Sennheiser Momentum First Impression

 

Amplifier Use

You don’t really need an amplifier to drive the Momentum with, it plays well right out of an Ipod or out of my Altmann Tera (with its relatively weak headphone out). I did try using it with some amps, including the mighty Burson Soloist with a hope to improve the bass impact or control, but didn’t really get any significant improvement. Sound was bigger and grander out of a good desktop set up, that’s for sure. But bass, I’m still not feeling the PRaT.

 

Some Comparisons

If you want something that resembles the warmth of the Momentum but with better PRaT, you can get the Amperior. It’s a warmer version of the HD25-1, though again bass speed and PRaT is probably a 7 where the HD25-1 is a 9. At the other end of the scale, full of PRaT and little warmth is the long time favorite HD25-1.

Being warm and full sounding may sound like a typical Sennheiser, but listening to the absolutely grainless and clean sound, I’m assured that this headphone is equipped with the latest generation driver from Sennheiser. Even the HD800 still has grain in the sound, so you definitely won’t be comparing the Momentum’s driver to the HD600/650 class or even the HD558/598. It’s a lot like the HD700 in the sense that’s it’s very clean, though the background is not as black as the HD700’s. Of course this is not reference class like the HD600/650/700/800, so please don’t get the wrong idea. I was just praising the clean grainless sound of the Momentum, since Sennheisers usually come with grainy drivers. The bottom line is that the technicalities are good for a lifestyle headphone: you get the soundstage, you get a clean grainless sound, and detail level is good, but that’s about it.

 

 

End Words

I have mixed feelings with the Momentum. As I’ve said: this is a headphone that knows very well what it was designed to do and to whom its creators wanted to sell it to.I don’t think Sennheiser or anybody else could’ve done a better job at designing a classy lifestyle headphone for the mainstream crowd. From the first moment I put it on, the fit the comfort to the sound it was all very nice. The sound, despite the shortcomings in the bass, I think is perfectly tuned for the mainstream crowd. I don’t think it’s the headphone for me though. The HD25-1 may have had a much older, less refined driver, but I love its PRaT and the tight fast bass. The TMA-1 which people find to be uncompatible with almost every recording out there, is still a much better headphone for club music. If that may sounds like a turn-off, let me say again that the Momentum is currently the best lifestyle headphone I’ve listened to, and I’m not even counting the styling points. I just find it to be too soft, to relaxed for me, but that’s the beauty about headphones: it’s never about finding the ultimate headphone. Rather, finding what’s right for you and your music.

 

sennheiser_momentum_07 sennheiser_momentum_06 sennheiser_momentum_05 sennheiser_momentum_04 sennheiser_momentum_03 sennheiser_momentum_02 sennheiser_momentum_01

 

4.1/5 - (22 votes)
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193 Comments

  • Reply October 10, 2012

    Eric Thompson

    Hmmm so its closer the the HD600 than the 650 but with better technicalities but with worse sound stage and imaging?

    Second, your comments sparked a question, is there any headphone that has lots of bass, but isn’t totally dark, but is still punchy and maintains good PRaT? HE400 or would the M80 fit that bill? Although I’m looking at stuff over $200 mostly.

    • Reply October 10, 2012

      Mike

      “Hmmm so its closer the the HD600 than the 650 but with better technicalities but with worse sound stage and imaging?”

      Sorry, how did you get that idea?

      M80 would be it.

      • Reply October 10, 2012

        Eric Thompson

        From “You can play classical on it, but I still demand HD650 level impact for symphonies.”

        “The bottom line is that the technicalities are good for a lifestyle
        headphone: you get the soundstage, you get a clean grainless sound, and
        detail level is good, but that’s about it.”

        And from you comparing it to the P5 id assume it has more treble than the HD650 (I have heard the P5 but only read about the HD650) but you said plainly that the HD650 has more bass impact, which I thought also implied probably more bass quantity even if only a little, but you also said it still has pretty good PRaT. So I figued it would be closer to the HD650 than the HD600.

        Last the Momentum has less grain but the HD600 and 650 have to be more open by design, thus (in the case of good quality headphones all from Sennheiser) have a better sound stage.

        Correct me if I’m wrong?

        • Reply October 10, 2012

          Mike

          Eric,
          I don’t think you are getting the picture here. The Momentum is a lifestyle headphone with good technicalities. I don’t see why you would be making comparisons with the HD600/650 which are clearly reference-class designs with an older driver.

          • Reply October 11, 2012

            Eric Thompson

            Well comparing it to the P5 got my interest as the the lack of treble (and price) were the only problems I saw with it and other wise really liked it. And the next headphone I’m looking at buying is the HD600 per my question in the Q and A section.

            Still lost on amps tho? lol

            • Reply October 12, 2012

              Scott Boyer

              It’s good to see Sennheiser making headway in the lifestyle headphone segment. Not so much into Sennheiser’s brown scheme, but I haven’t seen it in person either. I’ll make the time to give it a listen.

              Also, I find it interesting that the B&W P5 is still thought of as lacking in treble. Let me explain…

              I had the opportunity to listen to an early version of the P5 and directly compare it to a recently made version. I will say the earlier version was lacking treble and rather muddy, but B&W gave the P5 an earpad upgrade early on and, at some point, definitely a driver retune. The latest version of the P5 is the closest I’ve been able to find to a mini-Sennheiser HD650…tonally speaking.

              • Reply October 12, 2012

                Mike

                Scott,
                Thanks for sharing your impression on the new P5 version.

                • Reply January 31, 2013

                  Lazar Ranisavljevic

                  Very interesting review Mike, but it got me confused… Namely i have a specific music taste and listen to classical (I.E. Requiem by Mozart) music but also lots of drum and base, as well as some dubstep(I.E. Delta Heavy, Pendulum, The Prodigy), and you have commented very little about those types of music, so my question is, which one would you recommend of the three, or even an up to 500-600 $ alternative, but they have to be sealed, and the Denons 2k,5k, 7k are not an option, size is not that relevant, just the ssound and build quality?

                  • Reply January 31, 2013

                    dalethorn

                    Played some Debussy Clair de Lune (Vanska/Minnesota) on the Momentum – sounds great. Tried Xilent – Choose Me-2, and that was great, but be prepared for a LOT of high freq. energy. No harshness though. Played Tutt-Keltner Drum Improv – good but not as sharp as with some headphones. Played Trombone Shorty – Backatown, and though very nice, here’s where the deep bass capability of the Beyer DT770 has an edge over the Momentum. Still, the Momentum at worst never offends, and otherwise is very pleasant on nearly everything. Now I’m trying to think of a better closed headphone for more money that doesn’t have any serious flaws… …still thinking.

                    • January 31, 2013

                      Lazar Ranisavljevic

                      Thank you for your reply, and i guess what i wanted to hear was “Momentum at worst never offends”, and that’s similar to what Tyll from IF said. I’ve spent months searching for all- round best general use headphone, and was determined to get the Amperior, but after my final live comparison which i am going to do tomorrow, looks like it will be the Momentum which gets to go home with me… Oh, just one more question, because i know how awesome the durability and ruggedness of HD25 is, i was wandering how does it compare to Momentum ?

                    • January 31, 2013

                      dalethorn

                      The Amperior is supposed to be the same as the HD25 with just a small refinement, and the Amperior is similar in many ways to the Momentum, but with much more weight in the upper bass to lower mids. But the Momentum is a much newer design than the HD25/Amperior, and has a smoother sound, which I think is more musical. The Momentum does seem very durable as well.

                    • February 3, 2013

                      Lazar Ranisavljevic

                      Thanks for your advice, and after listening to both and comparing them, i decided to go with the Momentum, and they sound terrific, i hope that the sound will only improve with enough burn-in hours.

                  • Reply January 31, 2013

                    Mike

                    I would use the Momentum for easy listening, Jazz, Acoustics. Mozart’s Requiem, may be okay but I prefer the HD650 for classical. Dubstep, I would go with the Fidelio L1.

                    • January 31, 2013

                      Lazar Ranisavljevic

                      Thanks for your reply, and that’s all nice, but for home listening, where it’s quiet i have my HiFi speakers, and HD650 are open back, while Fidelio L1 are semi- open, so that’s mainly the reason why i restricted myself to HD25, Amperior or Momentum. (aside from the audiophile grade sound quality that is, at least for the Amperior and Momentum)

                    • January 31, 2013

                      Mike

                      Ah yea that makes sense then

            • Reply October 12, 2012

              Mike

              AKG K550, Senn 380 Pro and the UE6000? I’m not sure how the UE6000 sounds, but the AKG and the Senn 380 can be compared to the HD600, but not the Momentum.

  • Reply October 10, 2012

    Michael Julius

    Always a pleasure to read your reviews. Seems like this could be a real contender for my collection.

    • Reply October 10, 2012

      Mike

      Thanks, Michael!

  • Reply October 10, 2012

    L.

    Really nice pictures Mike!

  • Reply October 10, 2012

    Mike

    Hey, “Another Mike”!
    Yea, I suppose that’s right. The AKG K550 can be described as relaxed, laid back, and spacious as well.. but the tuning is still very different than the Momentum.

  • Reply October 10, 2012

    Elie Imelda Rik

    Very nice and clear review! This is comming in very helpful as a friend of mine is considering either the Amperior or the Momentum.

    • Reply October 10, 2012

      Mike

      Thanks and you’re welcome, Elie!

  • Reply October 11, 2012

    quadpatch

    Great write-up Mike!, you covered quite a lot in there for a quick review! Wicked photos too! I love the clean lighting with details, way to work that macro! I love the look of these headphones but it seems like the sound signature is not for me.

    I just got the SoundMAGIC HP100 to test and wow, I didn’t expect to like this one so much. Now I’m worried if the VModa M-100’s will compare well to these. I should get those tomorrow…

    • Reply October 11, 2012

      Aria Hamdani

      Please add the comparison to M80 when you review the M100 will you, Ed?

      • Reply October 11, 2012

        Edd_HF

        Hey I have tried to change my name (I hope this is OK Mike, maybe I should use the HFN one?).
        Aria: Oh yes I will be comparing it to the M80, how could I not? 🙂

        • Reply October 11, 2012

          L.

          Maybe let the HFN logo just for Mike? 😉

          • Reply October 11, 2012

            Edd_N

            For some reason I thought you used it to, but now I remember your logo, OK I have changed this now, and the name, this is better anyway :).

        • Reply October 12, 2012

          Gorboman

          I was also quite impressed with the previous batch of Mad Dog. Not a pretty phones, but comfort was great. I’m expecting to audition their latest batch tomorrow.

          • Reply October 12, 2012

            Edd_N

            Mike: Oh yeah I went for the one with all the extras (pads and headband) so I’m very curious, but I will keep in mind that the presentation (especially the bass) could be different to the one you reviewed. When I get them I will read over your review once again. I just bought a stock T50rp to compare with the Mad Dog too. I am also contemplating getting hold of the Paradox and Thunderpants mods as well, although I will just have to buy them so I will be tempted to go for the LCD_2 before hand…
            Gorboman: Oh that’s great! If you write something up online can you link me? Hmm, how to do this without taking over Mike’s Momentum post… sorry for the off-topic-ness Mike! Hey I actually quite like the retro styling of the T50rp, it kind of reminds me of Grado’s minimalist approach with the headband. I see where you are coming from though.

            • Reply October 12, 2012

              Mike

              I should be able to listen to the new Mad Dog tomorrow, will share impressions after that.

              • Reply October 13, 2012

                Edd_N

                Oh brilliant! Are you stocking these at your shop? Looks like mine are stuck in customs for the weekend, along with the M-100’s 🙁

                • Reply October 13, 2012

                  Mike

                  Just listened to the new Mad Dogs (new pads I mean). Fuller mids and bass body, more treble, more forward sound overall. It’s quite different than the old pads sound frankly. The old pads sound give you a more laid back, cleaner more articulate sound but less engaging, more flat compared to the new one.

            • Reply October 13, 2012

              Gorboman

              I wrote an impression on an Indonesian forum. Too lazy to translate them to English. LOL!

              But here’s a shorter version at head-fi: http://www.head-fi.org/t/613576/mad-dog-by-mrspeakers-modified-fostex-t50rp-review/1425#post_8774647

              • Reply October 13, 2012

                Mike

                Thanks! I read your impressions and I left a comment too!

        • Reply October 12, 2012

          Mike

          Edd you should be getting the newer Mad Dog, with the new pads that Dan said improves the bass tremendously.

    • Reply October 11, 2012

      Mike

      Can’t wait to read your reviews, Edd! BTW you should sign-in as Edd instead of quadpatch. 😉

  • Reply October 11, 2012

    Aria Hamdani

    I do believe that headphones should be fashionable, since it’s a personal thing. Senn did a good job with this one. It got class that works to the broader market, not niche like many other brands.

    • Reply October 11, 2012

      Mike

      Yes they got the look right, and the pads are super comfortable too! More comfortable than the M-50, Fidelio L1, or even Sony’s Z1000.

      • Reply October 12, 2012

        Gorboman

        More comfortable than the M50? Now I’m intrigued.

        • Reply October 12, 2012

          Spencer Chan

          Definitely. I love my M50, but sometimes the pleather just gets hot and sweaty. The REAL leather on the Momentum is breathable and non-sweaty. Size wise, the M50 cups are ever so slightly larger, but only noticeable if you put them side by side.

          • Reply October 12, 2012

            L.

            Btw, COP gets more sweaty as the M50. And faster too.

        • Reply October 12, 2012

          Mike

          The comfort, not even close. The pleather pads on the Momentum, I wish every other headphone manufacturers use the same material.

  • Reply October 11, 2012

    Gavin TheEmperor Tyndale

    R.I.P denon D2000/5000

    • Reply October 12, 2012

      Eric Thompson

      So glad I have my 5k’s the new Denons look like plastic junk. These Senn’s are nice though.

    • Reply October 12, 2012

      Mike

      The Denon D2000, they have a little better PRaT than the Momentum. Bass is punchier, though overall sound is less refined than the Momentum.

      I wouldn’t say RIP yet.

  • Reply October 12, 2012

    HD25FAN

    Great review Mike,

    I’ve bought the HD25 after reading you review. Now I’m looking for a hi end closed headphone with the same or more PRAT. What headphone do you recomend?

    • Reply October 12, 2012

      Mike

      Hi end, closed. The T5p is a high end closed, but not quite the same PRaT. The Edition 8 has a good PRaT but I don’t like its v-shaped tonality. The LCD-2, different tonality but awesome PRaT, but it’s open back.

      This is why the HD25-1 has such a big following. Not easy to find a replacement for it. 😉

      • Reply October 12, 2012

        HD25FAN

        So between the T5p and the Edition 8, which one has a broader genre compatibility?

  • Reply October 12, 2012

    rustiandra

    so in a portable perspective, Momentum can be quite a choice to complement HD25ii to cover other genres that it can’t do best?

    • Reply October 12, 2012

      Mike

      I guess so, yes.

      The Amperior is also an interesting choice. Warmer and less bright than the HD25-1 yet still with a pretty good PRaT. Although personally, I don’t like its half-hearted approach. Wider genre bandwith than the HD25-1 but sometimes polarizing headphones are more fun than safe headphones.

      • Reply October 12, 2012

        rustiandra

        by describing it as a safe and half-hearted headphone i totally understand where it stands among the crowd. its not a breakthrough and we tend to demand a headphone with more distinct characteristic though its not a bad one

        • Reply October 12, 2012

          Mike

          Yea I don’t think the amperior is a breakthrough. The Momentum is though — in terms of of a lifestyle headphone.

          • Reply October 12, 2012

            floydstyle

            I own a pair of Amperior because I won it last in a contest. However, your Momentum review makes me want to buy these Momentum to replace my Grado SR225i which are so darn uncomfortable

            • Reply October 13, 2012

              Mike

              The Momentum is really nice. It doesn’t have the attack or the PRaT of the Grados though. You think that sound will work for you?

              • Reply October 13, 2012

                floydstyle

                To be honest, I really don’t know. I am only trying to replace them because I wear glasses and Grado’s are not really comfortable. I even tried with reversed pad but it didn’t decrease the pressure on my ears. I might end up by keeping my grados, because after all, probably all full size headphones are going to be a pain with the pressure they add on ears.

  • Reply October 12, 2012

    Gorboman

    Reference usually goes to headphones that excels in technicalities. Lifestyle usually goes with product design and should be easy enough to drive with just a portable mp3 player. CMIIW.

  • Reply October 12, 2012

    Akira

    Hi Mike, great review as always.
    One question…is the Momentum a possible headphone for subway commute? I’m about to buy the P5 since it seems like a nice complement to the um3x, but how does the Momentum compare in isolation and portability? In a quick listen in the store, the P5’s warm and bit boosted bass would seem to work well in a subway.
    Greetings from Tokyo!

    • Reply October 12, 2012

      Mike

      Hi Akira,
      It isolates, but not extremely so. If you listen to loud music, the isolation might be enough, but if you listen to a lot of quiet music then it may not be as isolating as you’d like it to be. Honestly I don’t know how it compares to the P5 in terms of isolation.

      • Reply November 18, 2012

        dalethorn

        I got slightly more isolation from the P5, which surprised me. Not a big difference though.

  • Reply October 13, 2012

    Erik Wijnands

    The design and sound really remind me of a 2012 Philips headphone. Which is funny, since normally Sennheiser was the brand mimicked by lesser players. 🙂

    • Reply October 13, 2012

      Mike

      It does not look like a Phillips headphone, Erik! 😉

  • Reply October 17, 2012

    Joaquin Insua

    for alternative rock which should i get?

    • Reply October 18, 2012

      Mike

      Should get the HD25-1, Joaquin.

  • Reply October 18, 2012

    Mahir Efe Falay

    Thank you for the great writing here! But it makes me wonder if this earphone is good (or okay, not excellent) with dubstep or Pendulum/Enter Shikari style complex, fast and electronic influenced rock music.

    Ps: judging by the looks this is for a laidback smooth musical experience 🙂

    What do you think?

    • Reply October 19, 2012

      Mike

      Mahir,
      It is more for a laidback smooth type music. Fast electronic, dubstep I would lean more toward the Fidelio L1.

      http://www.headfonia.com/tag/philips/

      • Reply October 20, 2012

        Mahir Efe Falay

        Thanks. Any other alternatives?

        • Reply October 20, 2012

          Mike

          Well there are a tons of new headphones being released at the moment and we’re still working on doing the review on them. If you can wait for the Vmoda M-100, Phillips X1 and M1, and the new Sony headphones, then we may have another contender.

  • Reply October 24, 2012

    Josh Yang

    would the momentum be perfect for songs such as these :

    1.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALcfXEfqJ84
    2.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZtiGhtyrSs
    —————————————————————
    i’m not sure about these, but would a different headphone be more suitable for songs below?
    3.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDPJuAxZaOo
    4.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTsYTrpytgY

    What are other headphones should be perfect for songs mentioned above?
    My price range is around 300-400.

    • Reply October 24, 2012

      Mike

      Hi Josh,
      I didn’t really listen to Japan anime songs when I did the Momentum review, but if I listened to the songs you posted, 1 and 2 should be good with the Momentum. #3 with the fast beats, I think the PRaT would be lacking on the Momentum.

      I just tried it with the popular ATH M-50 and I thought it does a really good job of getting the mood of the songs. The Fidelio L1 is likewise very good and better in presenting the beat of the 3rd song.

    • Reply November 25, 2012

      dalethorn

      I listened to something called Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn at one person’s request, using the Momentum, and immediately ordered the CD, for $37 USD.

  • Reply October 24, 2012

    Loetvv

    Great review…. I am considering to buy it, but I listen a lot to movie music, all kinds ranging from Limitless, till the music from Gladiator and A beautiful mind. I do own Bose IES and Sennheiser CX680i earphones. Both are fine for me and I really like to sound of those phones. To your opinion, is this headphone a nice addition and an improvement in sound-quality? And does movie music and regular hip-hop sound okay with it? Thanks in advance!!

    • Reply November 14, 2012

      Rogier Schreurs

      I think it handles everything and with some added sugar at that 😉

  • Reply November 14, 2012

    Rogier Schreurs

    Wow, agree almost totally with you on this one Mike. Tried it out over my E17 today. Even though I was the first listener, the unburnt headphone impressed me quite a lot. Very sweet mids and non fatiguing bass and treble, yet while being this smooth it still manages to keep up with everything I threw at it in the short timespan it sat on my head. Yes it is closed, but the transition from my DT990 and back is very effortless and quite fun too!

  • Reply November 26, 2012

    Eli Segal

    Will it pairs well with the Matrix Mini? or it will be too dark?
    Thanks.

    • Reply November 29, 2012

      Mike

      I like it with the Matrix Mini.. adds a good weight to the sound which I think the Momentum lacks a little.

    • Reply November 29, 2012

      Mike

      I like it with the Matrix Mini.. adds a good weight to the sound which I think the Momentum lacks a little.

  • Reply December 1, 2012

    Vincent Lee

    Quick qeustion Mike – I normally use my headphones to play movies on my iPad while on the road and travelling. Currently on the road I use a B&W c5’s and at home I have a simple Fiio desktop amp and HD595’s. Would this Momentum be a great choice for hollywood movies??

  • Reply December 2, 2012

    Ferdinand Svehla

    Is there any headphone around that has a relaxed sound signature like the Momentum, but is full size, and closed? Price to about 600 $. I really like the momentum, but the pads are too small.

    • Reply December 3, 2012

      dalethorn

      The best thing I’ve heard with maybe a tad less bass than the Momentum but a tad more treble (i.e. a more perfect and still fairly relaxed signature) is the modded SRH1440 I owned. The stock 1440 gets two extra Shure(!) foams inserted into each earcup and it’s perfect. It’s a painless non-destructive mod. But, since it’s an open headphone, I mention it for example only, because although I also don’t have the Shure 940 any more, I’m certain that the same mod with the 940 would result in pure bliss, in a closed headphone.

    • Reply December 26, 2012

      dalethorn

      I’ll take another chance here – I’m using a v-moda M100 with bass reduction that sounds better to me than my Momentum. The reduced bass matches the Momentum almost exactly, and everything else is slightly darker, warmer, less dry. I love the sound, but, note that very few users will agree with the bass reduction.

  • Reply December 4, 2012

    Eli Segal

    Can you say if these are better or worse than the K271 mkii? Are they in the same league?

    Thanks

  • Reply December 24, 2012

    Minh Duc Nguyen

    Somehow I felt as if Momentum doesn’t offer enough for the price tag and “made in china” on it. Audio Technica ESW9 offers a whole lot more for the price and most importantly (for me) “made in japan” tag. For me, Momentum is my worst purchase ever until now.
    The “hypes” for this headphone is way too exaggerating

    • Reply December 24, 2012

      Gorboman

      Care to explain what is it that you didn’t like about the Momentum?

      • Reply December 27, 2012

        Minh Duc Nguyen

        Not much to complain about the sound quality and built quality. But for the price, it could had offer more (maybe better soundstage and more importantly, where it was built…certainly not China in my book). Here in Australia, Momentum is retailed at $400 in comparision to $250-$300 for ESW9. Clearly there is no doubt about great value for “wooden cups + sound quality + leather pads + made in Japan” in one package. If Momentum was made in Ireland or Germany then I wouldn’t feel regretted. I would had rather purchase the AKG K550 which offers same built quality, cheaper, superior sound quality with the same “china” tag

        • Reply December 27, 2012

          Gorboman

          I see what you mean about the price. Here in Jakarta, Indonesia, it retails for about $450. Bummer.

          However, I wouldn’t take the “made in china” thing to heart. Even the popular iPhones are made there. The one thing to look out, though, is counterfeit products.

        • Reply December 27, 2012

          Mike

          I thought that the Made in China tag is no longer relevant these days. Apple + Foxconn partnership is proof that they can make high quality products.

          I think the Momentum build quality clearly outclasses the ESW-9 with its weak plastic hinge on the headband.

          • Reply December 28, 2012

            Minh Duc Nguyen

            I think it would take another generation before the “relevant” goes away. I am freaky for Japan, EU and US made products. But then again it is not really relevant for me to compare between “portable” and “full-size” headphones. Momentum clearly offers excellence sound and quality for the price.

            – Any chance of a review for Sony SA5000? I was so lucky to get my hands on the last one from Jaben and I think this is the last one in Australia. I would love to read a professional review about it.

            • Reply December 28, 2012

              Mike

              Never got a taste of the SA5000 and they are being discontinued all over the world..

  • Reply December 26, 2012

    Jin Yang

    In sound quality, is HD25 the same scale headphone as Momentum ? How’s HD650’s PRaT compare with HD25 and Momentum?

    • Reply December 26, 2012

      Mike

      I think the Momentum is more refined, overall better sound quality than the old HD25-1.

      PRaT, I think the HD25-1 is much better than the other two. The HD650 second, Momentum third.

      • Reply December 26, 2012

        Trent_D

        Wow. As much as I love the HD650, it isn’t really happening with the PRaT. Still beats out the Momentum, though?

        • Reply December 27, 2012

          Ken Stuart

          Just judging from what is said about the HD650, they “scale up” more than most headphones. So, my guess is that the HD650 have significantly more PRaT with the Bottlehead than with the Cmoy (for example).

        • Reply December 27, 2012

          Mike

          With a good amp the HD650 can be quite lively and punchy. Not HD25-1 level, but definitely toe-tapping.

          • Reply December 28, 2012

            Trent_D

            Like the Bottlehead Crack, per instance?

  • Reply January 7, 2013

    andkoppel

    I had the chance to compare the Momentums with the HD-25i, V-Moda M80 and the Beyer DT770LE.

    I prefered the Momentum to the first two by a long
    margin. Better mids, better bass, bigger soundstage and only worse, but still
    adequate PRAT.

    I preferred the Beyers because they have better
    resolving power and are more transparent. If you are looking for an affordable
    closed headphone to use home then IMO the Beyer is the way to go. If you want a
    circumaural headphone to go outside, then it depends if you find the Beyer to
    big to wear out (I don´t).

    • Reply January 7, 2013

      L.

      Our Amperior, HD25, Momentum review will be published soon!

      • Reply January 7, 2013

        andkoppel

        Great news. I think the portable category is changing fast, but I don’t know if for the better.

        • Reply January 7, 2013

          dalethorn

          Shure it’s for the better.

          • Reply January 7, 2013

            andkoppel

            I find that there are too many regular sounding headphones that are sold for exhorbitant prices. The Momentum, for example, maybe a nice headphone, but for $300+ is way overpriced. Sony MDR1, AKG 167 Tiësto, V-Moda M100 are other examples from a worrying trend that has pushed the line of the “bestg” portable headphones too high.

            • Reply January 7, 2013

              dalethorn

              Having owned the Sennheiser 800 for 3 years, plus 100 other headphones including Stax electrostatics, I don’t find that prices are nearly as worrisome as sound signatures are. The Senn 600 and 650 and their competition for example are no worse priced than 10 or 15 years ago, and given the unique qualities of the Momentum, I see it as a good deal. The HD700 I wouldn’t touch at $1000, and while the Grado PS500 sounds very, very good, $600 is a bit much unless you place a lot of value on the hand-made qualities. The Grado 325 is cheaper than 10 years or more ago in real (adjusted) dollars.

    • Reply January 7, 2013

      dalethorn

      The Momentum and 770 may be comparable on the low end, but the recessed-treble Momentum is worlds apart from the 770 on the high end, so I can’t imagine how to compare them.

      • Reply January 7, 2013

        andkoppel

        Put them in the same use situation and ask yourself which one you would choose. And that for me would be as a portable headphone, with portable gear. There I could see that the recessed treble of the Momentum could even be perceived as an advantage for some users.

        • Reply January 7, 2013

          dalethorn

          I find myself pretty flexible on treble when outdoors listening. Extra bass is good too.

          • Reply January 7, 2013

            andkoppel

            Me too, but I am enjoying so much my Beyers that I use them for my portable rig as well (Iriver H140-Arrow 4G). So much so, that I have sold my V-Moda M80 that I wasn’t using anymore.

            • Reply January 7, 2013

              dalethorn

              Last week I had my finger on the button to order the 770 AE, but backed off because I ordered a ATH ESW11LTD for a ridiculous price. My finger is back on the 770 order button, but I need a better excuse to buy now, since I’m that much poorer.

              • Reply January 7, 2013

                andkoppel

                Irony mode on. I feel for you having to live only with those ugly ESW11. Off. The excuse for buying the 770 is the only one I find appropriate: they sound great.

                • Reply January 7, 2013

                  dalethorn

                  “They sound great” doesn’t equate to anything. They may sound bad to others as has been reported. That’s why I asked for a more specific comparison of the amplitude of the treble peak around 8.5(?) khz compared to the regular edition. I do get the sense that the new pads improved the sound with the AE, but still, that peak is scary for me, and I’m not in a position to take an unnecessary risk.

                  • Reply January 8, 2013

                    andkoppel

                    I can’t argue with your argument.

                    Yes the peak is there. It was bothersome when the Beyers were new. Sibilance could be heard and male voices had a tendency of sounding lighter than neutral. After some weeks of constant use, the high-mids energy is still there, but the sibilance is gone. I can’t compare to other Beyers, because these are my first.

                    • January 8, 2013

                      dalethorn

                      It’s easy to characterize my statements as argumentative, since you don’t know the history on this “burn-in” and sibilance magically disappearing. Summarizing: Tyll at Innerfidelity “proved” that burn-in is almost nil, one db at most, and despite my pleading with many posts about the test conditions, *nobody* would get involved. So, I’d say the jury is voting for no such thing, unless you want to argue with the world’s leading experts on that subject.

                    • January 8, 2013

                      andkoppel

                      My choice of words wasn’t too good. As you can deduce by now, English is not my native language. What I was trying to say is that you were right when you said that saying “they sound great” doesn’t mean much, if anything. I agree.

                      Then I was trying to explain what I have heard as best as I can. And the sibilance was there when the Beyers were new, and now I can’t hear it anymore. If that happens because of burn-in, brain getting used to the sound signature or loss of hearing… I can’t say, but the sibilance for me it’s gone.

                      Test conditions? none that could be considered scientific. I use the Arrow 4G fed either from an Iriver H120 or a Fiio E17 and played the same bothersome tracks: Lena Ono, Patricia Barber, Nora JOnes, etc.

                    • January 8, 2013

                      dalethorn

                      Thanks for that – I hope we were talking about the DT770, since it’s easy to get lost in the cross-posts. I have Norah Jones’ late album, so will look up the others.

                    • January 8, 2013

                      andkoppel

                      You are right, I was talking about the DT770LE.

                    • January 8, 2013

                      dalethorn

                      Now I went and did it. Ordered from B&H today for delivery Thursday. I suppose even if it has some slight peakiness in the treble, it will have good mids and bass to balance it out. I sure hope Beyerdynamic is sending a lot of free goodies to headfonia, since this is truly a mega-review.

                    • January 8, 2013

                      andkoppel

                      I hope that youll’be as pleasantly surprised as I was when I first listened to my new DT770 (sibilance included). Enjoy it a lot.

                    • January 8, 2013

                      dalethorn

                      Thanks – I plan to give it a very healthy burn-in, “just in case”.

                    • January 8, 2013

                      Mike

                      Thanks dale, I had no idea that the response will be this good.

                • Reply January 7, 2013

                  dalethorn

                  The ESW11 is a new purchase for $740 USD, so it’s not a “having to live with” item. The ESW9a is way better than a B&W P5, to name one example, so hopefully the ESW11 won’t disappoint.

                  • Reply January 8, 2013

                    andkoppel

                    It was only a pun, I really envious that you can enjoy what looks like a great headphone.

                    • January 8, 2013

                      dalethorn

                      It’s good to get the report from me. I just hope if this doesn’t work out, and I’m sure I won’t be sending it back to Japan, maybe I can sell it to someone. I’m finally donating my Shure 1840 to someone today, with less than 100 hours on it. I’ve come to the conclusion that Headfonia’s contention about the grain was spot on. It’s not something I would have noticed consciously, until I found a way to test it.

  • Reply February 4, 2013

    Chris Allen

    “If you’ve listened to the B&W P5, then you know that it’s super warm
    and super full-bodied to the extent that some people say it’s too warm
    and too full, lacking air.” Mike, you pinned the tail with this statement. I feel precisely that the B&W P5’s greatest flaw (in my opinion) is its lack of air. Thus why I prefer the Audio-Technica ESW9 much more. Though that brings me to my question, how does the Momentum perform when compared to the ESW9?

    • Reply February 4, 2013

      dalethorn

      I can’t comment on the Momentum’s performance -vs- the ESW9, but it sure sounds a lot more lively, and heavier in the upper bass/low mids. My wife dumped her P5 recently in favor of the ESW9. The P5 is competent enough, but the price is way too high for the performance.

    • Reply February 5, 2013

      Mike

      I think the Momentum is overall the better headphone. It has warmth, mids, better air, better soundstage.

  • Reply March 10, 2013

    Jean Charles

    Awesome review..Great headphones though not “HD650 great”

    • Reply March 10, 2013

      L.

      thanks! I fully agree

    • Reply March 19, 2013

      Mike

      Thanks, Jean.

      • Reply March 19, 2013

        Jean Charles

        Just by curiosity Mike..do you prefer the HD600s or HD650s? (I know the answer must be there..somewhere. I’m so lazy)

        • Reply March 20, 2013

          Mike

          They work a little different, so depending on what I’m listening too, but ultimately the 650 if I have to choose only one.

          • Reply March 20, 2013

            Jean Charles

            Thanks mate..

            • Reply March 20, 2013

              Mike

              You’re welcome, Jean.

  • Reply March 15, 2013

    Florian GERARD

    hello, i have a big deal on amazon for the FIDELO L1 and i’m quite interesting for the choice between the L1 and the MOMENTUM ?! I have a HD650 which i love and want someting closed. What do you think? L1=170€ and MOMENTUM 215€
    Thanks

    • Reply March 15, 2013

      George Lai

      Yes the Amazon price is amazing. If I didn’t already have the Fidelio X1, I’d go for the L1. The Momentum is notable for its small earcups which therefore totally rules it out for my big ears.

      • Reply March 15, 2013

        dalethorn

        I had the Momentum and the L1, and neither went around my average size ears. But I found the Momentum to be more comfortable.

        • Reply March 15, 2013

          George Lai

          Wow I didn’t realize the L1 also has small ear cups as I haven’t actually seen one up close yet. I have large ears so that rules that out. My headphones with comfortable (i.e. large) cups are HD600, D2000, K550, PSB M4U2, and the slightly smaller but still okay DT880, X1, SR325 (with G Cush). I guess that only leaves the HD700, HE500, LCD2 with large cups and large drain on my wallet!

          • Reply March 15, 2013

            dalethorn

            Don’t forget the DT770LE – it’s always one of the first I go to for evaluating new music.

            • Reply March 16, 2013

              George Lai

              Unfortunately this is not in Singapore but I can order from Amazon US. Tell me, Dale, are the earcups the same size as my DT880?

              • Reply March 16, 2013

                dalethorn

                Don’t know about the DT880, but the 770’s earcup interiors are round, and the internal clearance is 50 mm wide. So you could compare that to other models, but it’s one of the best that I’ve tried for size.

                • Reply March 16, 2013

                  Florian GERARD

                  Thanks for the replies…I finally gone for the L1 as it’s 50€ less than the momentum. It could be different view to test a new brand for me (i have the HD650). I’ll let you know my impressions…

                • Reply March 19, 2013

                  Mike

                  Yes it’s the same as the DT880

    • Reply March 19, 2013

      Mike

      The Fidelio is semi open. Both are great headphones.

  • Reply May 10, 2013

    Oliver

    I have 4 Momentum to sell for 190 € each. Sealed. Please send me an e.mail. [email protected]

    I´m in Spain.

  • Reply July 22, 2013

    oktaf

    i have shure 535 red edition and i love the sound and i consider to buy momentum.how about the momentum? it has same sound signature with shure 535 red ?
    thanks.

    • Reply July 23, 2013

      Mike

      You mean the headphone? No very different

  • Reply November 15, 2013

    Alexandre

    Hi Mike,

    First of all many thanks for your work as it helps a lot for a newbie like me! However, the more I read and the more questions I have…

    I am currently looking for a new headphone and do not really know which one to chose. I will use this headphone with an ipod (no amp) when traveling (bus, subway, walking, …). Most of my music is unfortunately in AAC because I simply have to much to have it all in loseless on my ipod… Loseless on the computer though which will be the other usage but much less. I listen to all kinds of music with a predominance for pop and rock (Smiths, At the drive in, Beatles, …) but also folk, soul, R&B, classic, …. so I am looking for something that will play well everything. I understand that I cannot get the perfect match for everything though 🙂 Ideally, I would like something with a neutral sound but still a bit of character (not something that is only bass, or just good in trebel, …).
    I almost forget! It needs to be comfortable 🙂

    Among the names I selected there is:
    – Sennheiser momentum (I have been told that the on-ear is better with an adjustment in the trebel through the EQ but to be honest I felt not so comfy when trying them. I am not sure I could spend 4-5h wearing them. The regular one however is spot on for comfort.)
    – V-Moda M100 (I did not have the chance to try them. I read everything on these going from the better to the worst and I have no clue whether they would be a good fit or not!)
    – BeyerDynamics Custom One Pro (I liked it a lot when I tried it but may be a bit too neutral? I could not spend much time on it but it sounded a bit like the first in the class but lacking character. I have to say they were brand new without any usage before.)
    B&W P7 (I liked your review but as they are very demanding with the source I think it is a no go)
    – BO H6 (could not try them either but I liked your review. Is it like the P7 very demanding with the source? or an ipod will be enough to get a good sound?)
    – MF 100 (not sure about this one)

    I am of course open to any suggestion if you think there is another more appropriate.

    As for the price, I do not really have any fixed budget. I guess there is no point in buying the more expensive given the use I will have and the source. But I am willing to pay the extra buck if it really makes a difference and for comfort.

    Many thanks for your help.

    Alex

    • Reply November 22, 2013

      dalethorn

      I would swear I replied to this somewhere, but….. M100 is the best bet because it has the best body of sound for outdoor/travel use, also the strongest build for outdoor use, and can also make an excellent indoor hi-fi headphone if the big bass is acceptable or adjustable.

      • Reply November 23, 2013

        Alexandre

        Indeed you replied to me in the Q&A section. I realized too late that I posted here instead of the proper section. Sorry about that. But thanks for taking the time to reply here as well 🙂

  • Reply November 22, 2013

    Pedro Oliveira

    Hi mike…

    Is it me or do you prefer the hd25’s to the amperiors?
    I was thinking of getting a pair of amperiors to make some company to my momentums, since the amperiors would be for rock and edm and the momentums for pop and softer rock.

    Meanwhile i got a really great deal on a pair of hd25-1 ii’s… no box, but mint condition and for just 70 euros…. 🙂

    I am really liking them so far but i still have not forgotten the amperiors…

    I can easily sell my hd25’s for 80 or 90 euros and get a pair of amperiors for about 120/130 euros….

    Do you think the “upgrade” from hd25 to amperior is a smart move and a worthy one or is the hd25/momentum already a pretty good combination?

    Cheers m8…. 🙂

    • Reply November 22, 2013

      Mike

      The amperior is more of a different sound rather than upgrade

      • Reply November 23, 2013

        Pedro Oliveira

        Thank you very much for your reply mike….

        It seems like it really depends on wich type of signature one likes… but unfortunately the amperiors are no available in Portugal so i cannot try them unless i buy them…..

        From what i’ve read it seems they are a little bassier and smoother than the hd25’s… some like this and some dont…

        Some friends at head fi wich had both ended keeping the hd25’s and sold the amperiors because….

        Quoting…

        “The Amperior is to boomy, not neutral and not at all fun listening to. I cant understand why people tell this is a ‘fun’ can…. Also it is alot heavier than the HD25 because of the Aluminium cups (which frankly do not make a difference…….). They do not feel like a better headphone to be honest… ”

        “There is a difference in the sound although the sound sig of the HDs and Amps are similar. The HDs have tighter bass but the Amps have bigger bass and better extension/rumble. Mids are more in your face on the Amps and so are the highs, although they are ever-so-slightly smoother. Overall, I found them more aggressive. ”

        “…I forgot to mention what annoyed me with the Amps were the weight of the cups vs. the same plastic headband. The cups were a bit heavier and so they didn’t seem stable on the headband. The HDs are nice and light and I never feel like I eve have to worry about their BQ.”

        Do you agree with this?

        Cheers… 🙂

        • Reply November 23, 2013

          Mike

          Sounds about right. The weight is true also but I find it to sit better on my head.

          Wait for the hd25 ALU review. This is the real deal

  • Reply November 23, 2013

    Ryan

    Hey Mike I just stumbled across your site after doing days of research for my next pair of high quality headphones that won’t break the bank. My budget is $300 and I’ve narrowed it down to (probably) the momentums, v-moda m80 or m100, and the HD25-1 II. I’m having a terrible time deciding between the ones I’ve listed, and maybe there is some others out there that i should look at; I don’t know. I listen to a wide variety of genres from dubstep, techno, rap, pop, indie, acoustic, rock, alternative, neo-soul, and probably a few others. I’ve read all your reviews for all the headphones I’ve listed and each review had me leaning towards another one, and then circling back around to where I started. Any input to help me out? The requirements are $300 or less, something comfortable I can use 8-ish hours a day at work in a office/cowork setting, preferably don’t want people hearing my music (to clearly at least), portable, and durable. Love your site BTW; it’s filled with great technical opinions that I would otherwise be lost (even more so) without.

    • Reply November 23, 2013

      Mike

      Hi Ryan,
      Go with the m100 Vmoda. Best genre bandwith in the market today

      • Reply November 24, 2013

        Ryan

        Cool. Sounds good to me.

        Thanks.

        • Reply November 25, 2013

          Mike

          Yeah sorry for the short reply to your long post man. I’ve got nothing else to say though. 🙂

          • Reply November 25, 2013

            Ryan

            Not a problem. I went ahead and purchased them on amazon. Got them on sale (they’re like 10 bucks off), and I used some of my rewards points to bring them down further. Ended up only paying $189 for the matte black version. Should be here around Wednesday. Pumped to try them out.

            Thanks.

  • Reply November 29, 2013

    Mark

    Hi mike and thank you for this review . Im searching for the best pair of headphones for mobile use ( htc oneX) , i want them circumaural and dont really care about noise cancelation sound is the most important . I prefere them to be either sennheiser or bose . I m thinking about the hd600 but the impedance is too high , you found that the momentums lack bass and that’s not a good point ( but im not a heavy bass lover too ) , the bose qc15 dont have something exceptional….i have now the bose ae2 , they lack bass and warmth and dont have the clearest highs. Thank you for your help .

    Summary : bose or sennheiser
    Circumaural
    Price not an issue
    Mobile use
    And by the way if the momentums have a deeper bass than the ae2 and clearer highs thats good and if the hd600 can be used for mobile without an amp thats good too , if there are other alternatives let me know . Thank you for your help …

    • Reply November 29, 2013

      Mike

      Mark,
      I’ve been recommending the Vmoda M100s for people with the same criteria as you and I would recommend the same one to you too.
      It doesn’t have the Momentum’s clarity but it has a relatively clear mid and high and most importantly a tight punchy bass.

      • Reply November 29, 2013

        Mark

        Thank you for your reply . Just another clarification : do the hd 600 deliver a better sound than the momentums with mobile phone use or not ?

        • Reply November 29, 2013

          L.

          no they wont

          • Reply November 29, 2013

            Mark

            Thank you mike

            • Reply November 30, 2013

              Dave Ulrich

              Uhh. that’s an L.

              • Reply November 30, 2013

                L.

                Funny huh, happens here all the time

                • Reply December 1, 2013

                  Dave Ulrich

                  I noticed.

          • Reply November 30, 2013

            Mark

            L. by saying ” thank you mike ” i was answering mike on ” yes of course ” not on your reply ” no they wont ” 😉

        • Reply November 30, 2013

          Mike

          Yes of course

          • Reply November 30, 2013

            Mark

            But the hd600 impedance is 17times higher than the momentums , are you sure they will deliver better sound ? Im talking about mobile use only .

            • Reply November 30, 2013

              Mike

              Ive tried it from a blackberry phone and though it’s not the optimum set up, its still the better sound.

              Of course it’s not something you’d use everyday.. Open back and all

          • Reply November 30, 2013

            L.

            Mike? The HD600 on a mobile is better than the momentum on a mobile? come on man, you’re still sleeping.

            • Reply November 30, 2013

              George Lai

              Mike is just keeping Lieven on his toes 😉

              • Reply November 30, 2013

                Mike

                The difference in driver quality is quite big, even from a sub par source you’ll still hear it.

  • Reply December 10, 2013

    Jeff

    I had a listen to these and I really was disappointed. These are obviously better than Beats but the sound was awful. This is probably because I listened to cans like the M4U2 or the HD-25 but the sound seemed to be everywhere. The bass wasn’t powerful nor was it accurate. Seemed very loose to me. I would get Noontec zoro over this. Not saying that the sound was awful but seemed bad compared to its price

  • Reply March 3, 2014

    Michael Riosa Nielsen

    Your comparison to B&W P5 is strange to me. I just compared them with my Lumia Phone and they are completely opposite. Momentum is bassy and boomy. Had to equalize in the treble with treble boost (both overear and onear momentums). P5 is bright ad crisp but lacks bass, I had to equalize in some bass. It was almost perfect. just the bass drums (real drums) lacked some punch. Momentum had overpowering bass drums, though.

    • Reply March 3, 2014

      L.

      There seems to be a lot of variation in the P5, also caused by the fit. and we all know fit = bass

  • Reply March 8, 2014

    Gabriel

    Hi!
    I have been thinking about trying the Momentum. How does it compare to the sony mdr-x10 or xb 920?
    I
    have listened briefly to the AT M50 and unfortunately bass is not
    enough for me. I had to switch from the FiiO E18 to the E17 and push the
    bass to +10 and Bass full in my Sony Xperia Z Ultra to get good
    bass..which is way too much. With my X10 I dont have to go anywhere near
    that, just need to EQ it of course for better balance but I am always
    looking to try new things to see if I find something I like even more.
    It must be closed.
    Thanks!

    • Reply March 8, 2014

      dalethorn

      You won’t like the Momentum for bass, but the Momentum On-ear is better for what you describe. Still, not a lot of bass, but on-ear better than over-ear for bass.

      • Reply March 8, 2014

        Gabriel

        How about maybe the

        Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO or the

        audio technica pro 700 mk2 ?

        • Reply March 8, 2014

          dalethorn

          The AT I don’t know, but boosting the 770 bass you’ll just get mushy sound. A v-moda M100 would work, but only if you EQ down the upper bass to lower mids very judiciously. The Beyer DT1350 is a good candidate since the drivers have a very large dynamic range, but it’s harder to EQ because of the strong midrange emphasis. The ATH M50 is the only headphone I know of where the bass is stronger on the low end than elsewhere.

  • Reply September 26, 2014

    optimus_rai

    Spectacular review that provides wonderful insight and clarity into the Momentum headphones as well as the HD-25’s. I also prefer the HD-25’s (the Aluminium version) for their Pace, Rhythm and Timing (PRaT) as well as their balance regarding warmth (not overly warm, just a gesture to the warmer side) which seems to suit my ears and musical taste (dance, deep house, electronic, hip-hop, R&B, Latin dance, bhangra) to a tee!

  • Reply September 26, 2014

    Levente

    I like this one, am I ‘mainstream crowd’ now? °° seriously though, do you have any reccomendation for DAPs matching it if I don’t have an iPod either?

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