blazer78
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2005
- Posts
- 533
- Likes
- 51
Look what arrived
The box
Security tab
A magnetic latch keeps the display box sealed
A fake leather texture case
A sharper image
Sennheiser logo on case, notice the stitching on the edges
Flight adaptor
Elastic latch for the case
Included accessories, foam pads and a cable clip
The convertible plug
The converted L-angle plug
The in-line volume control
The face of the buds
Closer view
Adjustable cable length slider
You can't forget what earphones you're wearing, a gentle reminder.
vs. my current king of earbuds, the Audio Technica ATH-CM7Ti
Sexy audio technica grill
but.. I've had them so long that they are oxidising...
The plugs compared
Audio technica's J-split junction
Aesthetic
Overall I think the MX985 are a pair of great looking earbuds. Much attention has been paid to detail on the earpieces, the volume control and the plug itself. I find the innovative plug to be a very useful addition, not only does it look good, but it has a purpose depending on whether you are at home or leave your DAP in your pants etc. The angle of the stem of the earbuds is such that it angles to the front of your head and then straight down, avoiding your ear, very comfortable.
The cables are non-glossy and made of the exact same material as the cable on the Audio Technica CM7Ti, offering excellent tangle resistance.
The case is well designed, with the earbuds resting in a central location and the cable wrapping around the rectangular guide. A airplane adaptor clips onto the inside of the case. Whilst offering protection, I feel that hard cases of this sort will never be as portable as a simple pouch that can compress and be placed in clothing pockets.
The cable clip... well that is another story. Who has time to place the wires into the guide that is odd shaped? The cable clip works as intended, but the ease of use is nowhere near the simplicity of the standard shirt/cable clip.
Build Quality
Very well built. Construction of the earpieces themselves are a combination of metal, plastic and rubber. The stem is made of metal, the back of the earbud is plastic, and the lining for your ear is rubber. Strain relief is made of rubber.
In-line volume control is made completely of metal (you have me fooled if it isn't
). The volume control itself has a decent amount of resistance to it, so this isn't going to move unless you use your hand.
The convertible plug is made of a hard metal (seems like steel) and some plastic. Strain relief is short and of stiff metal (this is a concern compared to conventional strain reliefs made of a flexible material such as rubber)
The cable is made of a plastic-rubber like material, my favorite type of cable because of its flexibility, durability and tangle resistance (Of all things I own, only the MX985 and CM7Ti use this material for the cable). The cable is of a reasonable thickness to ensure it does not break/snap easily.
The case is sturdy, looks and feels like it can take a good bit of abuse.
Flight adaptor is also sturdy, made of thick plastic and can be angled for added ergonomics.
Test Method
iPhone 4S > Sennheiser MX985 (without foam pads)
iPhone 4S > Sennheiser MX985 (with foam pads)
iPhone 4S > Audio Technica ATH-CM7Ti (without foam pads)
iPhone 4S > Audio Technica ATH-CM7Ti (with foam pads)
Subjectively level matched (17 iterations A/B) in a quiet room ( < 25dB)
Sound Quality and Impressions
Without foamies
The attribute that strikes me first when I listen to the MX985, is the full-range sound. I normally do not expect any bass from earbuds without the foam pads, but the MX985 has a decent amount of mid-bass (at the earbud level). The sound is fairly balanced with mid-range not being too upfront, or distant. The treble presence is the only problematic area on my listening session. It has sharpness and detail, but is not well controlled. Therefore the presentation is harsh and can be sibilant at times (expect sore ears if you listen at loud volumes)
The earbuds are detailed and overall presentation is slightly forward, tight and clean. The signature is slightly warm.
The only other earbud that is a worthy competitor in my collection is the ATH-CM7Ti, at that time the earbud cost me an arm and a leg (cost even more than the MX985, ~10 years ago), but it was good sound. Upon listening to the CM7Ti, a different sonic signature is immediately noticed. The CM7Ti has less prominent mid-bass without foamies, and has upfront midrange, boosting vocals and instruments operating in this domain. The treble is however very very well controlled, good sharpness, endless extension and hyper-detailed.
Compared with the MX985, the presentation of the CM7Ti is more airy, more pleasing with well controlled treble and a signature that is neutral-slightly cold. The midrange is upfront, this may initially seem like the CM7Ti has a thicker sound (less clean) compared to the MX985, but your ears eventually settle in and the CM7Ti is a very detailed earbud with superior treble presentation.
If I had to categorise.....
Bass extension: MX985 = CM7Ti
Bass quantity: MX985 > CM7Ti
Bass detail: MX985 = CM7Ti
Midrange detail: MX985 = CM7Ti
Midrange distance: MX985: neutral - slight forward, CM7Ti: forward
Midrange overall: MX985 > CM7Ti (personal preference)
Treble detail: CM7Ti > MX985
Treble extension: CM7Ti > MX985
Treble control: CM7Ti > MX985
Treble overall: CM7Ti > MX985
Soundstage: MX985 larger than CM7Ti, however CM7Ti can make it feel like a singer is singing right in front of you, for you.
Female vocals: MX985 = CM7Ti
Fun factor: < what the hell is this?
With foamies
Based on my experience, foamies add a substantial amount of mid-bass to earbuds and alter the sound to be more warm. And this experience is also true with the MX985. Putting on the foamies improves the sound of the MX985 to the point where I no longer hear anything wrong with them. The trebles are tamed, no longer harsh or sibilant and the sound is warmer. Most notably, the sound is brought forward more and the vocals just pop! (technically this is my perceived increase in bass, midbass and midrange).
Similarly, with the CM7Ti, a noticeable increase in warmth can be heard with increases in the bass spectrum. The midrange appears to not be brought forward at all in contrast to the MX985. However, with the increase in bass, this draws attention away from the great treble of the CM7Ti, and the hyper-details are lost as a result.
Overall I feel that foamies provide a noticeable improvement to the MX985 and less so on the CM7Ti, depending on what your tastes are.
The resulting changes with foamies:
Bass extension: MX985 = CM7Ti
Bass quantity: MX985 > CM7Ti
Bass detail: MX985 = CM7Ti
Midrange detail: MX985 > CM7Ti
Midrange distance: MX985: moderately forward, CM7Ti: forward
Midrange overall: MX985 > CM7Ti (personal preference)
Treble detail: CM7Ti = MX985
Treble extension: CM7Ti > MX985
Treble control: CM7Ti = MX985
Treble overall: CM7Ti = MX985
Soundstage: MX985 still larger than CM7Ti
Female vocals: MX985 > CM7Ti
Overall Impressions and Conclusion
All in all, I believe Sennheiser has produced an astounding earbud given this (portable) generation where the focus is more on canalphones and in ear monitors. With the price starting at ~140 - 200 AUD, it is well priced, considering the fact that I had bought my CM7Ti ages past for ~240AUD. Its nice to see Sennheiser as one of the few companies that continue to produce quality earbuds (with some level of innovation!) and I hope they continue to do so in the future.
The MX985 is a well rounded earbud that can certainly hold its own against an old flagship and the majority of buds out there. The sound is relatively balanced and enjoyable straight out of any portable MP3 player.
The box
Security tab
A magnetic latch keeps the display box sealed
A fake leather texture case
A sharper image
Sennheiser logo on case, notice the stitching on the edges
Flight adaptor
Elastic latch for the case
Included accessories, foam pads and a cable clip
The convertible plug
The converted L-angle plug
The in-line volume control
The face of the buds
Closer view
Adjustable cable length slider
You can't forget what earphones you're wearing, a gentle reminder.
vs. my current king of earbuds, the Audio Technica ATH-CM7Ti
Sexy audio technica grill
but.. I've had them so long that they are oxidising...
The plugs compared
Audio technica's J-split junction
Aesthetic
Overall I think the MX985 are a pair of great looking earbuds. Much attention has been paid to detail on the earpieces, the volume control and the plug itself. I find the innovative plug to be a very useful addition, not only does it look good, but it has a purpose depending on whether you are at home or leave your DAP in your pants etc. The angle of the stem of the earbuds is such that it angles to the front of your head and then straight down, avoiding your ear, very comfortable.
The cables are non-glossy and made of the exact same material as the cable on the Audio Technica CM7Ti, offering excellent tangle resistance.
The case is well designed, with the earbuds resting in a central location and the cable wrapping around the rectangular guide. A airplane adaptor clips onto the inside of the case. Whilst offering protection, I feel that hard cases of this sort will never be as portable as a simple pouch that can compress and be placed in clothing pockets.
The cable clip... well that is another story. Who has time to place the wires into the guide that is odd shaped? The cable clip works as intended, but the ease of use is nowhere near the simplicity of the standard shirt/cable clip.
Build Quality
Very well built. Construction of the earpieces themselves are a combination of metal, plastic and rubber. The stem is made of metal, the back of the earbud is plastic, and the lining for your ear is rubber. Strain relief is made of rubber.
In-line volume control is made completely of metal (you have me fooled if it isn't
The convertible plug is made of a hard metal (seems like steel) and some plastic. Strain relief is short and of stiff metal (this is a concern compared to conventional strain reliefs made of a flexible material such as rubber)
The cable is made of a plastic-rubber like material, my favorite type of cable because of its flexibility, durability and tangle resistance (Of all things I own, only the MX985 and CM7Ti use this material for the cable). The cable is of a reasonable thickness to ensure it does not break/snap easily.
The case is sturdy, looks and feels like it can take a good bit of abuse.
Flight adaptor is also sturdy, made of thick plastic and can be angled for added ergonomics.
Test Method
iPhone 4S > Sennheiser MX985 (without foam pads)
iPhone 4S > Sennheiser MX985 (with foam pads)
iPhone 4S > Audio Technica ATH-CM7Ti (without foam pads)
iPhone 4S > Audio Technica ATH-CM7Ti (with foam pads)
Subjectively level matched (17 iterations A/B) in a quiet room ( < 25dB)
Sound Quality and Impressions
Without foamies
The attribute that strikes me first when I listen to the MX985, is the full-range sound. I normally do not expect any bass from earbuds without the foam pads, but the MX985 has a decent amount of mid-bass (at the earbud level). The sound is fairly balanced with mid-range not being too upfront, or distant. The treble presence is the only problematic area on my listening session. It has sharpness and detail, but is not well controlled. Therefore the presentation is harsh and can be sibilant at times (expect sore ears if you listen at loud volumes)
The earbuds are detailed and overall presentation is slightly forward, tight and clean. The signature is slightly warm.
The only other earbud that is a worthy competitor in my collection is the ATH-CM7Ti, at that time the earbud cost me an arm and a leg (cost even more than the MX985, ~10 years ago), but it was good sound. Upon listening to the CM7Ti, a different sonic signature is immediately noticed. The CM7Ti has less prominent mid-bass without foamies, and has upfront midrange, boosting vocals and instruments operating in this domain. The treble is however very very well controlled, good sharpness, endless extension and hyper-detailed.
Compared with the MX985, the presentation of the CM7Ti is more airy, more pleasing with well controlled treble and a signature that is neutral-slightly cold. The midrange is upfront, this may initially seem like the CM7Ti has a thicker sound (less clean) compared to the MX985, but your ears eventually settle in and the CM7Ti is a very detailed earbud with superior treble presentation.
If I had to categorise.....
Bass extension: MX985 = CM7Ti
Bass quantity: MX985 > CM7Ti
Bass detail: MX985 = CM7Ti
Midrange detail: MX985 = CM7Ti
Midrange distance: MX985: neutral - slight forward, CM7Ti: forward
Midrange overall: MX985 > CM7Ti (personal preference)
Treble detail: CM7Ti > MX985
Treble extension: CM7Ti > MX985
Treble control: CM7Ti > MX985
Treble overall: CM7Ti > MX985
Soundstage: MX985 larger than CM7Ti, however CM7Ti can make it feel like a singer is singing right in front of you, for you.
Female vocals: MX985 = CM7Ti
Fun factor: < what the hell is this?
With foamies
Based on my experience, foamies add a substantial amount of mid-bass to earbuds and alter the sound to be more warm. And this experience is also true with the MX985. Putting on the foamies improves the sound of the MX985 to the point where I no longer hear anything wrong with them. The trebles are tamed, no longer harsh or sibilant and the sound is warmer. Most notably, the sound is brought forward more and the vocals just pop! (technically this is my perceived increase in bass, midbass and midrange).
Similarly, with the CM7Ti, a noticeable increase in warmth can be heard with increases in the bass spectrum. The midrange appears to not be brought forward at all in contrast to the MX985. However, with the increase in bass, this draws attention away from the great treble of the CM7Ti, and the hyper-details are lost as a result.
Overall I feel that foamies provide a noticeable improvement to the MX985 and less so on the CM7Ti, depending on what your tastes are.
The resulting changes with foamies:
Bass extension: MX985 = CM7Ti
Bass quantity: MX985 > CM7Ti
Bass detail: MX985 = CM7Ti
Midrange detail: MX985 > CM7Ti
Midrange distance: MX985: moderately forward, CM7Ti: forward
Midrange overall: MX985 > CM7Ti (personal preference)
Treble detail: CM7Ti = MX985
Treble extension: CM7Ti > MX985
Treble control: CM7Ti = MX985
Treble overall: CM7Ti = MX985
Soundstage: MX985 still larger than CM7Ti
Female vocals: MX985 > CM7Ti
Overall Impressions and Conclusion
All in all, I believe Sennheiser has produced an astounding earbud given this (portable) generation where the focus is more on canalphones and in ear monitors. With the price starting at ~140 - 200 AUD, it is well priced, considering the fact that I had bought my CM7Ti ages past for ~240AUD. Its nice to see Sennheiser as one of the few companies that continue to produce quality earbuds (with some level of innovation!) and I hope they continue to do so in the future.
The MX985 is a well rounded earbud that can certainly hold its own against an old flagship and the majority of buds out there. The sound is relatively balanced and enjoyable straight out of any portable MP3 player.
