Sennheiser CX 985 Review | 93 Data compared

The Sennheiser CX 985 in-ear monitors are praised for their robust metal build, 90-degree rotating plug, and a detailed, tunable soundstage with impactful bass. Key pros include a generous accessory package and the ability to customize sound via different ear tips, ranging from balanced to bass-enhanced, according to reviews on Head-Fi. Conversely, the CX 985 features a noticeably V-shaped sound signature with a recessed midrange, along with treble that can become harsh or sibilant. While offering premium construction, the heavy, metallic design combined with an impractical, thin cable and impractical accessories are cited as significant drawbacks.

The Sennheiser CX 985 in-ear headphones deliver premium "German Engineering" with a robust alloy metal design, solid passive noise isolation, and a unique 90-degree folding 3.5mm plug, all packed at a competitive retail price of $127. The reviewer heavily highlights its excellent build quality, premium styling, and inclusion of a generous 2-year warranty. Structurally, the headphones stand out with custom features like an precise in-line volume control slider, a specialized cable clip, and a high-quality leather carrying case wrapped around a spool system. Its acoustic signature is heavily customisable via the bundled selection of eartips: the white stack tips generate a natural sound, whereas the magenta stack tips physically modify the internal acoustic ports to drive a massively enhanced, deeper bass presence. Acoustically, the main drawback of the CX 985 is its aggressive, sharp V-shaped sound signature, which results in deeply recessed mid-ranges that push vocals and mid-frequency instruments further back into the soundscape. Additionally, at a heavy 20 grams, these are significantly weightier than standard, feather-light in-ear models, and the kevlar-reinforced cable jacket feels a bit stiff to handle....

The Sennheiser CX985 earbuds provide excellent sound quality for an in-ear model, but they ultimately do not offer a justifiable performance leap over their cheaper sibling, the CX-300 II. On the positive side, the headphones feature a light, stable physical design with symmetrical cables, a unique and nicely implemented 90-degree hinged connector, and a massive assortment of seven different ear-tip options. Among these, the white-cored "standard" tips offer top-tier, long-term wearing comfort and a better upper frequency response without causing painful air pressure issues during insertion or removal. Additionally, the integrated volume slider serves as a handy physical tool to quickly drop audio levels on the go. However, the earbuds suffer from a handful of notable design flaws and value shortcomings. The integrated volume slider is comically large and feels tacky, while the thin cable suffers from high memory, causing it to crease easily and try to unspool itself on flat surfaces. Furthermore, the heavily engineered hinged connector adds unnecessary bulk to the jack. This bulk, paired with the oversized volume piece, makes it incredibly tight to fit the headphones...

The Head-Fi review of the Sennheiser CX985 highlights a premium, metallic design featuring highly customizable sound through distinct silicone ear tip options, which offer either agile bass or increased isolation. The IEM is praised for its "alarmingly holographic" 3D imaging and instrument separation, which outclasses more expensive models, though it produces a heavily V-shaped sound signature with recessed mids and edgy treble. Cons include a potentially abrasive, bright treble and a physically heavy construction that leads to cable drag and poor fit security, with the earbuds prone to falling out if not worn over the ear. While the robust build provides a luxurious feel, the weight of the inline volume control and jack often pulls the shallow-fitting earphones out of the ear canal, limiting long-term comfort.

The Headfonics review of the Sennheiser CX985 praises the in-ear monitors for their premium metal alloy housing, ergonomic shape, and innovative swiveling plug, though notes that the cable is thin and the large volume slider feels awkward. Despite these build-related cons, the design is considered heavily engineered and visually striking. Acoustically, the CX985 is noted for its dynamic presentation, featuring tight, controlled bass and an airy, open midrange with good instrument separation. While the sound is generally strong across genres, critics point to a recessed midrange and a 6 kHz treble spike that can introduce sibilance or unnatural brightness in some recordings.