Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT Review
If you are looking for high-quality headphones that can be used in the home via cable but also on the go via a Bluetooth connection and affordable enough, Sennheiser offers a solution with its new Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT.
The new HD Series models were unveiled at the CES Show in January 2019. In addition to the corded headphones (HD 4.20S and HD 4.30), as well as the HD 4.50 BTNC flagship with an active noise reduction system, the HD 4.40 BT headphones were also introduced which provide cable or Bluetooth connection.
The Construction of Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT
The tested headphones pack contains the usual amount of equipment that includes audio and USB cables, a simple carrying bag, and a quick printed guide. The design of the headphones is basically simple and minimalist but enriched with an effective combination of black and metallic-gray, and the oval shape of the resonator resembles the popular Momentum models. As for affordable headphones, resonators and mounts are made of high quality, touch-friendly plastic, and the base of the mounts is housed in a plastic sheath, so we were not able to find out if it was made of metal. Nonetheless, the HD 4.40 BT gives a very good impression of the overall build quality, and in the hands, they act firmly and robustly.
- Bluetooth 4.0 and aptX technologies to deliver exceptional wireless sound...
- Intuitive ear cup mounted controls for changing tracks and for making calls...
- Up to 25 hour battery life and is supplied with connecting cable for...
- Compatible with most smartphones & tablets.Height: 7.8 inch / 19.8...
- Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 3.9 x 10.2 inches. Connectivity Technology:...
Let’s return to the resonators: the pads are richly upholstered and foam-filled and can be removed for cleaning or replacement. In the center of the left resonator is only the NFC logo, which indicates the point for quick connection of the device, while all the controls and connections are located on the perimeter of the right resonator. In addition to the micro-USB port for charging the battery, there is a 2.5mm audio cable connector with the locking mechanism, so it is advisable to store the factory cable. The commands include the power button and Bluetooth connection, volume control buttons, and one multifunction pushbutton, and there is also a small LED diode, which in different flashes and colors signals the operating status and battery charge. Also on the right resonator are omnidirectional microphones for telephone conversations, so HD 4.40 BT can also be used as a headset.
The main determinant of the character of these headphones are the low tones – strong, determined and always well defined.
The headphones are intended for a wider range of users, so Sennheiser does not go into too much technical detail. The HD 4.40 BTs have a frequency range of 18 hertz to 22 kilohertz, and in standby mode, the sound pressure level is 113 decibels, with a nominal impedance of 18 ohms and a distortion of less than 0.5 percent. Some portals state that the HD 4.40 BT is equipped with 32mm diameter speaker units, but we have not found official confirmation for this information, so it should be taken with great reserve. In the active Bluetooth mode, the aptX codec is enriched for compression-free wireless signal transmission, and an internal 600 mAh lithium-ion battery is provided to power up to 25 hours of use.
Sound Test
During use, the HD 4.40 BTs provide a very good level of comfort. The headphone holder is upholstered on the inside, and the massive pads, although fitted over the ear shells, are very comfortable for longer listening. In addition to adjusting the volume, the resonators can be rotated for optimum grip, and the headphones can be folded for ease of transmission.
In terms of sound, HD 4.40 BT is the perfect choice to play today’s modern music. The highest part of the range is beautifully styled and delivers a solid level of detail, with extraordinarily clean tones. The treble and midrange are lively and engaging, yet quite versatile, so the HD 4.40 BT is capable of delivering subtle and velvety sound as well as fully transmitting the energy of live rock music. In addition, a certain dose of warmth is noticeable, which brings a pleasant, though not always completely true, color tone – we assume that this was done to avoid fatigue during long travel sessions, etc. However, the main determinant of the reproduction character is low. Tones – strong, decisive, and always well defined, the bass is a true enjoyment while listening to the right music genres, so we are sure that the HD 4.40 will be extremely well-liked by fans of electronics, rap music, and hard rock.
- Bluetooth 4.0 and aptX technologies to deliver exceptional wireless sound...
- Intuitive ear cup mounted controls for changing tracks and for making calls...
- Up to 25 hour battery life and is supplied with connecting cable for...
- Compatible with most smartphones & tablets.Height: 7.8 inch / 19.8...
- Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 3.9 x 10.2 inches. Connectivity Technology:...
The other side of the powerful bass is the reproduction of subtle directions when the bass can become overstated – yet the HD 4.40 BT does it in a pleasant way, so the dominant bass does not have to be disturbed. Also, we didn’t notice any difference in sound between the cable connection and the Bluetooth aptX connection when it comes to the same sources (phones and portable players). But if you want to correct the audio image, the free Sennheiser CapTune app comes to your aid. In addition to the tone controls, the app offers more predefined audio modalities, additional lower band control, audio player function, access to the Tidal music service, as well as side-by-side options such as various menu graphical solutions.
Thanks to state-of-the-art technical solutions, the HD 4.40 BT is capable of displaying differences between standard CD-quality files (44.1/16) and high-definition tracks. The shift to hi-res material provided even more control in the lower end of the spectrum, while treble was further refined and the overall sound image became more transparent. Of course, high-resolution material can only be reproduced in the standby mode, by cable, when the rest of the chain plays a major role in the quality and character of the source in the form of source and amplification.
When it comes to controlling, it is positive that the manufacturer did not try to invent something revolutionary, but stuck to the tried and tested solutions. All controls are reduced to four multifunction keys, positioned to be easily accessible and easy to recognize without looking. Buttons respond differently to one or two keystrokes as well as longer presses, so to fully master all commands during playback and conversations, it takes a learning period to remember the commands. However, this cannot be taken as a disadvantage because all manufacturers apply such solutions, and once you have learned all the commands, the use is far more comfortable.
Conclusion
Discreetly designed, durable, and equipped with multiple connectivity options, the new Sennheiser headphones are presented as a product with great utility in everyday life. Adding full key control, a speakerphone, and a capable application, it is clear that the HD 4.40 BT offers great value for money and is a great choice for all purposes and occasions.
The user manual can be found here: Sennheiser HD 4.40 User Manual
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Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT
Pros
- Discrete occurrence
- Robust workmanship
- Lively and engaging sound
- Connectivity options
Cons
- Occasionally overemphasized bass
Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT Specifications
- Ear Coupling: closed, circumaural
- Frequency Response:18 – 22,000 Hz
- Transducer Principle: dynamic
- Sensitivity(microphone): 100 – 10,000 Hz
- Sound Pressure Level(SPL): 113 dB (1 kHz/1 Vrms)
- Impedance: 18 Ω
- THD (1 kHz, 100 dB): < 0.5 %
- Pick-up Pattern: dual omnidirectional microphones
- Input power: 3.7 VDC, 600 mAh; built-in rechargeable Lithium-Polymer battery 5 VDC, 400 mA; USB charging
- Operating Time: 25 hours
- Charging Time: approx. 2 hours
- Weight: approx. 225 g
- Battery: Lithium Polymer
- Connectivity: Bluetooth version 4.0/NFC pairing
- Audio Cable(optional/detachable): 1.4 m audio cable, 3.5 mm angled plug, gold-plated
- Connector: USB charging cable
