Details: In-ear model from Sennheiser’s Momentum line
MSRP: $99.95 (manufacturer’s page) ; Available in 3-button iOS remote (MOMENTUM In-Ear i) and 3-button Android remote (MOMENTUM In-Ear G) versions
Current Price: $100 from Amazon.com; £89.99 from Amazon.co.uk (UK); CDN $100 from Amazon.ca (Canada); EUR 99 from Amazon.de (Germany) and Amazon.fr (France)
Specs: Driver: Dynamic | Imp: 18Ω | Sens: 118 dB/Vrms | Freq: 15-22k Hz | Cable: 4.3′ L-plug
Nozzle Size: 4mm | Preferred tips: Stock single-flanges; trimmed Monster triple-flanges
Wear Style: Straight down
Accessories (3.5/5) – Single-flange silicone tips with cross-brace (4 sizes) and large carrying case with removable cable winder
Build Quality (3.5/5) – Sennheiser touts that no plastic was used in the acoustic components of the Momentum In-Ear. This is externally seen in the form of stainless steel sound tubes, but the actual housings of the earphones are still mostly plastic. Attention to detail is excellent, however, and the construction quality is good despite the apparent fragility. The Momentum uses a narrow two-tone flat cable with built-in 3-button remote (both iOS and Android versions are available) and slim L-shaped plug
Isolation (3.5/5) – Good
Microphonics (4/5) – Noticeable in the flattened cable but kept at bay by the “floating” cable attachment
Comfort (4/5) – Though it is not a small earphone, the Momentum In-Ear is comfortable thanks to the extremely light weight and smooth curves of its housings and the slim, angled nozzles. In addition, the cable attachment keeps the strain relief and cord farther out of the ear, preventing them from causing discomfort
Sound (8.6/10) – The Momentum In-Ear offers a rather unusual sound signature for Sennheiser, closest perhaps to the flagship IE800 model. It is v-shaped, with enhanced bass and energetic treble, and not as sensitive and ear-splittingly loud as one may expect from a consumer-oriented earphone.
The overall tone of the Momentum In-Ear is slightly warm, thanks to a generous amount of bass enhancement. Bass depth is excellent and the overall impact, while short of “basshead”, is plentiful, falling just between the bassier RHA MA750 and the more balanced VSonic GR07 Bass Edition. The bass enhancement is well balanced between sub-bass and mid-bass, and offers a minimal amount of bloat for the quantity.
The midrange of the Momentum is mildly recessed, in keeping with a v-shaped sound signature. However, due in large part to the plentiful bass, it does not sound overly thin. Clarity is limited slightly by the recession and bass boost, but on the whole it is more than respectable. Likewise, detailing is good for an enhanced-bass model but falls short of some flatter-sounding earphones. For instance, the popular Havi B3 Pro 1 has mids that are clearer and significantly more forward. However, it also sounds somewhat anemic and gutless at the low end compared to the Momentum, thanks to the far greater bass depth and power of the latter.
Starting with the upper midrange, the Momentum In-Ear again picks up steam, maintaining a rather high level of energy through the highs. It is still tilted towards the low end on the whole, but the treble presence provides a sound very different from most mainstream enhanced-bass earphones (such as the Beats by Dre Tour 2.0, for instance). The top end of the Momentum has a slightly splashy character that is not especially forgiving of either harshness or sibilance, but is still significantly less sibilance-prone than the similarly-priced VSonic GR07.
Like many earphones with v-shaped sound signatures, the Momentum In-Ear boasts a rather wide soundstage – on-par in size with the formidable VSonic GR07. Depth is, as with the GR07, lacking a bit in comparison to the width, but the combination of clarity and strong presence the highs and lows results in good dynamics and a very competent overall presentation.
Select Comparisons
The RE-400 is far flatter than the v-shaped, moderately bassy Momentum In-Ear. Its sound is more mid-focused, with less bass and treble presence compared to the Sennheiser set. The Momentum delivers more powerful and significantly deeper bass at the expense of a bit of bloat, while the tighter, flatter bass and lack of midrange recession in the RE-400 help it sound clearer and a touch more detailed overall. However, that same forward midrange makes the presentation of the RE-400 appear lacking in depth and dynamics compared to the Momentum.
The top end of the Momentum is more prominent and less smooth than that of the RE-400. There is more treble sparkle, but the Momentum is also prone to a bit of splashiness. On the whole it’s tough to determine the better earphone between these two – the RE-400 offers smoother, more natural treble and better midrange presence, while the Momentum delivers deeper, more impactful bass and a larger soundstage.
Fidue A71 ($90)
Compared to the Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear, the dual-driver A71 is less feature-rich and more finicky when it comes to fit, but offers a similar level of audio performance. Its bass is a little boomier – the tighter, more controlled lows of the Momentum leave a better impression and help the Sennheiser set sound a bit clearer despite its recessed midrange.
The mids of the A71 are not quite as clear, but a lot more forward, which balances out the intelligibility of vocals against the Momentum and makes the A71 sound richer and more full-bodied. The midrange of the more v-shaped Momentum tends to be a little thin and dry in comparison, but can sound more detailed and resolving than as well. The top end of the Fidue unit is smoother and its tone – warmer and arguably more natural. The A71 is also much more sensitive.
The GR07 Classic follows a more balanced and neutral sound signature than the warmer, more v-shaped Momentum In-Ear. The bass of the Sennheiser set is significantly deeper and more impactful, but also a little boomier and less refined than the tighter, flatter lows of the GR07.
The midrange of the Momentum is slightly more recessed while the GR07 is clearer and more detailed thanks to its flatter, more accurate response. The top end of the Momentum is less sibilant and not as bright, but otherwise the two earphones are in the same boat when it comes to highs – both tend to be energetic and at times a bit splashy. Both have wide soundstages with only average depth.
RHA’s MA750i model offers functionality similar to the iOS Momentum In-Ear, but in a very different form factor and with a warmer sound. The MA750 is bassier, boasting a bit more mid-bass emphasis but maintaining bass quality similar to the Momentum. Its sound signature can also be called v-shaped, but its mids are not quite as recessed as those of the Momentum.
The Momentum is a little brighter and at times can sound clearer, but also tends to be a little less full-bodied. The MA750 sounds slightly smoother overall, but actually has a bit more lower treble presence than the Momentum. Still, the Momentum is more v-shaped and has a greater tendency to sound splashy up top. The soundstage of the MA750 is also slightly larger.
Beats by Dre Tour 2.0 ($150)
This comparison is made very simple by the fact that the Momentum In-Ear is miles ahead of the Beats Tour 2.0 in fidelity. The Tour is more sensitive/efficient and much bassier, but its bass is significantly more bloated and boomy. The midrange is quite a lot muddier as well, though more forward than that of the Momentum. Despite its v-shaped sound sig and more recessed midrange, the Momentum sounds more balanced, clear, and refined with its tighter bass and superior treble energy. The treble presence and energy of the Momentum do make it less forgiving, but still not harsh even next to the dull-sounding Beats.
Value (9/10) – Sennheiser’s on- and over-ear Momentum models have been highly praised for successfully combining form and function, bringing Sennheiser audio performance to the style-focused headphone segment. The Momentum In-Ear follows in the same footsteps, boasting a unique design, comfortable, lightweight construction, and impressive audio performance. Combined with the choice of full-featured iOS or Android remotes – the latter still a relative rarity – this makes the Momentum an excellent value.
Pros: Lightweight and comfortable design; 3-button Android remote available; plentiful bass and solid overall performance
Cons: Midrange is a bit recessed
113 Responses
No, Comply would help but the 1MORE is limited mostly by its housing design. You can put triple-flange eartips on it and it still wouldn’t isolate super well.
Hey ljokerl,
I had been using the MA750 which I found great sound wise for a while but ended up being too heavy and uncomfortable for me. I use my in-ears for 8 hours and sometimes even more a day. You suggested the Momentum which I love. I want to buy a second pair to use at work which will see similar use to be honest.
What pair would you say is a step up from the Momentum sound wise? I don’t mind spending up to $200. I’ll be buying from the UK if that makes any difference.
I might also consider a cheaper option which I will be using at work instead and not worry about misplacing. If I get a more expensive pair I will be using the Momentum at work.
Thanks a lot for your help. I appreciate your time and all the effort you put onto the site.
Then do you think using some Comply foam tips would solve the 1more “issue” with isolation (I’m not sure if it would help mitigate the shallow fit and the holes in the earphone) to put them on the same level as the Turbines ?
Yeah, you’ll lose a bit of isolation, so if you find the Turbine barely sufficient in that regard I’d stick to the MA750.
Thank you for your answer.
I mainly listen to hip-hop/rap. I had noticed the 1More Triple Driver but I am affraid about the isolation as I mostly use them outside and in the subway, am I right ?
Thanks
I’d skip the Momentum – one of the cool things about the Turbine was that the mids didn’t sound overly recessed despite the heavy bass. The Momentum will be a step backwards in that regard. The MA750 should be pretty good, though. Bass hits hard but IMO is not overwhelming on these when your reference is another dynamic-driver set like the Turbine. Plus, RHA build quality won’t feel like a step down coming from the Turbine.
Another option to look into is the 1MORE Triple Driver – these are a little more of a change from the Turbine, but they are good mid-level audiophile earphones with some punch if you’re looking to mix things up a bit more. They’re a little more Hi-Fi and crisp than the MA750, but still have good bass impact. Should run about $100.
Hello Joker
I really like and appreciate your reviews which are very informative and comprehensive. Your website is really helpful.
I have the Monster Turbine and they are dying after 6 years of service. I liked them and would like something similar (though maybe with a little less bass).
Should I go with the momentum, or the Rha MA750 (or the eph-100 but they are hard to find now in Europe) or any other one ?
Thank you
Thank you! Will proceed to find JVC.
Merry Christmas!
The Momentum would work but it’s more mid-recessed than what you’re used to with your Audio-Technicas. Along these same lines, a JVC FXT90 would probably be a more logical ATH-CKM500 replacement in a similar price range.
However, since your budget is $200 maybe you can consider something a little more Hi-Fi. Some options below – I’ve ranked them from most bass-heavy/v-shaped (i.e. closer to CKM500 signature, but still a little less extreme in midrange recession than the Momentum) to most balanced/neutral (i.e. closer to M50 sound signature), but generally they’re all in a similar ballpark – all have more bass than a strictly flat/analytical IEM but still focus largely on clarity and detail.
DUNU DN-1000
1MORE Triple driver
VSonic GR07 Bass Edition
DUNU Titan 1
None of these are super expensive and I’d definitely recommend reading the individual reviews for their strengths and weaknesses, but as far as IEMs in the $100-$200 range go I think these are all fantastic value.
Hi Joker,
I am so glad to have come across your site and appreciate your in depth review after flipping through so many unhelpful reviews with sparse details.Have not bought earphones for quite some time.Would love to hear your recommendation on a replacement for ATH CKM500 which died recently after 2years of commuting use,have always loved ATH clarity and details, rely m50x for home use. Would momentum in ear be a good upgrade /replacement or any other recommendation for ear phones below 200 and of similar/better sound than the CKM 500.
I find the RE-400 very comfortable but it can take some playing around with eartips. Plus, they’re more neutral than warm in the conventional sense (where warm implies a noticeable bass emphasis).
Sadly I cant find them in italy, and it’s a pity cause they looked really cool ! what do you think bout Hifiman Re 400?
Not sure about Europe but here in the US you can buy a Klipsch X11 for about $100.
One of the most comfortable IEMs ever made, and they do strike a very good balance between warm and clear sound: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Klipsch-X11-Noise-Isolation-Audiophile-In-Ear-Headphones-Black-/302122063258?hash=item4657e0d59a:g:LeIAAOSwuMFUiaV8
Your reviews and comments are great 🙂 so i bother you with my issue, I bought on amazon these senneheiser but they are not so special, plus they are not very comfortable to wear and i ve to constantly push the left one back to position. I ‘ve read so much lately and I keep buying and sending back earbuds.. I just would like to find a comfortable earbuds with warm sound but clear and to spend less than 120 usd (100 euros) If you can help me with this it would be so appreciated
thanks alot
Thanks!!
I’d pick the Titan 1 personally – I find its sound to be a lot more unique and exciting, and in many ways it can keep up with top-tier earphones. The Momentum is competent, but it’s much easier to find a Momentum upgrade than a Titan 1 upgrade if you were to spend more $$.
Hi, big fan of your extensive work. this site is immensely helpful.
which one would you pick between these and the Dunu Titan 1, if these were available for a lower price than the Dunu
They pursue a similar sound signature but just don’t reach the same level of performance as the IE800 in many ways. The bass is not as effortless, the midrange sounds more recessed, treble is less refined, presentation doesn’t have the same depth, and so on.
As for whether it’s worth the price difference, that’s really a personal choice. If you have a random person off the street try both I’m sure they won’t be willing to pay 6-8x more for the IE800. Heck, they might even prefer the Momentum.
Ask a headphone enthusiast, though, and they’ll hear a moderate difference and also understand the concept of diminishing returns being in play. If you can afford it, and especially if you’re one of those people who will always think “what if I’d gotten the IE800?” while listening to the Momentum, I’d save up.
how do these compare to the significantly more expensive ie800’s? is the price difference worth it in your opinion? i’ve listened to the ie800’s and i think they’re excellent.
i am considering senn momentum vs RHA 600 VS klipsch R6 which one will be better i like mild base emphasis and want wide soundstage and clarity .. i am not audiophile so pardon me if i right something foolish,, plz suggest
Yeah, that’s definitely a bit backwards in terms of price/quality. Momentums should’ve been $90 and the RHA $120 :P. Good buy.
Alright, thanks for the input. I managed to snag one of these for about 90$. I think I got a great deal considering I paid about 120$ for my momentums…
It’s easily driven by something like an iPhone or iPod. Not sure if it’ll have the exact same volume as the Momentum with the Clip+ but it’ll be in the same ballpark.
Thanks for the reply. I’m leaning towards the MA750s. One more question though – will they be as easy to drive as the momentums? I love listening on high volume and I have been using my momentums with a Clip+, should I get some Fiio amp to get that same volume or will they perform similarly?
From a sonic standpoint, the MA750 would be a better fit. EPH-100 is not really v-shaped enough. The MA750 has a slightly wider soundstage than the EPH-100 and still has smoother treble than the Momentum IE. It’s also built better and comes with a 3-year warranty.
One other less expensive option I can recommend for a Momentum alternative is the Alpha & Delta AD01. There’s a comparison against the Momentum in my review: https://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/alpha-delta-ad01-in-ear-earphone-review/ . While not quite as capable or well-built as the MA750, I did slightly prefer the AD01 to the Momentum and it has both more bass and detachable/replaceable cables. Always a plus when talking about longevity.
Hello Joker,
I love the sound of the momentums but they broke on me and I’m looking to get an alternative replacement which will last me a bit longer.
Two questions; from a pure sound standpoint, which would be a better fit, RHA MA750 or Yamaha EPH-100? I loved the bass and low-end of the Momentums, as well as the soundstage, but the treble would sound too harsh sometimes. I’m looking for a fun sound, very rich, expansive, with lots of bass as well.
From a construction standpoint, which is better build and will last longer? The cables on my momentums wore out and broke, so that’s also a consideration.
Thanks for your review!
Glad this site has been useful, and thanks for sharing your impressions of the earphones!
Hi,
First I wish to thank whoever is responsible for this brilliant website – it really helped a lot! 😀
So, for business, I got my Momentum about a month ago. they are my first high-end earphones & I’m very satisfied with them (I actually shed tears the first time I used it…), but nothing in life is perfect, so here’s my pluses & minuses (tested with Testament – The Formation of Damnation & Anthrax – Persistence of Time):
Sound – Very clear sound, that made me cry of joy… I never heard drums & cymbals as clear! But, high-ends tend to get swallowed (in solos etc.), the treble side of the V shape is to high (but the low-ends sounds great). When listening to metal, it lacked the “balls”, that kick in your face, the energy is a bit restrained & higher volumes then I was used to were required. 8.5/10
Build Quality – seems alright, but the plastic ear-plugs tend to fall off. In a month I’ve already lost 3 of them. 🙁 Now, I’m aware that this is a known problem, but it doesn’t make me feel any better. When buying earphones in 100$ I expect them not to crumble. 7/10
Accessories – well, you get a case. It’s a big luxuriates case, while I thought that what makes IEMs so comfortable is their small size… So I don’t keep them in the case. The two extra plastic ear-plugs are really not enough when they’re keep falling off. 8/10
Microphonics – well, like with most products people on the other side of the line can’t hear me well if there’s a a background noises (when speaking on the bus, for example), or when I’m talking a bit quieter. I tried to hang the microphone with a clips from my shirt, but it didn’t help. Holding the microphone near the mouth solved the problem. 8/10
Comfort – the first days it felt a bit wrong, but now it’s all alright. 9.5/10
The bottom line: the sound is very clear, a little bit to soft (for metal) with a bit to much treble – but if you’re a drummer absolutely go for them. The plastic ear plugs fall off to quickly which is really disappointing. overall grade: 8/10
These are more similar in sound to the FXD80 than the DTX 101 – they have the same sort of lean, mid-recessed sound as the JVCs, not the warmer, more full-bodied (but also muddier) type of sound the Beyerdynamics are known for.
The fit on the Sennheisers is great, though.
An alternative to these would be the Alpha & Delta AD01 (if you can get your hands on a pair). They’re larger earphones but the fit is more similar to the beyerdynamics (very conventional in-ear earbud fit).
Hello thank you for all the reviews. You have become my official guide for IEMs!
I’ve had Beyerdynamic DTX 101 iE for 3 years and I was extremely satisfied with them. Unfortunately they didn’t last and I want to get a new pair. I went with the JVC HA-FXD80 but the fit was horrible for me. I sent them back and now thinking of the Sennheiser Momentum. How are they in comparison to the DTX 101 ? Any other suggestion ?
I didn’t know they use the same driver. Sounds like the 5.00 should be a vast improvement on the CX 1.00 and 2.00, both of which I have and both of which are mediocre.
‘@ljokerl, you should review the Sennheiser CX 5.00! I think you would love them! See for example: http://www.trustedreviews.com/sennheiser-cx-5-00-review
The Sennheiser CX 5.00 use the same driver as the Momentum In-ear. But the driver is tuned differently. A bit less bass, and a bit more warmth slightly higher up in the frequency range.
Although using the same driver, the Sennheiser CX 5.00 is quite a bit cheaper. In my country, the Momentum In-ear costs 100 euros, and the CX 5.00 costs 65 euros. And I’ve seen the CX 5.00 go for as less as 55 euros. Therefore, I think that the CX 5.00 could score close to a 10/10 for value.
I would be very interested in a review of the CX 5.00 from you, ljokerl. And seeing how much you liked the Momentum In-ear, which uses the same driver, you must be very eager to review the CX 5.00! Hope to hear back from you soon.
There are probably two dozen great earphones out there for under $100. Not sure about the R6 but the SE215 and Momentum are both good choices – the SE215 has more mids and less treble compared to the Momentum, so it’s smoother but not as exciting/energetic. I tend to prefer the Momentum, but that’ll vary depending on who you ask.
Hey ljokerl!
I want to buy the best sounding earbuds for max. 100 bucks. I’m listening to almost every genre – Like metal, trance, drum and bass, rock, funk, folk and others. So i want to know what are the best earbuds that can play all that very good. I was considering buying momentum IE, shure se215 or klipsch r6
This is a great outcome – I’m very happy you’re enjoying them! Appreciate the feedback – always good to know whether or not a recommendations works out.
Happy listening!
Hi ljoker|,
I am here again. I got the GR07 BE from the Monday of this week, but due to the fact that I have been so busy for a whole week, I could not let you know about my opinions until today.
First of all, I am really impressive about GR07. It is not about the difference between two sound signatures, it is about the sound quality of GR07. I have also tried the RE-400 at a store in my city and I do not like it.
I think both MA750i and GR07 are the jewels of IEMs world. I have listened to music by many IEMs. Before MA750i, I had tried both SE215 and MH1C, they are both good but the sound and the price of MH1C is more impressive than SE215 for me. For a long time using it, I had been happy, however, I want to get something, which gives me better than in build and quality. Then, MA750i did make me satisfy, good build quality and perfect fit because I am using a macbook. The sound quality is just a little bit bias to bass, both mid and treble are really good, but the bass does influence to them, just a little bit. Why did I get a GR07 after it? Not because MA750i did not satisfy me but because when you have something is great, you want to reach for something is the best.
The story about GR07 was told many times in IEMs world. When I got it, I was not too impressive, its cable is soft, the build quality does not make you feel safe or make you think that you can use it for a long time. Based on your marks ( between 8.9 and 9.1) for their sounds, I did not expect that GR07 is perfect, I thought it is slightly better than MA750i. However, I was wrong about its sounds. I did not recognize that because MA750i is very good, so when the sounds become more balance and slightly better, you have the sounds which you have always desired.
The bass of GR07 BE is enough about quantity and have good quality, it does not make you feel tired even when you listen for a long time, a beautiful bass. The mid is clear, warm and express the vocals exactly, an impressive mid. The treble is smooth, sweet and good resolution, you can feel the treble, not just only hear the treble, an untouchable treble. I do not mean that all its sounds are perfect, I think they are really good. However, because of balancing, the sound of it becomes perfect, all of them support each others and bring to us a beautiful sounds. To make sure that I was not influenced by the balanced sound signatures, I did try the RE400, I still see the balance in RE400, but all of its sounds do not mix well, they do not support and make the others become better. I do not like RE400.
Finally, thanks for all your helps. I am more than happy with both of them. Sometimes, I wish we can have the sound of GR07 BE in MA750i shape, and we have the perfection but we all know that nothing in this world is perfect so I am happy with both of them.
I will keep follow your reviews and if I can get more IEMs in the future, I will share my feelings with you. You did a great job, thank you again.
Congratulations, hope they’re to your liking!
Thanks ljokerl,
I did order the GR07 BE today and I will come over next week. They are just $30 different and I want to get the best of GR07 so finally, I took GR07 BE. I will let you know about my feeling when I got that IEM next week.
Thanks for all your helps from momentum to GR07 jokerl. I very appreciate your help and I am looking forward to discuss with you more about IEMs.
The GR07 and GR07 BE aren’t very different, for me they are interchangeable. If it was my money I’d buy the less expensive Classic, but it doesn’t really matter.
The RE-400, on the other hand, is a very different take on “balanced” sound. Much smoother, the bass is less punchy, and so on. Aside from the treble, I generally like the GR07 better, but it’ll vary by listener.
Hi ljokerl,
Sorry because of asking you again but between GR07 classic and GR07 Bass Edi, which one do you prefer? Is the sound of GR 07 better than RE 400?
Have a good day.
Thank you,
That’s very consistent with how I feel the MA750 compares to the MH1C. The GR07 will be a more drastic difference 🙂
Feel free to comment back with which one you kept – my curiosity aside, never know when someone facing the same decision may end up reading the comments.
Hi ljokerl,
Thanks for you helps. Actually, because of confusion between 2 sound signatures, I decided to got both of them. I bought RHA MA 750i some weeks ago because it comes with warranty, and I could bought it straight from Apple Store instead of waiting for EPH-100 from ebay. The sound of RHA MA 750 is quite similar with MH1C, but it is clearly better than in mid and treble. I also see the emphasis in bass but overall, its sound and its design are good.
I also ordered the Vsonic GR07 in the same time. Unfortunately, they ran out of the stock, and I am waiting for next shipment. I was consider RE-400, however, the reviews of Vsonic GR07 was got my attention. In addition, due to the fact that two of them are same price, so I choose GR07.
Once again, thank for your help. I hope I can get the GR07 as soon as possible. Have a good day, I am looking forward to your next reviews.
Many thanks,
Yes, the Momentums are even more v-shaped. While the soundstage of the Momentums is wider, as tends to be the case with more v-shaped IEMs, I wouldn’t call them a direct upgrade to the MS01 – just not the same sound sig. If you’ve wanted bigger, deeper bass than the MS01 delivers and don’t mind the midrange being more laid-back and the treble a little more present, the Momentum is a good option. Otherwise, probably not.
It really depends on what you want. Obviously I recommended all three in the buyer’s guide so I think all three are great for different types of listeners. If you really want balanced sound like you said, the RE-400 easily beats the EPH-100 and MA750, which are both biased towards bass. Keep in mind the RE-400 will also be more balanced than the MH1C, which is warm and bassy compared to truly neutral IEMs.
Hi Joker, could you perhaps compare the Momentums to the Thinksound MS01’s? I have the Ms01’s and was wondering if these would be considered an upgrade. The Ms01’s are light in the midrange and was wondering if the Momentums are even more v-shaped. Soundstage comparison too would be great.
Thanks in advance!
Hi ljokerl,
Forgive me because I did not read your Buyer’s Guides before asking. Right now, I narrow my choices to only 3 IEMs, which are HiFiMan RE-400 Waterline, EPH-100 and RHA MA750i. Can you please help me choose one?
Many thanks,
I just found out your report about RHA MA750i. Between 3 of them, Momentum, EPH-100 and RHA MA750i, which one do you think I should get? Due to the fact that Momentum, RHA MA750i are quite easy to buy a store and EPH-100 is only available on the internet.
Many thanks,
Thanks for your fast reply lijokerl,
I really like the Yamaha EPH-100 from the first look, both of them EPH-100 and Momentum have beautiful design. Fortunately, I also can buy the Yamaha EPH-100 on the internet with around 1 week for delivery.
I quite like the sound of MH1C, but I do not really care about the bass. Actually, I want an in-ear, which is balanced. It means all the ranges (bass, mid and treble) are enhanced because I often listen to the new age music, classical music. Sometimes, I also enjoy the electronic music (not the EDM or dance music, it is the electronic new-age with smooth and dynamic sound). Thus, I prefer an in-ear that can create for you various types of sounds, which are the singer’s voice, the sounds of instruments and also bass.
Based on them, which one should i get, momentum or EPH-100 or another inear in the same range of price? Thank you very much for your help. I very appreciate it.
Cheers,
It’s not so much better than MH1C as it is different. The MH1C is warm and smooth, meaning the bass is enhanced but the midrange and treble are smooth and not really emphasized. The Momentum is v-shaped, with bass and treble about on the same level of enhancement, and the midrange more relaxed in comparison. It’s a very different experience – good if you think the MH1C might not be your ideal sound tuning, not so good if you’re looking for a straight upgrade to the MH1C. The change in balance towards less midrange and more treble will be very noticeable for sure.
MH1C is one of those IEMs that’s very difficult to upgrade from because while there may be some shortcomings with the technical performance, the tuning is both very good and somewhat unique. The Yamaha EPH-100 would be closer to an MH1C upgrade that falls within a more similar tuning.
Hi ljokerl,
Thanks for your great review and very detailed comparison of all the in-ears. Actually, I think I will use your comparison from now as a reference to buy the in-ears in the future.
I am using Sony MH1C. I quite satisfy with it, but I am looking for another in-ear. Actually, I want to try a more expensive in-ear and hope that it can brings for me new experiences with better sound quality. I only can find out the Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear in the close retailers, however, they can not let me try it before I buy it. Thus, I dont know the sound quality of the Momentum In-ear.
Hence, I really wonder that is the sound qualition of Momentum inear better than MH1C so much? Are their sound different or quite similar? And Is worth for me to spend more $100 for the momentum when I already have MH1C.
Thank you very much for your review. I am looking forward to hear the advise from you.