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Sony XBA 3IP Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£190
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony XBA 3IP review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.8

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%

4.8

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.8

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%

4.7

Sound

20.0%

3.8

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.5

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

5.3

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    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

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 5.0
    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%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £190

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Sony XBA-3iP is a premium in-ear headset featuring a sophisticated triple balanced armature driver system (woofer, full-range, and tweeter) housed in a vibration-suppressing double-layered shell. Weighing just 7g, these wired earphones deliver a high-resolution frequency response of 4 Hz – 28,000 Hz with a sensitivity of 108 dB/mW and a low 12-ohm impedance, making them easy to drive from mobile devices. Main characteristics include an Apple-compatible three-button inline remote with an omnidirectional electret condenser microphone and a 1.2m tangle-free serrated cord. Pros include exceptional midrange clarity, crisp highs, and effective passive noise isolation provided by specialized hybrid silicone tips. However, some users may find the bass slightly lacking compared to four-driver models, and the earpieces are relatively bulky to accommodate the multiple drivers.

Technical Specifications of Sony XBA 3IP

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%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.8
Sony XBA 3IP has a technical score of 4.79 points, which is lower than that of 55.4% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Sony XBA 3IP has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

4.8

Overall score

40.0%

9.5

Price

6.2
Sony XBA 3IP has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.2 points, which is lower than 74.9% 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 3IP 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

3
Sony XBA 3IP uses 3 drivers, more drivers than 98.6% of headphones and equal to 0.5% 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

4 Hz
Sony XBA 3IP reaches a lowest frequency of 4 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 97.2% of headphones and equal to 2.1% 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

no
Sony XBA 3IP does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Sony XBA 3IP is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% 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

1
Sony XBA 3IP has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% 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

no
Sony XBA 3IP does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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

?
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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 3IP 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
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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 3IP 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

?
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

7 g
Sony XBA 3IP weighs 7 g, lighter than 98% 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 3IP vs the average headphone

  • 96.8% lower weight
    Sony XBA 3IP is lighter than the average headphone (7 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 3IP is lighter than the average headphone (7 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.7 g vs 218 g
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony XBA 3IP has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 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 3IP has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.4 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony XBA 3IP 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 3IP 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 3IP 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 3IP 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
  • In-line controls
    Sony XBA 3IP includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony XBA 3IP includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony XBA 3IP has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 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 3IP has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.28000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • Quick mic mute
    Sony XBA 3IP includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
    What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
    When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony XBA 3IP includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 96.8% lower weight
    Sony XBA 3IP is lighter than the average headphone (7 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony XBA 3IP has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony XBA 3IP has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony XBA 3IP has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony XBA 3IP includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Sony XBA 3IP includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Quick mic mute
    Sony XBA 3IP includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Sony XBA 3IP has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2.7 % higher distortion
    Sony XBA 3IP has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (3 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 2 fewer drivers
    Sony XBA 3IP has fewer drivers than the average headphone (3 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
  • 5 years older release date
    Sony XBA 3IP was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    February 2012
  • 2.7 % higher distortion
    Sony XBA 3IP has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (3 % 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 3IP has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (3 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.3 % vs 0.3 %
  • Fixed cable
    Sony XBA 3IP 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 3IP has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 4.65x less popular
    Sony XBA 3IP is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    Sony XBA 3IP is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 8.5% worse value for money
    Sony XBA 3IP has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.21 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Sony XBA 3IP has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.21 vs 6.736).6.21 vs 6.74
  • 2.11x more expensive
    Sony XBA 3IP is more expensive than the average headphone (£190 vs £90).
    Sony XBA 3IP is more expensive than the average headphone (£190 vs £90).£190 vs £90
  • 5 years older release date
    Sony XBA 3IP 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 3IP was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017
  • 2 fewer drivers
    Sony XBA 3IP has fewer drivers than the average headphone (3 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 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

    Sony XBA 3IP has fewer drivers than the average headphone (3 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.3 vs 1
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of Sony XBA 3IP and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony XBA 3IP?

  • Excellent clarity and detail due to triple balanced armature drivers
  • Balanced and neutral sound profile with crisp highs
  • Effective passive noise isolation with multiple tip options
  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended use
  • Includes a functional in-line microphone and remote for iPhone
  • Good instrument separation and a wider-than-average soundstage
  • Tangle-resistant serrated cable design

What customers dislike about Sony XBA 3IP?

  • Noticeable 'metallic' or artificial tinge to high frequencies
  • Susceptible to sibilance (harsh 's' sounds) in certain tracks
  • Relatively thin and fragile cable that is not user-replaceable
  • Bulky earpiece design that may not fit deep in the ear canal
  • High total harmonic distortion (THD) on a technical level
  • Lacks the robust bass impact desired by 'bass-head' listeners
  • Sound quality is highly dependent on the source's output impedance

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
01/03/2013
[REVIEW] XBA-3 VS XBA-30 VS XBA-40 - Head-Fi Would you like to find more technical specifications or user comparisons for this specific Sony model?

The Head-Fi review compares the Sony XBA-3, XBA-30, and XBA-40, identifying the XBA-30 as the top all-rounder for eliminating the XBA-3's metallic treble tinge and narrow soundstage, while providing a richer sound with only a slight reduction in raw bass impact. The XBA-3 is noted for good instrument separation but suffers from a harsh, metallic treble. The quad-driver XBA-40 offers...Read more

H
head-fi.org
05/10/2013
Sony XBA-3 Review (with pictures) Would you like to see a comparison of how the XBA-3ip differs in sound signature from its successor, the XBA-30?

The Head-Fi review of the Sony XBA-3 highlights a well-built, triple balanced armature IEM featuring a comfortable design, a flat cable, and a detailed, melodic sound profile best suited for jazz and classical music. While offering excellent instrument separation, the earphones feature a polarizing "J-cord" design, and the treble can sound metallic or spiked, requiring careful...Read more

G
geek.digit.in
04/01/2013
Sony XBA-3 - Digit e-Magazine

The Sony XBA-3 triple balanced armature in-ear monitors are described as a fun, engaging, and detailed audio option for casual listeners, featuring lively highs and punchy bass suitable for modern genres. Key strengths include an impressive, wide soundstage with excellent instrument separation that enhances the listening experience. However, the review notes significant drawbacks,...Read more

H
head-fi.org
03/05/2012
Sony XBA Series Review and Comparison (XBA-1, 2, 3, 4) - Head-Fi

The Head-Fi community review of the first-generation Sony XBA series (XBA-1, 2, 3, 4) highlights a positively colored, shared sound signature that scales in performance from the mid-centric XBA-1 to the bass-capable XBA-4, with the XBA-3 offering a wide soundstage but a potentially fatiguing metallic treble. While all models feature good build quality, a non-tangle cable, and solid...Read more

T
theabsolutesound.com
15/02/2012
Sony XBA-3 Earphones (Playback 53) - The Absolute Sound

The Sony XBA-3 is a triple-driver balanced armature earphone that delivers exceptional midrange clarity and warmth, providing detailed sound without harshness. Its dual-housing engineering successfully eliminates physical chassis resonances, even during fast, high-volume transient shifts. The Absolute SoundThe main drawback is a truncated, lean low-end frequency response that lacks...Read more

R
reviewed.com
22/05/2012
Sony XBA-3 Review - Reviewed

The Sony XBA-3 in-ear headphones feature a balanced armature triple-driver design that delivers a mostly flat and impressive frequency response, particularly succeeding at preserving high-frequency details that lower-priced models often lose. They provide excellent passive noise isolation across a wide array of frequencies, effectively blocking out ambient sound. For portability and...Read more

W
whathifi.com
11/10/2012
Sony XBA-3iP review | What Hi-Fi?

The What Hi-Fi? review awards the Sony XBA-3iP in-ear headphones a full five-star rating, naming them an excellent companion for "commuting audiophiles". The review highlights the earphones' exceptional sound quality, praising them as detailed, beautifully balanced, and highly precise in timing. Equipped with a unique triple balanced armature driver system—which integrates a...Read more

C
connect.de
27/05/2013
Sony XBA-3 Review - Connect

The Sony XBA-3 in-ear headphones belong to the "sound elite" due to their advanced three-way driver system, which includes dedicated individual transducers for high frequencies and bass, alongside a broadband model. In terms of performance, the earphones deliver an audiophile sound signature that offers a slightly more pleasant high-frequency range than its bigger brother, the...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
computerbild.de
19/01/2014
Sony XBA-3: Review of the high-quality in-ear headphones

Review Summary The Sony XBA-3 is a high-quality, noise-isolating in-ear headphone that delivers top-tier audio performance. In testing, the 16.1-gram earphones earned a "good" rating of 2.1 due to their exceptional sound fidelity. The earbuds fit securely inside the ear canal, creating an airtight seal that naturally blocks external noise while preventing sound from leaking out. To...Read more

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

The review highlights the Sony XBA balanced armature in-ear monitor lineup, where the product hierarchy scales directly with driver count—adding one armature for every step up in the series. The dual-driver Sony XBA-2 introduces a dedicated woofer that delivers solid, fast-acting bass response. It is highly praised for its excellent construction quality and a highly comfortable fit...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
30/08/2012
Sony XBA-3 Review - Les Numériques

The Sony XBA-3 in-ear headphones feature a triple balanced armature driver design, positioning them as a high-end option just below the flagship XBA-4 model. They offer exceptional build and finish quality with a comfortable, oval-shaped design, alongside a tangle-resistant "J-cord" cable that wraps behind the neck for a discreet fit. Sonically, the headphones provide an impressive...Read more

(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
16/05/2012
Sony's high-end XBA-3 headphones are balanced and powerful

The Sony XBA-3 in-ear headphones deliver a balanced, powerful, and punchy audio performance that outperforms the more expensive XBA-4 model by avoiding overbearing bass. Built with an internal magnesium structure and a durable ABS plastic outer shell, these 18-gram earphones feature a unique triple balanced armature driver design (a full-range driver, a tweeter, and a woofer) that...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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8.7
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JBL Tour One M2

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