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Sony XBA 1 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£70
  • Avg. price in US: ~$80
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony XBA 1 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

4.7

Technical Score

20.0%

6.8

User score

Good
4.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
6.8

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

7.6

User reviews

30.0%

4.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
(87)
amazon
3.6
(44)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(87)
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(44)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 4.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • sony-xba-1
  • sony-xba-1
  • sony-xba-1
sony-xba-1
sony-xba-1
sony-xba-1

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sony XBA-1 is a compact in-ear headphone featuring a single micro-sized balanced armature driver designed to deliver a clear and balanced audio spectrum. Its technical profile includes a frequency response of 5Hz–25,000Hz, a sensitivity of 108dB/mW, and an impedance of 24 ohms at 1kHz, making it efficient for portable use with devices like smartphones. The main characteristics include a lightweight 3g build, a 1.2m oxygen-free copper (OFC) Litz neck-chain cord, and a double-layered housing that provides exceptional passive noise isolation. Key pros are its high-resolution midrange clarity, comfortable small-profile fit, and superior noise blocking without the need for active cancellation. However, notable cons include a perceived lack of deep bass impact due to the single-driver design and a soundstage that can feel narrow compared to multi-driver or open-back alternatives.

Technical Specifications of Sony XBA 1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

4.7
Sony XBA 1 has a technical score of 4.74 points, which is lower than that of 58% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

7.6

User reviews

30.0%

4.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
(87)
amazon
3.6
(44)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(87)
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(44)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.8
Sony XBA 1 has a user score of 6.79 points, which is lower than that of 82.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
4.9
Sony XBA 1 has a popularity of 4.9 points, which is higher than 51.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.2

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.6
Sony XBA 1 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.6 points, which is lower than 54.9% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Sony XBA 1 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

balanced armature
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Sony XBA 1 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

5 Hz
Sony XBA 1 reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sony XBA 1 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Sony XBA 1 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Sony XBA 1 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sony XBA 1 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony XBA 1 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Sony
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

3 g
Sony XBA 1 weighs 3 g, lighter than 99.8% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more

Sony XBA 1 vs the average headphone

  • 98.6% lower weight
    Sony XBA 1 is lighter than the average headphone (3 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Sony XBA 1 is lighter than the average headphone (3 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.3 g vs 218 g
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony XBA 1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Sony XBA 1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony XBA 1 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony XBA 1 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony XBA 1 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Sony XBA 1 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony XBA 1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Sony XBA 1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.25000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 18 dB higher max SPL
    Sony XBA 1 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (128 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
    When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=116 dB

    Sony XBA 1 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (128 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.128 dB vs 110 dB
  • 98.6% lower weight
    Sony XBA 1 is lighter than the average headphone (3 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony XBA 1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony XBA 1 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony XBA 1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 18 dB higher max SPL
    Sony XBA 1 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (128 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony XBA 1 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
  • Fixed cable
    Sony XBA 1 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Sony XBA 1 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • Not headset-ready
    Sony XBA 1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sony XBA 1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony XBA 1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 years older release date
    Sony XBA 1 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    February 2012
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony XBA 1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony XBA 1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Sony XBA 1 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony XBA 1 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Sony XBA 1 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Sony XBA 1 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Not headset-ready
    Sony XBA 1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony XBA 1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sony XBA 1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Sony XBA 1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 17.8% lower user score
    Sony XBA 1 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.79 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Sony XBA 1 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.79 vs 8.000).6.79 vs 8
  • 5 years older release date
    Sony XBA 1 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    February 2012
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Sony XBA 1 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Sony XBA 1 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
87 Reviews
amazon
3.6
44 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
87 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
44 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony XBA 1?

  • Excellent noise isolation, especially with the included foam-filled tips
  • Extremely lightweight and small design (approx. 3g)
  • Clear, detailed midrange and treble performance for a single driver
  • Generous accessory bundle including 7 pairs of various ear tips
  • Tangle-resistant flat cable design (asymmetric 'J' style)
  • Punchy and accurate sound when paired with high-quality DACs or amps

What customers dislike about Sony XBA 1?

  • Noticeable lack of deep bass when used with standard smartphones
  • Absence of inline remote or microphone for hands-free calling
  • Audio can become shrill or sibilant at higher volume levels
  • Steep roll-off in frequencies above 10kHz
  • Asymmetric cable design can be polarizing and may feel uneven to some users
  • Relatively high price at launch for an entry-level single-driver model

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
02/03/2013
Sony XBA-1 Balanced Armature Headphones-1 Driver - Head-Fi

The Head-Fi review rates the Sony XBA-1 as a 4-star, budget-friendly in-ear monitor offering excellent value, with pros including high comfort, superior vocal clarity, and detailed soundstage for genres like acoustic and EDM. However, notable cons include an initial lack of bass impact and a required 1-2 day burn-in period to achieve optimal performance.

H
hardwarezone.com.sg
09/02/2012
Hands-on: Balanced Armature Experience with Sony's New XBA Headphones

The HardwareZone Singapore review evaluates Sony's XBA in-ear headphone lineup, which shifts away from traditional dynamic drivers to implement lightweight, highly sensitive balanced armature technology. The core lineup consists of four tiered models—the XBA-1, XBA-2, XBA-3, and the flagship XBA-4—where the number in the name designates how many proprietary audio drivers are packed...Read more

H
head-fi.org
05/07/2012
Sony XBA-S65, XBA-1 and XBA-2 Review

The Head-Fi review evaluates Sony's single-driver BA models, praising the XBA-S65 for its secure, adjustable over-ear fit suitable for sports and the XBA-1 for effective passive isolation in commutes. While delivering fast, detailed, and forward-mids sound, both models suffer from significant, thin low-end performance and extreme sensitivity to seal-related sound degradation....Read more

H
head-fi.org
16/10/2012
[REVIEW] Sony XBA-1 and XBA-4 - Head-Fi

The Head-Fi review of the Sony XBA-1 and XBA-4 highlights a shared, relaxed sound signature with distinct performance differences. The single-driver XBA-1 is lauded for its flat, mid-centric frequency response, producing clear vocals and a wide soundstage for its price point. However, the XBA-1 suffers from significant sub-bass roll-off, a lack of deep treble extension, and a sound...Read more

G
gavinsgadgets.com
01/03/2016
Sony XBA-1 – In ear headphones – review Please note that the XBA-1iP mentioned in some links is the exact same headphone as the XBA-1 but includes an...

The provided text from Gavin's Gadgets & Photography actually details a review for the Sony XBA-1 (though published under an URL containing a typo string for the A2 model). The reviewer notes that when these closed, balanced-armature in-ear headphones are plugged directly into a standard smartphone, they sound disappointing, completely neutral, and distinctly lacking in bass....Read more

R
reviewed.com
18/05/2012
Sony XBA-1Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review - Reviewed

The Sony XBA-1 ($79.99 MSRP) is an entry-level set of balanced armature in-ear headphones that delivers a strong price-to-performance ratio for listeners on the go. A key benefit highlighted in the review is its solid audio performance, featuring a decent frequency response that tracks sound evenly between the left and right channels while slightly favoring bass and select mid-range...Read more

W
witchdoctor.co.nz
16/05/2012
Sony XBA-1 Earphones REVIEW - Witchdoctor

The Witchdoctor review of the Sony XBA-1 earphones highlights their use of a single balanced armature driver to deliver excellent detail, instrument separation, and a smooth, revealing midrange. These entry-level earphones are lauded for providing a clear, balanced sound that is forgiving on lower-quality recordings, making them a strong performer for their price point. Conversely,...Read more

A
audioholics.com
12/04/2012
Sony XBA-1iPGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. In-Ear Headphones Review - Audioholics

The Audioholics review of the Sony XBA-1iP in-ear headphones highlights their suitability for mobile, outdoor use, noting good comfort and a practical inline microphone for calls. The review praises the product's very good midrange performance and adequate bass for its price point. Cons include a less than weightless fit, as well as a lack of acoustic depth and rich, detailed sound...Read more

C
computerbild.de
10/08/2013
Sony XBA-1iP: Review of the feather-light in-ear headphones

The Sony XBA-1iP is a lightweight, elongated in-ear headphone specifically designed for iPhone users, receiving a "good" (2.2) test rating from COMPUTER BILD. Weighing a mere 13 grams, these earbuds are highly praised for their exceptional wearing comfort and excellent fit, ensuring no uncomfortable pressure even after prolonged listening sessions. A notable highlight is the...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hifitest.de
28/02/2013
Sony XBA-1 In-Ear Headphones Review - Very Good - hifitest.de

The Sony XBA-1 is an "Oberklasse" (upper-class) in-ear headphone that delivers a compelling overall experience for its price of around 70 Euros. The review highlights its exceptional, high-quality build and brilliant design details, such as a highly visible colored ring on the cable of the left ear piece for effortless left/right identification. It scores very high on practicality...Read more

(Translated)Show original
F
forum.lesnumeriques.com
12/07/2012
[Official Thread] Audio Headphones Review: Sony XBA-1 - Les Numériques

The Sony XBA-1 review published by Les Numériques highlights Sony’s return to the in-ear monitor market with its premium XBA line. This specific entry-level model relies on a single balanced armature driver architecture, which allows it to successfully capture the 50 to 100 euro price bracket that dominates the market. The core pros centered around its excellent frequency response...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
30/08/2012
In-ear headphone reviews: Sony XBA-2 and XBA-3 balanced armature (includes XBA-1 comparison)

The review overview on Les Numériques details Sony’s venture into balanced armature in-ear headphones with the Sony XBA-2 and Sony XBA-3 models. The publication highlights that the lineup follows a straightforward technical structure where each progression in the series adds an extra armature to handle different parts of the audio spectrum. Specifically, the XBA-2 incorporates two...Read more

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L
lesnumeriques.com
12/07/2012
Sony XBA-1 Review - Les Numériques

Review Overview The Sony XBA-1 in-ear headphones earn a 4 out of 5 rating for delivering a balanced and high-quality audio experience in the budget-friendly market segment. Despite their entirely plastic construction, they feature excellent assembly, fine workmanship, and a comfortable fit inside the ear. Driving the sound is a single balanced armature that produces a highly...Read more

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