Sennheiser Accentum review: great mid-range headphones

Headphones are such a troublesome class. There are such a lot of private preferences, dimension issues, and listening to frequency vary variations to account for. Issues get significantly difficult with mid-range headphones as a result of manufacturers can’t simply throw the kitchen sink at them like they might for $500-plus units. New from Sennheiser, the Accentum wi-fi headphones promise to have all the things you want, with none pointless bells and whistles.

Whereas I feel we’d disagree about what’s and isn’t obligatory, I’m fairly impressed by how a lot they managed to suit right into a pair of $300 headphones.

Sennheiser Accentum assessment

Sennheiser Accent first impressions

Taking them out of the field, my first thought was that the Accentum headphones appeared just like the Momentum 4’s youthful sibling. They’re a bit smaller, a bit much less premium, however they undoubtedly share the identical DNA.

The subsequent factor that stands proud to me is the wonderful controls. Bodily buttons. Straightforward to seek out on the ear when you’re sporting them, and also you don’t must try to bear in mind which gestures and swipes will get you what you need. There’s little danger of by chance pausing your music while you regulate the headphones.

Lastly, I’m a little bit stunned that there isn’t a case or fabric bag included within the field. I by no means use them, however it’s nonetheless a pleasant factor to have and price preserving in thoughts for those who want a case. Additionally, at this value level, you’ll count on one thing.

Sennheiser Accent specs

For probably the most half, there’s nothing right here that units the world on hearth. However I’m very impressed by 50 hours of battery life at this value level. It’s not the Momentum 4’s 60 hours, however it does put it on par with the dearer Sony XM5.

See Additionally

It’s additionally good to see Lively Noise Cancellation (ANC) at this value level. Usually, ANC below $500 tends to be extra of a label on a field than an truly helpful characteristic, however issues are bettering.

Efficiency

There’s loads to like in regards to the Sennheiser Accentum headphones, but additionally loads that ought to have been improved.

Consolation

The Sennheiser Accentum is a bit smaller and tighter than its extra premium Momentum 4 sibling, so I did discover the band to be a little bit tight on my head at occasions. But it surely’s higher to have headbands begin a contact tight, as a result of, very like denims, they loosen with put on.

The ear cups are gentle, plush, and an excellent dimension. They don’t hassle me with my glasses or many earrings.

For $300, these are barely extra premium feeling than I might count on. I’m impressed.

Sound high quality

For mid-range headphones, the Sennheiser Accentum truly sounds fairly nice on songs that play extra within the mid and excessive tones.

“Georgiana” by Dario Marianelli is gentle, bouncy and largely sounds as I might count on them to on dearer headphones. The start of “A Live performance Six Months From Now” by Finneas additionally sounds delicate and exquisite.

The issues begin when I attempt to take heed to extra bass-heavy songs, like “No Mercy” by Pvris or “Paralyzed” by Conquer Divide. That’s the place you possibly can actually hear that Sennheiser skimped on the woofers. The Accentum simply lacks that punch that I’m after. You may hear all of the fundamentals after which some, positive, however the songs miss that impression that comes from well-reproduced bass.

There’s additionally a little bit of a fuzz separating me from the music. It’s the audio equal of watching by a evenly dusty window. I simply really feel a bit disconnected. “Chasing Twisters” by Delta Rae doesn’t have the identical emotional impression, both.

Don’t get me improper, they don’t sound unhealthy, they simply don’t sound pretty much as good because the headphones they’re imitating. For this value level, one thing has to offer, and I’d moderately they flip down the bass a bit than abandon the higher ranges to fuzz like so many different mid-range manufacturers do. I assume, within the mid-range, you must determine which options to tone again, and Sennheiser picked bass and readability.

Lively Noise Cancelling

I’m at present sitting in my house workplace, in an house moderately excessive off the bottom. I’ve the music turned as much as 70% quantity with noise cancelling on. I can hear a motorbike engine, a police automobile, and what I feel may be an ambulance out the window. Plus, I can hear the keys on my keyboard.

Now, all this sound is unquestionably duller than on transparency mode, and the Sony XM5s additionally don’t absolutely lower out sirens, however the clacking of the keyboard keys is fairly disappointing. It’s not like I actually have a significantly loud keyboard, both, it’s simply the usual Apple keyboard.

The Accentum noise cancelling is healthier than nothing, and higher than virtually every other headphones I’ve tried at this value level. However these getting in anticipating a premium ANC expertise shall be disenchanted.

Who’re the Sennheiser Accentum headphones for?

These headphones are for individuals who have precisely $300 to spend on headphones, and might’t discover extra premium headphones (just like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 or Sony XM5s) on sale. Whereas the Accentum lacks a few of the extra fascinating qualities of extra premium headphones (higher ANC, bass and readability), they’ve all of the components for a fully strong pair of headphones.

I can’t consider every other pairs of headphones I might advocate over the Accentums on this value vary. So, in the event that they match into your finances, you’ll be happy with the funding.

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