On Sound Quality: Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs Bowers & Wilkins PX7S2 and PX8.

After using these headphones extensively for nearly a year, I have shared a few insightful thoughts I hope will inspire your next purchase. If you own these headphones, you might discover one or two things you probably didn't know yet. I have focused mainly on their sound quality and how that informs their asking price. Also, I dwelled on some of the defects you might not know until you have used them for a long time. The PX7 S2, for instance, has a durability issue. So I advise that anyone buying them should do so with a warranty.
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. Let's make it, as usual, a conversation.

[@electrology]

Why doesn't this channel have more subscribers.. you need way more.. Love the quality

[@CarefulOptimist]

Thank you. We are working on it. But our focus is on quality so that we can attract appreciative subscribers like you 🙂

[@me109cito5]

Awesome review. Going with the M4. Great sound quality for an affordable price, most definitely listened to your advice. Glad you are back and well.

[@CarefulOptimist]

Thank you!

[@AliasWasTaken]

How was your experience with the M4? Was there any issues, hows the sound quality? Does this review reflect your experiences? Are you still using them? - Lots of questions, but I dont know which headphones to go for at the moment. Everyone seems to praise the M4 as the headphones with one of the best sound qualities, and I have to know if that is true. My (normal) PX7 just broke, and I dont know which ones to buy. Would the M4 be an upgrade? I dont know. Thanks for your answer.

[@stephenknight6562]

Exited to hear this one considering px7 s2e. Reviews have been glowing so far.

[@stewartmoore5158]

You're one of the best headphone reviewers on KZbin, partly because you actually review the sound and not just the features. Love it!

[@SaifAli-nk1mr]

Missed your reviews and intelligent thoughts. Great to see you back!!

[@jishnukanjilal8961]

Extremely informative review. I got a pair of Sennheiser M4 about 3 months ago and they’re absolutely amazing. I remember I had sampled them side by side with the Sony XM5 and the M4’s sound quality just blew my mind. The rich bass, the accurate mid and high ranges is just a treat to listen to. Unfortunately i discovered a slight bass imbalance in my unit and had to get it replaced. Yet to get my replacement unit and I hope it’s soon.

[@mounik009]

How did you find that there is an imbalance? Any particular test?

[@mounik009]

And did the replaced unit fix this issue?

[@jaimewinz]

Best quality review channel tbh. Keep up the great vids man.

[@CarefulOptimist]

I appreciate. Thank you for watching and subscribing .

[@MrLoquist]

Great video man. I got the M4 a week ago and I was blown away by the sound quality at its price. I even compared it to the PX8 and my conclusion is that the PX8 are not 2,5 times better in sound quality (like the price). Oh, yeah - the 60h battery life on the M4 is just a killer feature itself.

[@alexsmith1207]

Couldn't agree more i had the h95 prior, metalic sound signature gave me fatigue for a year great cymbals and guitar strings. M4 has more depth and better imaging, and raw sound good for editing or knowing you are listening to bad recording which surprised me alot. Okay soundstage typical of close back but better than H95 which was narrow for me. Keeping these also good for gaming and can't wait for the M5 when it comes hopefully ANC can be turned off.

[@CarefulOptimist]

Yeah. Sennheiser has got some things going with regard to sound. It’s one of the companies that deserves “the made in Germany” branding with regard to value to price ratio.

[@randylevy]

Love the honest reviews with a chill vibe :)

[@321bytor]

Good to see you back. I have the original P7 wireless - not got the bells and whistles of these two, but sound great and built beautifully.

[@CarefulOptimist]

Thank you! Yeah, the earlier headphones were built well. It started going downhill with PX7 version one.

[@michelvangastel1727]

I am looking to get the PX7 S2e because the PX8 is a bit too expensive for my situation (EUR 499,-) and it's my first premium pair so I will enjoy whatever I buy because it's a quality leap no matter what I buy. Great that you highlight the wear and tear after a year, I am planning to get mine with a very solid five years of guarantee so I should be covered hopefully. You earned yourself a subscriber!

[@CarefulOptimist]

Awesome! how is the new headphones going? I am yet to review that. But I will pretty soon!

[@mikemeier5004]

Thank you for the great and honest review. Really enjoyable to listen to your explanations and thoughts. I was a bit undecided if I should buy the PX7S2 or the Momentum, but after your review, I'm now definitely going for the Sennheiser. Thanks alot.

[@CarefulOptimist]

Given the recent update to the Sennheiser Smart Control app, the M4 is a better option now. Because you can really personalise the EQ. I think these companies are beginning to integrate AI into their software as well. We are begging to see drastic improvements with every firmware update.

[@mikemeier5004]

@@CarefulOptimist Very true. The update with the 5 band EQ was a very pleasant surprise. Now they only need to add the option to completely turn off the ANC, but that's a minor "issue".Thanks again for the work you put into your videos and the follow-ups.

[@soulman7378]

Nice video! Did you do the latest update from the Sennheiser ? This was including a 5 band EQ and sound personalisation - not sound check. The sound personalisation really opens the Sennheiser up and elevates them. Keep up the good work!

[@VeitLehmann]

I really dig the addition of the 5 band EQ, it has added just the right bands to fix the frequency response. Now I can dial down the sometimes overpowering lower bass while keeping enough energy in the upper bass, and I also reduced 1kHz a bit (it tends to be a bit resonant there) and bumped 4kHz a little. So my personal preference is 63Hz: -2dB to -3dB, 250Hz: 0dB, 1kHz: -1.5dB, 4kHz: +1.5dB, 8kHz: 0dB.

[@infamousincubus2888]

This was a really helpful and honest review even with long term experience and answered a lot of questions I had about them. Thank you!

[@CarefulOptimist]

Amazing! We are glad that the review was helpful. Thank you for your feedback!

[@matteopeola2141]

Glad to see you again! Excellent video as usual. So bad to see such a severe issue with the PX7 S2. A comparison with the Beoplay HX, instead of the PX8, would have been nice, since you've covered them in the past too [and which I'm just thinking of ordering today on Prime Day for €350, a price that makes them very desirable considering the build quality and my preference for a neutral sound].

[@BabyBlueVision]

The quality of video and review is top-notch. This channel is underrated for sure. I'm not sure why you don't have more than other overrated channels like Flossy Carters. Keep doing what you're doing. The reviews are excellent.

[@oscarcazares2689]

Great review! I was leaning more towards the B&W Px7 s2e but the M4's seem to be much more reliable as an everyday pair of headphones and also seem to have amazing sound and better ANC.

[@CarefulOptimist]

Better ANC for sure.

[@VeitLehmann]

Great to have you back and see new content, and I really like the focus on sound quality! I have the Momentum 4 and I'm very happy with it overall. The sound quality (after adjusting the recently added 5 band EQ at least) and general UX is great! However, the headband on mine also broke a little already. Not nearly as bad as your PX7 S2, but the upper fabric coating got pulled out from the seam at the edge on the front side, at a length of roughly 8cm. Since then, it didn't get worse, so fingers crossed that it stays like this at least. I tried to put it back, but I didn't make it and there's no obvious way to disassemble the headband...

[@CarefulOptimist]

Oh, that’s really a bummer. Is it still possible to send in your M4 under warranty?

[@vernonvilaboa1762]

Nice content, A big hug from Chile!

[@zeldaxxx]

You deserve more subscribers, good review my brother.

[@CarefulOptimist]

We will get there :)

[@alexander_hro]

Sehr cooles Video. die PX8 haben ein neues Update 3.0.0 erhalten- kannst du dein Feedback bitte dazu geben? Hat sich was verbessert… laut Bower & Wilkins wirkt sich das Update auf die Soundqualität aus.

[@jerroljulian]

I’m late to the party on your videos, but I’m glad I found you and your channel. I’ve been a headphone enthusiast since I high school. Your videos operate on an entirely different level. It’s refreshing for a reviewer to not just hit on the same old talking points or make salacious takes to garner clicks. I have been mulling over the XM5, Momentum 4, and the PX7 S2 for some time. Sad to see the durability issue with the PX7S2. Maybe if I find a bag of money on the ground I’ll grab the other two haha.

[@sudartosudarto9576]

Great review and knowledge keep it up I love it

[@victorvaldivia5389]

super interesting review. very underrated

[@DamianNocun]

Very nice content! Glad that it has been focused on sound quality rather than other features. I have a little silly question. What would you reccomend (and I know those are totally different headphones but still) for wired listening. Im thinking of B&W px7 s2 and totally different ones, beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X ??

[@Bartelox13]

I was roaming through the youtube looking for a good comparisions of this two pairs of headphones and this is the best so far. But still I have no idea which to choose. I love good bass, but also a good separation of instruments, to get what a music producer wanted to give me. I've ordered both of them to check it out myself, because, lucky me, in my country if you order something through the internet, you have 2 weeks of free returns, so I can choose the best for me, and return the other ones without any particular reason.

[@CarefulOptimist]

Well, if you have the cash, it will be the PX8. But if not, definitely PX7s2. You always boost the bass through the app while keeping the amazing timing and balance.

[@etoile2003]

Exceptional review! Keep it up!

[@cazewonda]

I had the Momentum 4 for about 4 months and while I have no objection to all the positives mentioned, mine had very crazy cracking sounds while connected to Bluetooth and then just on the 4 month the coverings came up too. I've had to return it and would probably get the PX8.

[@CarefulOptimist]

I hope you get a replacement under warranty. PX8 is a great choice. Please think of getting the PX8 with a warranty as well, as it is known to develop cosmetic defects after a few months too.

[@cazewonda]

​​@@CarefulOptimistthat's very disappointing to hear but thank you for bringing this up. Yes I have gotten a refund for the M4. I learnt my lesson about warranty in a hard way and now I don't buy unless it has a warranty.

[@Ulka.suleymanli]

PX8 now is for 500 usd, so go and grab it guys 😃

[@rubelukeable]

Where?

[@Ulka.suleymanli]

@@rubelukeable Amazon. Hurry 😃

[@micha3828]

No need to hurry, it's electronics. They never get more expensive, just cheaper. ;)

[@Ulka.suleymanli]

@@rubelukeable in Amazon it was. But too late, now it is again 699

[@Ulka.suleymanli]

@@micha3828 wrong. This model now is 699 usd. Cool brands become cheaper very seldom.

[@anUntouchable]

I got the Sennheiser's last month. They are amazing but I just wish they were louder. The bass is good but I also have the B&O EX and once you hear the EX NOTHING can compare. The bass on the EX has this clean rumble effect which no other headphones/earbuds can do - at least none that I have tried

[@anUntouchable]

They are comfortable but obviously not as comfortable as over the ear headphones@@quinnvolk

[@vokso11]

FYI: for a better experience make sure you download or listen Hi Res music. I personally use Tidal for my music and it’s LOUD

[@Icecold_Art]

Now that the PX7 S2e are out, I guess we will get another video comparison? :D. Much apreciate it. P.S Love the aesthetics of your video, you have a great taste and it's a joy to watch and listen to. I'm currently owning the B&O h6 2nd gen for ver 6 years, Sennheiser HD660s with IFI zen Dac 2 , had the momentum 3 and B&O H95. I have a few in ears like B&O EQ and Devialet Gemini. But I'm still in need of wireless `ANC over ear set. I oroginally returned the H95, becaus ethey were too heavy for my use case. I'm an artist myself, and while hunch over, while drawing/painting on my tablet the neck pains were coming in. I don't get that with in ears obviously and the H6 is around 240 grams, so that's a non issue as well. But to be honest I have them for this reason, and would like something to simply enjoy while moving around the house while doing things, chilling, or for on the road which is over ear. I'm considering PX7 S2e, PX8, Focal Bathys, but am waiting to see if B&O releases something new, as it's time?

[@nico77212]

The momentum can also use usbc as a headphone jack

[@CarefulOptimist]

Very true. I am preparing a review about that now.

[@evanhowlett7855]

Momentum 4 sound incredible . But I had to return them because they kept on disconnecting on me. There was also a slight clamping force on my head. Going to try px7 s2 next.

[@CarefulOptimist]

That’s strange that m4 disconnects on you. But maybe the recent firmware update would have fixed that. There is no getting around the clamping force, through. If you are buying the PX7 s2, do so with warranty. It’s not durable and you may find that you have to return it for replacement some 6 months down the line.

[@peymannaji]

I had B&W S2 since Jan 2023, I haven't had any issues with the quality even though I used to use it under rain until it got stolen previous week. And today I bought the same brand but it is called S2E (Just sound quality improvement). A bit expensiver than S2. But I have also B&W P5 and I bought it in 2017. Still it works great and the quality of the product is good. I just had to change the ear pads , that I have done so far. Personally I think their quality is much better that other brands. They give u a pure and great quality of sound and best mobile app. But when it comes to Px8. I do not buy it. Because the quality of PX7 is almost as same as PX8. BTW I use my headphones at least 8 hours per day. About Sennheiser , I would say it is really great. I love it but as a Pro music listener I don't think it is a good choice ! Why ? If you are musician and in a same time u wanna listen to a pure music without any enhances or sound manipulations, I wouldn't recommend it even though that brand is using in many recording studios. My first choice so far has been B&W but definitely the second choice is Sennheiser.

[@CarefulOptimist]

This is so on point! Thank you for sharing. As for the defect, yeah, it seems that not all the units have this weak point. In any case, they can be replaced under warranty.

[@Microice17]

Nice Video, i enjoyed it very much to watching it. I'm thinking of buying the PX8 for 520 Euro or the PX7S2 for 280 EURO, what did you think? Love the design of both and prefure good sounding headphones with great build quality, but i don't know if it's worth to me, I hear a lot of Hip-Hop so i love/like good and deep Bass, but not like the type of guy who needs only Bass (like older Beats), with good Mids, highs clearity etc. Never had B&W headphones but i think now is the time. Thanks for any help!

[@CarefulOptimist]

Hi, I think if you are getting a brand new PX8 for that price. Then it is worth it. PX7S2 will not fulfill your needs for hip hop bass. It has clean and detailed bass but not punchy. PX8 will give you the bass when you want it (also you can adjust the bass level in the mobile app) and take it way when you don’t need so much bass.

[@Microice17]

@@CarefulOptimist thanks for your help and fast answer. Yes, they both are brand new for the price. Because of your opinion I think i will go with the PX8

[@alexander_hro]

great videos you make! I am considering buying the PX8 (500€) or the Momentum 4 (280€). in Germany you can get the two quite cheap. I read that a new firmware for the PX8 has been released recently, which according to the description improves the sound. "3.0.0" can you say something about that?

[@arthurgimba1310]

Momentum 4 just won!

[@gonzalopena8392]

Great video. I'm a new subscriber since finished it!!! I'm thinking of buying the Sony XM5 or the Sennheiser Momentum 4. For the same price (300$) which one do you think it's better? Thanks for your help. Hope you´re doing well!!!

[@CarefulOptimist]

I would say go for the sennheiser momentum 4. Sony is better with noise cancellation. But the M4 ANC is sufficient. So go for it because it’s a better sounding headphones and also more rugged.

[@panda1412.]

Just bought the m4s because of you. Just seen the new px7s2e come out also, would be interested to see them complared to the m4s

[@i95smuggler]

I'm somewhat confused about the PX7S2. Was it made/released after the PX8?

[@CarefulOptimist]

It was released BEFORE the PX8. Think of the PX8 as PX7 S2 Pro :)

[@i95smuggler]

@@CarefulOptimist Ah, ok thanks

[@ravington666]

Started watching this video to specifically hear what the M4's sounded like with a wired connection only to find out that because you misplaced the cable, you couldn't comment. Very disappointing as you can use them wired using the usbc cable aswell.

[@PeterbFree]

I have had that same issue with the PX7s2

[@CarefulOptimist]

It’s horrible. It should never happen for the price!

[@HerbivorousFuture]

Very nice Video. Have you tried using the Momentum 4 wired via usb c? I'd be very interested to know how they sound then. I think the ability to use Bluetooth headphones as a USB DAC for true lossless playback is crucial. Apart from the fact that usb playback is possible, there is unfortunately little information about it online.

[@CarefulOptimist]

Hi. The USB-C mode on the M4 is not that great. Better to use the 3.5mm jack with a dongle for instance. I made a review about using the PX8 in usb-c mode. I will make another review using the m4 in same mode.

[@HerbivorousFuture]

@@CarefulOptimist Thanks for the reply, that would interest me a lot.

[@christophconrad2846]

Hi, nice video ... and nice glasses ... Please, can you tell me which brand it is? 🙏

[@CarefulOptimist]

Thank you! It’s a rare brand. It not longer exists 🙂

[@ajitzero]

Brilliant video

[@christian.villapaz]

Great review! Just wondering. Are you able to connect M4 to the PC for both charging and audio connection?

[@CarefulOptimist]

Hi, you can use the 3.5mm audio jack cable to connect it to the PC for audio listening. But it does not charge it.

[@christian.villapaz]

@@CarefulOptimist I see. Thanks so much!

[@OrangeismyNewGreen]

I hope B&W sent you a new pair and I hope they have fixed some of the issues with the new PX7 S2e.

[@CarefulOptimist]

Yes! They sent me a new pair, after some long wait. I have not tested the S2e yet.

[@jyexe525]

@@CarefulOptimisthi, the S2e are more comfy than the S2 ?

[@arthurlin5029]

Could you please share those jazz music in the vid? I like them so much ❤

[@CarefulOptimist]

Oh, next time I will. I get my songs from Epidemic Sound. You will find them in the Jazz categories.

[@salehel-malatawy4733]

So, sir, let's conclude that. If I have sony WMX5, shall I sell it and buy the PX7S2 or Momentum?

[@florinlobonea266]

What's the name of the song used in this video at the end? it sound good.

[@cricketfreak2010]

Sugar Free by Xack :)

[@cantbsdave]

Good Job!

[@CarefulOptimist]

Thanks!

[@stewste4316]

great video

[@CarefulOptimist]

Thanks!

[@patricksiemer2045]

yo nice review but im really interested how they compare to the b&o h95 🤔 cant find a video

[@CarefulOptimist]

We are working on that.

[@kriz-me859]

Unfortunately, there are very few views, it seems to me that there are problems in the preview

[@CarefulOptimist]

In my opinion, the video is doing quite fine :)

[@razorree]

how about using Sennheiser thru USB cable as well? you don't use crappy DAC in your PC then.

[@CarefulOptimist]

Yes, it works with Sennheiser M4

[@Qubnix]

Is possible to detach Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 earpads?

[@CarefulOptimist]

Yes!

[@vinyljoe1940]

Damn good work my friend. I'm an Apple Music user and based on your video I'm going with the Momentum 4.

[@MegaUltraSuperDuable]

So how does the Px7 S2e (improved sound from the regular Px7 s2) hold up to the M4? 🤔...

[@Markus-xm4zv]

Having both its a though battle. B&W is so clean. M4 is very adaptable to every kind of music. All in all B&W are little more comfy. Overall the momentums have more warm bass. Really punchy. The B&W have tighter Bass. I get px8 soon and look forward

[@CarefulOptimist]

Yes, I think the PX8 is a nice sweet spot between both.

[@spread888gospel]

I will get PX8 McLaren version to match my car

[@Alx-uq4mp]

The bug with the wear sensor got fixed. At least on the PX8

[@CarefulOptimist]

Nope. It's still happening on my PX8. I had to switch it off after testing several days.

[@Alx-uq4mp]

@@CarefulOptimist hm i dont have any problems with it. Do you have the sensitivity settings available?

[@NoshikiYT]

Should I get the Sennheiser M4 or the px7s2e?

[@CarefulOptimist]

I will go for the PX!

[@NoshikiYT]

@@CarefulOptimist Fr

[@alexander_hro]

Hi, which headphone is louder the sennheiser m3 or the px8? 🎧 🎉 can you please tell if the sound of the PX8 changes with the latest firmware 3.0.0? I read that on many forums. Thx❤

[@CarefulOptimist]

I didnt try the sennheiser m3. But the m4 is quite loud. But not as loud as the PX8. If you have the PX8 try to use in conjunction with high res audio files and with a usb c cable. It’s mind blowing.

[@Gadgetibles]

I highly recommend a DAP to enjoy or get the best of out your headphones no matter the one you get ..when it comes to durability B&O and Sennheiser wins for overall ..when it comes to plain comfort for very long listening sessions nothin beats the Xm series headphones from sony ...sony has more convenient features so it always depends on consumer needs and tastes ...bowers and wilkins are rediculously overpriced

[@CarefulOptimist]

I agree on all fronts!

[@suburbanview]

SOLD!

[@CarefulOptimist]

🙂

[@duranarts]

Durability is what honestly keeps me from purchasing a headset. Every headphone I've used has teared on the leather ear pad. Seeing the build quality on the Bowers is very disappointing.

[@CarefulOptimist]

Indeed, very disappointing. But the sennheiser is much better in that department.

[@jeid3822]

Which do you think the better for me to get the sennm4 or the sony xm5❤😊

[@CarefulOptimist]

XM5 if you can get it at a discount price.

[@zeldaxxx]

@@CarefulOptimist I got the SM4 after weeks of research on which headphone I should get. Tested the XM5 from a local store, but the SM4 sound quality is better. Is my ear broken?

[@CarefulOptimist]

@@zeldaxxx you might be right. I just updated the firmware of the M4 and it sounds much better especially with the personalised EQ.

[@Saturn-Matrix]

My research suggests the Momentum 4 is better. Ima save up for the PX8