Tonality 7 Build Quality 8 Fit 8.5 Matchability 7 Value For Money 8 7.7 Our Score

Sennheiser are a well-known brand amongst not only the audiophile community but also amongst the mass-market due to their ability to cater for a wide range of user tastes. With excellent quality and innovative acoustics, the company is a true ambassador for German engineering. Particularly popular amongst the mass market was their recent release, the Sennheiser Momentum headphones which has won over many supporters for their stylish design and favourable sound. The company have now gone on to release the Sennheiser Momentum IEMs in an attempt to capitalise on the same success that the Momentum headphones has earned them.

Priced at £90/$100, the Momentums incorporates a dynamic driver that rivals the similarly priced Fidue A71 in-ear monitors whilst differing completely in style and approach.

What you get: the box & accessories

The momentums come in the standard well-polished Sennheiser packaging which can be seen in stores nationwide. The monitors themselves come wrapped in a plastic cable winder which resides in a classy Sennheiser embossed carrying case. Included are four sizes of single-flange silicone tips with a cross-brace design. The packaging is excellent which is not surprising seeing as Sennheiser have a wealth of marketing resources at their hand and have been in the game for a long period of time.







Build quality

The Sennheiser Momentums rock a bold design that is nothing short of a confident and well-implemented decision on Sennheiser’s behalf to capture consumer interest. The acoustic tubes comprise of a durable stainless steel finish but the actual housings sport a reflective plastic material. This has its downsides, particularly the lack of durability compared to metal equivalents but at the same is practically more appropriate due to possessing a lighter size. The red and black cable is sleek and completes the overall look of the Momentum in-ears. Strain reliefs are secure and the 3 button in-line remote is well-placed and a nice additional feature.

Fit

Despite having a larger than average sized housing material, Sennheiser have utilised ergonomics to deliver an optimal user experience. The angled nozzle and curved designs, for example, make these very comfortable for extended periods of wear. I was able to achieve a very good seal with the selection of an appropriately sized ear tip which is particularly important for bass impact and overall sound.

Sound impressions

Lows

The bass of the momentums in-ears is encapsulating due its sheer quantity and presence. Surprisingly well-controlled and pleasurable, there is no doubt that this is one area of the sound that Sennheiser have placed emphasis on and have certainly succeeded. In comparison to the similarly priced Fidue A71, the Sennheisers are notably more controlled and less boomier with a better refined performance. However, just as the Momentum in-ears are to the A71, the DUNU Titan 1 is the same to the Momentums. That is to say, the Titans come across as clearer, more articulate and tighter compared to the low-end performance of the Momentums. Nevertheless, the bass levels of the Sennheisers are plentiful and achieve great depth and extension. Though it may not be the best choice for die-hard bassheads, the texture and presence on their own may just suffice.

Mids

Now this is where Sennheiser have departed from traditional consumer-oriented sound signatures and have opted for a recessed midrange. The result being a v-shaped sound signature where for the most part, vocals take a backseat to the powerful bass and top-end. Compared to the Fidue A73 model, the Momentums are less intimate and clear but present with a warmer and bigger-bodied presence. The latter is also less susceptible to sibilance which the A73 is guilty of due to its energetic upper-mids. The overall signature of the momentums is on the warm side of neutral and owing to its laidback nature, is great for listening for extended periods of time.

Highs

The higher frequencies of the Sennheiser Momentum in-ears are well-extended and have a good amount of air and sparkle. While not as clear nor transparent as the Rock-it Sounds R50, they maintain good extension and delivery. However, with some tracks, the treble can be prone to being metallic and arguably less cohesive than similarly-priced TWFK sets. It is worth noting though, that highs lack harshness compared to the Fidue A73 which is a good move on Sennheiser’s behalf to fit in line with the consumer-oriented sound profile. In comparison to the Bowers & Wilkins C5-S2 model, the treble of the Momentums are more intelligible and transparent with greater lift and energy.

Soundstage & Imaging

The soundstage of the Sennheiser Momentums are fairly large especially because of the v-shaped sound signature. There is a good sense of airiness between instrumentals and vocals which makes for a spacious presentation. Separation is good but not as well defined as the DUNU Titan model which boasts better imaging due to its use of titanium-coated drivers. Soundstage width also falls short of the DUNU Titan 1 and the DUNU DN-2000 but is considerably larger than the Vsonic VC1000 whilst being on par with the Fidue A73.

Final Thoughts

Overall then, Sennheiser have a released a solid product with the Momentum in-ears. With a strong bass and good treble performance, tracks are dynamic and involving. I am especially impressed with the stellar bass which offers power yet retains control and gracefulness. That is not to say that the Momentum is without its flaws however, as it does not excel in mid-range depth and clarity which may be a turn-off for those wishing for a more intimate and forward vocal performance. Though with Sennheiser being Sennheiser, the Momentum beautifully combines form and function to deliver another great product which takes after its father, the Sennheiser Momentum headphones. With a choice of in-line remotes for both iOS and Android, Sennheiser have proven again that they cater for different user tastes and preferences. With a fun signature, the Momentum in-ears are well priced at $100/£90 and a great choice for the mass-market and audiophiles alike.

Price: $100

Links: http://en-uk.sennheiser.com/momentum-headphones-in-ear and in the UK: http://www.custom-cable.co.uk/sennheiser-momentum-in-ear-headphones-android.html

Technical Specifications