Sennheiser has launched its new Accentum wireless noise-canceling headphones, which bear a striking resemblance to the high-end Momentum 4 Wireless headphones. However, what sets the Accentum apart is their ability to accept lossless digital audio through their USB-C port, a feature the Momentum 4 lacks. Priced at $180, the black version of the Accentum can be preordered from September 25 and will start shipping on October 4, while the white version will be available towards the end of November. Consumers can purchase both models from select retailers or directly from sennheiser-hearing.com.
The Accentum serve as the successors to Sennheiser’s HD 450 BT headphones released in 2020. The company’s strategy for this more affordable product line remains consistent: retain as many features from the Momentum series as possible while keeping the price below $200. However, achieving this goal necessitates certain compromises. For instance, the Accentum do not come with a carry case or analog input. They solely rely on physical controls instead of touch controls and lack wear sensors for automatically pausing playback when removed.
Despite these cost-saving measures, Sennheiser has managed to include impressive features with the Accentum. They possess the same design as the more expensive Momentum 4, albeit without the use of fabric for the headband. Additionally, their battery life is remarkable, offering 50 hours of use on a single charge. This surpasses the battery life of any competing wireless headphones from Sony, Apple, or Bose, although it falls just short of the Momentum 4’s astounding 60-hour stamina.
While the Accentum’s 38mm drivers may not provide the identical frequency response as the Momentum’s 42mm drivers (10Hz to 22Hz compared to 6Hz to 22Hz), they still deliver high-resolution audio at 24-bit/48kHz with Qualcomm’s aptX HD Bluetooth codec, especially when paired with a compatible Android phone.
Surprisingly, the Accentum comes equipped with USB-C digital audio support, a feature typically reserved for very high-end wireless headphones like Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2/Px8 models. Even the more expensive Momentum 4 lacks this capability. Until now, the most affordable wireless headphones offering USB-C audio were the $350 Beats Studio Pro. Similarly, the Accentum allows for up to 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio through USB-C, which may not match the quality of top-notch headphone DAC/amps, but still represents a significant improvement over wireless connectivity.
Bluetooth version 5.2 powers the Accentum and supports Multipoint, enabling users to simultaneously connect to two devices. As with other Sennheiser wireless headphones, earbuds, and soundbars, the Sennheiser Smart Connect app can be utilized to update firmware, manage Bluetooth connections, and customize the Accentum’s sound through a five-band equalizer.
The Accentum feature the same two-microphone beamforming setup as the Momentum 4, but with the addition of wind-reduction technology. They also offer hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes, with adjustable side-tone for hearing oneself during calls.
In conclusion, Sennheiser’s new Accentum wireless noise-canceling headphones provide remarkable features and design resemblant of the prestigious Momentum 4, but at a more affordable price point. With their ability to accept lossless digital audio through a USB-C port and impressive battery life of 50 hours, the Accentum is poised to capture the attention of audio enthusiasts.
