Ep 64: Sony XBA Headphones Review

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Awesome to see a few viewers who are locals! Glad you guys are enjoying them.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Excellent, thanks for coming back to respond, hopefully other will see and consider these alternatives.

[@leemanwrong]

Thanks for the review! I was totally confused about which model to get and your review really helped. I ended up getting the xba-3's and i agree with everything you said about them. Thanks again!

[@MatrixFused]

Absolutely loved the review Geoff, always love your video style, so if I'm going to go for a pair you definitely recommend the 3's, Interesting.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Good to hear, have a great Christmas mate.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Wow, I love people like you. No name, hiding behind your computer, say what you want with no identification. You must love it. 99% of the people who comment on my videos are just awesome people, it's a shame I somehow attracted your attention.

[@XxXKARLx]

Awesome, thank you so much for the feedback. I will let you know how it goes! Have a good one.

[@YoshiKillerz]

great reveiw buddy. Seriously considering the XBA 3ip model. Quick question: do the remote controls work with other phones like the xperia S?

[@ne0nFACTory]

Excellent review! I've owned a good number of headphones and just recently decided to pick up a set of headphones that could do double duty as both an entertainment as well as communication set. I wanted to wait a while before auditioning a set at my local store because I wanted to listen to sets that had been burned-in. Sound is very subjective - in particular - there are a lot of factors that influence sound. I auditioned a few sets before I decided to pick the XBA-4.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Wow thanks for the compliments! In terms of in ear headphones the XBA3's are the best I have tried. Thanks for watching!

[@agentsmith64]

Thanks for the reply I think I'm going to follow your advice.. I might wait a little bit more to see if they will go down a bit more.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Awesome feedback, thanks for stopping by. If you arent happy with the 3's then dont go looking at the 4's, you wont find love there either then. Cheers.

[@hanzocloud]

ohh. i love how its a wrap around the neck style, reminds me of the sony earphones back in the 90s for walkmans, that's how they were back then !! and i remember i used to mostly just have the left one in the ear at school, so i can hear the teachers talking on the other ear hahah.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Interesting, I didnt notice a large bass difference between the 3 and 4 however noticed a clearer treble on the 4's. for the price gap and the good fit in the ear, I prefer the 3's.

[@PhatShady95]

Would you recommend the XBA1's at all. They're very very cheap at the moment. and are they bad, or just bad because compared to the other models? Thanks and great vid!

[@GeoffQuattromani]

The higher end Sony stuff is really good I agree. These headphones are a good example of that. So glad to see them reduced in price now but naturally it'll mean a new model very soon.

[@gauravvl]

Thanks for the great review! I am planning for the XBA-4. Just wanted to know that if the IP versions will work with a normal 3.5 mm jack or any other mp3 player or is it just for the iPod / iPhones?

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Great points, great comment, keep in touch!

[@agentsmith64]

Nice review, thanks for taking the time to share. Ok now that the new line is out they are clearing out the old ones! They are down like 50%...3ip are 140 $ (US) and the 4ips 200$!! Would you still go for the 3s for that small of a price difference? Are the 4s way too bulky to justify not the just the price but also the inconvenience of a bigger size? Do the 4s have a significantly better bass.. cause I love my bass! :-)

[@GeoffQuattromani]

It does work with some better than others. For the most part, volume controls work and the play pause.

[@BLUEsurf63]

A very informative review, I was wondering what the XBA 1 were like,the XBA 2 has got a 5 star best buy review in a Hi Fi mag in the UK, I think I'll check them out,the build quality does look good on them all.

[@XxXKARLx]

Thank you so much! The XBA3's just went on sale here in Canada for 129.99. So i think i wanna pick them up and give them a try!

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Oooo interesting, will have to put them on the list to test :) All the best Tomas.

[@T34master]

Yes I think so. Definitely more solidly built than my other ones, they need some bass boost though in my opinion, now they sound a lot better.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

The price is always the biggest barrier, especially with these too. The XBA3 were my pick also :)

[@GeoffQuattromani]

There are two versions of the headphones, one with inline mic and one without :) the inline mic is on the cord :)

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Dropped by 60%!! WOW, you would still get the 30 day guarantee so even if it were a technical fault with the product you could return it easily. Awesome price and yes, the 3's rock!

[@ZacharyT94]

I did buy the XBA-4's from the Sony Kiosk at Parramatta Westfield on clearance for only $149. I find their sound quality very good, worth the money I spent. I love so much that I'm buying some for my dad for Christmas!

[@GeoffQuattromani]

That is true, never the less though for their price the XBA-1s are too expensive for the quality of audio I experienced. They need to be around 30% cheaper to be worth my money. I really appreciate the feedback though, stay in touch.

[@MicD1]

Thanks mate, good review. I'm very lucky to get an opportunity to buy the XBA-3 at more than half the RRP, so I'm super keen, however may I ask regarding the bass frequencies. Is it more a mid bass thump or lower bass note, but less reverberating? I like Electronic music and Rock, so coloured but textured bass is good (but not overwhelming). I've owned the UE TF10 which is a triple BA driver as well, and I liked it, except for the fit. I'd appreciated your feedback. Cheers.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

$129! Wow! At that price I would buy them for sure. Be sure to let me know how they go!

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Glad to hear it Chai, all the best :)

[@marcelmarkgraf999]

I had the xba 2ip for 1 year. I love them. I m going to buy Comply Foam T200, because they don't slip from my ears when i go through the city... i hope so My question is: You are the only guy who heard all models. I think about the xba 4ip. They cost 189 euro... Is there a big difference between the 2 and 4 ip and would you change if you only have xba 2 ???

[@T34master]

So I got them... they sound pretty good, my only complaint is that they don't have holes for relieving air pressure so air gets squished into the ear when putting them in, unlike the MDR-EX310's. They also have a very different sound to the dynamic drivers.

[@luisdent]

i was considering these after trying a few... i think you've convinced me to get the 3!

[@GeoffQuattromani]

I havent received any announcement yet from Sony to suggest there is a new model available, although that could just be because of the holiday period. If there is a new version, I'll likely review them.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Hmmm I dont have any of them with me anymore but from memory there were two variations of each model. One variation was to be a handsfree model and the other is without. So I am guessing that the in-line mic not be with a j-chord.

[@Stanley349]

Thanks for the detailed review. You mentioned the 4's with the in-line mic don't have the j-chord. Do you know if it's the same for the 3's?

[@GeoffQuattromani]

I'm not CRAZY about ear buds but they were comfortable (for ear buds). The bass from the 2's were good but if you can stretch just a little more to the 3's you'll be much happier - dont worry about the 4's.

[@jeho369]

Very good video I have to say ! Keep it up

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Hi Paul, thanks for your feedback, the XBA1's honestly arent worth the money, if you can go for the 2's though then you will notice the quality, the 3's are the pick of the crop but it all depends on how much your budget can stretch.

[@HeavilyGamer]

Do a review of Sony xba-h1,2,3!

[@GeoffQuattromani]

The 3's are my fave all round of this entire set. You will notice more bass in the 3 compared to the 2,

[@XxXKARLx]

Yes sir i will. Does the inline mic also come with volume control? If not would you recommend any good sounding headphones with mic and volume control!?

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Thanks mate and thank you for subscribing :)

[@clintrabbit2777]

Hi. I have a question, I saw a review on the Sony xba-4 headphones but I've seen what there are about the same in gold and silver and the model says xba-40. There are differences? Which is better? Both are the same or only change is the color and that's why the model xba4 xba40

[@reefboy1980]

I'm looking to upgrade my ear pods, looks like this range has come down in price significantly. I can get the xba 2ip for just over £100 & can get the the 3ip & 4ip for the same price of £150. Should I choose the 4ip if there's no difference in price? I've always just stuck with apples own ear phones so I'm looking forward to trying a decent pair out

[@GeoffQuattromani]

The ip range would be the ones to buy, they'll work better with your iphone using the inline controls.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

the J cord is ok, you get used to it and enjoy it once you use it.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

A bit of both. Sometimes they contact your and sometimes you contact them.

[@JayJune]

Your review was nice, but I think you have described them as speaker systems incorrectly, the reason why the XBA-1s are expensive is because they used balanced armatures, which are different from conventional dynamic driver systems that they use in speakers. Nice review still, has helped me.

[@ne0nFACTory]

Seennheiser currently has the IE80... but that's beside the point actually. The XBA2 retails for much less than the IE80. They're meant to appeal to different strata of buyers. The IE80's main selling point is the adjustable bass function - and to be frank, the set that I have is pretty wicked in that respect - it's nice to be able to switch up the sound a bit when you feel like it. The IE80 is somewhat warmer than that of the Sony XBAs, not quite as detailed, but less sibilant than the Sonys.

[@americaisacontinent.]

Sub dude. Thanks for the info. I am considering the XBA 3. Not so much because of the price but I get the feeling they are better than the XBA 4.. I like your jacket. If you don't mind, what brand is it?

[@GeoffQuattromani]

It will work for volume and answering calls however wont do all the functions it was built for with iOS.

[@LayItPlayItDown]

cheers for your input, unfortunately though i don't know if you will be helped with where i find them, cause i live in Stockholm/Sweden. But there's a store called "webhallen" here (that also have a dot com web-page you can google) that sells the XBA-4, for the equivalence of 269 Australian dollars (1990 kr), and prices on the two lies there around for the 3s & the 4s in many stores here. In amazon UK, you can get the XBA-4 for 350 Australian dollars (250 pounds).

[@GeoffQuattromani]

You know, I didnt even think that until now. That's a lot of money!

[@bensgames]

Thanks for the Review! I am sort of on a budget since I just bought the jaybird Bluebud x and wanted a decent pair of buds that were wired that was either a IEM or really good pair in general really and decided to go for the XBA-2. I had a pair of Sony earbuds and absolutely loved them until I lost them and then wanted to try other pairs ( I for the most part think Sony overcharges on most of their products but eventually came to the conclusion Sony buds are the best bang for the buck).

[@GeoffQuattromani]

it takes a lot of getting used to and if you're someone who is used to standard iphone headphones (for example) then it can be really hard. The sound quality IS good though. So, are you keeping or ditching?

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Thanks mate, appreciate the feedback always. The 3's were my favourite of the three but the in ear bud style still bothers me, and at that price i want them to be comfortable too! My advice is to always shop around because at $399 you have a lot of options.

[@Tesseract9630]

great video

[@GeoffQuattromani]

They're my pick of the four also :)

[@TheTommyboy5]

Thanks for the reply.:)but at the end i bought the atomic floyd HiDefDrum...and im very pleased with the sound very detailed and bassy.:) they just blown me away.:)

[@ne0nFACTory]

After the initial marketing frenzy, you should find prices drop a fair bit. Personally, I felt that all of the XBAs have their own character, there's no "best" headphone - it really depends on what kind of sound suits you. Personally, I listen to a broad range of music from opera to dubstep. Although they were a little too bright initially, after about 100 odd hours of burning in, they have mellowed somewhat - I highly recommend getting set of Comply TX/T-200 buds for them - massive improvement!

[@GeoffQuattromani]

I havent tested the XB41 headphones before so I cant really help there. The XBA2 or 3 were my pick of this bunch though

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Interesting, I havent tested the UM3X before. Glad you enjoy them though :)

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Sorry to hear that, from memory you have a 30day guarantee on the the XBA range soooo take them back?

[@GeoffQuattromani]

in terms of bass, the Beats headphones produce it well. I'd be curious to know which Sony ones you tried, the XBA3's were so crisp and detailed in their sound it just beat up the Beats headphones in that aspect. But headphones are personal and you gotta buy the ones that work for you :)

[@GeoffQuattromani]

It is refreshing when someone with smarts comments on my videos :) I think they are close, Sony did a good job with these ones (ignore their others). The XBA range also carries the 30 day guarantee so if they dont meet your standards full refund can be had! Cant lose that bet.

[@sonynadidas]

so would you say that these in ears are just as good as over ears in terms of sound , and are they comfortable because they seem big ?

[@GeoffQuattromani]

At the same price I would take the 4's. They are ever so slightly better in sound quality. The advantage of the 3's though is that they're overall smaller than the 4's. You wont really go wrong either way. Let me know how you find them!

[@GeoffQuattromani]

So overall Jethro, worth the money you think?

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Hi Nitish, I wish I could tell you but I havent used the XB90EX before so it would be unfair for me to say which is better.

[@sonynadidas]

*just asking of they look big and bulky in the air ? Thank you

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Yeah should be fine for it, if you can stretch to the 3's you'll be even happier.

[@whoisit604]

I decided to keep the xba-3, the sound is the best i have ever heard from in ear headphones.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Yep $399AUD for the XBA-3, $499 for the XBA-4. Very expensive in the scheme of things.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

If you can stretch a little more for the XBA-2's then it is worth the upgrade, otherwise you might be better off with the Apple earpods!

[@MrArnand]

I cracked when you said you used the beats XD

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Sounds like a good plan, enjoy :)

[@timtam53191]

think it's because sony's pushing out an updated series of these headphones -the xba 10, 20, 30, 40, so they might be trying to clear the old stock to get the new ones in. think the only difference is the colour in that they're now all gold.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

I think for those types of music you should be very pleased. If you wanted a tonne of bass then you might be a little let down, maybe. I think one of the big benefits here though is the guarantee with the headphones, I think you have a month or something to return them if you arent pleased? Let me know how you go though!

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Thank you!

[@GeoffQuattromani]

good, even distribution much less bass than Beats for example.

[@hanzocloud]

that's good news in a way, it would mean their making shelf room for xba40. I hope.

[@LayItPlayItDown]

Hi, I have the opportunity to buy the XPA-3s and the XPA-4 for the same exact price. Which headphone would you (gquattromani) buy if you found them at the very same price, purely thinking/focusing on the listening experience? Thanks in advance if you bother with with answering me, & i'll probably go with your advice, since we seem to be the same type of consumer. Good review.

[@Svigoss]

I grab one Sony XBA-2iP for 46 euros today crazy right??

[@T34master]

I think I fixed the air pressure thing by poking holes in the rubber tips with a pin so that it doesn't seal.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Yeah totally agree, they have dropped in price so much since I reviewed them 12 months ago!

[@whoisit604]

Also i noticed, every week i own them they get better and better, they become more amazing with time.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

yep, has them all inline.

[@opendebate]

i was surprised your day-to-day headphone is beats, since you mentioned sound quality in your video (to me that translates balanced frequency responses from lows to highs which beats doesn't have). may i know what made you decide to choose beats among others at the same price range? i know in your video you said you're not an audiophile. i just curious, if you don't mind me asking.

[@T34master]

nice video. I am looking at buying the XBA-2 for around the same price as the XBA-1. It seems like a good idea to me since I'm on a tight budget. Upgrading from MDR-EX310 cause I like Sony's headphones.

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Hi Ivo, I'm sorry but I havent tested the XBA-NC85D so it would be unfair to compare them. thanks for watching :)

[@Barbralady86]

I just went and bought the xba-1's for just under $40 and while I was looking at them they stood out among the others...jw...are they worth the $40?

[@novjan89]

nice review

[@Walkthroughs23]

Yes very I picked them up for £165 brand new got them home and wow !!! I use them on my sony pne the S and my music was just blown away :)

[@TheTommyboy5]

so I'm waiting for the review..In my opinion its worth to review them...I just can't get it,how are they able to deliver so much rich and accurate bass without distortion ...its just superb clear and bassy even at high volumes!!..just perfect.:)

[@GeoffQuattromani]

Thanks mate :)

[@Ryxxi_makes]

Sony had a 85% off sale in Australia, i got the XBAB 75 for $59 and XBA 2 Vp for $37 AUD.

[@pedrology2010]

yes it is. very good earphone i bought it last night. The vocals were very clear and details also the midtones and the bass is very punchy. im using it in my xperia p.

[@sonynadidas]

Oh alright thanks but don't you find the j cord annoying?