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PeteMtl
444
Aug 13, 2019
A better deal yet would be to bundle two Sennheiser headphones, such as the HD6XX and the PXC550 (or the HD58X and the PXC550). Another bundle alternative would be the Momentum 2 Around Ear Bluetooth Wireless (AEBT). In all cases, since the Momentum 2 and the PXC550 are very good headphones but at the same time they have been around for a couple of years, then the bundle could be priced a bit lower: let’s say 350$ for the 6XX/550 or even 300$ for the 58X/550. Replacing the PXC by the Momentum 2 over ear Wireless would probably trigger similar bundle prices, maybe 25$ more at most. In my opinion, these two noise cancelling closed headphones are very good and may sustain comparison with the Sony’s, at a far better price. The Momentum 2 AEBT has slightly better sound, the 550 is a better travel all rounder phone, but both headphones, while not necessary better than the Sony on all grounds, are very satisfying alternatives. I must note that own and I appreciate all of aforementioned headphones (HD58X/HD6XX/PXC550/Momentum2 AEBT). This would be a very good Drop/Sennheiser collaboration and would promote the two Sennheiser noise cancellers while new models (Momentum 3 AEBT and something that could be called like a PXC600) are probably on drawing boards or prototype being tested at Senn’s headquarters... (I have no evidence but I may only presume it is the case)
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mayorblurps
499
Aug 14, 2019
PeteMtlI've been hoping for a closed back portable Senn for years, actually had some back and forth conversation in a thread with axel about a Momentum type collaboration and what I'd love to see. Unfortunately I don't think Senn and Drop are working on any further collabs, sadly (don't know for sure - just get that feeling). But agree on your points about a Sennheiser pair. I'm guessing since the 6xx and the XM3 are top dogs for price/performance in their categories that it makes more sense. That and maybe Drop has overstock in the XM3s? Haven't heard the PXC550 or even the Momentum BT despite loving the original Momentums. Sony's just offered better NC, features/specs over the Sennheisers.
PeteMtlSony WH1000XM3 is better than the PXC550 also they’re probably trying to liquidate the XM3 for the XM4 which would explain how they’re putting this bundle together
darwin
90
Aug 16, 2019
Ares78Agree on both points. I'm tempted to get the M3's but then what f the XM4's come out soon...not sure if they will thought.
darwinIf it does it will probably be back at the $399 price point Sony starts this line out at when a new release happens. If the XM3 appeals to you the XM4 when it comes out will doubtfully be $200 better.
mayorblurpsI think the Sony XM2 I heard has stronger ANC than the Momentum Wireless, but I liked the sound of the Momentum better. Also the ear pads, but both gave me a sore head. I had both for extended periods, kept the Momentum Wireless because the ANC was good enough and I only travel like 4-5 times a year. Both are super good. This is a great bundle.
PeteMtl
444
Aug 19, 2019
EvshrugBetter ANC does not necessarily mean better sound or better listening experience. On my PXC550, when I engage the ANC on, I rarely use it at max preset level. I use the ajustable setting instead and select le lowest 12% ANC setting on The Captune App. It’s enough for me in most circumstances. ANC is a nice feature, and I admit that both Bose and Sony offer more powerful ANC feature than Sennheiser’s on their PXC550 or Momentum Wireless. But I nevertheless prefer both said Sennheiser headphones. I’m not saying the Bose 35 or Sony XM3 are bad. They are very good headphones indeed, but my listening preference goes to the Senns that may carry less advanced ANC, I admit. I own both the PXC550 and the Momentum over ear wireless.
(Edited)
PeteMtlIf I'm focusing on audio quality, nothing with ANC will be a priority. If I am buying an ANC headphone the ANC quality is very important to me. Otherwise I would just go wired.
PeteMtl
444
Aug 19, 2019
ElectronicVicesI agree with you up to a certain point. But when I need ANC, then I still need a good sounding headphone, not just the best ANC. I prefer to have a decent ANC on a good sounding headphone than the best ANC on a just good enough sounding headphone. I agree with you: if I don’t need ANC, I choose better sounding open back headphones (such as my HD600, HD6XX, HD58x or HE400i, all of which I own).
PeteMtlOh, I’m with you on the SQ “is not equal to” ANC argument. I don’t have a Bose or Sony, but I do have the PXC480 (wired version of the 550) and the Momentum Wireless, and I almost always reach for the Momentum Wireless these days. I wouldn’t call NoiseGard less advanced... I would say it’s not as strong or aggressive. All sound reproduction is imperfect, and ANC attempts to recreate the opposite of ambient sounds, in real time. Sometimes, those inverse waves are going to interfere with the waves you’re trying to have your headphones produce. And so, I also prefer a lighter touch on ANC, and rely more on passive isolation with closed headphones or IEMs. Conversely, there is something to be said for the immersion of isolation. My home office is right next to my rattling central air conditioning (living room just below it), and my townhouses share walls with neighbors on two sides (I’m in the middle). The noise is mostly not objectionable, but any time the environmental noise isn’t masked by the music, or in the contemplative moments where the noise pops up in the rests between notes, I become aware of two soundscapes and the 3D imaging collapses in the headphones. This is why I find the performance of the truly sealed HD 820 to be so impressive... it sounds more open and more transparent, realistic than even the best Sony, Fostex (both of which are vented and technically semi-open), Beyer, Audeze... only AKG and Mr Speakers come close while actually being sealed (IMO), but the HD 820 still tops my list among closed headphones. end rant. This bundle is great, and covers the bases well.
PeteMtlthe WH1000XM3 is a v shape with treble roll off passed 12k and the PCX550 is a neutral-ish with peaky treble and quite a lot of bass roll off. So it comes down to what sound signature you prefer but the Sony does have slightly less THD. In basically every other aspect the Sony trumps the Sennheiser so I still think the XM3s are a better pair of headphones. Also you can adjust the ANC level on the XM3s.
PeteMtl
444
Aug 20, 2019
Ares78I fully agree on one thing you just said: it comes down to what sound signature you prefer. Sonys are good headphones, but I happen to prefer the Senns. Moreover I prefer the sound of the Momentum/HD1 over ear wireless to the PXC550 or any of the Bose and Sonys. I haven’t heard the new Bose 700 though. But the Momentums are not as « portable » as the PXC and have two big disadvantages: the ANC is not adjustable and you cannot shut off the ANC in active mode. The only way to use them without ANC is in passive mode, bluetooth shut off with the cable. I generally prefer the sound of the Momentum but I prefer the PXC550 overall for portable use. Both the Bose 35 II and the Sony XM3 are good headphones I admit, just not my preference. By the way, I listen to sound and music, not to THD or response specs. I wouldn’t choose any of these headphones based on specs, preferably on sound and features. And yes the XM3 is a good overall sounding and well featured headphone. Just not my preference for an ANC bluetooth portable headphone. I’m glad to hear that the XM3 has a variable adjustment for ANC. I like the ANC feature and the advantage it produces on a headphone in a given environment, but for me, my rule is the lesser the ANC the better the sound experience. That is why I use the ANC of my PXC550 at the 12% level (the lowest setting), except when I’m on a plane or other very loud environment where I may use the maximum setting. I would not hesitate to recommend the XM3 to a friend, made this be clear.
(Edited)
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