Page 3 - Subjective Audio Analysis
Reviewing audio devices require extensively trained ears, lots of experience, and sufficient technical knowledge. Even for the experienced auditioner, it may prove challenging at times to obtain an accurate evaluation of a product without a thoroughly familiar product to use as a simultaneous reference. Furthermore, many self-proclaimed audiophiles are susceptible to biased write-ups due to placebo effects from false advertising. While I am not going to even try to claim that I am the only trustworthy or best evaluator for sound, it is fact that most computer review sites have editors who are insufficiently trained in reviewing audio equipment. Give them anything and all you will read about goes along with the line of "good bass, nice midrange, impressive treble, really clear sound, 10/10". While there are many knowledgeable audio reviewers at various respected online media outlets, they are by far the minority.
As I have mentioned in my past audio reviews, there are no true objective measurements for sound quality. As the evaluator, however, I will put it through a series of subjective tests to try to produce the most objective rating possible. Yes, it sounds like a paradox. For all tests, I used an Apple iPhone 15 Pro over Bluetooth 5.3. After over 60 hours of break-in time -- well above typical required time -- I put the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 to the test. All test tracks are high-quality CD-equivalent files. The earphones were left in their default sound and equalizer settings. As such, active noise cancellation was active for majority of my auditioning time, although I will make comparisons to it not being active too.
Starting from the low-end, the bass of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 was generally balanced well between having presence without overwhelming the listener. It felt controlled and deep with a rounded and defined nature. Grooves in the electric bass and kicks from the bass drum were punchy without overpowering the other two regions. I did not find the bass too pushed forward, but instead felt like Sennheiser held some restraint when tuning these earphones. Comparing with ANC on and off, I found the bass to be a bit less present with ANC off, but it was not a very big difference.
Into the middle region, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 was clear and clean. Vocalists in all regions were reproduced with a wet and warm feel. Instruments like pianos and acoustic guitars sounded natural with each note or strum producing a clear wooden resonance. The lower midrange was slightly bumped up due to the more present bass region transitioning into the midrange. The upper midrange was also slightly emphasized. Even though the whole region was less than the bass and trebles, it never lacked energy or richness, and you could hear all the different voices in the midrange.
Into the trebles, the sound is immediate and clean. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 provided a bright but comfortable feel, with trebles having sparkle without being too piercing. Percussive elements like cymbal crashes and high-hat taps were clear, but sometimes felt slightly clashy. Other instruments like flutes and violins cut through with clarity, but it was not too shrill. Sibilance was present although it was not fatiguing, even after longer periods. All three regions together were a mild V-shaped curve, with only a slight delta between the bass or treble and the midrange. This falls in line with what you might expect for a V-shaped signature, but Sennheiser was careful to keep everything in check relative to each other.
As for soundstaging and imaging, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 was strong in this region with solid width and depth. Instruments sounded spread out and distributed evenly across a large stage. Live tracks with audience claps, cheers, and other sounds were properly located both in relative direction and distance. The image felt realistic and natural. Despite the smaller physical size of the 7mm drivers compared to other earphones or headphones, I was impressed with the large stage the Momentum True Wireless 5 provided. With active noise cancellation active, the stage was only slightly smaller, but still felt just as impressive.
For layering and frequency separation, the Momentum True Wireless 5 was capable at keeping all the different voices and regions audible without blending or blaring out one area. All different cues and instruments were reproduced with a high resolution and definition. Each sound was distinct from one another while still sounding cohesive altogether. It was overall a very clean and clear sound.
In terms of sound isolation, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 has both passive and active elements to keep sound out. Passively, they were capable of plugging your ear canal to seal off external noises. With ANC off, these earbuds still cut out most constant sounds and in louder environments, the Momentum True Wireless 5 provided a sheltered getaway, at least audibly. With active noise cancellation enabled, the increased isolation was notable. Louder noises were reduced and constant noises were practically removed altogether. I was often surprised by how loud my external environment was whenever I took these earbuds off. The transparency mode is also quite solid with a natural reproduction of the environment around you when needed. I did notice the Momentum True Wireless 5 took a second to calibrate every time I switched between ANC and transparency mode, but it was not a big deal.
For microphone testing, I recorded myself twice, first indoors and second outdoors. This would give a better idea of how the microphone performs in both environments with varying external noises. Inside, the microphone was good for calls, as it was able to pick up my voice easily. My voice sounded a bit robotic with some buzz or muffle whenever I spoke. Surprisingly, the outside recording sounded a bit more natural, with a bit less buzz in my voice. External noises were properly rejected in both cases, which is a good thing. This included cars driving by and the wind. Altogether, my voice may not have been the most natural, but it was distinguishable and clear, making the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 usable for calls.
As for wireless capabilities, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 did not show any defects here. In testing, I was able to get around 6 hours and 30 minutes at 50% volume with ANC on before it stopped playing. This aligns with the manufacturer's estimates of 6 hours with ANC on and 12 hours with ANC off. The case provided more charges, and I was able to get a total of 21 hours from full to empty. Sennheiser also quotes 40 hours total run time with ANC off, so all these numbers are as expected. This might not be the most impressive result given we have seen true wireless options last longer, but it still is an improvement from the first Momentum True Wireless, which only lasted 12 hours with the case. It is clear Bluetooth technology and energy efficiency have improved significantly since then. Charging the entire unit took around 90 minutes. We can wirelessly charge the Momentum True Wireless 5, although Sennheiser states it will take longer. Wireless range was also good, as I was able to keep a consistent connection up to 30m away with direct line of sight. In terms of delay, it was not too noticeable when watching videos, although those gaming may feel it.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
3. Subjective Audio Analysis
4. Conclusion
