Intro:

SoundMAGIC has been on the scene for 10 years now, and it’s remarkable how much the headphones market has changed in that time; possibly pushed along by SoundMAGIC’s esteemed offerings. The way that headphones are used (and their popularity) has really come on, and they are often seen in pretty much everywhere now, when both indoors and out.

SoundMAGIC’s new Vento P55 is designed to address the need for a good looking, versatile and sturdy on-ear model for any scenario, so how does it measure up?

Design and appearance:

At first glances, the Vento P55 has a certain prosaic chic about it; attention is not demanded and so the wearer may not feel as self-conscious as with other, more showy models. The Vento P55 is a nice functional piece of design and has a well-heeled and restrained look about it. There are two 1.2m cables; these are removable and the socket of the Vento P55 will accept any 3.5mm jack – there is no special recessed socket which requires a specific cable replacement.

Durability & build quality (e.g. cabling, connectors, materials):

The Vento P55 headphones are certainly sturdy, with a stainless steel headband and aluminium earcups which lend an air of something military grade, but without the weight! Cables are what might be expected for a portable design; thick enough to bear the stresses and strains of an itinerant life on the road but thin and supple enough to not get cumbersome. SoundMAGIC’s new angled jack design (which its recent earphones have adopted) has been included, to reduce any stress on the jack when players or phones are placed in pockets when users are on the move.

Comfort:

Despite being an on-ear portable, the gentle grip of the Vento P55 puts them on the right side of tight, but they have a firm hold and they are quite comfortable during longer periods of use. The earpads are soft and yielding and offer no problems, even when worn over glasses.

Suitability for intended application:

As alluded to above, the demure and reserved character of the Vento P55’s design allows it to fit in anywhere without drawing any undue attention. Along with the comfortable fit, the Vento P55 is a perfect tool for commuting or casual use when out and about.

Sound isolation (if applicable):

Isolation is fair but the wearer is not rendered incommunicado; it is still possible to aware of your surroundings which may be no bad thing if the Vento P55 is put to more portable uses. Of course, with music playing the effect of isolation is more marked.

Portability:

Included is a light but rigid carry case which will protect the Vento well if taken with you unused, and the headphones can be worn around the neck without restricting movement too much.

Sound characteristics:

Overall the Vento P55 has a detailed yet warm sound, with plenty of room between bass and treble for harmonics and vocal performances to make a good impression. These headphones were tested with a Fiio X3 using a Chord Hugo as DAC/amp.

Bass (e.g. punch, low extension):

Bass is reserved and restrained in contrast to many similar models on the market. The Vento P55 is not bass light however; it starts low and provides authority to a track without taking over, allowing the midrange to make its mark.

Mids (e.g. vocals, acoustic instruments):

Midrange is very present for a non-neutral headphone; it makes a sense of space more pronounced, and harmonics stand out. This has a good effect on imaging and the attention is easily grabbed by certain instruments.

Treble (e.g. high hats):

Treble is rolled off slightly but still stands up to be counted; it’s there just enough to give details and add definition but backs off well before there’s any danger of sibilance.

Soundstage & Separation:

Soundstage is fair for a closed-back portable; the head is well enveloped within the sound. Separation is helped along by the clear and distinct midrange, and is very good. Again, the midrange helps this along and brings out most instruments and voices in clear relief.

Music genres good for and why:

The SoundMAGIC Vento P55 excels at dance music, funk and Hip Hop, while its strong midrange suits genres such as classical and jazz particularly well.

Pros:

Strong, light metal construction
Removable cables, one with mic/controls
Sturdy carry case
Adaptor for greater compaitiblity with handsets
Adaptor for use with computers

Cons:

Some may prefer more recessed midrange

Summary:

The SoundMAGIC Vento P55 is a good strong design for taking out and about, with decent isolation once music is playing. The removable stereo cable can be swapped for a control/microphone cable for skipping tracks and taking calls on the go. Its steely good looks will not draw attention from anyone but the user, who will be treated to some great comfort and engaging sounds.

The post SoundMAGIC Vento P55 Closed Back Headphones – Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Verdict

Natural materials, modern look and superior sound combine in the Momentumto create the perfect headphones for style conscious music enthusiasts.

Pro’s

Lightweight design, attractive looks, very comfortable fit and fantastic build quality.

Con’s

Larger than some would like as a portable headphone, also doesn’t fold.

In-Depth Review

Introduction

Sennheiser’s new Momentums are a stylish model designed to look and feel good in any situation. Dark brown leather and black leather with red stitching, are the two available colour ways.

Description

The looks of the Momentum are very engaging, handsome with beautiful quality leather pads and headband. The design looks modern enough but has classic elements too – Sennheiser have been very successful in creating a desirable object. They feel very comfortable, due to the very best quality leather being used, but stay put well considering clamping force is minimal.

Included peripherals

Included in the momentum box is a headphone cable with smart controls, a second standard headphone cable, an attractive hard carrying case and 6.35mm jack adapter.

Application

Not only great for wearing in the home using with your Hifi set up, the computer or with the TV but they are also small enough to make a great commuting or travel headphone. They come with a protective carry case which also has space for other portable audio equipment. Compact headphones you would want to take everywhere!

Describe the sound

So are the Momentums all looks and expensive leather? The short answer is no. Sennheiser have worked just as hard on the sound as well as the looks and come up with a comfortable yet fun sound which is on the right side of relaxed. Plenty of detail and instrument separation in the sound but they never step into fatiguing territory, soundstage is short but imaging impressive for the size of the cups. This sound fits very well with the target group of commuters and business travellers who will use them. It’s certainly not boring, tons of bottom end is there when needed, bass drums have a satisfying thump without ever kicking you in the eardrum. Altogether the sound is warm and smooth without becoming sluggish – a hard balance to find!

Comparisons

Few headphones offer the same luxury in this travel size. Look at the Beyerdynamic DT1350, Ultrasone Edition 8, Focal Spirit One or Parrot Zik.

Product Information

Product Type – Closed Back Portable Audiophile Headphones

Price at the time of review – £259.99

Product Link – Buy Sennheiser Momentum

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Price at the time of review – £69.95

Product link – Buy Volume DH-B38 Bluetooth

Verdict – A very impressive sound at an affordable price, great option for those looking for a cord free set below £100. No wires. No worries.

Pro’s – Small yet comfortable on-ear, lightweight and durable. The big surprise is that they sound great, impressive stereo imaging for an on ear. Bluetooth headphones for under £100 often seem a bit bargain basement, the Volumes tick all the boxes for functionality, do not compromise on quality and still come in at a cheap price!

Con’s – None if you have under £100 to spend! AptX CD quality sound would be a great addition but at this price that just seems greedy.

Introduction – Volume is a new audio company proudly making headphones in Taiwan, the brainchild of the son of a British family owned components manufacturing company. After finishing his education in London and becoming disillusioned working in the city he decided to return to Taiwan to make high quality portable audio products at a sensible price. This high-spec, low price philosophy underpins the current collection of Bluetooth headphones with mic and on board controls.

Description –Available in a range of attractive colour ways the Volume DH-B38 has controls for volume, changing track, pause and play. Special features include a high quality omni-directional mic, Class 1 Bluetooth – giving up to 100m range and the ability to fold flat for storage. The headphones themselves are very light and do not clamp making them pretty comfortable for on-ears, the soft leatherette ear cushions are shaped well. Build quality is impressive, no corners have been visibly cut.

Included peripherals – Volume DH-B38 are supplied with a soft carry bag.

Application – If you are looking for some portable headphones for commuting or being mobile in general these have all the features you could need. Listen to music, answer and end calls without having to touch your phone and they should easily fit into an already cramped bag too. Because of their longer than average range they would also work well for listening around the house or getting out in the garden. Low weight and comfy fit means they also work very well in the Gym.

Describe the sound – A typically warm feel for consumer headphones, punchy smile curve EQ with much more detail than you would expect. The bass will handle everything from chart pop to huge electro basslines. Classical and Acoustic don’t sound bad either as they have a bit of sparkle to them, the fact they do sound good does mean you can hear small Bluetooth sonic problems which less capable headphones might mask. The sound is fun and involving but not too aggressive for everyday use or long journeys.

Comparisons – Also see Sennheiser PX210BT, Jaybird SB2, Parrot Zik, Sennheiser MM-400X.

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