Subscores
Dear Sony,
Welcome back to the high-end! With the new armature-based XBA series, the Japanese tech firm has raised its sights with earphones that go well over the £200-mark. The XBA-4 is the most pricy and most capable of an already excellent range.
At a time when so many competitors are using synthetic resins and metal for their headphones, Sony curiously decided to go with all-plastic for its flagship in-ears. This is a shame, for sure, but the plastic is high-quality, the coloured lining is ultra-clean and the finishing is exceptional. There are no signs of manufacturing issues and there should be no need for adjustments of any kind.
Unlike most in-ear headphones with stacked armatures, the XBA-4 hasn't had to grow in size to accommodate the insides. As a result, they're oval-shaped, relatively compact, easy to insert and comfortable. However, it was a bit disappointing to see no cord guide, plus the cord isn't detachable. Generally speaking, the competition one-ups Sony in the cable department with thicker, sturdier sheathed cords.
As accessories go, the XBA-4 comes with the best of the XBA series: four pairs of traditional earbuds, three pairs of noise-isolating buds, a semi-rigid case and a cord adjuster. Unfortunately, a remote control and padding are not included.
Audio: The Power's in the Armature
Ever since armatures began being developed specifically for in-ear headphones, the technology has by and large taken the upper hand over traditional dynamic transducers. And the XBA-4 is proof once more.
Frequency response: lows to the left, highs to the right
Sony appears to have made a conscious decision to give its curve the roller-coaster treatment (which can sound good, as long as it isn't overdone). Luckily, everything here has been crafted in moderation. The bass rises gently and progressively with a maximum differential of 8 dB, which you certainly wouldn't call outlandish. The lowest point is logically right in the middle of the mids, and then the curve rises progressively up until the 7 kHz mark. And the result sounds good. This method works well, as long as you're not seeking absolute neutrality.
Sony's great idea in all this is actually the little bump between 1 and 2 kHz on the curve above. The subtle rise in volume in this bandwidth helps avoid what would otherwise be an unflatteringly sharp, even aggressive, sound. Here, the voices and guitars retain their full, rich, bright character. Just beware of the occasional sibilance...
The sound is clear and precise, with a proper soundstage. Instrument sources are easy to locate in space. The attacks are precise, although the armatures here tend to move off-course. We also saw a noticeable tendency to oscillate when you inject a square wave into the XBA-4. Sony will have to work on that if wants to compete with the very, very best.
The noise-isolation earbuds prove once again their efficacy here, although it's far from as comfortable as memory foam buds. Oh well.
Sony has accomplished its mission and made a powerful comeback. Harking back to the Klipsch Customs, the XBA-4 are expensive, but they're worth the price. These are great earphones for anyone who appreciates a perky, lively sound.
Welcome back to the high-end! With the new armature-based XBA series, the Japanese tech firm has raised its sights with earphones that go well over the £200-mark. The XBA-4 is the most pricy and most capable of an already excellent range.
Design: With A Touch of Class
At a time when so many competitors are using synthetic resins and metal for their headphones, Sony curiously decided to go with all-plastic for its flagship in-ears. This is a shame, for sure, but the plastic is high-quality, the coloured lining is ultra-clean and the finishing is exceptional. There are no signs of manufacturing issues and there should be no need for adjustments of any kind.
Unlike most in-ear headphones with stacked armatures, the XBA-4 hasn't had to grow in size to accommodate the insides. As a result, they're oval-shaped, relatively compact, easy to insert and comfortable. However, it was a bit disappointing to see no cord guide, plus the cord isn't detachable. Generally speaking, the competition one-ups Sony in the cable department with thicker, sturdier sheathed cords.
As accessories go, the XBA-4 comes with the best of the XBA series: four pairs of traditional earbuds, three pairs of noise-isolating buds, a semi-rigid case and a cord adjuster. Unfortunately, a remote control and padding are not included.
Audio: The Power's in the Armature
Ever since armatures began being developed specifically for in-ear headphones, the technology has by and large taken the upper hand over traditional dynamic transducers. And the XBA-4 is proof once more.
Frequency response: lows to the left, highs to the right
Sony appears to have made a conscious decision to give its curve the roller-coaster treatment (which can sound good, as long as it isn't overdone). Luckily, everything here has been crafted in moderation. The bass rises gently and progressively with a maximum differential of 8 dB, which you certainly wouldn't call outlandish. The lowest point is logically right in the middle of the mids, and then the curve rises progressively up until the 7 kHz mark. And the result sounds good. This method works well, as long as you're not seeking absolute neutrality.
Sony's great idea in all this is actually the little bump between 1 and 2 kHz on the curve above. The subtle rise in volume in this bandwidth helps avoid what would otherwise be an unflatteringly sharp, even aggressive, sound. Here, the voices and guitars retain their full, rich, bright character. Just beware of the occasional sibilance...
Left: THD+N as a %. Right: Harmonic distortion in dB.
The sharp rise at 1 kHz on the THD+N curve is a measurement artefact. Please ignore.
The sharp rise at 1 kHz on the THD+N curve is a measurement artefact. Please ignore.
The sound is clear and precise, with a proper soundstage. Instrument sources are easy to locate in space. The attacks are precise, although the armatures here tend to move off-course. We also saw a noticeable tendency to oscillate when you inject a square wave into the XBA-4. Sony will have to work on that if wants to compete with the very, very best.
The noise-isolation earbuds prove once again their efficacy here, although it's far from as comfortable as memory foam buds. Oh well.
Sony has accomplished its mission and made a powerful comeback. Harking back to the Klipsch Customs, the XBA-4 are expensive, but they're worth the price. These are great earphones for anyone who appreciates a perky, lively sound.
Pros
- Build
- Audio rendering
- Precision
- Accessories
Cons
- Well-finished, but plastic
- No foam earbuds
Conclusion
Sony used to be known for inexpensive-but-good earphones. Now, with this new generation, the company's aiming for the high-end... And it hit its mark.
OUR SCORE
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