[Review] Brand-stacked completeness, Sennheiser Momentum TW 2·CX TW

 According to the market share of wireless earphones in the first and second quarters of 2021 conducted by counterpoint research firm Counterpoint Research, Apple accounts for 27% of global wireless earphones sales. Xiaomi and Samsung Electronics are ranked second and third with 9% and 7% followed by JBL and QCY with 4% and 3%, respectively. 

Notable in the statistics are the only traditional sound devices among the five companies, and the rest, except for QCY, released products in the process of expanding the influence of wireless devices in smartphones, not focusing on sound devices.

The reason why electronics brands were able to take the wireless earphone market is because people's musical tastes and ways of listening are changing thanks to the nature of wireless. Sound devices were previously intended to be appreciated, but now they are more commonly used for hands-free and content appreciation. This means that convenient and easy-to-use products are more popular than expensive high-quality devices.

However, traditional sound device brands are still ahead of the sound device itself. Although the shape of sound devices such as Bluetooth speakers and wireless earphones is changing, the nature of sound devices that convert digital signals into analog signals has not changed. On how to interpret sound, companies that have been dealing with sound for decades have no choice but to do well, and Sennheiser in Germany is suggesting a new direction in the face of the trend of change.

Sennheiser Momentum TW 2 is the power of sound in the wireless age.

In 2018, Sennhizer introduced its first wireless earphone, Momentum True Wireless (TW). Starting with Apple, Zabra, Boss, and QCY had already released wireless earphones in the market, and Sennhizer was quite a latecomer. However, Momentum TW was evaluated for its perfection and sound quality, which is not contrary to the belief that "Sennhizer" made it, and successfully debuted with a series of sold-out marches. Sennhizer, who gained confidence, released Momentum True Wireless 2 (after Momentum TW2), which is equipped with a "noise cancelling" function on Momentum True Wireless in April 2020.

Momentum TW2 supports SBC, ACC, and aptX codecs based on Bluetooth 5.1 and provides an audible frequency range from 5 to 21,000 Hz. Compared to previous generations, there is no difference in performance related to music such as support profile, distortion rate, and frequency band, and the appearance is not that different. The unit uses a Sennhiser 7mm dynamic driver and is an in-ear type that seals the earphone output by pushing it into the ear. The fabric cover was kept intact and white was added.

Although there is not much difference from the previous production, one difference completely changes the two products. Active noise cancellation. Noise cancelling is a technique that micro-accepts ambient noise and then uses waveforms that are opposed to the noise analyzed to offset fixed and repeated noise. From sounds like motors and wind noise, they also capture fixed and loud sounds like subways and airplanes. When noise cancelling is enabled, the surrounding noise is reduced, so you can enjoy the original sound neatly and accurately even with small output, and there is a difference that anyone can feel.

Originally, ANC-applied models use less time due to increased battery consumption, but the usage time itself increased from 4 hours to 7 hours using earphones continuously, and increased significantly from 10 hours to 28 hours when using cases. The battery can be used for 90 minutes on a 10-minute charge, and a full charge takes 90 minutes. The charging method is the same as the previous one, and it is connected by USB C type.

Gain competitive advantage with price/performance ratio, CX TW

Sennheiser, which completed a high-performance wireless earphone lineup with Momentum TW2, unveiled 'CX True Wireless' in July that responds to the low-end market. Although it had previously entered the low-end market with CX400BT, it has increased its utilization by supporting SBC, ACC, and aptX codec based on Bluetooth 5.2 and IPX4 waterproof function that prevents battery life and sweat drops.

The CX TW is an in-ear type with a 7mm dynamic driver. Although there is no active noise cancelling, silicon eartips increase the extinguishing power of sound sources by blocking surrounding noise and apply the "True Response" function to precisely control sound signals transmitted to vibrating plates to maintain balanced sound quality.

By applying beamforming technology that focuses radio waves on voice, microphones can improve call quality and provide roll switching function that can use unit individually, so it can be used only by plugging in one side. Compared to the previous CX400BT, continuous use of earphones increased from 7 hours to 9 hours, increased from 13 hours to 18 hours when using cases, and connected using USB-C terminals.

From personalizable touch controls to app-based sound adjustments

Momentum TW2 supports a slightly higher level of touch control. Press once to the left to play and pause, press twice to the next song, press three times to the previous song, and press and hold to reduce the volume. Press once to the right to increase the voice secretary, twice to make the voice transparent, three to enable ANC, and while pressed, the volume increases. Among them, 'voice transparency' is a function that outputs micro-populated sounds along with sound source so that people can listen to surrounding sounds without removing earphones.

What is special is that it can modify the control function of earphones as desired by using Sennhizer Smart Control App. By downloading smart control apps and linking earphones using Apple App Store and Google Play Store, detailed functions that can be set on touch or smartphone are activated. In addition to the default touch control, Momentum TW2 can be changed to the desired order or the touch control itself can be turned off. In addition, equalizing or firmware updates that change the playback of music to suit one's taste are also provided through the app.

Ideal depth of appreciation or satisfaction with price

Since Sennhiser Momentum TW 2 and CX TW are twice as different in price, detailed functions, completeness, and sound performance of products are bound to be different. First of all, the subjective evaluation of the sound of Sennhiser Momentum TW2 is "rich completeness without blemish." Active noise cancelling does not work as strongly as headphones, but it also works enough to hold a fixed background sound in the subway. In between, the tightly held low notes and clear used notes form an appropriate harmony.

Unlike brand products that are considered to have strong low-pitched voice, such as Boss and JBL, the mid-pitched sound does not collapse and maintains balance. It has a good concentration on common music such as acoustic, classical, and vocal.

CX TW has less clarity than Sennhiser Momentum TW 2. The low pitch is not emphasized enough to harm the mid-tone range, but it feels a bit thicker, so the immersion is less than that of the upper model. Instead, the expressiveness of the middle and high notes is quite good, so the fun of appreciation is enough. It feels like it goes well with a song with a lot of heavy sounds or beats.

A deep appreciation or choice between sufficient completeness

An acoustic device is a device that converts digital or analog sound signals into physical signals that we can hear with our hearing. The output characteristics of the product are all different depending on the method of transmitting the sound, the phenomenon, the method of manufacturing the hardware, and the method of interpreting the signal, and the sound is all different even if the product is similar to the same brand. So are Sennhiser Momentum TW 2 and CX TW. It is the same type of wireless earphones from the same brand, but the user base, utilization, and resolution of the music that is aimed at are clearly different.

Sennhiser Momentum True Wireless 2 is sold for 290,000 won as of August 17, and is one of the most expensive wireless earphones sold in Korea. Of course, it has enough resolution and quality as the name value of "Sennhiser" and also supports active noise cancelling, which has increased the depth of appreciation. It is suitable for users who have preferred sound performance with suction power and perfection of Sennhiser rather than price-performance ratio. However, firmware updates that take about 50 minutes and connectivity that is not smooth compared to Apple Airpods are disadvantages.

Sennhiser CX True Wireless has been set at a reasonable price even though it contains enough quality of Sennhiser. As of the 17th, the price difference is between 20,000 won and 20,000 won compared to Apple's AirPods 2nd generation and Samsung's Galaxy Buzz Pro, which is enough to choose if you prefer sound-specialized brands. Its sound performance is also comparable to Momentum True Wireless 2, and it is much better than other low-end products. Instead, it is regrettable that there are differences such as no motion sensors or not supporting touch control changes.

Sennhiser is a professional company that has manufactured sound equipment for nearly 80 years, and its reputation is widely known around the world wide. If you are looking for wireless earphones from a traditional sound device brand other than a smartphone brand, Sennhiser's wireless earphones will be the answer.