simply plug it into a powered USB port using its USB Type C cable.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless: control app
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless are designed to work with a dedicated app available for iOS and Android. The app may be used to connect the earbuds to a smartphone or a tablet, activate the “Transparent Hearing” mode, and adjust the EQ. The Transparent Hearing mode activates the microphone so the you may hear what is going on around you. A very convenient function when walking in the street or riding your bike. The microphone can also be used to make phone calls or to control the voice assistant (Siri, Google Assistant). The EQ is a bit unconventional as it is not a graphic EQ. To adjust the EQ, the user needs to move a dot on the control screen to adjust the restitution. We’re not exactly sure of what is being adjusted but the correction is applied in real time.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless: test conditions
It is impossible to pair the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless in-ear headphones to a device without the Sennheiser Smart Connect app. In other words, it doesn’t seem possible to connect these headphones to a computer or many other Bluetooth devices (TV, DAP, Bluetooth transmitter, etc.). This is just a small hurdle considering that these True Wireless headphones were primarily designed to be used on the go with a smartphone.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless: listening impressions
We used a Xiaomi Mi 8 (aptx) smartphone to listen to FLAC files and Google Play Music. The highs are highlighted and the mids are clear, but a slight transducer resonance is audible (the highest frequencies are too bright). The lows are quite generous and have enough clout to counterbalance the emphasis on the mids.
The sound signature emphasises the highs, which is tiring over the course of longer listening sessions and makes all recordings sound similar.
Nevertheless, the restitution is suitable for listening to music in a noisy environment (public transport, jogging in a city), notably due to the possibility of listening to music at very high volume.
When watching videos, we didn’t notice any audio-video delay, but the smartphone we used for this test automatically synchronizes the sound and the image. We were able to listen to the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless for 3 hours without any difficulties. The left earbud, which sends the signal to the right earbuds, logically runs out of battery faster.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless: compared to…
Bose SoundSport Free wireless: the Bose headphones are not quite as comfortable, but have a more balanced sound signature, which makes long listening sessions possible.
Sony WF-SP700: the Sony headphones are bigger and and benefit from very advantageous functions such as a solid bass boost mode and an active noise cancellation mode. The sound signature is also more neutral and pleasant.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless: conclusion
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless didn’t inherit the famous neutrality that the Sennheiser Momentum, or HD, range is known for. It is possible to balance the signature out using the app’s EQ but the high mids are still too harsh. Nevertheless, these headphones are very comfortable and the touch commands are reactive.
What we liked:
- The comfort
- The integrated microphone with “Transparent Mode”
- Touch commands (pause, volume, voice assistant, etc.)
- The build quality
We would have liked:
- A more balanced sound
- Smoother high mids
