As an avid technology enthusiast and audiophile, I have had the pleasure of testing and experiencing a wide range of audio gear. Over the years, I have developed an affinity for headphones that deliver an immersive audio experience, backed by impeccable design and performance. Today, I am excited to share my thoughts on one such masterpiece, the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones. In this article, I will be diving into the features and capabilities of these headphones, detailing my personal experience and shedding light on why they might just be the perfect addition to your audio arsenal.
In an era where convenience and portability reign supreme, wireless headphones have become an essential part of our daily lives. However, finding a pair that can deliver the perfect blend of sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort is no easy feat. With the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC, it seems that the renowned German audio company has found that elusive sweet spot. Join me as I unravel the intricacies of these headphones, highlighting their strengths and potential areas for improvement, so you can make an informed decision on whether they are the right choice for you.
Table of Contents
Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC product information
History
The journey of the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC can be traced back to the foundation of Sennheiser itself. Established in 1945 by Fritz Sennheiser, the company has always been dedicated to the pursuit of perfect sound. Over the decades, Sennheiser has grown into a global brand known for its innovative approach and a keen focus on delivering unparalleled audio experiences.
The HD 4.50 BTNC headphones were introduced in 2017 as part of Sennheiser’s HD Series, a collection that aims to bring studio-quality sound and advanced features to consumers at an affordable price point. The HD 4.50 BTNC was designed to cater to the evolving needs of modern audiophiles, who were increasingly prioritizing wireless connectivity, noise cancellation, and comfort, in addition to exceptional sound quality.
Sennheiser’s team of engineers and designers put their extensive experience and expertise to work in developing the HD 4.50 BTNC. They drew inspiration from their previous successes, like the Momentum series, and incorporated key improvements based on customer feedback and industry advancements. The result was a pair of headphones that combined the best of Sennheiser’s technological prowess with a sleek, ergonomic design.
The HD 4.50 BTNC emerged as a direct response to the growing demand for wireless headphones that could offer users an immersive audio experience without sacrificing convenience or style. By incorporating cutting-edge Bluetooth technology, innovative noise-canceling features, and Sennheiser’s signature sound, these headphones quickly gained recognition among audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Over the years since their release, the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones have earned a dedicated following, and they continue to be a popular choice for those seeking a seamless blend of quality, performance, and comfort.
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Manufacture | 2017 |
| Company | Sennheiser |
| Official Website | www.sennheiser.com |
| Fit Type | Over-Ear |
| Item Dimensions | 7.1 x 3.9 x 10.25 inches (approx.) |
| Item Weight | 8.4 ounces (approx.) |
| Special Features | Active Noise Cancellation, Foldable Design |
| Driver Size | 32 mm |
| Frequency Response | 18Hz – 22kHz |
| Impedance | 18 ohms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |
| Bluetooth Range | Up to 33 feet (approx.) |
| ANC Modes | Single ANC mode |
| Audio Codec | aptX, SBC |
| Battery Life | Up to 25 hours (with ANC), 30 hours (without ANC) |
| Charging Time | Approximately 2 hours |
| Quick Charging | No |
| Controls | Integrated on-ear controls |
| Price | Varies (Approx. $180 at launch) |
What is included in the delivery set?
- Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC Wireless Headphones
- Protective carrying case
- Audio cable with 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm jack plugs for wired listening
- USB charging cable (Micro-USB)
- Quick guide and safety guide
- Optional accessories (may vary depending on the retailer): airplane adapter, additional ear pads, and charging adapter
What about design, materials, assembly?
The Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones boast a sleek and modern design that combines aesthetics with practicality. The overall design is understated, featuring a matte black finish with subtle silver accents on the ear cups, which is both stylish and professional.
Materials:
The headphones are primarily constructed from high-quality, durable plastic, which contributes to their lightweight nature. The headband is reinforced with metal to provide additional support and longevity. The ear cups are equipped with soft, memory foam padding covered in synthetic leather, ensuring a comfortable fit even during extended listening sessions.
Assembly:
Sennheiser’s craftsmanship is evident in the precise and well-engineered assembly of the HD 4.50 BTNC headphones. The hinges connecting the ear cups to the headband are robust and allow for easy folding, making the headphones highly portable. The ear cups also have a swivel feature, which enables them to conform to the shape of the listener’s head for optimal comfort and noise isolation.
The on-ear controls are intuitively placed on the right ear cup, providing easy access to essential functions such as power, Bluetooth pairing, volume control, playback, and active noise cancellation. The headphones also feature a built-in microphone, allowing users to make and receive phone calls without removing the headset.
In terms of design, materials, and assembly, the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones demonstrate the company’s commitment to delivering a high-quality product that balances style, comfort, and durability.
What about the ergonomics and usability, of Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC?
Ergonomics:
The Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones have been designed with user comfort in mind. The over-ear design and memory foam padding on the ear cups create a comfortable fit that adapts to the shape of the user’s head. This not only provides a secure and snug fit but also helps to enhance passive noise isolation. The adjustable headband allows users to find their perfect fit, further ensuring long-lasting comfort during extended listening sessions.
The swiveling ear cups and foldable design make the headphones easily portable and convenient for users who are always on the go. The lightweight nature of the HD 4.50 BTNC also contributes to their comfort, preventing any strain or fatigue during long periods of use.
Usability:
The HD 4.50 BTNC headphones feature intuitive on-ear controls, which are placed on the right ear cup for easy access. Users can effortlessly control volume, playback, and noise cancellation with just a few simple button presses. The headphones also have a built-in microphone, allowing for seamless switching between music and phone calls without having to remove the headset.
Pairing the HD 4.50 BTNC with a Bluetooth device is a straightforward process, and the headphones offer a stable connection with a range of up to 33 feet. The active noise cancellation feature can be toggled on and off as needed, providing users with control over their listening experience in various environments.
The headphones can also be used in wired mode with the included audio cable, giving users the flexibility to listen without the constraints of battery life or Bluetooth connectivity.
In summary, the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones offer excellent ergonomics and usability. The combination of comfort, intuitive controls, and versatile connectivity options makes these headphones an appealing choice for users who value both convenience and quality in their audio gear.
What about connection, control and software?
Connection:
The Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones utilize Bluetooth 4.0 technology for wireless connectivity, providing a stable and reliable connection with a range of up to 33 feet. The headphones are compatible with a wide variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other Bluetooth-enabled audio sources.
The pairing process is simple and quick, with the headphones entering pairing mode as soon as they are powered on. Additionally, the HD 4.50 BTNC supports multi-device connectivity, allowing users to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them with ease.
For situations where wireless connectivity is not an option or when the battery is low, the headphones can also be used in wired mode with the included 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm audio cable.
Control:
The HD 4.50 BTNC features integrated on-ear controls located on the right ear cup. These controls allow users to manage essential functions such as power, Bluetooth pairing, volume adjustment, playback, and active noise cancellation. The buttons are well-placed and easy to access, ensuring that users can effortlessly control their listening experience without removing the headphones.
Software:
While the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC does not have a dedicated app for customization or fine-tuning, the headphones still deliver an exceptional audio experience out of the box. The built-in aptX and SBC audio codecs ensure high-quality audio transmission over Bluetooth, while the active noise cancellation feature provides effective noise reduction for an immersive listening experience.
In conclusion, the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC offers users a seamless connection experience with intuitive controls, making them highly user-friendly. Although there is no dedicated software for customization, the headphones still provide a remarkable audio experience that will satisfy most listeners.
How’s the sound quality?
The Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones deliver impressive sound quality that will please both audiophiles and casual listeners. Their closed-back, over-ear design ensures a natural, immersive audio experience with minimal sound leakage. The following is a detailed breakdown of the sound quality across various aspects:
Bass:
The bass response on the HD 4.50 BTNC is deep and well-defined, providing a solid foundation without overpowering the rest of the audio spectrum. The headphones offer a satisfying low-end punch that is well-suited for bass-heavy genres like EDM, hip-hop, and rock. However, the bass remains controlled and does not bleed into the midrange, ensuring a balanced and accurate audio reproduction.
Midrange:
The midrange on the HD 4.50 BTNC is clear and natural, with accurate reproduction of vocals and instruments. The headphones do a fantastic job of presenting the intricate details in the music, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the nuances of their favorite tracks. The midrange is neither too forward nor too recessed, providing a well-balanced sound signature that works well across various genres.
Treble:
The treble on the HD 4.50 BTNC is crisp and detailed, offering excellent clarity and definition. The high-frequency reproduction is smooth and avoids any harshness or sibilance, resulting in a comfortable and enjoyable listening experience. The headphones excel at delivering subtle details and providing a sense of airiness and space within the soundstage.
Soundstage and Imaging:
The Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones offer a respectable soundstage for a closed-back design, providing a sense of space and depth that contributes to the immersive listening experience. The imaging and instrument separation are impressive, allowing listeners to easily pinpoint the position of various instruments and vocals within the mix.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC):
The HD 4.50 BTNC’s active noise cancellation feature effectively reduces ambient noise, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in their music. While the ANC might not be on par with some of the more expensive competitors, it does a commendable job of blocking out a significant amount of background noise in various environments.
In summary, the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC offers outstanding sound quality across the frequency spectrum, providing an enjoyable and immersive listening experience. The headphones excel in delivering accurate and detailed audio reproduction, making them a versatile option for listeners with diverse music preferences.
What about the energy efficiency and battery life?
he Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones have been designed with energy efficiency in mind, making the most of their built-in rechargeable battery to provide a long-lasting listening experience.
Battery Life:
The HD 4.50 BTNC offers up to 25 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, and up to 30 hours without ANC. This impressive battery life ensures that users can enjoy their music throughout the day without the need for frequent charging.
Charging Time:
The headphones can be fully charged in approximately 2 hours using the included Micro-USB charging cable. This relatively short charging time allows users to quickly get back to listening even after the battery has been depleted.
Energy Efficiency:
The HD 4.50 BTNC incorporates power-saving features to maximize battery life. The headphones will automatically enter standby mode when not in use, conserving battery power when they are not actively playing music. Additionally, the option to use the headphones in wired mode with the included audio cable allows users to continue listening even if the battery is completely drained.
Overall, the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones offer excellent energy efficiency and battery life, ensuring that users can enjoy their music for extended periods without the need for constant charging. The combination of long battery life, quick charging time, and power-saving features makes these headphones a reliable and convenient choice for listeners on the go.
Comparison & Review
What are similar headphones in features and cost?
Two similar headphones in terms of features and cost to the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC are the Sony WH-CH700N and the JBL Live 650BTNC. Both of these headphones offer wireless connectivity, active noise cancellation, and are available at a comparable price point.
- Sony WH-CH700N: The Sony WH-CH700N is a popular wireless headphone with active noise cancellation. They offer a comfortable over-ear design and come equipped with 40 mm drivers for a balanced sound signature. The battery life is impressive, with up to 35 hours of playback time on a single charge. They support quick charging, providing 60 minutes of playback with just 10 minutes of charging. The headphones also feature an integrated microphone for phone calls and voice assistant access. The Sony WH-CH700N is compatible with the Sony | Headphones Connect app, allowing users to customize the sound settings and ANC levels.
- JBL Live 650BTNC: The JBL Live 650BTNC is another wireless headphone option with active noise cancellation. They feature a comfortable over-ear design with a foldable and lightweight build. The headphones are equipped with 40 mm drivers that deliver JBL’s signature sound, offering a powerful bass response and clear audio across the frequency range. The battery life is up to 30 hours with ANC enabled and up to 20 hours with both Bluetooth and ANC enabled. The headphones also come with an integrated microphone and support for voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. The JBL Live 650BTNC can be customized using the JBL Headphones app, allowing users to tweak the audio settings and control the ANC.
Both the Sony WH-CH700N and the JBL Live 650BTNC are solid alternatives to the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC, offering similar features and performance at a comparable price point.
Compare with similar items
| Specification | Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC | Sony WH-CH700N | JBL Live 650BTNC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of Manufacture | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
| Company | Sennheiser | Sony | JBL |
| Official Website | www.sennheiser.com | www.sony.com | www.jbl.com |
| Fit Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Item Dimensions | 7.1 x 3.9 x 10.25 inches (approx.) | 8.7 x 2.7 x 10.3 inches (approx.) | 8.07 x 3.15 x 8.78 inches (approx.) |
| Item Weight | 8.4 ounces (approx.) | 8.5 ounces (approx.) | 9.2 ounces (approx.) |
| Special Features | ANC, Foldable Design | ANC, Foldable Design | ANC, Foldable Design |
| Driver Size | 32 mm | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Frequency Response | 18Hz – 22kHz | 7Hz – 20kHz | 16Hz – 20kHz |
| Impedance | 18 ohms | 22 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Bluetooth Range | Up to 33 feet (approx.) | Up to 33 feet (approx.) | Up to 33 feet (approx.) |
| ANC Modes | Single ANC mode | Adjustable ANC | Single ANC mode |
| Audio Codec | aptX, SBC | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Battery Life | Up to 25 hours (with ANC), 30 hours (without ANC) | Up to 35 hours | Up to 30 hours (with ANC), 20 hours (with ANC and Bluetooth) |
| Charging Time | Approximately 2 hours | Approximately 7 hours | Approximately 2 hours |
| Quick Charging | No | Yes (60 min playback with 10 min charging) | No |
| Controls | Integrated on-ear controls | Integrated on-ear controls | Integrated on-ear controls |
| Price | Varies (Approx. $180 at launch) | Varies (Approx. $200 at launch) | Varies (Approx. $200 at launch) |
How do Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC users describe their experience with these headphones?
Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC users typically describe their experience with these headphones as positive and satisfying. The following are some common themes and feedback points from users:
- Comfort and Fit: Many users appreciate the comfortable fit provided by the over-ear design and memory foam padding on the ear cups. The adjustable headband allows users to customize the fit to their preference, making the headphones suitable for extended listening sessions.
- Sound Quality: Users frequently praise the sound quality of the HD 4.50 BTNC, highlighting the balanced audio profile, clear mids and highs, and well-defined bass. Audiophiles and casual listeners alike enjoy the immersive and detailed sound these headphones deliver.
- Active Noise Cancellation: While the ANC feature may not be on par with more expensive models, users still report that it effectively reduces ambient noise, providing a more enjoyable listening experience in various environments.
- Battery Life: The long battery life of up to 25 hours with ANC enabled and 30 hours without ANC is a significant plus for many users, as it allows for extended use without frequent charging.
- Build Quality and Design: Users appreciate the build quality, durability, and foldable design of the HD 4.50 BTNC. The headphones are lightweight and portable, making them an excellent option for travel and daily use.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The ease of pairing and stable Bluetooth connection receive positive feedback, with users reporting a smooth experience while connecting to various devices.
However, some users have reported the following areas for improvement:
- Ear Cup Size: A few users have mentioned that the ear cups may be slightly small for individuals with larger ears, potentially causing discomfort during extended listening sessions.
- On-ear Controls: Some users find the on-ear controls to be somewhat challenging to use initially, requiring a learning curve to become familiar with the button layout.
Overall, the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones receive predominantly positive feedback from users, with many appreciating the comfort, sound quality, and additional features like ANC and Bluetooth connectivity. While there are a few areas for improvement, most users find the headphones to offer excellent value for their price.
Pros and cons of headphones Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC
| Positive Aspects | Negative Aspects |
|---|---|
| Comfortable fit with memory foam padding | Ear cup size may be small for some users |
| Balanced and detailed sound quality | On-ear controls may require a learning curve |
| Effective active noise cancellation | |
| Long battery life | |
| Durable build quality and foldable design | |
| Stable Bluetooth connectivity | |
| Easy pairing with multiple devices | |
| Good value for the price |
Conclusions
In conclusion, the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones offer a comfortable and enjoyable listening experience, boasting an impressive combination of sound quality, active noise cancellation, and connectivity features. With a long battery life, durable build quality, and foldable design, these headphones cater to the needs of users seeking portability and convenience. While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the ear cup size and the learning curve for on-ear controls, the overall user experience is overwhelmingly positive. The Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones deliver excellent value for their price, making them a solid choice for both audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Our Review
Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC. Basic questions, basic answers
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Is Sennheiser as good as Bose?
Sennheiser and Bose are both reputable brands known for producing high-quality audio products. While Sennheiser is often praised for its sound quality and precision, Bose is renowned for its noise cancellation technology and comfort. The choice between the two brands ultimately depends on individual preferences and specific product models.
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How do I activate noise cancellation on Sennheiser 4.50 BTNC?
To activate noise cancellation on the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC, press and hold the volume up (+) button on the right ear cup for about 2 seconds. You’ll hear a subtle tone indicating that the noise cancellation feature is enabled. To deactivate it, press and hold the volume up (+) button again for 2 seconds.
Last Updated on November 18, 2023
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2 comments
Fantastic review! I’ve been using the HD 4.50 BTNC for a few months now and couldn’t agree more with your assessment. The sound quality is truly impressive for the price point.
I recently bought these headphones for a long flight, and they were a lifesaver! The noise cancellation really helped me focus on my music and drown out the airplane noise.