Momentum 4 vs Px7 S2e: These ‘little details’ made ALL the difference! (Best headphones under $400?)

[@edwardkooij]

Wore my momentum 4 on a 12 hr flight , non stop , fabulous for music and movies, no heat issues at all. Love em

[@bigsimpd]

Love mine as well. No heat issues. I live in the south. They sound amazing. I'm a gym rat. Wear them often too gym. Still no heat issues.

[@SandWalker-v2w]

I was about to purchase the s2e while watching your video and reading the comments. Before i clicked 'order now' you said the s2es have to powered on to use them.. this is ridiculous!! I dont like using bluetooth if i can avoid it, if i can have it wired and attached to my Qudelix 5k i'd choose that all day long. Bluetooth shooting our heads for 60 hours cannot be a good thing in reality! Momentum 4's it is. Thanks so much for your amazing content. It really helps save us time and money! 🖤

[@NorbReviews]

Thank you for your kind words and watching! And I’m happy you it find it useful! Yeah, if you don’t like using Bluetooth then definitely don’t get the S2e’s. And with the M4, keep an eye on this: if the M4’s are on, no matter if you’re using them wired with the audio cable or USB-C, the Bluetooth will always stay on. The only way to have the BT off is to have them turned off. (A lot of headphones, like the Bose QCU’s and Sony XM5, will disconnect when you wire them. The M4’s do not.) Attaching them to the Qudelix5K will work well. Be sure to use the EQ presets available (I think that oratory1990 has some settings in there) so that you fix the issue with the 1000Hz honk on the M4’s when they’re off. Once that’s set, they’ll be perfect! Enjoy them!

[@SandWalker-v2w]

@NorbReviews thanks so much for your invaluable information. You're doing an amazing job, wish you all the best and success with your channel an I hope it keeps growing- you deserve it!

[@Hijynx87]

​@@NorbReviewsOhhhh I need to try them powered off on my q5k! Do they sound as good as powered?

[@NorbReviews]

@@Hijynx87 that’s harder for me to say because I don’t really remember. I only did it once or twice as an experiment. I was surprised that they sounded good at all - when I tried the same thing using the XM5, those sounded awful. But not sure if they sounded as good or better. (I’m traveling and don’t have either with me so I can’t test right now.)

[@NorbReviews]

@@SandWalker-v2w thank you!! 🙏

[@seefeel2043]

A very competent review. Agree that the biggest issue with M4 is heat buildup.

[@NorbReviews]

Thank you!

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

Grab the WC Freeze cooling gel earpads for the M4

[@gdude8934]

Hi! I have a question. I listen to both lo-fi and indie music, so I’m torn there. I love being able to distinguish between instruments, and I love clear sound. Good bass is important to me, but so is everything else to be honest. I’m thinking I’ll go for the M4s, does that sound right to you?

[@NorbReviews]

It does. The M4's are excellent general purpose headphones -- maybe the best wireless ones out there right now at this price, TBH -- and based on your description, that's 100% what I'd recommend.

[@momkoebkazakh69]

the most informative video I've watched about px7s2e, thanks

[@NorbReviews]

Thank you, and I’m happy you found it useful!

[@aligatorkr]

Nice review keep going mate reviews getting better

[@NorbReviews]

Thank you!

[@erikd6124]

I had both at home. Returned the S2e. Haven't watched your video all through yet

[@berniecolin7]

Why did you prefer the m4s?

[@erikd6124]

@berniecolin7 m4 sound more open, it has sort of built in reverb(which I like) and instruments like guitar sound a lot better on m4. And the bass goes down to 6hz vs 20, and it is a lot better in generall. And m4 has less clamp force. Px7 S2e is punchier though. They are more like sonys Mx4 And mx5. M4 won every battle, even through usb where px7 S2e does 24 bit vs m4 which only does 16 bit. Tested high res music. Both does 48khz.

[@erikd6124]

Then we have 5 band eq vs 2. Px7s2e have more bass higher up, and m4 have more bass in lower frequencys. I can send you my eq settings for the m4. "The paper kites " sound amazing on the m4s.

[@_____.__]

@@erikd6124 The Frequency range of Px7 S2 / Px7 S2e is 10Hz to 20kHz.

[@erikd6124]

@_____.__ sorry. My mistake.

[@Brian_ON]

I already have the Momentum 4 and I know I’m getting the Px7 s2es for Christmas. I love the M4’s sound but I’ve always loved B&W too. I’m not interested in ANC as I only use these at home and I never have it on. Where I live I wouldn’t have them on for long if I wore any of these outside 😂. I just love music and headphones so I won’t pretend to know about all the codecs etc. all I know is what sounds good and what doesn’t.

[@NorbReviews]

Honestly, the M4 and S2e are a good pair to keep around. Different enough that it gives you great options when you feel like something specific!

[@creativechimp03]

First time I've watched your videos and really impressed with how you review and present cases for both. Really great job. That said, I'm still confused as I love the premium look of the Px7 but definitely listen to music types that is more the Momentums strong area. Decisions decisions…😂

[@NorbReviews]

Thanks you for the kind words! And I completely get you: I was on the same boat. Comfort has ultimately been my deciding factor: what I use day to day is largely decided by that. (I’m also a weirdo that owns way too many headphones, so take that with a grain of salt.) I’m OK with the S2e’s relaxed sound, and can tweak it enough with the 2-band EQ to get a sound I like, but the Momentum really just has so much more flexibility here. Can you try both out?

[@creativechimp03]

@ I don't really have anywhere close that allows demos unfortunately. The other thing I considered is since the Accentum is hugely discounted in the UK now to £89 do I grab a pair, try and see if I like the style of the sound signature from Sennheiser and if so consider the M4s? A friend of mine found the M4s too punchy and I wonder if the Accentum would help me determine which way to go. Other than that I think I'm leaning towards the B&W.

[@kimdendraak8174]

I bought both models 3 days ago on sale. My reference is my Tannoy D700 in combination with the Denon pma qs10 mk2. The Bowers & Wilkins px s7e comes closer when it comes to sound quality. Spacious, airy, sufficient dynamics, the voices and instruments are clearly well separated. The M4 have this to a much lesser extent. The M4 is spacious and clear, but that's it. Given the good reviews of the M4, I don't understand it. Just mainstream music quality and therefore for the masses. The M4 goes back and the Bowers & Wilkins stay.

[@NorbReviews]

Those are good observations, and I think that's a good choice. Of the two, the S2e is most often what I'm using.

[@kimdendraak8174]

@@NorbReviews Thanks for your reply. I returned both headphones to my local hifi store. I was very happy with the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 s2e. I tested the PX8 there. The PX8 has about the same soundstage as the PX7 s2e, but a bit more of everything. A bit more depth, detail, air, dynamics and spaciousness. In the end I chose the PX8, but you never know what the future holds for headphones : )

[@ShejtanVrbaski]

I have BW PX7 S2 (non-"e"). I have had them for over a year now and love them. Mature, clean sound, decent ANC, they look really good (i have blue ones with golden details - they look better than blue S2e) and feel robust and expensive. I cannot imagine that newer S2e is much more different. These are my primary "fine music listening" bluetooth headphones. Bought M4 the other day at discounted price, with idea to use them as "all-around-casual-music-home-office-gaming-movie-watching" type of phones. While the sound is quite good (I still prefer B&W, though) the ANC is a joke, literally non-existing - it was so bad that I had to check whether I had transparency mode engaged by mistake. Also they felt cheap and plasticky. I returned them and asked for refund.

[@rezaang9519]

Hi, thanks for the short and complete review. I now use Spotify for music listening. The question is, is there any sound quality difference between the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Accentum Plus?

[@NorbReviews]

So, I haven't tried the Accentum Plus, but I do have the Accentum. I think the Plus just adds better tech features. Assuming that, then yes, the Momentum 4 will sound better, even with Spotify. The Momentum 4 are really top notch sound. The Accentum are an upgrade over the old HD 450 BT's, but they're not in the same strata as the Momentum 4. If you're debating between both and cost is not an issue, go for the Momentum 4.

[@Enigmasuhail]

Hi recently subbed to your channel. I have bought the accentum plus during the friday sale over xm4 and sony ult, i did like the Accentum plus but the ear cups where too small and sometimes hurted. If i have to choose between bose qc ,bose qc ultra, momentum 4 and the px7se2 considering comfort and sound as then only factor what would you suggest

[@NorbReviews]

First, thank you for subscribing! And this is a VERY good question I was going to make a video about, a full out brawl! I have the Accentums as well, and that’s one thing I didn’t love, the clamping force. (Good-ish for the gym, I guess, but they’d get too hot, I think.) But if I had to choose one right now, just one, considering those as the only factors… for me, it’s a tie between the S2e and the QC Ultras. (Of all the comparisons I’ve done, this was my favorite and hardest for that reason.) I lean toward the S2e’s at home, but since I travel a lot, I’d probably go with the QC Ultras. Note that I haven’t tried the QC’s, and some here have commented that they prefer those over the ultras. (One thing I prefer is the physical buttons, but that’s just because they’re the same as my Bose QC45’s.) In very short: - M4: best sound, but most uncomfortable for me because of ear heat - Bose: Best comfort, relaxed feeling, no ear heat, and decent sound, especially for spoken content. Good EQ. - S2e: just as comfortable, but a bit tighter. I actually prefer the slightly more snug feel. Better sound for music. I hope this helps!

[@tech4now_]

I’ve come to realize that it’s not possible for one headphones satisfy all genres of music. The M4 is people who want some physicality in the lows. Afrobeat, EDM, hip hop can shine on the M4.

[@NorbReviews]

Agree 100%. There are some that are better for more genres and styles than others, but if someone listens very broadly, they will benefit from multiple, complementary headphones.

[@Rehfayi]

I really wanted to keep the momentum 4, however, the same issue with the heat warming up so quickly is the reason why I returned mine. I even try searching for new earcup replacement for it but find none. So sad how much i love it

[@NorbReviews]

I tried this, too. There may still be something that comes out, but the best I’ve been able to do is get cloth ear covers. They fit awkwardly, but it does make them cooler.

[@johnbravo7689]

have you not seen anywhere the WC Freeze earpads for momentum 4? it is available in amazon.

[@katherinenathan8121]

All jokes aside I have a child sized head. My favourite headphones have akways been Bose on ear until they discontinued them. I know they went out of favour for over ear but for a small head with excellent sound and NC plus being super light they were brilliant. I'm going out of my mind looking for an alternative which one of these would you recommend or any others? 🙏🏽

[@NorbReviews]

Hmmm… that’s a great question. The first that comes to mind is the EPOS Adapt 660. It used to be known as the Sennheiser 550-II, which is what my wife has, and runs on the smaller size(doesn’t really fit me), but it might still be too big. Outside of that, I don’t know if you’ve tried the Bose NC700. It’s an older model that’s still excellent, and it’s what the smallest people I know - who aren’t child sized, but are small - own. The Beats Solo come to mind, too, since they run smaller, are on-ear, and have ANC. The on,y other recommendation is to go for actual child headphones, but unfortunately those also tend not to have very good sound quality. Just shot in the dark here: the JLAB JBuds Lux Active, the Sony WH-CH520, and the KOSS ANC BT740iQZ. All of these run smaller, but they may not be enough. This is a tough question, and it’s the second time someone a.has asked me about it, so I might look more into this, although I don’t have a child. (My wife is small, but not that tiny.) Best of luck.

[@katherinenathan8121]

@NorbReviews thank you for taking the time. I've been searching since May and I have long flight coming up next week so I'm going to check out your recommendations. I've been sniffly about Sony but I've always used Sennheiser for work so I'm tempted to check those out. Would you say the momentum 4 are simply too big?

[@yl9698]

is there a headphone that sounds as good as the momentum 4 but doesn't have the comfort/heat issue?

[@partisanapple5349]

if there was, wouldnt you think itd be more popular

[@NorbReviews]

The only one I can think of is the Momentum 3, which I feel sounds better, but which isn’t quite as comfortable for me due to the headband. This is fixed by a headband cover.)

[@yl9698]

@@NorbReviews have you tried or reviewed the accentum plus?

[@alperbozkurt4580]

Hi I watched the video but I am still undecided -I am listening Metal music which one is better for Metal ? can you help me ?

[@NorbReviews]

I think the M4 is probably better, just because it can be made to be livelier due to its tuning. The S2e is a little too relaxed for this, I think. I talk about this more in my full review of each, especially the S2e.

[@alperbozkurt4580]

@ Okay, I'll watch that video too. Thanks for the feedback.

[@eugencl20009]

Please help . I still cant decide . Ive watched the video for over 3 times and nothing. I love the ruby red px7s2e and the fact that ppl say they are comfier but the m4s are cheaper and have better anc and battery life. My main goal is to choose the ones out of these 2 that are comfy and very good sounding . But like very good ! The issue is that the m4s are ugly but better on paper. Should i maybe buy px7s2e and if i dislike them , return and get the m4s ? Or vice versa ? Help please

[@NorbReviews]

Ok, maybe I can help. 1. What kind of music do you listen to? 2. How will you be using the headphones? This said, based on everting you’ve said, I’d go with the S2e. (Confession: it’s the one I prefer, despite its issues.) it sounds to me like that’s the one you REALLY want but are thinking that the M4 is the one you SHOULD want because of what people say and because it’s cheaper. I can understand the money part, and that’s a HUGE consideration, but as for what people say, Don’t go by that. It just leads you to buying stuff you like and don’t love. You will remember how something makes you feel for far longer than you’ll remember what you paid for it. And if it’s possible, yeah, if you don’t like them, then you can exchange them. Or, if you can, buy both, try both, return the one you don’t like.

[@TrRuvale]

Thanks for the video! I have an interesting question. Someone who likes the JBL sound character (lets say 660NC, 770NC) which of these headphones would he like more?

[@NorbReviews]

That IS an interesting question! So, the JBL tuning is great. I have the 710BT and it’s one of my favorites for sound. The closest I can think of right off the bat would be the AKG 371 BT (361 if noise canceling isn’t necessary). These are all very Harman-target headphones After that, you probably need to EQ pretty much everything else if you want to hit that Harman target. To that end, the Bose QuietComfort + QC Ultra, Sony XM5 + XM4, and even the Momentum 4 can be tuned to sound like the JBL. I have a video on tuning the XM5 that tries to get it close to the Harman target, and while it does sound closer, there may need to be more tweaking done to make it sound closer to JBL. Here is the link: Sony WH-1000XM5: Best Equalizer Settings for YOU + Fine Tuning the EQ (Tutorial) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKKzn5KJZdN9atU I hope this helps!

[@TrRuvale]

​@@NorbReviewsGreat answer, thanks for the video.

[@pabloblancoperez730]

Guys I have glasses and I have very long hours with headphones, I am scared of the glasses hurting after several hours. I am between these two or de Sonys M4 which ones do you recommend???

[@NorbReviews]

The Sennheiser M4 and Sony XM4 are the softest for glasses. I haven’t really had an issue with any, but the Px7 S2e is more tight, especially at first.

[@attilab.2818]

Never had this problem.

[@greenfiend2499]

Momentums are butt ugly and I can't rock ugly headphones, so Px7 S2e for the win 🥇

[@NorbReviews]

I mean, I definitely love the look of the S2e!

[@irishlad1367]

The fact you care how headphones look instead of how they sound is so stupid, like no one cares how your headphones look bro💀

[@Starseed1101]

I have M4, no matter what I do I can't connect to desktop PC, only phone and surface pro laptop, lots of difficulty with pairing with win 11 apparently, as well while I do get I do get it connected to laptop, while Im sitting i lazyboy watching YT after periods of time it drops connections, and it regular.

[@NorbReviews]

I’m on a trip and don’t have them on me right now, but I’ll try to test this out myself to see if I get the same issue.

[@jasonMB999]

That's easy. Just get the momentum and go

[@acidead97]

Would do if the qc wasn't so terrible. The only reason I'm even considering another one, Ive had to return 3 pairs

[@Chris.P.Noodle]

If it comes down to splitting hairs. The momentums are currently £200 uk, while the s2e's are £300.

[@NorbReviews]

Thanks a lot of hairs!

[@_____.__]

You speak too fast 😄 Px7 S2e does have aptX HD (aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC), however this codec is not listed for Momentum 4 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adapative). Can Px7 S2e play as passive headphones when connected to a cable or must the signal go through the internal DAC first?

[@NorbReviews]

It can’t do passive.

[@visualsbymiel]

Hey, I can buy the Sennheiser momentum 4's for €200 and the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 for €170. Which one should I buy if price makes no difference? I find the audio quality and the headphones durability (headband or earpads not coming of after some months) the most important. Thanks in advance!

[@NorbReviews]

That’s what this video is about. :-) Just skip to the sound section and recommendations. I personally enjoy both for very different t reasons.

[@Ranger-s8f]

Bowers & Wilkins definitely

[@jasonMB999]

@@visualsbymiel you didn't even watch video

[@visualsbymiel]

@@jasonMB999 I did but he is talking about the S2E and I asked about the S2 and I don’t know if there is a big difference between the two, that’s why I asked :)

[@76fazza]

​@@visualsbymiel I'm in the same boat, I can't decide.

[@eugencl20009]

What should i get , the momentums or the px7s2e ???

[@NorbReviews]

The purpose of this video is to help you decide for yourself :-)

[@hyroku]

1:00 ohhh so that’s a problem…

[@NorbReviews]

One I found increasingly annoying the more I used it. Really a shame: otherwise I love the case.

[@Skedaddlemahgaggle]

I bought the M4s and returned them. I used the in-app audio enhancement feature, and got lots of distortion at high volumes. The M3s are far superior in what they can handle, in this regard. The M3s have the option to completely turn off noise cancelling; the M4s do not. This makes a big difference to sound quality. I was extremely disappointed with the M4s - they sound worse than the M3s, and cannot handle anywhere near as much as the M3s with high quality audio at high volumes. Do not waste your money on them, if you're a bit of an audiophile. They're crap.

[@NorbReviews]

I don’t agree that they’re crap but do agree with pretty much everything else here. (And I called this out on my review of the M4 which was also a comparison to the M3.) I love my M3’s, although for some reason, they now have trouble connecting to my phone (it’s a newer phone and the volume keeps being stuck too loud, even at its lowest). Of note: the M3 was made by Sennheiser before the sale of their consumer division to Sonova, and the M4 came after, as did the Accentum. Both take a much more bass-heavy approach to sound.

[@Skedaddlemahgaggle]

​@NorbReviews Ah ok, I didn't know that! I'll have to watch you video comparing M4 and M3. I've also been looking at the Sony XM5s, but I'm worried that they'll have the same issue as I had with the M4s. I'll see if you have a video on them. But I haven't come accross a single video which mentions the distortion issue with the M4s. Thanks for your reply.

[@nightmarejr]

Momentum 4 have Bluetooth and anc issues. Would not recommend