This complete audio accessory review evaluates Sennheiser's MM 70 iP headphones as a premium alternative to Apple's standard earphones, addressing widespread consumer dissatisfaction with bundled audio accessories during the iPhone's early adoption period when audio quality and comfort were important pain points. Marc Angeli provides detailed analysis of sound quality, microphone performance, in-line controls, and fit customization options, positioning the $99.95 headphones as essential upgrades for serious mobile audio users seeking professional-grade sound isolation and hearing protection. The review captures the expanding market for third-party iPhone accessories as consumers demanded higher-quality experiences than manufacturers provided with standard equipment.
The audio performance evaluation compares the MM 70 iP favorably against stock iPhone earphones while acknowledging limitations compared to over-ear models like Beats by Dr. Dre, providing realistic expectations for in-ear headphone features. Angeli details frequency response across bass, midrange, and treble spectrums, emphasizing clear vocals and precise instrumental reproduction that justified the premium pricing for audiophile-oriented consumers. The technical specs documentation (80-15,000 Hz frequency response, 106 dB SPL, 16 ohm impedance) provides objective performance metrics for comparison with competing products.
The practical usage analysis covers microphone quality for phone calls, noting comparable performance to Apple's standard earphones with slightly increased background noise pickup but improved noise suppression over cheaper alternatives. The in-line control features receives praise for improved tactile feedback and responsiveness compared to Apple's controls, while the fit customization through multiple ear sleeve options (3 lamella pairs, 3 standard pairs in S/M/L sizes) addresses the universal challenge of comfortable in-ear headphone fitting. The noise isolation benefits for subway usage show practical hearing protection advantages.
This Sennheiser MM 70 iP review documents the emerging premium mobile audio accessory market during iPhone's transformation of mobile music consumption, when third-party manufacturers began addressing gaps in Apple's bundled accessories to serve audiophile and professional user segments. Looking back 13+ years later, the concerns about Apple's standard earphone quality proved persistent until the company eventually included higher-quality EarPods with iPhone 5 and later transitioned to wireless AirPods that revolutionized mobile audio through convenience rather than just sound quality improvements. The emphasis on hearing protection and noise isolation anticipated growing awareness of noise-induced hearing loss from portable device usage, leading to regulatory attention and manufacturer focus on safe listening features now standard across mobile audio products. The in-line control refinement highlighted here influenced expectations for tactile feedback and features that continue shaping headphone design, specificly for fitness and professional applications where reliable control access is crucial. The fit customization approach showd by Sennheiser became standard practice for premium in-ear headphones, with most manufacturers now providing multiple ear tip options and fit testing guidance to ensure proper noise isolation and comfort. The price positioning strategy documented here established the premium accessory market segment that Apple later entered directly with AirPods and AirPods Pro, validating demand for high-quality wireless audio solutions. The noise isolation emphasis for public transportation usage anticipated the widespread adoption of active noise cancellation technology that became standard in premium headphones and earbuds across all major manufacturers. This review represents the period when mobile audio quality became a important differentiating factor for consumers, ultimately driving innovation in wireless technology, noise cancellation, and personalized audio experiences that define modern premium headphone markets.
This summary was created by Dave Rogers. The original post was written by Marc Angeli and published on March 1, 2011.
If you'd like to view the original post, you can find it here.