The European Union might not be good for much, but something good has come out of the group. Sennheiser’s new Momentum 5 wireless earbuds have just been announced, and they include user-replaceable batteries.
It’s not explicit, but the audio company is following requirements set by the EU. The same thing is happening with Nintendo’s Switch 2, with the effect likely travelling around the world. Either way, it boils down to replaceable batteries being a thing for both the ‘buds and the Momentum 5’s case.
Maintaining Momentum 5
That’s not the main reason to be excited by Sennheiser’s newest, of course. It’s just novel enough (for now) to take top billing. The company’s 7mm dynamic drivers sit inside each redesigned bud, along with four microphones — one for bone conduction. Sennheiser reckons the soundstage is wider for this edition, plus there’s a Fraunhofer Institute-tuned eight-band EQ.
Adaptive noise cancelling is present. It’s probably, based on previous efforts, rather good at its job. The Momentum 5 buds also have an accelerometer that works with a new voice isolation system to provide better calls. Wind suppression comes as standard as well.
The German company promises twelve hours per charge for its new in-ears, plus 40 hours or so stashed in the case. An IP54 rating means they’re not quite as workout qualified as we’d like, but they should do for the basics. Plus some benchwork. Both the buds and the case have a reworked design that Sennheiser reckons will be more comfortable across the board.
Local pricing for Sennheiser’s Momentum 5 earbuds isn’t known, but the American pre-order price is. The $300 tag works out to somewhere north of R5,500 when they launch here in South Africa. That’ll be some time after 3 September, which is when these go on sale overseas.
