Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: Audio Quality Tested – A Detailed Dive
Sennheiser has a long-standing reputation for delivering premium audio experiences, and the Momentum True Wireless line has consistently been a flagship for their earbud offerings. The Momentum True Wireless 4 (MTW4) aims to build upon this legacy, promising even better sound quality, improved ANC, and a host of new features. But does it live up to the hype (and the price tag)? This article dives deep into the audio performance of the MTW4, putting its claims to the test.
Testing Methodology:
To provide a comprehensive analysis of the MTW4’s audio quality, we employed a variety of methods and source material:
- Source Devices: Tests were conducted using a range of devices, including a high-end Android smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra) with aptX Adaptive support, an iPhone 14 Pro (AAC), and a Windows laptop (SBC and aptX). This ensured we assessed performance across different Bluetooth codecs.
- Music Genres: A diverse playlist was used, spanning classical (orchestral, chamber), jazz (vocal, instrumental), rock (classic, alternative, metal), electronic (ambient, house, techno), pop (contemporary, vocal-driven), and hip-hop (lyrical, bass-heavy).
- Streaming Services: High-resolution audio was streamed via Tidal (HiFi Plus) and Apple Music (Lossless). Standard quality streams were also tested via Spotify (Premium).
- Listening Environments: Testing was performed in quiet home environments, as well as during commutes on public transport and in busy urban settings, to assess real-world performance and ANC effectiveness related to audio.
- Comparisons: Direct A/B comparisons were made with previous generation Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, and other high-end competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro 2.
- EQ Customization: The Sennheiser Smart Control app’s EQ settings were explored, including presets and custom adjustments.
Audio Quality Breakdown:
The MTW4 impresses immediately with its refined and balanced sound signature. Sennheiser has clearly focused on delivering an audiophile-grade experience.
- Bass: The low-end is powerful and impactful, but remarkably controlled. It extends deep, providing a satisfying rumble in bass-heavy tracks (e.g., electronic, hip-hop) without ever becoming muddy or overpowering the other frequencies. There’s a distinct sense of texture and detail in the bass, allowing you to appreciate the nuances of basslines and kick drums. Compared to the MTW3, the bass feels slightly tighter and more refined, with less “bloom.”
- Mids: The midrange is where the MTW4 truly shines. Vocals are rendered with exceptional clarity and presence, feeling natural and intimate. Instruments like guitars, pianos, and strings have a rich and detailed texture, allowing you to hear the subtle nuances of each performance. There’s a warmth to the mids that makes them incredibly engaging, without sacrificing detail or accuracy. The midrange is noticeably more forward and present than some competitors, giving vocals and instruments a prominent position in the soundstage.
- Highs: The treble is crisp and detailed, providing a sense of air and spaciousness to the sound. Cymbals shimmer, high-hats are precise, and there’s no hint of harshness or sibilance, even at higher volumes. Sennheiser has managed to achieve a delicate balance, providing enough sparkle and detail without causing listening fatigue. Compared to the MTW3, the treble feels slightly smoother and more refined.
- Soundstage and Imaging: The MTW4 presents a surprisingly wide and deep soundstage for true wireless earbuds. Instruments are well-separated, and there’s a good sense of depth, allowing you to pinpoint the location of different elements within the mix. This creates a more immersive and engaging listening experience, particularly with well-recorded classical and jazz tracks. The imaging is precise, making it easy to follow individual instruments and vocals.
- Detail Retrieval: The MTW4 excels at retrieving subtle details in recordings. You can hear the nuances of room acoustics, the breath of vocalists, and the delicate attack and decay of instruments. This level of detail retrieval is impressive for a true wireless earbud and contributes significantly to the overall listening experience.
- Codec Performance: The MTW4 supports a wide range of codecs, including SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, and even the new aptX Lossless (though availability of the latter is still limited).
- aptX Adaptive: On compatible devices, aptX Adaptive delivers the best overall sound quality, with the lowest latency and highest bandwidth. The difference is noticeable, particularly in terms of detail retrieval and dynamic range.
- AAC: Performance on iPhones with AAC is also excellent, delivering a clean and balanced sound.
- SBC: Even on devices limited to SBC, the MTW4 performs admirably, though there’s a slight drop in detail and clarity compared to the higher-quality codecs.
- aptX Lossless: When available and connected to a compatible source, aptX Lossless takes the listening experience even higher. The most subtle nuances were more apparent, and soundstage appeared even more expansive and three-dimensional. It requires a very stable and strong Bluetooth connection.
ANC and Transparency Mode’s Impact on Audio:
- ANC: The MTW4’s active noise cancellation is very effective at blocking out low-frequency noise, such as the rumble of engines and the hum of air conditioning. While it doesn’t completely eliminate all noise, it significantly reduces distractions, allowing you to focus on your music. Crucially, the ANC doesn’t noticeably degrade the audio quality. Some earbuds suffer from a “muffled” sound when ANC is engaged, but the MTW4 maintains its clarity and detail.
- Transparency Mode: The transparency mode allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds. It’s well-implemented, sounding natural and allowing you to have conversations without shouting. There is minimal impact on the underlying audio quality.
The Sennheiser Smart Control App:
The Smart Control app provides a range of customization options, including:
- EQ: A five-band equalizer allows you to fine-tune the sound to your personal preferences. Presets are also available for different genres.
- Sound Check: This feature helps you create a personalized sound profile based on your hearing preferences.
- Sound Zones: This feature allows you to create different sound profiles for different locations (e.g., home, office, gym).
Conclusion:
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 delivers on its promise of exceptional audio quality. The refined sound signature, with its powerful yet controlled bass, clear and present mids, and detailed highs, makes for an incredibly engaging listening experience. The wide soundstage, precise imaging, and excellent detail retrieval further enhance the immersion. While the price is undoubtedly premium, the MTW4 justifies it with its audiophile-grade performance, effective ANC, and comprehensive feature set. These are truly wireless earbuds for those who prioritize sound quality above all else. If audio fidelity is your primary concern, the MTW4 is a top contender in the true wireless earbud market.