KEF M500 Headphones versus Sennheiser Momentum and B&W P5

The fusion of twisted metal and leather are striking. It is probably my favourite of the three designs. The attention to detail and the finish really is a sight to behold. It is smaller than press photos may lead you to believe. The cable is on the small side and involves getting inside the driver if you want to change them, which is disappointing. Fit and comfort was fine. The ear pads rest nicely on the ears and adjusting them did not seem to affect the sound.

Speaking of which the midrange colouration was immediately apparent and hard to put a finger on. For some tracks the vocals are fine yet on other songs the vocal took on a strange unnatural quality that really is hard to articulate. Listening to piano and guitar chords do not sound as it should do.

There is also a distinct lack of treble extension, cymbals for example retreat to the background and rather timid. Treble is soft and there is little positive spin that can be given. A consequence of the blunted treble is to restrict the soundstage. Music feels closed in to the listener. Bass is not as bad in comparison but one-dimensional. When the track demands it the bass does however fail to deliver the necessary impact and definition.

This leads me to an underwhelming conclusion. One can only assume B&W consciously went with the coloured sound. I do not want to exaggerate. The sound may be acquired but it is not completely without merit. Can envisage the P5 sounds nice in isolation once your ears adjust but expectations are higher, especially when you enter the >£200 category.

Kef’s debut in the headphone market has an understated elegance going for it. The aluminium and faux leather combine to provide a reassurance about build quality (I assume it is fake leather, have been unable to find any indication online real leather has been used as companies tend to trumpet that kind of thing). A tangle-free flat cable design is utilised – think a flat elastic band without the elastic quality and that is exactly what it is like. The cable connects to the side of the left ear cup via a 2.5mm connection so that is good if a replacement cable is required – or aftermarket if you commission a maker.

Despite the above it should be mentioned my demo unit has a few very slight dotted surface marks on the aluminium. It is exactly as with home hi-fi separates when you press your nose against the surface and notice little imperfections. I know this pair is approx 2 months old, perhaps 2 weeks off. Hmm…

The memory foam ear pads are comfortable and in combination with the flexible hinge it is easy enough to find a fit. With extended listening I do find my ears getting slightly warm but thankfully without getting sweaty.

Moving on to the all-important sound it is a good debut. It appears to me that KEF has aimed for balance. The bass, midrange and treble are all present. There is perhaps a very small bump to the upper bass in the overall signature but that is acceptable for what this segment is all about. There is a lot to like here. Vocals sound natural and treble detail is present. Cannot fault instrument timbre. The bass stays tight and controlled but may not be enough for some. Not calling it bass-light though, not at all. The headphone is receptive to the source material. It does not unnecessarily boost an element. It gives you bass if the song has bass. Width is average being a full size portable but there is some depth and height that assists. It sounds reasonably spacious when the record is able to help the M500.

A word on the ear pads. My ears just about fit inside them. Others with bigger ears have found extended listening uncomfortable due to the ear pads pressing against their heads. Demo before you buy!

Last word, my preference is easily for the black leather and red stitching version. Mmm…

The Momentum has a very interesting sound signature in that it is consumer and refined at the same time. There is an immediately apparent upper-bass bias and bump in the frequency. It just about gets away with it. On some tracks it is in danger of being bloated but manages to hold itself together. That is not to say the bass goes particularly sub-bass deep with definition – it does not, but a commendable effort. Despite the bass bias the midrange and treble extension is not sacrificed. The mids perhaps slightly set back in the mix and depending on the record you do sometimes want vocals to be more forward and prominent. Vocals are natural and warm and treble detail is present without being harsh at all. The soundstage whilst again limited by the form factor is actually the widest present. In any case quite acceptable for the intended usage.

When you throw the KEF M500 into the mix you encounter this cleaner sound, like a clarity added to the overall presentation. The M500 overall sounds more airy. The thicker undertone of the Momentum signature is enhanced. Both are evens for a natural midrange and detail retrieval. The Momentum still has a wider soundstage but against the M500 you notice the Momentum is less neutral, the bass is tubby and even a touch distracting and perhaps the treble is not as rounded.

On one hand then you have the M500 sound that is balanced and does many things well. Contrast against the Momentum. The extra upper bass presence perhaps has more head-nodding casual listening potential. That nicely brings us full circle to it being a matter of taste and preference. Demo where you can.

Complete gallery: Style Headphones – a set on Flickr. As a closing note all are smartphone case happy. No problems plugging into the Nexus 4 with case. Volume controls did not work with Android. Pause/Play did. Suspect controls are fine with iOS devices.