[Sennheiser]

Energizing sound for the ultimate sporting performance
Sennheiser unveils new SPORTS headphones at CES
 
Las Vegas, 6 January 2015 – Sennheiser’s new SPORTS headphones are here. The audio specialist’s new MX 686 SPORTS, CX 686 SPORTS, PMX 686 SPORTS and OCX 686 SPORTS deliver the perfect fusion of sound, performance and ergonomic design for people with a passion for sport. 
 

“Our new SPORTS headphones have been built on Sennheiser’s passion for sound and insight into the impact and challenges of extreme movement on audio, comfort and fit – all of which guided the design and selection of materials,” said Daniel Chee, Product Manager Consumer Electronics at Sennheiser. “Like all great sporting achievements, it’s this fusion of technique and passion that delivers the ultimate performance – an energizing sound that helps you reach your own personal best.”

 
Sennheiser commissioned research studies with leading universities to best understand the impacts that extreme sports movements have on the sound and fit of headphones. Featuring high-tech materials carefully selected to ensure comfort, water resistance, durability and hygiene, the new SPORTS headphones deliver energizing sound with an excellent fit and significantly reduced noise from wind or from contact with clothes. All models include an integrated smartphone remote and microphone that allows easy controlling of volume, tracks and calls when exercising.
 
Outdoor or indoor - different sports have different SPORTS
The SPORTS range comprises both open and closed acoustic designs to suit different activities. The MX 686 SPORTS and PMX 686 SPORTS feature open acoustics, allowing for a better awareness of external sounds that is ideal for outdoor pursuits such as running. Sennheiser has developed new adapters for the MX 686 SPORTS and a vertical in-ear design for the PMX 686 SPORTS that delivers a punchy bass while remaining acoustically open.
The MX 686 SPORTS features a classic earphone design and uses Sennheiser’s proven slide-to-fit ear-adapter for a customised secure fit, while the PMX 686 SPORTS has a headband that offers additional security.
 

Meanwhile the CX 686 SPORTS’ and OCX 686 SPORTS’ closed ear-canal designs are perfect for indoor exercise as they shield out noise distractions in environments such as gyms. The CX 686 SPORTS has a slide-to-fit design, whereas the OCX 686 SPORTS features a flexible earhook securing mechanism that is both comfortable and reduces cable noise.

 
Designed to perform under pressure
The proprietary Sennheiser transducers used on all models are acoustically fine-tuned to deliver the best sound performance without distortion even at high sound levels.
 
“With the SPORTS range, particular focus has been placed on a rugged ergonomic design that conforms to the body whilst securing maximum freedom of movement. All new headsets feature reinforced, tangle-free oval cables, with cable sleeves that also reduce structure-borne noise”, said Daniel Chee.
 
For the new SPORTS models, Sennheiser utilises the latest in material technology to make sure the headphones are lightweight yet durable and water resistant. To complete the package, SteriTouch® anti-bacterial ear adapters and sleeves are included as a standard accessory, a material that maintains its hygienic qualities even over a lifetime of use and washes.
 
The new Sennheiser SPORTS headphones will be available from January 2015. The MX 686 SPORTS and CX 686 SPORTS are optimized for Android and Windows smart devices. The PMX 686 SPORTS and the OCX 686 SPORTS will come in two variants, optimised for either Apple iOS or to work with Android and Windows smart devices.
 
A protective, cushioned carrying pouch made of quick-drying and breathable fabric is supplied as standard to keep the headphones safe when stored. The 2-year warranty gives additional peace of mind.

 

[saxon48]

This sounds great. Been looking for a good pair of IEMs for running for sometime now!

 

[guppysb]

I've been using the Jaybirds Bluebuds x for a while now and love them for mountain biking and hiking. 

 

[gdpeck]

These look interesting. I am a very happy MX 685 user, and have a couple of questions about the new line:
1) - Are there advances in sound quality from the 685 to the 686 models, and if so what are they?
2) - Will there be non-microphone and iphone variants across the model line?
 
Thanks!
George

 

[kjk1281]

As a big earbud fan, I'm naturally interested in the MX686. I think this is the first time Sennheiser has made an earbud with a hybrid eartip, so I'm curious how they handled the tuning. Oftentimes a tip like that can collapse and congest the soundstage, as well as making the bass a bit too prominent, but I'm hopeful the engineers found a way around that. Then again, if these are based on the MX475/585 driver, a little extra bass wouldn't hurt.

 

[Vacheron]

Honestly, the design of these look terrible as far as function for sport. Maybe if you are running or lighting weights they are good, but if you are skiing, snowboarding, riding a bike or doing anything else with a helmet these all suck. 
 
One could argue the bike riding because of the higher profile of the helmet, but winter sports are completely out with all of these. You need something in ear, and VERY low profile to not get in the way of the ear cover from the helmet. 

 

[jant71]

So, no headband bud design anymore? PMX is one option but not good with hoodies or scarfs in winter and at the gym if leaning or laying against things where a behind the neck design is problematic. A PX686 with an improved design(maybe a swivel adjustment capabiltiy or something) would have been good for those who want the headband design but not a neckband. Maybe the headband could change into a rubber bendable memory portion the last couple inches going into the housing. 

 

[Sennheiser]

  These look interesting. I am a very happy MX 685 user, and have a couple of questions about the new line:
1) - Are there advances in sound quality from the 685 to the 686 models, and if so what are they?
2) - Will there be non-microphone and iphone variants across the model line?
 
Thanks!
George

Hi George,
 
1. Yes there are definitely sound improvements of the 686 over the 685 series. The entire 686 range uses Sennheiser transducers that are tuned to provide a more energizing sound. The bass has been improved to be much more engaging while still retaining the very clear mids and highs that the 685s were renowned for.
 
2.  The MX 686 SPORTS and CX 686 SPORTS are optimized for Android and Windows smart devices. The PMX 686 SPORTS and the OCX 686 SPORTS will come in two variants, optimised for either Apple iOS or to work with Android and Windows smart devices. There are no non-mic variants (for now).

 

[davidmt]

I'm very much looking forward to these, specifically the neckband flavor.  I have been using the PMX 685i for the last couple years and while good, I've had to replace them 3 times due to various problems with loose wiring and sound going out on one side.  Hopefully these perform better, but thankfully the Sennheiser warranty process is excellent.  
 
The wrap-arounds are great for gym and running, never have to worry about the earbuds falling out, and the cable noise is minimal.  Also love the new color compared to the rather boring look of the 685 series.