Review-of-the-Sennheiser-Accentum-Plus-in-the-UAE
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Introduction
Sennheiser, founded in 1945 by Fritz Sennheiser, has been under the leadership of third-generation co-CEOs Daniel and Andreas Sennheiser since 2013. In May 2021, Sonova Holding AG, a Swiss cochlear implant and hearing aid manufacturer, acquired Sennheiser’s consumer audio division. This division produces a range of headphones and home entertainment speakers.
CES 2024 Launches
At CES 2024, Sennheiser introduced several new products. These include the MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 earbuds, built on the Qualcomm S5 Sound Gen 2 platform and Snapdragon Sound Technology for aptX lossless sound quality and ultra-low latency. The MOMENTUM Sport offers real-time biometric feedback, IP55 sweat and water resistance, a shock-proof chassis, clog-resistant ear tips, and a Qi-enabled carrying case with an IP54 rating. Lastly, the ACCENTUM Plus Bluetooth 5.2 headphones I received for review stand out.
Design and Specifications: (Model – 700176)
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus measures 16.5 x 19.5 x 4.8 mm and weighs 227 grams. These headband stereo over-the-ear headphones connect via Bluetooth 5.2. The body, made of ABS plastic with a matte finish, feels sturdy. The ergonomically designed oval ear cups feature memory foam covered with vegan leather. The adjustable headband, made of black matte silicone rubberized soft memory foam, ensures comfort.
The left ear cup lacks buttons, while the right ear cup features a power/pairing button, USB Type-C port, 3.5mm jack port, and an LED indicator. The right ear cup also includes touch controls for volume, answering and disconnecting calls, ANC on/off, tracking forward and backward, and play/pause. The device supports A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, and GATT, along with SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX adaptive, mSBC, and CVSD codecs. The headphones boast 37mm dynamic speakers with a frequency range of 10 Hz to 22 kHz and active noise cancellation. Two built-in mics also assist with ANC, working within the frequency range of 50 Hz to 8 kHz. The 800 mAh enclosed battery provides 50 hours of playtime with ANC on and Bluetooth. The headphones take about 3.5 hours to fully charge, and a 10-minute charge gives around 5 hours of playtime.
Packaging of Sennheiser Accentum Plus
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus arrives in a blue and white corrugated box featuring a black-and-white image of the device. The back and side of the box detail the headphones. Inside, you’ll find a black canvas zipper carry bag with hard support on the top and bottom. The interior has a felt covering to prevent scratches. The carry box includes the headphones, a 3.5mm cable, a USB-A-to-USB-C charging cable, a user manual, and a warranty card. The carry box sports a white Sennheiser logo on the cover.
Testing the Sennheiser Accentum Plus
I received the Sennheiser Accentum Plus on loan for review. Initially, they seemed like just another mid-tier set of active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones. However, they prove to be a significant step up from the Sennheiser Accentum Wireless, with several noteworthy upgrades.
The headphones are light and well-designed. The design and the ability to turn the ear cups halfway make them compact and easy to carry. The included carry case adds convenience, helping users transport the headphones in a bag or while travelling. It also stores the 3.5mm cable and USB-A-to-USB-C charging cable, which can be very handy during long trips.
The built-in 800 mAh battery offers 50 hours of playtime via Bluetooth. Just 10 minutes of charging provides 5 hours of playtime. The Sennheiser logo is visible on both sides of the headband. The headband features silicone-covered memory foam, which is very soft and comfortable on the head. The ear cups are covered with vegan leather and soft memory foam.
Although I usually dislike vegan leather due to its tendency to cause sweating, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus headphones were quite comfortable, even during home testing in summer temperatures. I used the headphones while lying down and listening to music, and they remained comfortable without irritating me.
The right ear cup’s touch controls are easy to use. I could adjust the volume while lying down by sliding my finger on the right ear cup. The oval shape of the ear cups fits my ears perfectly, enclosing them completely. With the headband’s perfect fit, the headphones are neither tight nor irritating on the head. The 37mm dynamic drivers offer a great range of sound frequencies.
Audio Testing of Sennheiser Accentum Plus Headphones
I tested the Sennheiser Accentum Plus for several hours, listening to various music genres, including Country, Jazz, Rock, R&B, Soul, Metal, Lounge, Techno, House, Hindi Classical, and Hindi Bollywood. The tests included Hi-res quality 24-bit 96kHz and 320kbps MP3 music, as well as multiple movies and TV shows.
As an audiophile, I’m particular about music and devices. I tested the headphones for hours while working on articles, including this review. The sound quality impressed me with its balance, and the crossover chip in the speakers kept the sound frequencies crystal clear. The sound wasn’t harsh on the ears, and the crossover chip in the speakers beautifully divided the bass, mids, and treble. The frequency division allowed me to hear even the lowest bass chords and the tinkle of bells in the background score clearly.
From small nooks and trebles to the perfect rumbling sound of the bass, the headphones delivered excellent sound. I could discern various audio equipment in songs, from guitars to snares, string pulls, vocal breathing, and distant birds chirping in lounge music. When I activated ANC mode, it worked well, blocking about 90% of surrounding sounds. While not providing total isolation, it was still effective compared to other brands.
For the call testing, I used Google Meet and vocal calls. The built-in mics, which also work for the ANC system, performed excellently. The sound quality was great, and the person on the other end couldn’t tell the difference between my smartphone mic and the headphone mic.
Sennheiser Smart Control App
You can download the Sennheiser Smart Control App from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. After downloading, turn on the headphones by pressing the power button and holding it until pairing mode activates. Open the app, connect the headphones, and follow the prompts to your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings. Once paired, the app allows you to adjust the headphone equalizer and set up your preferred EQ settings. You can also create location-specific settings, such as ANC and lower volume at home or higher volume outdoors. Overall, the app is simple and easy to use.
Price and Availability
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus is available on the Sennheiser website for AED 930. You can also find it on e-commerce sites like Amazon.ae and in certain retail stores across the UAE.
Conclusion
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus offers excellent comfort with its headband and ear cup design. The touch controls add convenience, and the 50-hour playtime on a single charge makes it perfect for travel without worrying about battery life. While the ANC works well, it allows some sound leakage. The headphones support Hi-Res audio and 24-bit audio, and you can customize the equalizer settings via the Sennheiser app. The app is functional and straightforward.
The excellent mic sound quality makes these headphones ideal for music lovers, businessmen, and gamers. The included USB Type-C to 3.5mm jack allows for a wired connection. The 3.5mm pin cable provides a wired connection option for audiophiles who prefer analogue sources.
Overall, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus is an excellent choice and the best mid-tier headphones I’ve reviewed in 2024.
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