One year after its first wireless headphones, Sennheiser delivers a new version its Momentum True Wireless 2. New models that come to make some corrections to the first copy, but also welcome additions such as active noise reduction. What justify their price of 299 dollars? This is what we will see in this complete test.
Technical Sheet Of SENNHEISER MOMENTUM TRUE WIRELESS 2 :
| Model | Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 |
|---|---|
| Format | in-ear headphones |
| Active noise reduction | Yes |
| Autonomy announced | 28 hours |
| Bluetooth version | 5.1 |
| Weight | 70 grams |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant |
Very Comfortable Earphones To Wear :
The Momentum True Wireless 2 headphones use the same format as the first version, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless, launched last year. We thus find the same case format and headphones quite similar at first.
The charging case is covered with a fairly neat fabric covering with simply the Sennheiser logo superimposed on the top. Under the case, there are the legal notices and on the back the button allowing to discover the remaining autonomy, the USB-C socket for recharging and the indicator light. Note also that the case is rather heavy with a weight of 70 grams when the headphones are stored, and 58 grams when empty. For the template, we are on a fairly massive format with 77 x 44 x 35 mm. It can be stored in a pocket, provided it is not too narrow.
To open the case, you need a little force and rather use two hands. Too bad, Sennheiser could have simplified the opening with a small notch in which to slide the thumb for easier opening, like the case of Apple’s AirPods Pro. Once the case is open, nothing out of the ordinary, we find the two earphones, held by magnets in their housing, as well as the name of Sennheiser on the cover.
Sennheiser headphones are in-ear models. That is to say, they are supplied with silicone tips which slide directly inside the ear canal. If some people can be disturbed by this format, it has at least the merit of being much more insulating than those of the button or open-fit type which are housed simply at the entrance to the ear canal. We also appreciate that Sennheiser provides four pairs of earpieces, all made of silicone, but of different sizes, to best adapt the earphones to the format of our ear. As always with this type of product, it is better to try all the tips to make sure you have the best passive insulation and especially optimal sound quality, without leaking sounds.
Once in the ears, the headphones are quite comfortable to use. It must be said that with their length of about 2.5 cm, the weight is fairly well distributed between the ear canal, the tragus and the antitragus, without pressing too much on one or the other of the parts of the ear . Even after four or five hours of use, the headphones do not interfere particularly with the ear. Note that the headphones themselves only offer a flat touch surface on the side for controls.
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A Functionalized Application :
To synchronize the headphones, Sennheiser recommends using its Smart Control application, available on iOS and Android. Note that synchronization requires removing the headphones from their case, then pressing the tactile surfaces for three seconds and thus triggering the pairing mode. A complex hair procedure we would have appreciated that the case went directly into pairing mode when opened.
However, it does not seem to be Bluetooth compatible. A problem that also arises when checking the remaining battery in the case, since it is not communicated to the application, one of the main interests of which is to allow to see directly how long the two are earphones.
Obviously, this is not the only functionality offered. From the home page, once the headphones are paired, you can choose to activate the transparent hearing mode, to hear outside noise despite passive isolation, or access the equalizer.
As on the Sennheiser 3 Wireless that we tested at the end of last year, it is a fairly coarse equalizer which does not allow you to fine-tune the different frequency bands, but simply to position a point to refine the all bass, midrange and bass. It has at least the merit of being fairly simple to understand for neophytes, but will lack precision for people who would like it. It is also possible to save several presets to easily vary from one equalization to another.
In addition to these two features highlighted on the home screen of the application, Smart Control also offers many parameters. We can for example activate or deactivate the “smart pause” which will automatically pause the music when you remove the earphones from your ears. The same goes for taking automatic calls when you remove the right earpiece from the charging case. This is also where we will be able to activate or deactivate active noise reduction.
Because yes, one of the main contributions of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 is indeed the active noise reduction function, a function that was so lacking on the first model and which now allows headphones to compete with the WF-1000XM3 Sony and Apple AirPods Pro. Here, however, do not expect a particularly advanced management of noise reduction, it is simply a button to turn it on or off. It is therefore impossible to fine-tune it as much in intensity as to suppress a particular type of noise.
While noise reduction can slightly reduce the sound of your voice, this is not where it stands out. On traffic noises in the middle of the city, we always hear the sound of horns or nearby engines, but less the hum of the ambient traffic. Also in the metro, the lowest frequencies are the best deleted, but we always hear the creaking of the rails for example. Overall, the Momentum True Wireless 2 therefore offer correct noise reduction, without however reaching the level of competitors offered by Sony or Apple.
The last point proposed by the Smart Control application concerns the touchscreen controls of the headphones. By default, each of them has different controls depending on whether you press it once, twice, three times or with a long press. Each of these controls can however be personalized. In addition to the default settings, you can for example configure a control to turn the headphones on or off. A great way to get the most out of the experience for those who are used to handling it on previous headphones.
For Bluetooth, the headphones benefit from a connection in Bluetooth 5.1, supposed to offer, for compatible smartphones, an improved range and stability. However, during my test sessions, it has already happened that the connection is cut simply because the smartphone was in my pocket. A more than frustrating experience. In addition to this, the headphones are also compatible with SBC, AAC and aptX codecs. A good point as the manufacturers are generally reluctant to offer additional codecs on the headphones, deeming it too little useful. However, too bad the headphones cannot be paired to two sources simultaneously. So you can’t use them with both a smartphone and a computer when you get to the office.
Regarding call quality, if Sennheiser’s headphones are well equipped with microphones to capture your voice, they won’t do wonders. Your correspondent will indeed hear all the noises around, whether it is traffic or even just a keyboard.
Excellent Audio Quality :
To ensure the audio quality of its headphones, Sennheiser has equipped its Momentum True Wireless 2 with 7 mm diameter transducers. The firm also announces a frequency response of 5 to 21,000 Hz. Enough to cover all of the frequencies audible by the human ear.
In use, we are entitled to a particularly detailed sound in all frequency bands. A sound that distinguishes the bass as well as the midrange and treble. On Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy, the drumming of the drums and bass is thus felt well with a heavy sound and not muffled as we can have on some headphones. The same goes for the singer’s voice. The treble is also particularly clear on a track like Dance Monkey from Tones and I. Same observation on jazz tracks like So What by Miles Davis, where we can distinguish the trumpet as well as the double bass or the saxophones, without the one or the other of the instruments does not pass through the door.
Overall, with the default equalizer, you get a particularly detailed sound, but one that does not lack balance either. In this, the Momentum True Wireless 2 therefore take on the sound identity of Sennheiser, a quality that we also noted during the testing of the Momentum 3 Wireless headset. However, the headphones are not free from defects and we can note a slight tendency to sibilance in voices or certain instruments, that is to say sounds in “S” which are particularly marked. A rendering reinforced by a tendency to saturate in the highest frequencies at high volume.
Wireless Charge Missing :
One of the main concerns observed with the first Momentum True Wireless earphones was their low autonomy, coupled with a tendency to discharge on their own when stored in the case. Problems to which the German manufacturer seems to have returned with the Momentum True Wireless 2.
Sennheiser indeed announces a 7 hour autonomy in listening to music for a charge of the headphones. A duration which can go up to 28 hours using the case which can therefore be used for two additional recharges. To fully charge the Momentum True Wireless 2 in the case, you have to wait a little less than an hour and a half, while the brand announces 10 minutes of charge for an hour and a half of listening. In short, on paper, everything is fine.
By using the headphones continuously for a day, I was able to wear them, with a fairly high volume, for 6 h 30 before they ran out of battery. It’s very correct and about average. By activating active noise reduction, on the other hand, the headphones go from 100 to 50% of battery in 2 h 30 and turn off after 4 hours of use. Even if noise reduction is far from doing as well as competing models, it should be noted that it remains particularly energy-consuming.
For recharging the case, Sennheiser provides a short 21 cm USB-A to USB-C cable, but without a power supply. More annoying, even if we appreciate the presence of a USB-C socket and not micro-USB, we regret that the headphones can not enjoy wireless charging. A feature yet offered in many competing headphones, including the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus, yet marketed at a price twice lower.
As explained earlier, it is impossible to know exactly how much battery life remains within the application. However, it has a small diode on the back which displays a green, red or orange color depending on its charge level. If the headphones are stored within the case, then their autonomy is indicated by the diode. A good way to know when they are fully charged, without having to remove them to find out the precise level of charge in the application.
SENNHEISER MOMENTUM TRUE WIRELESS 2 Release Date And Price :