Sennheiser. The brand name itself resonates with audio enthusiasts, particularly when associated with the “Momentum” series. This line represents Sennheiser’s premium offerings, emphasizing exceptional sound and design. Consequently, upon receiving the fourth generation of true wireless earbuds, the central question was not whether they would sound good, but rather, the extent of their acoustic excellence. Our prior experiences with Sennheiser products, such as the Momentum Sport, have generally been very positive. The pertinent question is whether the sound quality justifies the investment.
Design
These earbuds exhibit an understated elegance. Their design doesn’t overtly demand attention, but rather conveys a sense of sophisticated quality. While not the most diminutive on the market – protruding slightly more than the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 – their ergonomic design ensures comfortable, all-day wear. The charging case, however, presents a minor inconvenience due to its size, potentially feeling bulky in trouser pockets. The case is clad in a textile-like material that provides a pleasant tactile experience and effectively resists fingerprints. The robustness of the case is evident in its magnetic lid, which provides a secure and satisfying closure. While the size of both the case and earbuds may be a trade-off, the overall experience is compelling. Those prioritizing a smaller, more streamlined solution may find alternatives like the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 more suitable.
The Sound
The acoustic performance is a primary reason for choosing Sennheiser, and these earbuds deliver admirably. The bass response is characterized by its tightness, speed, and impact, without being overpowering. Complex rhythms, such as those in Tataki by Argy, are handled with impressive control. This control extends to the deep bass frequencies in Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy, where each thump is rendered with clarity and precision.
The midrange is accurate and well-defined; listening to a track like Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide reveals the clarity and distinctness of each guitar pluck. However, the treble frequencies are particularly noteworthy. In Albin Lee Meldau’s Josefin, the level of detail creates an almost intimate and emotionally resonant experience, highlighting the earbuds’ exceptional handling of subtle nuances.
The soundstage exhibits surprising width and spaciousness. The intro to Pink Floyd’s Time, with its array of clocks, creates a sense of sounds originating from beyond the confines of the earbuds. This separation and breadth simulate the experience of listening with open-back headphones.
Noise Cancellation
While not completely eliminating sounds such as a screaming child on an airplane, the noise cancellation effectively reduces distractions to a manageable level. While not class-leading, the noise cancellation performs well. A key strength lies in the wind noise reduction. During a walk along a windy waterfront, podcast audio remained clear and intelligible, even amidst strong gusts – eliminating the need to increase the volume. This feature is particularly valuable in environments prone to windy conditions.
The App
The companion app is functional, offering a range of settings and features, although the default sound profile rarely necessitates adjustments. Connectivity can occasionally be slightly delayed. While not a major issue, users may expect more seamless performance in this price category.
Conclusion
Opting for the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 is akin to selecting a premium wine over a standard offering. While not essential, the enhanced experience justifies the investment.
These earbuds cater to discerning listeners who prioritize sound quality and seek to appreciate subtle sonic details. While they represent a significant investment and possess a slightly larger form factor, their exceptional audio performance mitigates these drawbacks. The financial commitment is substantial, but the auditory experience is highly rewarding, making the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 a recommended choice.
Sennheiser provided review units for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted objectively, with the interests of our readers and consumers as our primary focus.
