Sennheiser Accentum Review: Premium quality in the middle class!
Today, I’m excited to dive into a detailed review of the Sennheiser Accentum wireless headphones. These mid-range headphones offer a compelling package with some premium features, including impressive hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) and a remarkable advertised battery life of up to 50 hours. All of this comes at a surprisingly affordable price point of just $180.
At first glance, the Sennheiser Accentum headphones bear a striking resemblance to their more expensive sibling, the $380 Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones. While they share some common features, there’s a key distinction that sets the Accentum apart – they can accept lossless digital audio through their USB-C port. This unique feature is sure to catch the attention of audiophiles and those who demand the best audio quality possible.
One notable omission is the lack of a carry case, which is a common accessory provided with many headphones in this price range. Additionally, the Accentum headphones forego any kind of analog input, which might disappoint those who prefer a wired connection.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the control scheme. Unlike some of their competitors, the Accentum headphones rely solely on physical buttons for controls, rather than incorporating touch controls.
Furthermore, the Accentum headphones do not feature wear sensors that automatically pause your music when you remove them from your ears.
If you prioritize excellent noise cancellation, long-lasting battery life, and superior audio quality in a mid-range package, the Sennheiser Accentum headphones are certainly worth considering.
Sennheiser Accentum: Video Review
| Specs | Sennheiser Accentum |
| Wearing style | Headband stereo headphones |
| Ear Coupling | Around-the-ear, circum-aural |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Supported Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, GAT |
| Supported codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX™, aptX HD™, mSBC, CVSD |
| Speaker | 37mm diameter/ Dynamic |
| Speaker frequency range | 10 Hz to 22 kHz |
| Speaker sensitivity | 106 dB |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Hybrid ANC |
| Mic principle | MEMS |
| Mic frequency range | 50 Hz to 8 kHz |
| Battery lifespan | Up to 50 hrs music playtime via Bluetooth and with ANC |
| Charging time | Approx. 3 hrs for full charge; |
| After 10 min charging up to 5 hrs music playtime | |
| Battery | Lithium-Ion 800 mAh |
| Power Supply | 5 V⎓, 700 mA max, USB charging via USB-C socket |
| Weight | 0,222 kg |
| Dimensions | 16,5 x 19,5 x 4,8 cm |
Sennheiser Accentum: Design
Sennheiser has a reputation for delivering headphones with a straightforward, no-nonsense design, and the Accentum headphones stay true to this tradition. They are available in two classic color options: black and white.
The initial impression when you put them on is that the fit is quite firm. However, I noticed that over the past couple of weeks of use, they seem to have loosened up a bit, adapting to the shape of my head. One of the highlights of their design is the generous cushioning on both the headband and ear cups. The headband is coated in silicone, enhancing comfort during extended listening sessions. The ear cups are also well-padded, and they don’t exert pressure on the earlobes, making them comfortable to wear for hours at a stretch.
Moreover, the ear cups are capable of rotating a full 180 degrees, adding to the overall comfort. You can comfortably hang them around your neck without any discomfort. This feature is handy for those moments when you need to temporarily take a break from your music or podcasts.
However, it’s worth noting that the Sennheiser Accentum headphones don’t fold up flat for easy storage. This means they might take up a bit more space in your backpack or bag compared to headphones that can be neatly folded away.
Moving on to the button layout, it’s refreshingly simple with only four buttons: power, play/pause, and volume up/down. Despite their simplicity, these buttons offer additional functionality through long presses and double-taps. For example, a double tap on the play/pause button allows you to skip tracks. While the buttons themselves may feel a bit cheap and plasticky, they do their job efficiently, and I didn’t encounter any significant issues with their placement or functionality.
One aspect where the Sennheiser Accentum headphones truly shine is in their ability to isolate you from the outside world. The firm fit, combined with the padded ear cups, does an excellent job of minimizing external noise. This means you can enjoy your music or podcasts without being interrupted by ambient sounds, whether you’re in a bustling coffee shop or on a noisy commute.
APP
It’s important to note that the Sennheiser Accentum headphones are all about wireless connectivity, and there’s no support for analog connectivity. In other words, these headphones rely entirely on Bluetooth for wireless streaming.
Setting them up with your devices, like an Android smartphone, is a breeze. The pairing process is quick and hassle-free, ensuring you can get right into your music or calls without any unnecessary delays.
For those looking to enhance their experience even further, I highly recommend downloading the Sennheiser Smart Control app. This app opens up a world of customization and control, putting a range of features right at your fingertips. Here’s a brief overview of what you can do with the app:
- Battery Life Monitoring
- Device Management
- Equalizer
- Sound Check Feature
- ANC and Transparency Mode
- Additional Features.
The Sennheiser Smart Control app complements the Accentum headphones beautifully, providing users with a robust set of tools to personalize their listening experience.
ANC
One of the standout features of the Sennheiser Accentum headphones is their built-in ANC. In my testing, I found this feature to be pleasingly effective at reducing unwanted external sounds. While it doesn’t completely isolate you from the world, it does an excellent job of minimizing the background noise that can be irritating or distracting.
With the Accentum headphones, you can still engage in conversation and hear announcements or ambient sounds, which is a handy safety feature. However, it’s particularly effective at cutting down on the low-frequency noises that can be the most bothersome, such as traffic, train, or plane sounds.
It’s worth noting that the Accentum headphones lack a dedicated switch to turn off the Active Noise Cancellation. Instead, you can toggle between ANC and the transparency mode, which allows external sounds to pass through. This transparency mode is quite helpful when you need to stay aware of your surroundings or engage in conversations without removing your headphones. What’s even more convenient is that you can activate this mode with just a quick double push of the power button, without needing to pull out your phone or access the app.
However, in windy conditions, you may experience unwanted wind noise interference when using ANC or transparency mode. To address this issue, you can simply tap your way into the ANC section of the Smart Control app and ensure that the wind noise reduction feature is activated. This adjustment ensures that your audio remains clear and enjoyable even in blustery conditions.
Sound
Sennheiser has paid close attention to the audio quality on the Accentum wireless headphones, and it shows in the listening experience. Despite having slightly smaller 17mm drivers compared to their more expensive Momentum counterparts, the audio quality delivered by these headphones is indeed noteworthy.
Right out of the box, you’ll notice a well-balanced sound profile that doesn’t overpower with excessive bass. This is great news for those who prefer a more neutral audio experience and don’t want their music to be overly bass-heavy. Additionally, the Accentum headphones come with support for aptX HD, ensuring that you can enjoy rich and finely detailed audio, provided your source device supports this technology.
While the Momentum series may offer a more full-bodied and detailed audio experience, the Accentum headphones are more than capable of satisfying the majority of listeners. It’s only true audiophiles who may find themselves wanting more, as they often seek the minutest details in their music. However, for the average user, these headphones deliver a balanced and enjoyable audio experience.
If you like to personalize your audio experience, the Sennheiser app has you covered with an equalizer. You can adjust the audio settings to your liking, boosting bass or highlighting vocals, depending on your preferences. The bass boost feature and podcast feature are particularly useful for enhancing the listening experience, especially when it comes to podcasts and audiobooks.
The app also offers a sound check feature, designed to help you fine-tune the sound to match your unique listening preferences. However, some users may find that the differences between the available sound profiles are subtle, making it challenging to discern significant changes in audio quality.
In addition to delivering great audio, the Sennheiser Accentum headphones also perform well when it comes to voice calls. They feature a dual microphone setup that effectively captures your voice, ensuring clarity during phone calls. Even in environments with background noise, the microphones are capable of isolating your voice, making sure your conversations are heard loud and clear.
Battery life
These headphones come with a remarkable battery life that’s sure to impress.
Sennheiser claims that with these headphones you can enjoy up to 50 hours of use on a single charge, which is quite impressive in itself. In my experience, after charging and using it continuously for five days, I still have 30% battery left.
When it does come time to recharge the headphones, it’s a straightforward process. The Sennheiser Accentum headphones feature a USB Type-C port for charging, which is not only convenient but also common in most smartphones, including iPhones. This means you won’t need a separate cable just for your headphones.
Furthermore, they support fast charging, allowing you to get several hours of use from just a quick 10-15-minute charge. If you have more time to spare, a full charge will take a couple of hours, ensuring you’re ready for extended listening sessions once again.
Sennheiser Accentum: Conclusion
In summary, the Sennheiser Accentum wireless headphones are a solid choice, especially considering their price point. They manage to deliver a compelling package with several premium features, boasting a straightforward yet smart design. Here’s a brief recap of what makes them stand out:
- Impressive Noise Cancellation
- Balanced Audio Performance
- Customization Options
- Strong Battery Life
- Convenient Design.
While they may have a few minor drawbacks, such as the lack of analog connectivity and the absence of a dedicated ANC on/off switch, the Sennheiser Accentum headphones manage to deliver an appealing balance between price and performance. Whether you’re a casual listener or someone who appreciates good audio quality without breaking the bank, these headphones are worth considering for your daily listening needs.
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