For over a decade, we have been able to associate Sennheiser’s Momentum wireless over-ear headphones range with not only superb sonic substance but also classy, sleek style: their grainy leather headband, pearlescent or matte-finished oval ear cups and distinct metal slider carrying over from one generation to another in an admirable refusal to look ordinary next to the competition. That particular batten is dropped by the Momentum 4 Wireless, which opt for a plainer – dare we say ‘safe’ – design language more akin to that adopted by their rivals. It’s a bit like a wonderfully eccentric kid at school deciding to dial it down to fit in with their classmates, and while we aren’t anti-minimalism by any means, we have to say we are a little disappointed by the move.
However, this is what comes before the theatrical ‘but’ from a judge delivering a positive verdict in a Hollywood court drama. Because that first-impression dissatisfaction is thankfully made up for by everything else these new Sennheiser headphones are and do.
