Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 earphones: a remarkable return
Sennheiser is back with the second version of its great true wireless headphones . Are Momentum True Wireless 2, now equipped with active noise reduction, able to compete with the WF-1000XM3 or the AirPods Pro ?
Presentation
To stay in the race, Sennheiser unveils a new version of its unique model of true wireless headphones : the Momentum True Wireless 2. A little over a year after the Momentum True Wireless , this new vintage promises multiple improvements relating to the comfort (more compact headphones) and use (better autonomy, customizable touch controls).
The active noise reduction function, present on other high-end models such as the AirPods Pro or the WF-1000XM3 , makes its appearance.
Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 2 were launched in early April for € 299, the same launch price as the first version. We tested them with version 4.5.0 of the firmware and version 3.1.9429 of the application.
Ergonomics
This second version of the Momentum True Wireless leaves on the same bases of conception and design as the first model (dense plastic shell, aluminum control surface, case covered with soft touch fabric …), and this is not certainly not to displease us.
The quality of manufacture and finish of the set is always excellent. Only the size of the headphones and the color of the fabric covering the case differ here.
The whole breathes solidity and there is no visible defect. The Momentum True Wireless 2 are once again IPX4 certified and can therefore withstand rain and sweat.
They are not sold as headphones specifically designed for sports, but it is entirely possible to use them in this way, always taking care to maintain them after each session. In any case, we did not notice any malfunction after several weeks of use.
One of the main areas of improvement for Momentum True Wireless 2 concerns comfort and the more “universal” aspect of wearing headphones. The manufacturer has therefore slightly redesigned its true wireless .
Even if the difference is not obvious and there are even more compact models on the market, the result is well up to the promise. The headphones are more discreet in the hollow of the pavilion, especially at the level of the conch and at the entrance to the ear canal.
The feeling of pressure brought by the in-ear part is more discreet. We can therefore wear the Momentum True Wireless 2 on long listening sessions without feeling any particular discomfort. Maintenance is ensured in all circumstances once the right tips are chosen.
Four pairs of silicone tips of different sizes are provided. Momentum True Wireless 2 always provides good passive insulation, even without memory foam tips. If you do not want to be completely cut off from your surroundings, Transparent Hearing mode is always present to hear noises in the surrounding area.
Otherwise, if you want to minimize them, the manufacturer has integrated the famous noise reduction function into this version. We will talk about this in more detail in the audio analysis of this test.
The touch controls are still there, but this time there is a change in size: almost all of the available controls are now assignable thanks to the Smart Control mobile application. The user experience is really very pleasant, even if you still have to wear two earphones to access all the controls.
Numerous audible, voice and light alerts are always present to guide the user. We also appreciate the small sound feedback each time you press the touchscreen to indicate that the command has been taken into account.
The controls are responsive and it is almost impossible to inadvertently engage them, even by repositioning the earphones in the ear or leaning against a surface.
The operation of Momentum True Wireless has not changed with this second iteration: it is still a master (right listener) / slave (left listener) system, which somewhat limits the possibilities.
In addition, the right earpiece does not always perform monophonic summation in solo use: only the right channel of the stereo signal is broadcast.
That said, the wireless connection between the headphones did not suffer from any stability issues during our test. Momentum True Wireless 2 communicates with playback devices via Bluetooth 5.1 Compliant (compatibility with SBC, AAC and aptX codecs).
Multipoint is unfortunately still not in the game, and aptX Low Latency compatibility is no longer, which is even more regrettable.
Indeed, the communication latency is particularly high here, with an offset of around 320 ms. This value results in a significant difference between sound and image.
The relatively good implementation of the Bluetooth protocol on these Momentum True Wireless 2 still allows you to follow a video in correct conditions: part of the latency is indeed compensated for certain mobile applications (Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video…).
Sennheiser also made a promise on the side of autonomy. If we believe the manufacturer, the autonomy of the Momentum True Wireless 2 now reaches 7 hours per full charge of the headphones without Active Noise Reduction, against 3 h 30 min previously.
Unfortunately, we have never reached this threshold in practice. At best, the headphones offer 5 h 30 min of use without RBA: a good result, certainly, but still disappointing compared to the initial promise.
If you are an RBA aficionado, expect usage time per charge of approximately 3 hrs 30 mins. For comparison, the AirPods Pro deliver 4 h 30 min with RBA per charge, while the WF-1000XM3 offer 6 h 30 min of listening under the same conditions.
The Momentum True Wireless 2 case allows 3 additional recharges and retains its USB-C connector (not compatible with Qi wireless recharge). Another important detail: the manufacturer has eliminated some problems with inadvertent discharges — and much too fast — of the headphones when they were put away.
We found that the consumption of the headphones in this scenario was extremely reduced. Note that the latter do not seem to go out completely once stored in the box, unless the unit is completely out of battery, and they cannot be turned off manually.
The quality of pickup of Momentum True Wireless 2 microphones is correct in a calm environment. Although the signal is polluted by fairly audible artifacts — most likely due to significant data compression and signal processing in an attempt to reduce surrounding noise — the intelligibility of the voice is minimally preserved.
We can converse in good conditions. Unfortunately, the call quality decreases significantly when moving in a relatively noisy environment (street with moderate traffic) until it becomes completely insufficient in noisy places (windy conditions, heavy traffic, nearby works, metro .. .). The voice is then drowned under the artefacts that we mentioned.
Audio
The sound performances of Momentum True Wireless 2 are very close to those of Momentum True Wireless first of the name . We advise you to take a look at the test side of the previous model to properly address the rest of this test.
To summarize, the Momentum True Wireless 2 retain the same sound approach as their predecessors, with a slightly W sound signature. This is distinguished above all by its extension (very deep bass, wide and airy treble) and by its balance. The sound rendering is rich and well defined. Each element of the stereophonic scene is easily identifiable, both in depth and in width.
The Momentum True Wireless 2 also mark a point on the restitution of the sound space, very natural, and respect for the dynamics. Without any intervention, the bass tends to take precedence over the higher frequency bands. You can then attenuate them via the equalizer present in the application to obtain a more vivid and sharp rendering. Significant point:
During the test of the first Momentum True Wireless, we pointed out a problem of management of the distortion in the higher frequencies, with as a consequence an imprecision in the treble and a “flickering” effect.
This little misstep had just cost them the last star in our final grade. Good news, Sennheiser seems to have taken advantage of this second version to mitigate this imperfection.
The difference is subtle, but it is sensitive enough to allow Momentum True Wireless 2 to get the ultimate star. The management of the distortion is indeed a bit better on this second version, around 1 kHz, but also and above all around 5–6 kHz. The treble reproduction gains a little precision and smoothness, the “brittle” aspect is less audible and less annoying than on the first model.
The induction of this second version of the Momentum True Wireless marks the arrival of the famous active noise reduction function. Without keeping the dragée high to the tenors (WH-1000XM3, Headphones 700, B&W PX7 …), the manufacturer’s helmets had shown a certain effectiveness on this point. The result is very discreet here.
The active on-board noise reduction provides additional attenuation of just 5 dB on average in the bass, low mid and midrange (up to 800 Hz) compared to passive isolation. The difference is so slight that it is difficult to perceive it during use, especially since no voice or sound alert lets you know if the function is activated or not.
Even if the Momentum True Wireless 2 naturally cut surrounding noise better than their direct competitors, we are far fromWF-1000XM3 and AirPods Pro once noise reduction is started. The difference can be heard very clearly in the engine and ventilation noises, in the running of a wagon, and even in conversations nearby.
The “Transparent Hearing” listening mode is much more convincing. Admittedly, the auditory perception is not perfectly natural nor “transparent” — one always feels a part of the passive isolation in the higher frequencies -, but the result approaches it very strongly.
You can hear and understand a lot of the noises and discussions nearby as well as the voice announcements in public transport. It is more difficult to locate the sounds precisely, however. So always be extra careful, especially in the city.
STRONG POINTS
Well balanced and rich sound rendering.
Deep, punchy and well defined bass.
Excellent reproduction of the stereophonic space.
Complete and customizable orders.
Nice feelings of comfort, very good support.
Very careful manufacturing.
WEAK POINTS
Restitution of treble which still deserves a little sweetness.
Anecdotal active noise reduction.
Still no multipoint connection and mono summation in solo use.
Autonomy not up to that announced (5h per charge against 7h, without RBA).
Source: https://techyguide.net/best-earphones-under-1500-in-india/
