After having the ability to spend a while with the brand new Pi8 from Bowers and Wilkins, there’s quite a bit to be excited for. The completely redesigned earbud is supposed to proceed the Pi7 S2, and is available in at the same $399 price ticket. Some audiophiles appreciated these quarks, whereas others discovered higher options for his or her wants.Probably the most notable one being the Sennheiser Momentum 4. In my in depth testing, I needed to see if B&W addressed these considerations in an effort to warrant the value, and the way they evaluate to among the finest Sennheiser merchandise within the catalogue. Let’s learn the way the Pi8 performs in comparison with the Momentum 4.
What’s within the field?
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- Momentum 4 Earbuds
- Ear suggestions units (XS/S/M/L)
- Ear fin units (S/M/L)
- Charging case & USB-C cable
- Fast information & security information
- Pi8 True Wi-fi Earbuds
- Additional Small / Small / Medium / Giant ear suggestions
- 60 cm USB-C to USB-C charging cable
- 80 cm 3.5 mm jack to USB-C audio cable
Design
The Pi8 boasts a 12mm Carbon Cone dynamic driver that’s been utterly redesigned, promising an enormous leap in sound high quality over the Pi7 S2. That includes aptX™ Lossless, aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ Traditional, AAC, and SBC Bluetooth CODECS, this ensures seamless audio transmission.
With an IP54 waterproof score, the Pi8 is ideal for exercises, and the DSP with true 24-bit decoding ensures you’ll expertise probably the most out of your lossless streaming. An in-app 5-band EQ lets you customise the sound signature to your liking, whereas the 3 mics in every earbud guarantee crystal-clear name high quality.
As a substitute of discussing the tech specs of the Momentum 4, I believe it is most beneficial to match probably the most variations between every. For extra particulars take a look at our unique overview of the Momentum 4.
Proper off the bat, the 7mm driver is noticably much less delicate than the 12mm driver within the Pi8. This impacts the sound high quality however what’s extra noticeable is the impact on battery life. The 20-hour whole playtime of the Pi8 is common when in comparison with Sennheiser’s 30-hour battery life.
By way of CODECs, however there is a main distinction in how they’re carried out. The Pi8 boasts true 24-bit decoding, whereas the Momentum 4 TWS solely goes as much as 16-bit. Though lower than the Pi8, the Sennheiser is ready to upsample as much as 24-bit, that means that you will get near that sound. These devoted to utilizing lossless streaming or FLAC information will most definitely desire the Pi8 for that reason.
Consolation and match
One of many greatest upgrades with the Pi8 is its ergonomic design. Gone are the inflexible corners of the Pi7 S2, making manner for a extra comfy, safe match. At simply 7 grams per earbud, the Pi8 is ideal for strolling, understanding, or sitting within the workplace. The 4 totally different sized eartips make discovering the proper match straightforward and intuitive.
When trying on the nozzle aspect of each earbuds, it could be straightforward to persuade a layman that these are similar designs. I am not saying B&W copied the Sennheiser design, however the similarities are unquestionable. It is not stunning contemplating the match of the Momentum 4 TWS is top-of the road. At 6.2 grams per earbud, these are negligibly lighter. When A-Bing each earbuds I may hardly discover a distinction between them. Because of this, I am giving them a tie when it comes to consolation.
Listening Impressions
Soundstage
The Pi8 gives an intimate soundstage that excels in imaging, making it really feel correct and fascinating. Whereas not probably the most expansive, it delivers a incredible verticality and pinpoint particulars. The ANC doesn’t considerably affect the soundstage, making it excellent for individuals who recognize an analytical, intimate listening expertise. Evaluating the Momentum 4, there is a extra emphasised distance, but it surely looks like a a lot flatter form of sound. The ANC is noticable, however does not cut back the sound-width.
Listening to “Storm” by Wintersun will make you recognize the luxurious, full vocals, although they do not pan out so far as some would possibly like on the Pi8. The verticality is incredible, capturing each element from textures to the corridor reverb. Though the staging isn’t like a headphone, there’s an excellent detailed presentation to the 3D high quality. The Momentum 4 does not seize the identical peak in it is staging, however the reverb is extra dramatic.
The Pi8 has a singular sound that’s in contrast to many different earbuds within the value class, and it’s positively one thing fellow audiophiles will wish to hear. The Momentum 4 gives a extra horizontal soundstage, that is extra paying homage to an earbud. Whether or not it is from the lowered bit-rate or driver measurement, it is tough competing with the Pi8 when it comes to staging.
Bass
Most high-end earbuds do their greatest to convey low-end info. All too usually, I describe TWS earbuds as having a “bass sound” somewhat than a “bass expertise”. The Pi8 is exclusive in the truth that I can truthfully say I’m ‘experiencing’ the bass somewhat than listening to it. The sub-bass is palpable and thrilling, whereas the extra discernible mid and excessive bass fill out the whole sound signature. The Pi8 gives a bass expertise that’s booming and palpable, excellent for tracks like “Elevate In Insanity” by Candiria. The bass is punchy and full, with out being muddy, and works nicely even on hotter tracks like “I’ve Seen Heaven” by Felix Ames.
These of you who’re aware of the Sennheiser home sound know that they’ve constructed their fame with flat sounding gear. The Momentum 4 TWS isn’t any exception, albeit with some variations. The bass is larger than flat, however solely by 3-4db. When listening to “Elevate in Insanity” there was nonetheless a deep bass sound, regardless of it not feeling as heavy because the Pi8. Equally, the pluckiness of the bass and it is harmonics are extra exaggerated. In summation, these in search of a balanced sound will desire the Momentum 4 whereas bass lovers will lean in direction of the Momentum 4.
Mids
The mids on the Pi8 are V-shaped, offering fullness and heat with out sacrificing readability. Devices and vocals come by means of with wonderful dynamics and element. The Momentum 4 is considerably flatter, with a extra dramatic increase within the higher mids.
On “Letters of Marque” by Allan Holdsworth, ghost notes on the snare are crisp, and the guitar solo has nice physique and resonance on the Pi8. Irrespective of how heavy the bass can get, there’s sufficient element within the guitar and drum sounds. The timbre of the midrange is superb contemplating how a lot low-end these frequencies must compete with. The Momentum 4 however appears to concentrate on it is midrange. All of those parts current on the Pi8 come out with much more readability however much less heat. The timbre can also be very pleasing, however there is a distinct lack of heaviness in these sounds.
On “oh my love” by FKA Twigs, there’s a sharpness within the combine that enables her vocals to chop by means of with incredible readability. The brightness of the vocals mixes nicely with the heavy low-end of the Pi8 sound signature, and gives a incredible listening expertise positive to please even probably the most choosy audiophiles. Particulars come from the 1.5kHz-2.5kHz areas, which have a really pure sounding increase. Nothing pokes out, or is simply too overwhelming. In the meantime, the Momentum 4 is ready to current the brightness of this combine extra precisely. The shimmering vocals aren’t tamed, however highlighted by the high-mid increase. Voices have extra room to be displayed as a result of extra subdued low finish.
Highs
The highs are comparatively impartial, adhering to the harman curve, making cymbals sound clear with out being sibilant. They complement the decrease frequencies somewhat than compete with them.
Listening to “Truckin’” by Grateful Lifeless (carried out on 4/12/1978 in Durham, NC), Jerry Garcia’s tone is reigned in however stays clear, excellent for stay recordings. Jerry Garcia’s tone is synonymous with diamond reducing excessive finish, which shears by means of virtually any combine. On the Pi8 it’s far more reigned in however not ducked down within the combine. The Momentum 4 however is ready to precisely current the shimmering qualities of this observe. There are extra shimmering/tactile qualities to the Momentum 4.
The Pi8 is not an ethereal sounding earbud, so should you like that type of sound, these might not be excellent for you. However, should you’re a bass-head who nonetheless desires particulars and readability of their sound, then the way in which the Pi8 is tuned achieves that. The Momentum 4 is ready to seize extra treble as a result of it is not competing with such a heavy bass tuning.
Conclusion
The Pi8 isn’t only a pair of earbuds; it’s a musical journey. Whether or not you’re understanding, commuting, or enjoyable at residence, the Pi8 guarantees to ship an unparalleled audio expertise. I can safely say that the Pi8 is totally different sufficient from the Pi7 S2 to warrant the improve. When in comparison with the Sennheiser Momentum 4 TWS, there’s some noticeable variations. The Sennheiser has a extra balanced sound that has a higher emphasis on particulars. The Pi8 to my ears, has a extra thrilling, bass heavy tuning that brings numerous fullness out of skinny recordings. For me, I see the Pi8 as a very excessive finish choice that outperforms the Momentum 4. Let me know which one’s you’d choose within the feedback under.
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