Design and features:Although this home/studio-style on-ear model is a closed design, it doesn't form a tight seal with the ears so you'll be able to hear that door bell ring, train announcement, or car horn when you are wearing the headphones. The headphones have medium-high sensitivity so they can provide satisfying volume levels when used with home audio equipment and lower-powered portable audio devices. The Momentum On-Ear M2 has a detachable 54-inch long audio cable with an inline volume control that works with iPads and some iPod and iPhone models, plus an integrated microphone and player function controls that are compatible with iPads, some iPods, and some iPhones and some other cellphones. The call connect/disconnect button can be used with some iPhones and some other cellphones. The audio cable's 4-contact mini-plug works with most mobile devices but may not be compatible with some other audio equipment, and we found that the in-line remote's volume controls were hard to locate by feel. This model has earcups fold for ease of storage/transport and comes with a storage bag and a carrying case.
Sound quality: We found the Momentum On-Ear M2 (Wired) delivers sound quality that falls in the very good range - it reproduces music and voice very well although it does have some noticeable sonic quirks. The overall sound can best be summarized as bassy, full, and a bit remote. The bass (as in bass drums, bass guitars, stand-up bass, etc.) has good impact and goes deep, but is pronounced and boomy. The midrange (voices, guitars, horns, etc.) is even, but a bit dark (there is an opaqueness that covers up fine detail) and distant, and is somewhat overwhelmed by the bass. The treble (cymbals, the upper range of violins, etc.) is extended but recessed. While the sound has a decent sense of liveliness it is closed-in -- sound-wise it is obvious that you have something covering your ears.
Comfort: We found that these headphones produce a sense of medium pressure on the ears. The ear pads might feel hot after prolonged use.
