New Products

Full-Size Wireless ’Phones Boast Transparency Mode

Just because your ears are enmeshed in high performance headphones doesn’t mean you can’t hear what’s going on around you. Just turn on Transparency Mode by touching Sennheiser’s new Momentum 4 over-ear wireless headphones and let the built-in array of microphones embrace ambient sound. The mics are also used to trigger active noise cancellation for times when you’re sitting in a noisy environment like an airplane. That way, movie dialogue and recorded music can come through loud and clear minus the competing rumble.

Calls and interaction with voice assistants are described as natural and disturbance-free thanks to the advanced 2x2 digital beamforming microphone array and automatic wind noise suppression, which improves voice pick-up.

Powered by a large 1.6-inch (42mm) transducer, the Momentum 4 uses Sennheiser’s next generation adaptive noise cancellation to suppress noise in even the most challenging spaces.

For a tailored experience, the Sennheiser Smart Control app makes it easy to customize the sound using the built-in EQ, sound modes, and a new Sound Personalization feature that assesses your listening preferences and adjusts the experience to your taste.

Battery life is rated for up to 60 hours with an additional 6 hours of listening possible with a 10-minute quick charge. A Smart Pause feature pauses play when the headphones are taken off and resumes when they’re returned to your ears. The battery also shuts down to save energy when the headphones are not in use.

The lightweight headphones have cushioned earpads and are bridged by a padded headband with a hinge mechanism that adjusts to the size of your head. The Momentum 4 is available in black or white for $350.

For more information visit Sennheiser sennheiser.com.

Spin Control

Andover Audio’s SpinDeck turntable makes vinyl listening easy, especially if you attach it to its sister product, the SpinBase Turntable Speaker System ($299), which received Sound & Vision’s Top Pick designation in 2020.

Even better, Andover just reduced the price from $329 to $200.

Designed by the turntable specialists at Pro-Ject, the SpinDeck features an 8.6-inch aluminum tonearm with sapphire bearings, a pre-set counterweight and pre-mounted Ortofon Custom OM Series phono cartridge. The main chassis of the turntable is sturdy yet lightweight and includes an ultra-quiet synchronous motor with a silicone belt that drives a low-resonance platter.

The AC-powered motor control is said to minimize unwanted vibration and the main platter bearing consists of a stainless-steel spindle and a bronze bushing with a Teflon bottom. Records can be played at 33 1/3 or 45 rpm, the latter with a supplied adapter. The table is available in black or white and includes a removable dust cover.

Those who purchase Andover “Spin” products from Andover's website or an authorized dealer between September 1 and December 1 will be issued a coupon for a discount from Vinyl Moon, a subscription-based vinyl “mixtape” club that combines new music with original artwork.

For more information visit andoveraudio.com.