The newly released Sennheiser CX 5.00G is their latest upgrade to their CX 500. The G in the name indicates that its intended which is the android audience, specifically the Samsung “Galaxy” population. However, this earphone as stated on the box is compatible with a number of android products, making this a very convenient travel companion in today’s society where many people doing most of their music listening on their smartphones. There is also a CX 5.00i (for the IOS audience as well)
I want to thank Sennheiser for their patience (I have been swamped at work for a last little while) and for sending a sample of the CX 5.00G out for review.
Here is my video review on youtube: be sure to subscribe
I also created a thread here for these earphone. (click the link below) *hint* discovered a special modifications that changes the sound, stay tuned for updates!
http://www.head-fi.org/t/736937/newly-released-sennheiser-cx-series-earphones-in-particular-the-cx-3-00-and-cx-5-00g#post_11055139
And now onto the review!
Features: As stated above, this earphone was intended for the Samsung population. Boasting a 3 button remote on the right side (Volume +/-, play, pause, rewind, fast forward, take/end calls & mic) compatible with all Samsung smartphones and various other Android phones as well (LG, HTC, and Sony.) There are not many earphones out there with full android functionality and I think it’s a welcome addition. (Something to note: the centre button and mic works on IOS devices, for calls and to play/pause/manage music). The buttons have the perfects size and good tactile feedback with the centre button having a small bump. The mic is also fantastic, the other person didn’t even know I was using a headset, very clear and mitigated most of the background noise.
Features Overall: 9/10 (A 3 button compatible remote for android’s is more than welcome)
Accessories: These earphones are a bit light in terms of accessories:
- 4 sizes eartips (XS,S,M,L)- which have a line across the centre ( filtering the sound Click here to see post on how it changes sound
- First impression:
- Review video: (will update)
- 1 plastic carrying case (which I think most people will take out the plastic insert). Very protective however.
Accessories Overall: 6/10 (considering it’s price tag, I would’ve have wanted more eartip selection, and a slightly more compact carrying case.
Design: Similar to their little brothers the CX 3.00, the Sennheiser has a taken a huge leap forward with the design of the CX 5.00 which takes away the traditional earbud design into something with personality and character. The housing has a shimmer, glitter onyx colour on the black black version. (these also come in white). The earpieces have a long metal faceplate showing off the Sennheiser logo.
Design Overall: 9/10 (a very tasteful yet good looking design)
Build Quality: Its built similarly to their younger brother (the CX 3.00)which is a good thing because it feels reassuring in the hand without feeling clunky or cumbersome. Something to note, is that it is an all plastic construction with the exception of the metal faceplate and nozzle. However, its well relieved in all the key areas, it carries a low profile L shape jack and the cable is elliptical shaped and tangle resistant. Also, the nozzle is made out of entirely metal, which I think is a huge plus in my book. (as the nozzle can be a point of weakness for earphones).
Build Quality Overall: 8/10 (I would like a bit more metal in its construction but the metal nozzle and the dense plastic is executed really well)
Comfort: Very comfortable! The combination of the soft eartips, rounded housing and the angled nozzle allows it to sit comfortably and securely in my ears. The long metal faceplate allows for easy insertion and removal (plenty of room for your fingers to hold onto). I really like Sennheiser’s attention to the little details here.
Comfort Overall: 9/10 (One of the most comfortable earphones, I’ve ever used, they really disappeared in my ears)
Isolation: these are a vented design. However, I think isolation is slightly above average. I was able to use them when using the subway without having to turn up the volume, but the subway screeching did creep in, but as a whole not bad!
Isolation Overall: 7.5/10 (passable for commuting but does allow for some situational awareness).
Microphonics/Cable Noise: Wearing these cable down only mildly bothersome when worn cable down.(Wearing these cable up, eliminates almost all cable noise)
Cable noise Overall: 7/10
Sound: Sennheiser has tuned this earphone to have warm and bassy, easy going more consumer grade sound, while trying to remain as balanced as possible. It has a sound that’s enjoyable and very likeable. I think Sennheiser has a done a great job!
Bass: It’s still emphasized, but in comparison to their little brothers the CX 3.00, the bass here is toned down much more. There is still plenty of low end grunt here, and its tighter in comparison. The bass here is meaty and punchy though a bit on the looser side, that will please bass lovers but won’t alienate everyone else.
Mids: the midrange here is a more laidback compared to the bass. I feel the midrange is has good clarity, taking consideration of the bass prominence, and conveys a thicker presentation overall, with just a hint of veiling. In particular, male vocals I think are more forward in the mix, with more body than their female counterparts. That said, the female vocals here are still clear, but conveys a more smoothness and easy going sound over pure resolution a plus for long listening session. Detail freaks need not apply but everyone else, I think will enjoy these very much)
Treble: The treble here is decent extension but as a whole I think its leaning more on polite side (I still yearn for more extension but then again I like a bright sound, for reference). It’s not for those craving air, or those that want the crunch or bite in the treble. However, those seeking fatigue free listening, for example they want to hear all the trumpets and cymbal crashes, without the ear ringing or eye squinting that comes with it, the CX 5.00 will please. I think this is great plus, because the wider consumer market would listening to more mainstream music that is geared towards more electronic synths and beats, and this makes those beeps and bloops easy to listen to.
Soundstage: I would say average, its well centred but is missing out a bit on width
Sound Overall: 7/10
In conclusion, I have to say even though the sound was not exactly “my sound signature”. It was still a very enjoyable sound for me. Also, the fact that the CX 5.00G really made me think twice about leaving my iPod touch (my dedicated music device) at home, opting to listen straight off my Samsung S3. This just speaks volume. I think Sennheiser has winner here! It’s a great pairing for anyone looking for a comfortable, bassy, convenient travel companion with your Android (for the G version) or IOS (for the i version) device.
Overall: 62.5/80= 78.1%
Below are some pictures I've taken, enjoy!