Sennheiser Accentum Plus: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Although the Accentum Plus has undergone modifications and added some new features, it is not a substantial improvement from the original Accentum released last year.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus review Not worth the extra cost
Less than four months after unveiling the mid-range Accentum headphones, Sennheiser released an upgraded version at CES – the Accentum Plus. Priced at $230, $50 more than its predecessor, the Accentum Plus offers touch controls, revised active noise cancellation (ANC), wear-detection, and other conveniences. But are the internal updates enough to justify the higher cost?
Design: Familiar but Lacking
At first glance, the Accentum Plus looks strikingly similar to the original Accentum. The primary difference lies in the absence of physical buttons in the Plus version. Instead, all audio and call controls are touch-based, located on the outside of the right ear cup. While functional, some users may prefer the physical controls on the older model. Another difference is that the Accentum Plus includes a 3.5mm aux jack in addition to the USB-C connection found in the first Accentum.
One disappointment is that Sennheiser has not addressed the usage of plastic in the majority of the headphone’s construction. The plastic build gives them a cheap look and feel, which is unexpected for headphones in this price range. Sennheiser introduced a new design style with the Momentum 4 headphones, which are more refined compared to both Accentum models.
Software and Features: App-Driven Personalization
The Sennheiser Smart Control App offers similar features for both the Accentum and the Accentum Plus. The app provides battery percentage, connection management for multipoint Bluetooth, and audio customization. Users can adjust a five-band EQ, select sound presets, and utilize Sound Personalization that calibrates the audio based on individual responses. The app also includes Sound Zones, allowing users to configure specific audio settings for different locations.
ANC control is also accessible through the app, enabling users to adjust the level of noise cancellation and transparency. However, the ability to activate specific blends of noise cancellation and transparency is missing. Overall, the app offers a range of features, but users may need to grant permission for location tracking, which may be a concern for some.
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Sound Quality: Crisp and Dynamic, but with Limitations
Sennheiser is known for providing exceptional sound quality with its flagship earbuds and headphones, and the Accentum Plus is no exception. The audio profile is well-tuned, delivering dynamic tones and fine detail with excellent clarity across the EQ. The sound quality is most impressive at around 65-75 percent volume. However, at lower volumes, the bass begins to overpower some of the details, and the audio profile becomes muddied.
While the Accentum Plus performs well across most genres, more chaotic styles like metal may experience some loss of finer details in guitars and drum textures. The overall performance can feel compressed compared to other headphones. On the other hand, with mellow tracks, the Accentum Plus shines, providing a truly immersive listening experience.
ANC Performance: Marginal Improvements
Sennheiser claims that the Accentum Plus features hybrid adaptive ANC, while the regular Accentum only has hybrid ANC. Despite this claim, the difference in ANC performance between the two versions is minimal. The ANC performance of the Accentum Plus is solid in most circumstances, but it falls short compared to industry leaders like Bose and Sony. Given the higher price tag of the Plus version, one would expect more noticeable improvements in ANC.
Call Quality: Acceptable, but Not Exceptional
The Accentum Plus performs adequately for calls, although the audio quality is not pristine. It is sufficient for everyday use, including work calls; however, for important presentations, a headphone with a better microphone would be advisable. The voice quality may appear compressed and slightly tinny. Unlike more expensive options like the AirPods Max, the Accentum Plus does not pipe in the user’s voice, resulting in less natural overall audio quality.
Battery Life: Impressive Endurance
The Accentum Plus offers a battery life of 50 hours, matching the regular Accentum. During testing, it exceeded this figure, providing up to 57 hours of use with ANC enabled. Quick charging capabilities are also notable, with just 10 minutes of charging providing five hours of listening time. The battery life of the Accentum Plus is impressive and is one of its standout features.
The Competition: Decisions, Decisions
Considering the marginal upgrades in the Accentum Plus, it is difficult to recommend them over the more affordable Accentum. Both models offer Sennheiser’s signature crisp and clear sound, with the ANC improvements of the Plus version not being significant enough to warrant the higher price. For those seeking affordable noise-canceling headphones, the Sony WH-CH720N may be a better option. Priced at $105, it offers good audio quality and comfort, although its noise cancellation capabilities are average.
Conclusion: Not a Significant Upgrade
Sennheiser’s attempt to enhance the mid-range Accentum with the Accentum Plus falls short of expectations. While the sound quality and ANC performance are decent, the improvements are not remarkable enough to justify the higher price tag. The better-than-expected battery life is undoubtedly a positive aspect, but that same endurance can be found in the regular Accentum for $50 less. To make a more substantial impact, Sennheiser should have implemented design refinements and made more noticeable upgrades to audio quality and ANC performance.
Q&A
Q: What are the major differences between the Sennheiser Accentum and Accentum Plus?
A: The Accentum Plus features touch controls, revised active noise cancellation, and wear-detection, whereas the original Accentum has physical buttons for controls and lacks some of the added conveniences.
Q: Do the touch controls on the Accentum Plus work well?
A: Yes, the touch controls on the Accentum Plus are responsive and perform functions like playback control and volume adjustments with ease.
Q: Are there any design improvements in the Accentum Plus?
A: Unfortunately, the Accentum Plus, like its predecessor, is primarily made of plastic, which can make it feel and look cheap compared to headphones in a similar price range.
Q: Can I customize the sound of the Accentum Plus?
A: Yes, the Sennheiser Smart Control app offers audio customization options, allowing users to adjust the EQ, choose sound presets, and calibrate the audio based on personal responses.
Q: How does the battery life of the Accentum Plus compare to other headphones?
A: The Accentum Plus offers an impressive battery life of 50 hours, surpassing many competitors in terms of endurance.
Q: Is the ANC performance of the Accentum Plus significantly better than the regular Accentum?
A: While the Accentum Plus claims to have hybrid adaptive ANC, the difference in performance between the two versions is marginal. The ANC of the Accentum Plus is solid but falls short of top-tier competitors.
Q: Is the Accentum Plus worth the higher price compared to the regular Accentum?
A: Given the marginal upgrades of the Accentum Plus, it is difficult to justify the higher price, especially considering that the regular Accentum offers a similar audio profile and ANC performance.
Impact and Future Developments
The Accentum Plus represents Sennheiser’s attempt to improve upon its mid-range offering, but the upgrades are not significant enough to make a lasting impact in the market. As competition intensifies, customers will likely seek headphones that offer more noticeable improvements in design, audio quality, and ANC performance. Manufacturers will need to prioritize these areas to stand out in an increasingly crowded field.
Reference List:
- “Sennheiser announces Accentum Plus headphones with touch controls and revised ANC” – Engadget
- “Creative’s Aurvana ACE: First affordable MEMS-based headphones” – En BLE
- “Best iPhone 14 Plus Cases 2024: 14 Favorite Picks” – Digital Trends
- “Highly Recommend: Hisense 65-Inch TV $230 Off” – En BLE
- “Sennheiser Momentum 4: Best headphones for detail-oriented listeners” – En BLE
- “PlayStation Portal Review: Baffling handheld for Sony diehards” – Engadget
