Original article excerpt
Server-side extracted preview paragraphs from the original source.
As audio quality reaches technological limits, brands are exploring alternative features.
Premium headphones might be reaching their ceiling. How much better can noise cancellation and sound quality get? Exactly how many on-device features can a company implement in a device with limited space?
While figuring out the answers to these questions, companies are now exploring another front to entice consumers: better power management and battery performance. Last year, Bose's special trick was the QuietComfort Ultra 2's Bluetooth Low Energy-enabled power management feature, which effectively rendered the headphones' power button unnecessary.
Sennheiser returned this summer with its Momentum 5 headphones, and its special trick is a self-repairable battery, a rarity in consumer headphones -- and even rarer in premium consumer models.
The 700 mAh battery is located in the left ear cup, and Sennheiser made it easy to locate and replace yourself. The earpads connect to the cups via grooves -- similar to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, rather than magnetic earcups as with the Sonos Ace and AirPods Max 2.
Once the earpad is removed, you'll need a precision screwdriver small enough for screws that are about 2.5mm in diameter. Remove the Momentum 5's four screws, lift the battery housing, and you'll see the battery.
Also: Sony WH-1000XM6 vs. Sennheiser Momentum 5: I've tested both pairs for months, and this one wins