[Gamerphile]

Just got a listen on this MM450 thing Sennheiser is doing and thought I would just give you guys the spec's on this cool new thing:

Its a bluetooth enabled headset with their Noiseguard and TalkThought which enables you to hear other people at the push of a button without taking them off. Bluetooth is both for use as a normal mobile headset and as a stereo bluetooth/A2DP device.
Apparently it got building in amplification which really makes it

when you turn it on. Also helps that you always can adjust volume if the source is to low. It uses replaceable proprietary batteries with USB charging.
All features works both wireless and with wired connection - yes it has both. Well you can't use both at the same time as it automatically disable the bluetooth chip when a normal plug is insert.
I'm not gonna give you any review as I feel I'm to biased with this due to personal and industry relations but the word is that Apple was very pleased with its stereo bluetooth performance on a earlier prototype with despite it has worse sound and as some may know Apple don't employ or like stereo bluetooth.
I'm told its a combination of putting enough money/quality stuff, the amplification and proprietary sennheiser drivers that for the first time actually makes standard bluetooth stereo worth listing too. Its still the same lossy codec and bit due to compatibility of course. Also these don't come cheap ether - its suppose to be their high-end business/traveling noise guard product.

BTW bluetooth SIG - the organization behind bluetooth confirm this in an email when asking about bluetooth 3.0 thats comming soon: "There are many new optional codecs in-progress for A2DP including the Lossloss codec. Look for the next A2DP
version supporting these to be released no later than July, 2009."
Can't wait for this to be embedded in next gen. PMP's and smartphones

 

[Gamerphile]

Just took some pictures of the MM450 - note battery charging usb hole is missing its rubber cap:

MM450 right
MM450 Left
MM450 inside
MM450 outside

 

[R3SET]

Thanks for all this information. I find that using a bluetooth headphone can be very practical in some situations.

 

[Gamerphile]

Quote:

Originally Posted by R3SET /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for all this information. I find that using a bluetooth headphone can be very practical in some situations.

Your welcome - its always nice to know that someone could actually use it

 

[walkingman]

Thanks for the impression and pictures (whoa, that Sennheiser's logo is kind of in-your-face, almost borderline obnoxious!). You will probably get more response if you posted on the portable headphones section.

 

[Drag0n]

I hope it doesnt sound like the PMX200

My Motorolla sounds decent on my HTC Wing.

 

[Gamerphile]

Quote:

Originally Posted by walkingman /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the impression and pictures (whoa, that Sennheiser's logo is kind of in-your-face, almost borderline obnoxious!). You will probably get more response if you posted on the portable headphones section.

Ups... my bad... Well techincally its actaully also a source since its DAC and amp included.

BTW the latest word is that an might be an Apple delicuis version due to the latest developments

 

[Pangaea]

Any more news on this, kind of interested esp. with the Stereo BT upgrade coming out today for iPhone.

 

[techfreakazoid]

I'm intrigued with the MM450's flexibility for Bluetooth and wired connectivity. Anyone with updates on BT version (2.1 vs. 3.0), availability, pricing, and listening impressions?

 

[james444]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gamerphile /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm told its a combination of putting enough money/quality stuff, the amplification and proprietary sennheiser drivers that for the first time actually makes standard bluetooth stereo worth listing too. Its still the same lossy codec and bit due to compatibility of course.

Well, I'd take this with a grain of salt. Actually there have been pretty decent A2DP headsets out there especially from Sony since the introduction of Bluetooth v2.0. Moreover the compression artefacts of the SB-codec are barely noticeable at high bitrates (that v2.x supports).

 

[techfreakazoid]

Came across the following:

Sennheiser Communications Revolutionizes Stereo Bluetooth Sound Quality

Solrød Strand, August 2009. Enjoy music and never miss a call – Sennheiser Communications introduces the MM 400 Series, combining the quality of luxury headphones with the superior functionality of an advanced Stereo Bluetooth communications headset.

Sennheiser Communications is proud to announce the launch of a wireless stereo series. Featuring advanced Stereo Bluetooth technology, the MM 400 and MM 450 TRAVEL are communications headsets for the demanding global traveler. Designed to work seamlessly with the latest mobile phones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices, they also deliver world-class stereo sound with all types of music – thanks to the A2DP profile developed especially for Stereo Bluetooth.

As Product Manager Johannes Kaulfuss states: “Bluetooth technology together with the advanced A2DP profile is so mature that great stereo sound is now possible. That means we at Sennheiser Communications have developed and launched probably one of the world’s best Stereo Bluetooth headsets.”

Enjoy music and clear communications – all on your mobile
Now that modern mobiles offer music in addition to phone functions, you need a headset that lets you listen to music without having to worry about missing a call. That is why the MM 400 Series headsets feature a high-performance invisible microphone that lets you easily take calls at just a simple press of a button.

Listen with Sennheiser-quality sound
The MM 400 and MM 450 TRAVEL feature drivers and technology from Sennheiser’s renowned hi-fi headphones line – to reproduce music in superb stereo quality. The invisible microphone and Stereo Bluetooth technologies come from the headset specialists Sennheiser Communications. Both models deliver clear and balanced music reproduction without the exaggerated bass or muffled vocals of lesser sets. Phone calls are crystal clear at both ends.

Choose wireless or wired – for the best of both worlds
Both Stereo Bluetooth headsets offer total freedom from wires and a convenient wired solution for when wireless transmissions are not allowed, for example on a flight. Wireless or wired, Sennheiser Communications’ Bluetooth 2.1 and A2DP technology deliver excellent stereo sound under any circumstances. If a wireless connection is prohibited, simply plug in the headset using the supplied audio cable and adapters.

Stay friends with your neighbors
The closed-capsule design on the MM 400 Series means you can listen to music in peace, without annoying the people sitting around you. Unlike most in-ear headphones, closed capsules keep your music in and background noise out.

Get used to smart design that’s easy to use
The MM 400 Series stands out with its stylish but practical design. Both headsets boast a rugged, “travel-proof” build and are exceptionally easy on the ears – with ultra-soft pads to keep you listening in comfort on even the longest trips. They are also very easy to use, with the intuitive controls all clustered conveniently on the right capsule. The invisible microphone has no protruding boom to get in the way, while the on-capsule volume control saves you scrambling for the volume on your source device.

Carry on listening
Designed with travelers’ needs in mind, the MM 400 and MM 450 TRAVEL fold flat and pack away easily in carry-on luggage. To prevent damage in overhead lockers, the headband is metal-reinforced and comes supplied in a molded travel case. An airline adapter is also supplied.

Listen in comfort with NoiseGard 2.0 (MM 450 TRAVEL only)
NoiseGard 2.0 electronically removes 90% of unwanted background noise, including the drone and roar of jet engines or the clatter of rails, so you can listen to music and calls at a relaxing volume. This makes the MM 450 TRAVEL ideal for use in planes, trains and other noisy environments. Sennheiser pioneered noise compensation headphones over 20 years ago and the MM 450 TRAVEL benefits from our unparalleled expertise in this technology. With one press on the MM 450 TRAVEL headset, you can use our unique TalkThrough feature to turn on the external microphone and open a voice channel through the NoiseGard™ feature. It is ideal if you want to catch an announcement or speak to the flight attendant without ever having to remove the headset.

The MM 450 TRAVEL and the MM 400 will be available in September 2009.

MM 400 Series at a glance:

Wireless freedom – Bluetooth 2.1 guarantees hands-free convenience without wires and the advanced A2DP profile for Stereo Bluetooth® delivers optimized hi-fi stereo sound

Invisible microphone – with high-performance sound quality for clear conversations

Direct cable supplied – for use on airplanes, with an airline adapter included

Easy headset controls – in one intuitive cluster

Sennheiser sound quality – hi-fi headphone drivers ensure superior dynamic range, detail and excellent bass

Wearing comfort – padded ear-cushions provide an excellent soft fit, even on long trips

Easy-2-GO – both headsets fold into a compact bundle for travel and storage, while the headband is metal-reinforced for durability

Flexible charging – replace the battery with a spare on long trips – or recharge it via the USB port on your laptop or the supplied lightweight wall charger with different plug fittings for Europe, the USA, the UK and Australia

Connect everywhere – to mobiles, laptops, MP3 players or in-flight entertainment systems with an all-in-one headset solution

Peace of mind – thanks to the 2-year international warranty
Additional features on the MM 450 TRAVEL

NoiseGard 2.0 – advanced Sennheiser active noise cancellation lets you enjoy music in peace

TalkThrough – one press of a button turns on the external microphone so you can talk to fellow passengers or the flight attendant without removing the headset

Sennheiser Communications is a joint venture between the audio specialist Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG and the hearing healthcare specialist William Demant Holding Group. Decades of experience in pro music and hearing healthcare have helped the company, founded in 2003, to produce award-winning, innovative headsets.

 

[Bob24]

Did anyone go the chance to try this out and get a good opinion about their sound quality ... I would be very interested to know more about these!

I am also curious to know how well the "invisible" microphone is doing in phone calls.

 

[jjsoviet]

I saw other MM series phones that have backlight touchscreen buttons on them. What models are those?

 

[DeusEx]

Interresting....a BT phone that doesn't actually blow? I just might get one to see for myself..

 

[Gamerphile]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjsoviet /img/forum/go_quote.gif I saw other MM series phones that have backlight touchscreen buttons on them. What models are those?

its not touchscreen its more like buttons with a with a special x shaped light in between.