Customer reviews from sony.com
Sony - Balanced Armature Earbud Headphones
Average customer rating
3.8
(9 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 9 reviews
5 Stars
3
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
2
1 Star
0
71%of customers recommend this product.
(
5 out of
7)
Customer Reviews for Sony - Balanced Armature Earbud Headphones
Customer Rating
5
great sound detail
on July 23, 2013
Posted by: danalx
For all those who complain about the lack of bass, try to use the extra small earbud (red ones) in the package and stick them well in the ear. The bass will be perfect, detailed and punchy. Also the mids will be better. I use them on my HTC One X with Beats Audio turned on.
What's great about it: great sound detail
What's not so great: the finish is a little too flashy
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
2
At the same price, no match for the EX310s
on April 7, 2012
Posted by: Stuck
I'd been waiting to see what Sony could do with balanced armature design since they have, in my opinion, already laid claim to the dynamic driver crown with their monstrous 16mm EX1000s.
These are not my first experience with balanced armature earbuds. Some "audiophiles" claim they are measured by a different metric, something I don't agree with. It either sounds good at it's price point, or is surpassed. These, sadly, fall into the latter category.
The XBA-1's feature only one full range driver. They offer piercingly bright mids and relatively clear highs, but the bottom end is missing in action. Without the low end to provide balance, those bright mids and highs border on shrillness.
On the positive side, they are quite comfortable. Their small size and light weight make them easy both to pocket and to use, though the plastic bodies of the buds do definitely lend an air of cheapness to them. They also finally bring a flat cord to Sony's earbud line - something that has been sorely lacking for quite some time - which do a fine job allaying the tangles and knots that are inevitable with repeatedly pocketing earbuds. Sony also supplies a decent case for storage in keeping with their other high end earbud offerings along with several sizes of silicone tip for the ideal fit.
If these buds were judged by merit alone, I'd consider them fair, but Sony has priced these at the same level as their dynamic driver MDR-EX310's; those are more worthy of consideration.
An interesting first effort in balanced armature design for Sony. While hardly a failure, their price forces me to recommend these only to those looking to expand their collection. For a set of daily drivers, look elsewhere.
These are not my first experience with balanced armature earbuds. Some "audiophiles" claim they are measured by a different metric, something I don't agree with. It either sounds good at it's price point, or is surpassed. These, sadly, fall into the latter category.
The XBA-1's feature only one full range driver. They offer piercingly bright mids and relatively clear highs, but the bottom end is missing in action. Without the low end to provide balance, those bright mids and highs border on shrillness.
On the positive side, they are quite comfortable. Their small size and light weight make them easy both to pocket and to use, though the plastic bodies of the buds do definitely lend an air of cheapness to them. They also finally bring a flat cord to Sony's earbud line - something that has been sorely lacking for quite some time - which do a fine job allaying the tangles and knots that are inevitable with repeatedly pocketing earbuds. Sony also supplies a decent case for storage in keeping with their other high end earbud offerings along with several sizes of silicone tip for the ideal fit.
If these buds were judged by merit alone, I'd consider them fair, but Sony has priced these at the same level as their dynamic driver MDR-EX310's; those are more worthy of consideration.
An interesting first effort in balanced armature design for Sony. While hardly a failure, their price forces me to recommend these only to those looking to expand their collection. For a set of daily drivers, look elsewhere.
What's great about it: Clear mids and highs, small size and light weight
What's not so great: Absence of bottom end makes those highs seem shrill. Plastic construction inconsistent with the price
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
Great mid-tier BA based IEM
on June 28, 2012
Posted by: DJtheDJ
I think the people that give these bad reviews have never had experience with single balanced armatures or even multiple armatures. The bass is very clean with a good texture and impact, it sounds the way its truly intended because most IEM artificially boost the bass. The mids are forward and are lush and warm and the highs are laid back yet still have good detail. As for the soundstage its average with decent width and depth and the imaging and separation are also quite good.
For the $62 I paid these are a great pair of BA based IEM's and will work good for anyone thats not a big basshead. The warmth along with the detail makes these a really good IEM in their price range.
What's great about it: lush, warm, detailed sound with a good soundstage
What's not so great: for the price I paid I can't find any
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
4
Great balanced armatures
on April 27, 2012
Posted by: beatbox66
I got these as a Klout perk and they work as advertised. I have to be careful when outside because it cuts out a lot of noise :)
What's great about it: Lightweight, Good design and accessories
What's not so great: No inline volume control
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
2
Run away... run away...
on October 10, 2012
Posted by: AndyShedd
This is Sony's attempt to get you onto the Balanced Armiture bandwagon. They offer 2, 3, and 4 driver models which feature real bass, treble and all of the above, respectively. I do give Sony nods for the more than complete set of earplugs. I didn't notice any difference when using the enhanced noise-isolation earplugs with added foam but the standard plugs gave an excellent fit. Two stars for lack of bass and real treble. Other cheaper Sony earbuds do a better job. No need to upgrade there.
What's great about it: Good noise isolation
What's not so great: No bass, minimal treble
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
4
One Flaw
on March 25, 2012
Posted by: VinceC
No inline volume control like the MDR-E829V for making microadjustments to the volume.
What's great about it: Sony makes the best headphones
What's not so great: No inline volume control
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
Feels good, sounds good - it's a Sony.
on July 20, 2012
Posted by: Anonymous
Just better headphones.
What's great about it: Look, feel, sound, design
What's not so great: none
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
4
Good
on May 3, 2014
Posted by: coolbuddy
Sound Signature is good.Bass is good but would like little more treble response
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com