Review- Sennheiser PX90 & PMX90: Wallet-friendly Headphones for Audiophiles

Let’s Listen to Music!

Both headphones can be used to output sound from a wide variety of audio devices. The 3.5 mm audio jack used by the PX90 and PMX90 are accepted by MP3 players, smartphones, iPods, and computers, making them easy to use. You need to be careful with the quality of the audio files though. Low quality audio files (such as high-rate MP3 files with a bit rate below 320 Kbps, for example), would sound very different compared to low-compression, high quality audio files such as FLAC. This is because the sound drivers from these two headphones are able to produce all the frequencies within the range of human hearing.

How about the depth of details? When you listen to, say, at least, a 320 Kbps music file, you can notice the music instruments on the background, from backing vocals to the faint bells ringing in an orchestra. This is made possible by using a headphone with wide sound stage. It means that the sound space which usually stretches for one or two meters from the microphone during recording is “expanded” to, for example, 10 meters, therefore allowing you to hear small sound details that otherwise could’ve been very hard to hear.

Bass levels are strong, but not overly so as to rattle your skull. Instead, you will find warm bass with balanced clarity. This is because of the Open Back configuration applied to the sound drivers. Headphones of this design are intended to produce clear bass indeed, suitable for audiophiles.

What about the Treble and Mid frequencies? These headphones produce clear high tones, thanks to their Dynamic drivers. High frequencies can be heard clearly without being too loud. Its Mid-range clarity, unfortunately, is not as impressive. When reproduced with good enough clarity, Mid-range frequencies allow you to hear vibrations from music instruments such as guitar as if you are sitting directly in front of the player. This is somehow unsurprising though, considering the price positioning of these products. Only expensive, higher-end headphones could reach such level of sound quality.

How Much You Pay for What You Get?

Sennheiser PX90 costs Rp 460.000 (around US$ 50) while the PMX90 sells for Rp 590.000 (around US$ 70). To be able to give good sound quality at a relatively affordable price, some sacrifices had to be made elsewhere. But where? The headphones’ drivers are certainly of proven quality, but their ear buds, as it appears, don’t seem to be a good match. You won’t find Sennheiser’s usual, comfy earbuds here. The ones that come with the PX90 and PMX90 become sweaty after some time. The headband also suffers from the cost reduction too. PMX90’s plastic band has a cheap feel to it and PX90’s headband does not extend firmly (it wobbles when extended).

Despite these cost saving measures, both headphones are still convincing by appearance. Thanks, in large part, to the elegant looks of their drivers. Their outer shells are nicely constructed, with smooth-finish metal shells and shiny rings around them. Ventilation holes are neatly arranged to form Sennheiser’s logo. Overall, the headphones are a pleasant sight. Unfortunately, they cannot be folded to fit in a bag for mobile use. They have a fairly solid construction, but it’s best not to jam these headphones into a fully-loaded bag.

Conclusions

Sennheiser PMX90 and PX90 basically share the same driver. One thing that sets them apart is their styling, with one following a more sporty design while the other is rather conventional. Buyers are free to choose which headphone suits their need best, but be warned of the approximately US$ 20 price difference between these two. Why the different headband should cost that much remains a mystery to us. In the end, the clarity and the overall quality of the sound they produce definitely make the PMX90 and PX90 worth having. Their quality, in this aspect, is on par with higher end audiophile units costing much more than the PX90 or PMX90. You get to enjoy better audio while paying less for it. That is always a good thing.