Sennheiser has been a top contender in the world of pro-audio and consumer headphones. Formerly known as Momentum, their HD1 Series headphones are one of the most successful lines to date. The new HD1 In-Ear Wireless headphone is Sennheiser’s first wireless in-ear and MajorHiFi has one of the first models to hit the streets. But is the HD1 Wireless as good as the wired Momentum predecessor? Let’s find out.
Sennheiser HD1 In-Ear Wireless Review
IN THE BOX
Digging into the boxed HD1 Wireless In-Ear you’ll find the HD1 headphone and neckband, USB charging cable, extra eartips and a carrying case. The case is definitely the icing on the cake. It’s a cloth covered hard case with a wrap around zipper that’s slim, trim and ready to go anywhere you want.
BUILD
Design / Style
The neckband design of the HD1 is one we’ve seen before with many other headphone manufacturers and it seems to be a worthy design. It’s tough to get all this technology into a tiny in-ear headphone and still make it sound great so the neckband has been an intelligent compromise. And let’s face it… the neckband makes it a lot harder to lose or misplace.
Durability, Portability and Comfort
It’s almost a no-brainer when it comes to Sennheiser and durability. The quality of the materials that go into the HD1 Wireless In-Ear headphone from earphones to neckband are excellent.
The case and neckband design make it perfect for portability. The band hangs around the neck and when you’re not using the earbuds they stay safe and within reach.
I tried the HD1 for several hours and it got to the point where it felt like it was almost not there at all. The earbuds are the same as the original Momentum in-ear with the same ergonomic design.
Other Features
Sennheiser has implemented Bluetooth 4.1 and NFC in the HD1 Wireless In-Ear. The HD1 supports SBC, AAC and AptX codecs for maximum digital audio flexibility. The neckband controls worked seamlessly with my iPhone 6 and the vibrating function came in handy for catching incoming calls when I didn’t have the earbuds in. The battery lasts up to 10-hours on a single charge and the Sennheiser CapTune app keeps track of battery life so you won’t be left guessing when you’ll need to charge it.
SOUND
Sound Signature / Frequency Response
The sound signature of the HD1 In-Ear Wireless is basically the same as the original Momentum. The frequency response is an impressive 15Hz – 22kHz.
The Momentum in-ear headphone is famous for bass response. The HD1 Wireless In-Ear definitely lived up to the reputation. The key to getting the best bass is in getting the right size eartips for maximum isolation. Once you get that set, get ready to be swept away with bass.
The mid-frequencies on the HD1 came through quite well. There didn’t seem to be any peaks in the 1kHz to 2kHz range which can be exhausting.
The high-end on the HD1 Wireless In-Ear was stellar. Listening to my favorite rock and electronic tracks and loved every minute of it.
SUMMARY
The Sennheiser HD1 Wireless In-Ear headphone is clearly one worth waiting for. Although it took some time to get their first wireless in-ear headphone released, Sennheiser has definitely hit the mark in exacting the sound of the Momentum series in-ear headphones that deliver ample amounts of bass along with a full frequency range. Overall I’d say that fans of the Momentum will be delighted with the results of this great sounding in-ear headphone.
Ambitious headphone seekers can find the HD1 Wireless In-Ear headphone at authorized dealers lucky enough to get the first batch. Audio46 in New York is one of the few that currently have it in stock.
Get the HD1 Wireless In-Ear Headphone at the best price at Sennheiser headphone store at AUDIO46 when you use discount code”majorhifi” during checkout. These buds are also available at a competitive price on Amazon.
SPECIFICATIONS
Supported Profiles A2DP + AVRCP + HSP + HFP
Ear coupling Ear Canal
Transducer principle Dynamic
Weight 312 g
Charging time Approx. 1.5 hrs
Battery Specification Rechargeable Lithium-ion Polymer (170mAh)
Connection Bluetooth 4.1, NFC
Battery time 10 hrs (A2DP/HFP)
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Headphones
Frequency response 15Hz – 22,000Hz
Sound pressure level (SPL) 112 dB (1 kHz/0 dBFS)
THD, total harmonic distortion <0.5% (1kHz/100dB SPL)
Microphone
Pick-up pattern Omni-directional
Sensitivity as per 121 TR 9-5 – 44 dB V/Pa
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