Disclaimer: Special thanks to Sennheiser Asia for the Momentum headphone loaner. I didn’t have too much time to evaluate the Sennheiser Momentum, a short two days to be exact (long story). Lieven is going to get more playtime with the Momentum, so if you feel that some points are a little short, please wait for his review sometimes in November.
The latest Momentum from Sennheiser is certainly a headphone that knows very well what it was designed for. Starting from the classy brown-themed design, leather and stainless steel and one of the best leather pads I’ve ever tried, the Momentum is designed to be in style with the more mature mainstream crowd, and with a sound tuning that I imagine would match very well with that particular demographic as well: warm, soft, full sounding and very refined.
From the first moment I picked up the Momentum, I really couldn’t pick any fault with it. I’m not saying it’s the perfect ultimate headphone or that it’s my new love in headphones, but rather under the perspective of what it was designed to do, it’s perhaps the finest headphone ever done to cater to that segment. I had read Jude’s review on the Momentum and I agree with how he put the Momentum together on the same camp as the B&W P5 and the Philips Fidelio L1. And that the Momentum is definitely not in the same camp as the HD25-1, the Amperior, VModa M80, or the Beyerdynamic DT1350. Not only due to the styling, but also the sound characteristics.
The Sound
Warm, full sounding, and very refined. A lof of headphone reviews these days use those words. Not because headphone reviewers are running out of words to use, but rather because manufacturers are “getting” the fact that people like warm, full, and refined sounding headphones.
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. The Momentum is a little bit to that direction, rather than the darker sounding Fidelio. Sennheiser took the tuning of the P5 (not saying they did that literally as in copying), and adds a number of improvements, most noticeable being more space in the sound. You get a nice, relatively spacious soundstage on top of that warm and refined sound. Not the biggest soundstage, but bigger than the HD25-1 and all its friends, and more comparable to the ATH-M50 and the Philips Fidelio L1 — the Momentum’s soundstage slightly narrower than the two, but has a better depth. The better depth makes the Momentum feels a lot more spacious than the M50 and the L1 as things now have a dimension to it, rather than just a wide left-right pan. Soundstage presentation is also the most natural with the Momentum. Considering that it was not designed to be a reference-class like the HD800 or the Stax SR-009, it’s pretty much safe to give the Momentum a 9 out of 10 for soundstage performance in the lifestyle headphone class.
Another improvement that you get with the Momentum is the treble presence. I think the P5 is nice, but a lot of people feel that it’s too thick and needs a little more treble presence. Here comes the Momentum with its smooth sounding treble and just the right amount of sparkle so nobody can say that it’s veiled. We’re talking about something done close to perfection here, you get less treble than the HD25-1, Amperior, and all their friends, but more than the P5 and the Fidelio. It’s amazing, since people want to hear treble are the quickest to shout “bright” if they get too much than they want. Sennheiser got that just right with the Momentum.
Now let’s talk about the bass. Momentum got a good amount of bass and lower mid body. Bass doesn’t go very low, and is a bit loose, the punch and impact a little short for me. The Fidelio for instance have a more complete bass that extends lower, with a stronger impact too. But there is no denying that the pads also clamp much harder than the Momentum (again, just perfect on this department). Considering the clamping force and comfort factor, I can understand why the bass is as it is. Nobody is going to call the Momentum bass light, but it ain’t going to be the bass reference either. It’s a bit loose, lacking the control and speed of say the HD25-1 or the Vmoda M-80, but again it always seems to be a bit of a trade off. When you add bass body, you lose speed. And there is something with the way a slightly loose bass helps to make the music a little more relaxed and flowing. The loose bass helps to give the Momentum a more laid back, relaxed atmosphere which you don’t get on fast punchy headphones like the HD25-1. This is why I added that “soft” adjective early on in the introduction. The Momentum is about winding down, wine and cigar and soft plush sofas. PRaT? Maybe a score of 2 where the HD25-1 is a 9 and the Vmoda M-80 a 10. I can listen to Coldplay to it and it would be rendered “perfect” in terms of tonality, but absolutely no toe tapping. Play it some slower Jazz, Latin, Diana Krall, Sting, Chris Botti stuff, and I think the Momentum is spot on. You can play classical on it, but I still demand HD650 level impact for symphonies. You can play some dance and club on it too, but I’d still take the TMA-1. Momentum would probably be great with Cafe del Mar stuff, but I don’t have a CD to test it with. Rock listeners, the HD25-1 can be a little aggressive but that’s the headphone you should get. I hope you are getting the picture here.
Continue to the next page…
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.
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
Mike
Scott,
Thanks for sharing your impression on the new P5 version.
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?
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.
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 ?
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.
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.
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.
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)
Mike
Ah yea that makes sense then
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.
Michael Julius
Always a pleasure to read your reviews. Seems like this could be a real contender for my collection.
Mike
Thanks, Michael!
L.
Really nice pictures Mike!
Mike
Thanks, L!
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.
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.
Mike
Thanks and you’re welcome, Elie!
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…
Aria Hamdani
Please add the comparison to M80 when you review the M100 will you, Ed?
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? 🙂
L.
Maybe let the HFN logo just for Mike? 😉
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 :).
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.
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.
Mike
I should be able to listen to the new Mad Dog tomorrow, will share impressions after that.
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 🙁
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.
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
Mike
Thanks! I read your impressions and I left a comment too!
Mike
Edd you should be getting the newer Mad Dog, with the new pads that Dan said improves the bass tremendously.
Mike
Can’t wait to read your reviews, Edd! BTW you should sign-in as Edd instead of quadpatch. 😉
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.
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.
Gorboman
More comfortable than the M50? Now I’m intrigued.
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.
L.
Btw, COP gets more sweaty as the M50. And faster too.
Mike
The comfort, not even close. The pleather pads on the Momentum, I wish every other headphone manufacturers use the same material.
Gavin TheEmperor Tyndale
R.I.P denon D2000/5000
Eric Thompson
So glad I have my 5k’s the new Denons look like plastic junk. These Senn’s are nice though.
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.
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?
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. 😉
HD25FAN
So between the T5p and the Edition 8, which one has a broader genre compatibility?
Mike
The T5p.
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?
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.
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
Mike
Yea I don’t think the amperior is a breakthrough. The Momentum is though — in terms of of a lifestyle headphone.
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
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
dalethorn
I got slightly more isolation from the P5, which surprised me. Not a big difference though.
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. 🙂
Mike
It does not look like a Phillips headphone, Erik! 😉
Joaquin Insua
for alternative rock which should i get?
Mike
Should get the HD25-1, Joaquin.
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?
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/
Mahir Efe Falay
Thanks. Any other alternatives?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
Rogier Schreurs
I think it handles everything and with some added sugar at that 😉
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!
Mike
Nice!
Mike
Nice!
Eli Segal
Will it pairs well with the Matrix Mini? or it will be too dark?
Thanks.
Mike
I like it with the Matrix Mini.. adds a good weight to the sound which I think the Momentum lacks a little.
Mike
I like it with the Matrix Mini.. adds a good weight to the sound which I think the Momentum lacks a little.
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??
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.
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.
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.
Eli Segal
Can you say if these are better or worse than the K271 mkii? Are they in the same league?
Thanks
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
Gorboman
Care to explain what is it that you didn’t like about the Momentum?
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
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.
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.
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.
Mike
Never got a taste of the SA5000 and they are being discontinued all over the world..
Jin Yang
In sound quality, is HD25 the same scale headphone as Momentum ? How’s HD650’s PRaT compare with HD25 and Momentum?
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.
Trent_D
Wow. As much as I love the HD650, it isn’t really happening with the PRaT. Still beats out the Momentum, though?
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).
Mike
With a good amp the HD650 can be quite lively and punchy. Not HD25-1 level, but definitely toe-tapping.
Trent_D
Like the Bottlehead Crack, per instance?
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).
L.
Our Amperior, HD25, Momentum review will be published soon!
andkoppel
Great news. I think the portable category is changing fast, but I don’t know if for the better.
dalethorn
Shure it’s for the better.
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.
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.
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.
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.
dalethorn
I find myself pretty flexible on treble when outdoors listening. Extra bass is good too.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
andkoppel
You are right, I was talking about the DT770LE.
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.
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.
dalethorn
Thanks – I plan to give it a very healthy burn-in, “just in case”.
Mike
Thanks dale, I had no idea that the response will be this good.
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.
andkoppel
It was only a pun, I really envious that you can enjoy what looks like a great headphone.
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.
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?
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.
Mike
I think the Momentum is overall the better headphone. It has warmth, mids, better air, better soundstage.
Jean Charles
Awesome review..Great headphones though not “HD650 great”
L.
thanks! I fully agree
Mike
Thanks, Jean.
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)
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.
Jean Charles
Thanks mate..
Mike
You’re welcome, Jean.
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
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.
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.
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!
dalethorn
Don’t forget the DT770LE – it’s always one of the first I go to for evaluating new music.
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?
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.
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…
Mike
Yes it’s the same as the DT880
Mike
The Fidelio is semi open. Both are great headphones.
Oliver
I have 4 Momentum to sell for 190 € each. Sealed. Please send me an e.mail. [email protected]
I´m in Spain.
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.
Mike
You mean the headphone? No very different
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
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.
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 🙂
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…. 🙂
Mike
The amperior is more of a different sound rather than upgrade
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… 🙂
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
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.
Mike
Hi Ryan,
Go with the m100 Vmoda. Best genre bandwith in the market today
Ryan
Cool. Sounds good to me.
Thanks.
Mike
Yeah sorry for the short reply to your long post man. I’ve got nothing else to say though. 🙂
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.
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 …
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.
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 ?
L.
no they wont
Mark
Thank you mike
Dave Ulrich
Uhh. that’s an L.
L.
Funny huh, happens here all the time
Dave Ulrich
I noticed.
Mark
L. by saying ” thank you mike ” i was answering mike on ” yes of course ” not on your reply ” no they wont ” 😉
Mike
Yes of course
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 .
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
Mark
So i ll go for the hd600 for the htc one X . Thanks
Mike
You’re welcome Mark
dalethorn
Yikes
L.
Dale and me vs Mike 😀
Mark
Haha , what to buy 😀
dalethorn
Is that the One X U.S. version or international version?
Mark
Quad core version international . Why does it matter ?
Mike
My Samsung has plenty of power for the 650
dalethorn
According to this a very limited dynamic range – may be an issue with inefficient headphones.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/06/26/beats-me-why-htcs-amazing-sound-on-the-international-one-x-isnt-amazing-at-all-even-by-the-numbers/
L.
I wouldn’t though 🙂
Mike
I wouldnt either. Not the proper set up
L.
Mike? The HD600 on a mobile is better than the momentum on a mobile? come on man, you’re still sleeping.
George Lai
Mike is just keeping Lieven on his toes 😉
Mike
The difference in driver quality is quite big, even from a sub par source you’ll still hear it.
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
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.
L.
There seems to be a lot of variation in the P5, also caused by the fit. and we all know fit = bass
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!
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.
Gabriel
How about maybe the
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO or the
audio technica pro 700 mk2 ?
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.
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!
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?