Within the ever-evolving world of True Wi-fi Stereo (TWS) earbuds, two titans have emerged to seize the eye of audiophiles and informal listeners alike: the newly launched Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 TWS. As an avid audio fanatic, I’ve had the pleasure of placing each of those premium Bluetooth earbuds via their paces. On this complete comparability, I will break down how these two heavyweights stack up in opposition to one another by way of design, consolation, sound high quality, and general person expertise.
Design and Specs
In relation to TWS earbuds, design is not nearly aesthetics—it is about performance, sturdiness, and luxury. Each the Pi6 and the Momentum 4 TWS convey their A-game on this division, however with some notable variations.
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 boasts a powerful 8-hour playtime on a single cost, with an extra 16 hours offered by the charging case. This offers you a complete of 24 hours of listening time earlier than it’s good to plug in. Then again, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 TWS provides a barely shorter 7.5-hour playtime per cost however compensates with a whopping 30 hours from the charging case, totaling 37.5 hours of use.
When it comes to codec help, the Momentum 4 TWS takes the lead with a powerful array together with SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC, LC3, and aptX Lossless. The Pi6, whereas not as intensive, nonetheless provides a strong choice with aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ Basic, AAC, and SBC. Each earbuds help true 24-bit decision and make the most of Bluetooth 5.4, making certain high-quality wi-fi audio transmission.
One space the place the Pi6 pulls forward is in its multipoint connectivity and licensed MFi (Made for iPhone) compatibility. Whereas I did not encounter any points utilizing Siri with the Momentum 4 TWS, the Pi6’s specific MFi help would possibly present a extra seamless expertise for Apple customers.
Each earbuds include a variety of ear tip sizes (XS/S/M/L) to make sure a correct match for varied ear shapes. Nonetheless, I discovered the Pi6 to have a slight edge by way of dimension and weight. Regardless of housing bigger drivers, the Pi6’s dimensions are smaller, making them really feel lighter in my ears in comparison with the Momentum 4 TWS.
Consolation and Match
In relation to consolation, each the Pi6 and Momentum 4 TWS carry out admirably. The design the place the earbuds contact your ears is remarkably related between the 2 fashions, which speaks to a shared understanding of ergonomics within the business.
In my testing, I discovered each pairs straightforward to suit, and neither gave me any points with falling out throughout use. Nonetheless, the Pi6’s smaller dimension did give it a slight edge by way of consolation for my specific ear form. The lighter really feel made them nearly unnoticeable throughout prolonged listening periods.
That being stated, the distinction is minimal, and I can not stress sufficient how necessary it’s to check earbuds with your personal distinctive ear form. What works completely for me may not be preferrred for another person.
Energetic Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Within the realm of ANC, the Momentum 4 TWS takes the lead with its stronger, adaptive noise-canceling function. Whereas utilizing these earbuds, I may nonetheless hear outdoors noise by way of the adaptive microphones, however there was undoubtedly the attribute “whoosh” noise that signifies efficient ANC.
The Pi6, however, provides a lighter contact with its ANC. Whereas it does not do as thorough a job at canceling out exterior noise, some customers would possibly choose this much less aggressive strategy, as it might contribute to a extra pure listening expertise.
Sound High quality
Now, let’s dive into the meat of the matter: how these TWS earbuds really sound. Each the Pi6 and Momentum 4 TWS supply distinctive audio high quality, however with distinct traits that cater to completely different listening preferences.
Soundstage
Each earbuds present an intimate, “in your head” form of sound that is attribute of IEMs. Nonetheless, there are delicate variations of their presentation.
The Pi6 provides a more in-depth stage with a bit extra verticality to the sound. This creates a extra holographic high quality to the audio, which might be notably partaking for sure varieties of music. Then again, the Momentum 4 TWS presents a wider soundstage with a flatter, extra impartial presentation. This permits for barely extra element retrieval, particularly in advanced mixes.
To check this, I listened to “Verinnerlichung” by Paysage D’Hiver on each earbuds. The Momentum 4 TWS captured the spatial presentation of the track with spectacular width, creating an expansive soundscape. The Pi6, whereas not as vast, precisely captured the intro’s picture, creating an immersive feeling of sound coming from behind me.
Actually, on this observe, I discovered it tough to decide on a transparent winner. Each earbuds offered the music in a visceral, partaking approach, albeit with completely different strengths.
Bass Response
In relation to bass, the Pi6 and Momentum 4 TWS take notably completely different approaches. The Pi6 provides a robust bass presence however with a comparatively flat tuning throughout the bass frequencies. This leads to a heat, full-bodied sound that may be notably pleasing with sure genres of music.
The Momentum 4 TWS, in distinction, provides a extra outlined and punchy bass response. Whereas not as heat because the Pi6, it gives higher separation and readability within the low finish.
To discover these variations, I listened to Chopin’s “Piano Concerto No. 2” carried out by the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra. The Pi6’s heat signature added a stunning richness to the piano’s tone. Whereas the separation within the strings wasn’t as clear as on the Momentum 4 TWS, the general tone of the instrument was extremely nice.
The Momentum 4 TWS captured extra readability and definition within the efficiency, nevertheless it could not fairly match the Pi6’s pleasing heat. I discovered the Pi6 notably adept at dealing with classical music and solo performances, including physique to single devices in a powerful approach.
Switching gears, I additionally examined each earbuds with “Davidian” by Machine Head. Right here, the Momentum’s readability actually shone via, including definition to the high-gain guitar sound. The Pi6, whereas nonetheless pleasant, felt a bit hazier on this observe, particularly within the decrease frequencies the place there was already plenty of bass within the combine.
For bassheads, the Pi6 is likely to be the popular selection. Nonetheless, in the event you choose a flatter sound signature with slightly added bass punch, the Momentum 4 TWS is more likely to be extra your pace.
Midrange Efficiency
The midrange is the place each of those earbuds actually present their pedigree. The Momentum 4 TWS continues Sennheiser’s custom of expertly tuned mids, providing clear and distinct midrange frequencies. Whereas not fairly on the extent of open-back headphones just like the HD800s or HD600, the Momentum 4 TWS delivers impressively detailed mids for a pair of TWS earbuds.
The Pi6 takes a barely completely different strategy, providing loads of element within the mids however with added physique and heat from the low-mids. This tuning is especially flattering to feminine vocals, particularly in trendy mixes the place it might assist stability out overly vibrant productions.
Each earbuds deal with vocals properly, with the Pi6 being barely extra ahead in its presentation. In case you’re a vocal lover, particularly of feminine vocals, you would possibly discover the Pi6 extra to your liking. Nonetheless, in the event you choose a extra balanced presentation throughout all frequencies, the Momentum 4 TWS is likely to be the higher selection.
Personally, I lean in direction of the Momentum 4 TWS for its extra impartial strategy, however I can actually recognize the attraction of the Pi6’s hotter, extra intimate midrange presentation.
Excessive-Frequency Response
Within the excessive frequencies, we see one other divergence in strategy between these two earbuds. The Pi6 options barely sharper highs, more likely to compensate for its extra pronounced bass response. Whereas not sibilant, the highs are undoubtedly extra pronounced than on the Momentum 4 TWS.
The Momentum 4 TWS sticks nearer to the Sennheiser home sound, with flatter highs that do not emphasize any specific a part of the high-frequency vary. Apparently, regardless of being much less pronounced, I discovered the Momentum’s highs got here via with a bit extra readability. That is possible resulting from much less competitors from the bass frequencies, permitting the extra subdued highs to shine via.
To check the high-frequency efficiency, I listened to “Waltz For Debby” carried out by Cannonball Adderly, Invoice Evans, Percy Heath, and Connie Kay. Each earbuds added some further bass that made the double bass taking part in extra distinguished than I am used to listening to. The Pi6’s extra revealing highs introduced out extra element within the cymbals and excessive notes, whereas the Momentum 4 TWS offered a mellower, extra relaxed presentation of the observe.
Connectivity and Sensible Options
Each the Pi6 and Momentum 4 TWS supply strong connectivity choices, however the Pi6 edges forward with its multipoint connectivity and MFi certification. This permits for seamless switching between a number of units and ensures optimum compatibility with Apple merchandise.
That stated, I did not encounter any vital points utilizing the Momentum 4 TWS with my iPhone, together with Siri performance. Each earbuds carried out reliably by way of connection stability and vary.
Battery Life and Charging
Whereas each earbuds supply spectacular battery life, the Momentum 4 TWS takes the crown right here. With as much as 37.5 hours of whole playtime (together with the charging case), it outperforms the Pi6’s 24 hours by a big margin. Nonetheless, the Pi6 does supply barely longer playtime on a single cost (8 hours vs 7.5 hours), which is likely to be preferable for individuals who do not at all times carry their charging case.
Conclusion
After intensive testing, I can confidently say that each the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 TWS are distinctive Bluetooth earbuds that deserve their place on the high of the TWS market. Selecting between them in the end comes down to non-public desire and prioritization of options.
In case you prioritize a heat, intimate sound signature, barely higher consolation (for my ears, not less than), and seamless integration with Apple units, the Pi6 is likely to be your greatest wager. Its efficiency with vocals and classical music is especially spectacular.
Then again, in the event you worth a extra impartial sound signature, superior ANC, and longer general battery life, the Momentum 4 TWS might be the higher selection. Its wider soundstage and clearer bass definition make it a flexible possibility for a variety of musical genres.
Each of those TWS earbuds characterize the innovative of what is potential on the earth of wi-fi audio. Whether or not you select the Pi6 or the Momentum 4 TWS, you are getting a pair of earbuds that ship distinctive sound high quality, consolation, and options. The selection between them comes right down to delicate variations in sound signature and have set, making both a worthy addition to any audio fanatic’s assortment.
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