Quote:
Just curious what the thoughts are on these from anyone that's tried both? I've seen some reviews say go Momentum, but I'm curious what the average board listener thinks. I need a closed back, somewhat portable headphone. I will use them mostly at home, but I do travel quite a bit so I want something I can use when needed on the road. I had the PSB M4U2, but I returned them due to the cracking issue. I liked the sound, but honestly the fit wasn't great (not very comfortable). I also own the Monster Turbine Pro Coppers and the Senn 598's. I listen to a bit of everything (Kanye, Ben Folds, Metric, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Prodigy, Pete Yorn). All of my listening with these will be on a portable device, iPhone or iPad, AAC files. I also have a FIIO E11 that I use. Pro's and Con's of these two headphones?
I was in the same boat as you recently picking between the M100, Momentum, and MDR-1R
Sound Comparison: M100 has a v-shaped sound signature like the M50 with more bass-emphasis. Bass is well-done, tight & accurate, no bleeding into the mids/trebles. MDR-1R is more mid-centric but definitely colored with a warm bass. Momentum is very technically balanced, but the bass is still there. Honestly, all three sound great, but it just depends on your sound signature preference. You really need to hear them to know what suits you personally.
Other considerations that may come into play:
Build Materials: M100 & Momentum have higher quality build materials, MDR-1R is mostly plastic.
Comfort: MDR-1R had people comment on how exceptionally comfortable they are. Some people complained that the Momentum earcup diameter was too small making it more over-ear. Some people complained that the M100 earcup depth was too shallow. However, remember comfort is a very individual thing, so I wouldn't worry about it unless you experience issues.
Portability: M100 folds into a small ball & comes with a really cool small travel case, MDR-1R can swivel the earcups flat & has a cloth case, Momentum does not fold but comes with a case. I believe the Momentum are the lightest out of the three.
Other: V-Moda offers a pretty sweet 2-year warranty & has great customer service. Don't know how the warranty & customer service of the other two compare.
I personally liked the M100 the best, but they all honestly sounded great to me. just slightly different. lol, I didn't end up keeping any of them, but I would have kept the M100 if I had to choose.