The heroes of this comparative review are three models of expensive over-the-ear headphones, designed for use with portable equipment from “one fruit company” Apple, of course . For a long time everyone has known about “the magic of the Apple brand” and how it works on manufacturers of accessories compatible with Apple equipment. It is quite natural that her magic power want to feel and manufacturers of headphones – that’s why the market of headsets, compatible with the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and other “apple” equipment is growing.
To be fair, it is worth noting that the growth of this market owes not only to Apple, but also to another company with a “frightening” name – Monster. It was Monster full name – Monster Cable Products , having secured the support of authoritative rapper Dr.Dre, marched triumphantly around the world with a new line of headphones, telling everyone that her headphones are cool.
Because its headphones are nothing but a beautiful and expensive headsets for Apple devices, it turns out that Monster through its actions “nurtured” a market for such headsets. Newcomers are actively entering this market and those who were there before are making great efforts to prove that their products are cool too. And here we go: more manufacturers, more various and interesting models…
We have three Apple headsets in our review today: Sennheiser Momentum, V-Moda Crossfade M100 and PSB M4U-1. Why we were attracted to these particular models? Sennheiser – actually, because it is Sennheiser, the model from V-Moda we liked the unusual design and ample opportunities for its “individualization”. Well, the company PSB – a newcomer to the headphone market, and her first product seemed to us very, very promising.
Summary
“Beauty! There are no laggards among the runners-up!”These words, said by a great poet about running in place, are perfect to describe the situation with our “test” headphones-headset. There are no winners and losers among them – all models, in general, are equally good, and each deserves to be paid attention to it when choosing. In conclusion, here is a brief list of the advantages and disadvantages of each of the headsets.
Sennheiser Momentum
beautiful and high quality finish, functional remote, the most even tonal balance among the headsets that participated in the review
Too wide microphone directivity, not very good noise isolation
V-Moda Crossfade M100
beautiful and high quality finishing with interchangeable decorative elements, foldable design, minimal size when folded, excellent noise isolation, the best in the review resolution
Some users may not like the huge amount of bass
PSB M4U-1
Inexpensive, foldable design, excellent noise isolation, a combination of power and natural sound
bigger size comparing to other participants of the review – less interesting finish of the shell
Specifications
| Sennheiser Momentum | PSB M4U-1 | V-Moda Crossfade M100 | |
| Type of headphones | Overhead | Overhead | overhead |
| Type of connection | Wired | Wired | wired |
| Principle of action | dynamic | Dynamic | dynamic |
| Acoustic design | Closed | Closed | closed |
| Playable frequency range | 16 – 20000 Hz | 20-20000 Hz | 5 – 3000 Hz |
| Resistance | 18 Ohm | 32 Ohm | 32 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB/mW | 102 dB/mW | 103 dB/mW |
| Weight | 190 g | 340 g | 280 g |
| The package | Storage and carrying case, 3.5-6.3 mm adapter, 2 removable cables: with and without microphone, manual | Storage and carrying case, 3.5-6.3 mm adapter, 2 detachable cables: with and without microphone, a pair of spare ear cushions, instruction | Storage and carrying case, 3.5-6.3 mm adapter, 2 removable cables: with and without microphone, manual |
| Compatibility Remotes | Apple | Apple | Apple |
| Average Cost | 12490 Dollars. | 8790 Dollars. | 12990 Dollars. |
Why do manufacturers seem to favor Apple products when it comes to headphone reviews? Is it solely due to the brand’s popularity or are there specific features that make Apple headphones stand out from the competition?
Why do manufacturers seem to gravitate towards Apple when producing headphones? Is there a specific reason why Apple headphones seem to have a loyal following and why they are favored by both professionals and casual users alike?
Why do headphone manufacturers seem to have a preference for Apple products? Is there something about Apple products, particularly their iPhones, that makes them more compatible with headphones or is it just a marketing strategy? I’m curious to know if there are technical reasons behind this trend.