Bose doesn’t need to worry too much because its once-dramatic lead over rivals is narrowing; however, there are some reasons you might prefer the Sennheiser PXC 550-II over the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. The Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless headphones are respectable and versatile.
The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones are a much better option than their predecessor, the Sennheiser PXC 550. They have a well-balanced sound and should be adaptable enough for most musical genres. They fit very comfortably and securely, just like the previous model, making them a good option even if you prefer over-ear headphones for the gym.
Design
The Momentum Wireless headphones are designed to be comfortable and stylish. They are made from lightweight plastic exterior and matte black finish, with a single, straightforward paint job. The earcups are comfortable and stylish, but they do not stick out needlessly. We enjoy the fact that they have a single, straightforward paint job very much. Wearing them won’t make you stick out needlessly, but they also offer a subtle aesthetic that is difficult not to like.
The PXC 550 earbuds have few buttons or connections, which is good because there are no physical buttons. You must use the touch-sensitive panel on the outside of the right earcup to play and pause your music. ..
The Sennheiser CX5 headphones are great for music lovers who want a simple and effective way to listen to their favorite tunes. The headphones have a single button that plays or pauses the track, as well as a switch to change the level of noise cancellation you desire. Additionally, there is also a Micro-USB port on the side so you can charge your phone if necessary. However, some people found that the headphones did not work with their newer phones, so it may be best to bring along an extra wire for charging.
The retro design and finish on these headphones is really attractive and makes them feel very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. The earcup pads and headband are also very soft and make it easy to forget that you’re wearing them. These cans don’t add a lot of extra bulk or protrude too far from the head, which makes them perfect for people with sensitive heads.
The earcups rotate flat, conveniently turning off the headphones as they do so. Additionally, the earcups’ hinges fold inward so you can tuck them under the headband and keep them neatly compact for slipping into the fabric carry case that is also included. ..
Sennheiser PXC 550-II review: Features
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless is a wireless audio system that has touch controls and external microphones. It has a more conventional sensibility than the Sony WH-1000XM3, but it is still able to work well with announcements on trains and aeroplanes.
The three-way switch for active noise cancelling is also present. When you turn it up a notch, it switches to an adaptive mode and adjusts the ANC’s strength to the surrounding conditions. In most cases, the maximum setting reduces noise more while increasing the noise bed just a tiny bit. You can use an anti-wind ANC mode if you download the Sennheiser Smart Control app to your phone.
Connectivity
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphones come with Bluetooth 5.0 and AptX low latency support, which makes them great for listening to music without any lag or connection drops. ..
Sennheiser PXC 550-II review: Noise cancelling
The PXC 550-II offers active noise reduction in addition to reasonable passive attenuation of outside noise, so that you and the person sitting next to you are not bothered. In our perspective, this enhances the signal-to-noise ratio rather than having a detrimental impact on the audio quality. The effect is pleasantly efficient and intense, without giving you the impression that you are being kept in isolation. Full noise reduction is achieved in “on” mode. You can make a comfortable environment for relaxation that removes you from the bustle of daily life, whether or not there is music playing.
When traveling, it is important to be aware of the various noise levels that exist in different parts of the world. In some areas, such as North America, there is a lot of low-frequency noise. This type of noise can be difficult to hear if it is overwhelming. Additionally, static noise levels can be high in certain areas. This type of noise can also be bothersome if it is constantly present. Finally, vehicle noise can be quite loud in some places. This type of noise can make it difficult to concentrate on what is happening around you.
The headphones have two noise cancelling modes: a more intense mode and a less intense mode. The less intense mode doesn’t feel very active, while the more intense mode feels more active. Sony’s WH-1000XM3 headphones have better depth and configurability than Sennheiser’s headphones, but they fall short in terms of intensity. ..
Audio performance
Sennheiser’s latest earphones, the PXC 550, are known for their excellent acoustics. When pointed at a light source, you can see the inside of the headphones is filled with 32mm dynamic drivers. This allows for a lot of bass without distortion, and it was just as enjoyable to listen to some contemporary acoustic singer-songwriter music as it was to listen to old 90s hip-hop. The deep bass complemented the acoustic guitar’s clarity beautifully in Human Love by Newtown Faulkner. ..
I enjoyed listening to recordings that wereaccompanied by orchestras. The headphones let me hear the intricacies of the music and I could feel the sound of the orchestras in my ears. The harp can be heard playing steadily in the background of Frank Sinatra’s song Send in the Clowns, while woodwind, brass, and strings swell and interact with one another. A few low, bowed strings serve as the track’s constant bass throughout, giving it presence and providing a solid grounding.
We found that the Sennheiers sounded amazing with Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia, which features a terrific synthesized bass, high impact percussion, and lots of funk. We did discover that we needed to access the Smart Control software and change the sound properties in order to achieve the sound we actually desired. Contrary to some manufacturers, there are only a few general Acoustical Settings options—no actual equalizer (EQ) settings. The presets include Speech (which is far too flat and vocal focused for music enjoyment), Movie (which adds rumbling bass), Club, and Neutral. You can swipe through them.
Call performance
When you accept or reject an incoming call, you’ll use a gesture called “tap twice.” To do this, you’ll need to place your phone on the table and then swipe your finger up and down.
With a single double tap, you can turn off automatic noise cancellation (ANC), stop the music, and activate Transparent hearing mode. This uses the ambient microphones to pick up your speech and your surroundings to make communication easier. ..
Battery and charging
The headphones have a battery life of up to 20 hours when used wirelessly and 30 hours when plugged into a cable. However, charging proceeds somewhat slowly. There doesn’t seem to be much playtime available on an emergency charge. It takes three hours to fully recharge.
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless headphones are not as good as their competitors, as they do not have quick charging or a micro-USB connector. They also have a lot of competition with USB-C.
Sennheiser PXC 550-II review: Conclusion
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphones are excellent for travelling or commuting. They are comfy and may be worn for extended periods of time without becoming tired or painful because of their well-padded design. They also have excellent battery life, making them ideal for lengthy travels. They are excellent at blocking out the engine noise on a bus or aeroplane thanks to their excellent ANC performance. They fold flat and come with a soft carrying case to provide some protection, but unfortunately they aren’t the most portable. ..
