Sennheiser Accentum Plus Vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Review

I’m really excited to compare the Sennheiser Accentum Plus and the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones. Having already experienced both headphones, I can’t wait to see how they measure up against each other. Exploring the features and performance of top-notch audio gear is always a thrill for me, and this comparison is no exception. So, let’s jump right in and find out which of these headphones comes out on top!

What you get

Look and Feel
In my experience, both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Sennheiser Accentum Plus felt fantastic to wear. Switching between them, I hardly noticed any difference in comfort. What really caught my eye was how classy they both looked, adding a touch of elegance to my listening setup.
Putting on the Sony WH-1000XM5, I appreciated the roomy ear cushions that provided a snug and cozy feel, especially during long listening sessions.
Transitioning to the Sennheiser Accentum Plus felt like slipping into a familiar favorite. Its stylish design and comfortable fit made for hours of enjoyable wear. Overall, both headphones excelled in comfort and style, making it a tough choice between the two.

Design and Functionality
Prepare to be impressed by the Sony WH-1000XM5, with its cool design and touch-sensitive controls on the ear cups for easy navigation of playback, volume, and noise cancellation settings. The standout feature is the Adaptive Sound Control, which optimizes noise cancellation for a serene listening experience in any environment.
From the moment I tried the Sennheiser Accentum Plus, I was impressed by how it seamlessly blends innovation with simplicity. These headphones redefine your audio experience with upgraded noise-canceling and intuitive touch controls that effortlessly adapt to your surroundings. Using the touch controls felt intuitive, and with the Smart Control app, I could fine-tune my sound profile to match my preferences perfectly. Equipped with a powerful 37mm driver and advanced MEMS mic, the Accentum Plus delivers outstanding sound quality and clear calls. With adaptive hybrid ANC technology, the headphones adjust to your environment for an immersive listening experience every time.

Bluetooth
Both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Sennheiser Accentum Plus utilize Bluetooth version 5.2 for reliable wireless connectivity. However, they differ in the codecs they support.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is equipped with LDAC codec, ensuring high-resolution audio streaming for an immersive listening experience.
Meanwhile, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus supports a variety of codecs, including aptX Adaptive, allowing seamless adjustments in bitrate based on the wireless signal environment, ensuring consistent audio quality in any situation.

Battery
The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge. For quick recharging, just 3 minutes with an optional USB-PD compatible AC adapter will give you an additional 3 hours of playback.
In contrast, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus boasts an impressive 50-hour battery life when fully charged, ensuring extended listening sessions without the need for frequent recharging.

Soundstage
In my experience, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers a slightly superior soundstage, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus also impresses with its audio quality. The WH-1000XM5 crafts a spacious and captivating soundstage, akin to a concert hall experience, revealing intricate details with remarkable clarity through its 360 Reality Audio format. Although the Accentum Plus may not match the same spaciousness, it delivers commendable depth and clarity, providing an immersive listening experience with accurate sound placement and detailed imaging. Overall, both headphones offer exceptional audio quality and immersive experiences, catering to discerning audiophiles with their unique strengths in soundstage presentation.

Low End
From my perspective, the Sony WH-1000XM5 boasts a bass with a distinctive boomy quality, often dominating other frequencies. While it packs a powerful punch, clarity in the lower midrange might take a hit. However, using the Sony Headphones Connect app allows for fine-tuning without sacrificing impact. Preference for the XM5’s bass-heavy profile largely depends on individual taste, especially for genres like rock and pop.
In contrast, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus delivers bass that envelops you naturally, even without EQ tweaks. Its boosted range, now more evenly balanced, brings out clearer separation and a wider dynamic range, from deep sub-bass vibrations to punchy mid-bass tones. While EQ adjustments don’t drastically change the default bass tuning, they’re available for those who want a personalized touch.

Mids
In my experience, while both headphones offer impressive midrange performance, the Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out with its intricate layering. Its midrange delivers remarkable clarity and texture, though there’s a subtle haziness in the low-mids. Overall, it presents a balanced mix with textured layers that enhance the music, excelling in creating an immersive soundstage. In contrast, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus shows improvement, offering more space for instruments in its midrange tuning. Despite some lack of weight in fundamental frequencies, the Plus remains forgiving, resulting in an enjoyable listening experience.

Highs
Listening to VisionV’s “Breathe,” I was blown away by the awesome highs delivered by the Sony WH-1000XM5. They offered clear and well-defined treble, adding an incredible sparkle to the music. With the EQ adjustments in the app, I could fine-tune the treble to perfection, creating an immersive listening experience across different genres. Similarly, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus echoed the original model’s signature, providing controlled brightness and a touch of edge. These highs added a delightful spark to instruments like hi-hats, maintaining clarity without any listener fatigue. Overall, both headphones offered impressive treble performance, enhancing my music experience to new heights.

Summary
To wrap up, both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Sennheiser Accentum Plus stand out as outstanding options, boasting impressive performance and features. While both justify their price tags and offer exceptional sound quality, my preference leans towards the Sony due to its remarkable treble response and immersive soundstage. Nonetheless, I had a thoroughly enjoyable experience with the Sennheiser, underscoring the subjective nature of headphone preferences. Regardless of your choice between the Sony and the Sennheiser, you can expect a delightful audio experience with either option.

Sennheiser Accentum Plus and Sony WH-1000XM5 are available here.

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