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Sony XBA 4IP Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£180
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony XBA 4IP review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.7

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%

3.7

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.7

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%

2.7

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

3.3

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

  • sony-xba-4ip
  • sony-xba-4ip
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Best prices in UK

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-4iP is an audiophile-grade in-ear headphone featuring a sophisticated quad-driver array consisting of a full-range driver, woofer, super woofer, and tweeter for a wide frequency response of 3Hz–28,000Hz. This flagship model boasts a low 8-ohm impedance and high 108dB sensitivity, housed in a vibration-suppressing double-layer enclosure made of liquid crystal polymer and ABS plastic. Main pros include its powerful, multi-layered bass performance, exceptional detail in the high end, and an integrated three-button remote with an omnidirectional electret condenser microphone specifically designed for iOS devices. However, its bulky earpieces can feel heavy during long sessions, and its clinical sound signature may expose flaws in low-quality audio files or appear overly bright to some listeners.

Technical Specifications of Sony XBA 4IP

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

3.7
Sony XBA 4IP has a technical score of 3.74 points, which is lower than that of 90.2% 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 4IP 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%

3.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

5.5
Sony XBA 4IP has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.5 points, which is lower than 92.2% 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 4IP 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

4
Sony XBA 4IP uses 4 drivers, more drivers than 99.2% 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

3 Hz
Sony XBA 4IP reaches a lowest frequency of 3 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 99.4% of headphones and equal to 0.5% 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 4IP 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 4IP 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 4IP 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 4IP 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

N/A
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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 4IP 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 4IP 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

yes
Sony XBA 4IP supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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

8 g
Sony XBA 4IP weighs 8 g, lighter than 97.2% of headphones and equal to 0.7% 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 4IP vs the average headphone

  • 96.3% lower weight
    Sony XBA 4IP is lighter than the average headphone (8 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 4IP is lighter than the average headphone (8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.8 g vs 218 g
  • 15 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony XBA 4IP has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (3 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 4IP has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (3 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.3 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony XBA 4IP 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 4IP 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 4IP 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 4IP 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
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony XBA 4IP 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 4IP 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
  • 18 dB higher max SPL
    Sony XBA 4IP 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 4IP 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
  • 96.3% lower weight
    Sony XBA 4IP is lighter than the average headphone (8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 15 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony XBA 4IP has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (3 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony XBA 4IP 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 4IP 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.
  • 18 dB higher max SPL
    Sony XBA 4IP 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 4IP 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 4IP has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Sony XBA 4IP does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 3 fewer drivers
    Sony XBA 4IP has fewer drivers than the average headphone (4 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
  • 5 years older release date
    Sony XBA 4IP was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    April 2012
  • No passive noise reduction
    Sony XBA 4IP does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony XBA 4IP does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • Fixed cable
    Sony XBA 4IP 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 4IP has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 22.7% worse value for money
    Sony XBA 4IP has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.49 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 4IP has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.49 vs 6.736).5.49 vs 6.74
  • 4.65x less popular
    Sony XBA 4IP 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 4IP is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 2x more expensive
    Sony XBA 4IP is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).
    Sony XBA 4IP is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).£180 vs £90
  • 5 years older release date
    Sony XBA 4IP was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    April 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 4IP was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017
  • 3 fewer drivers
    Sony XBA 4IP has fewer drivers than the average headphone (4 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 4IP has fewer drivers than the average headphone (4 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.4 vs 1
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of Sony XBA 4IP and

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony XBA 4IP?

  • Equipped with quad balanced armature drivers that provide detailed and articulate audio
  • Excellent noise isolation due to a fully sealed in-ear design
  • Features a holographic and intimate soundstage with precise instrument separation
  • Strong, full-bodied bass performance that reaches deep frequencies
  • Smooth and non-fatiguing sound signature suitable for long listening sessions
  • Tangle-resistant flat serrated cable design
  • In-line remote and microphone compatible with Apple devices (iP variant specific)

What customers dislike about Sony XBA 4IP?

  • High source sensitivity due to very low 8-ohm impedance, leading to sound variance across different players
  • Large and bulky earpiece design that may feel heavy or protrude significantly
  • Treble can sometimes have an unnatural metallic tinge or shimmer
  • Non-detachable cables, which may limit long-term durability and customization
  • High initial retail price makes them less competitive compared to newer or similar models
  • Design materials like plastic chrome pieces can feel less premium than other flagship models

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
03/05/2012
Sony XBA Series Review and Comparison (XBA-1, 2, 3, 4) - Head-Fi Would you like a comparison of the XBA-4iP's technical specifications against its upd...

The Head-Fi review of the Sony XBA series details the XBA-1, 2, 3, and 4, highlighting a generally cohesive, mid-centric sound signature with comfortable designs and effective cable management, particularly praising the XBA-3 and XBA-4 for superior bass and treble. While the XBA-1 offers high-resolution mids for the price, the series suffers from model-specific drawbacks, including...Read more

W
witchdoctor.co.nz
07/05/2012
Sony XBA-4 Earphones REVIEW - Witchdoctor

The Witchdoctor 2012 review highlights the Sony XBA-4 as a high-tech, quad-driver flagship earphone featuring four balanced armature drivers that provide a cohesive soundstage with immense detail, spaciousness, and an open acoustic presentation. The compact, comfortable housings are paired with a versatile selection of seven ear tip pairs for enhanced, long-term listening. However,...Read more

H
head-fi.org
25/02/2012
Sony XBA-4SL | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi

The Sony XBA-4SL is a quad balanced armature earphone noted for a distinct, heavily colored sound signature featuring powerful, deep bass and excellent 3D instrument separation. Pros include comfortable, lightweight housing with good isolation, making it suitable for genres like electronic music, despite its bulky appearance. Conversely, the earphones have significant cons regarding...Read more

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

The Head-Fi review compares the Sony XBA-1 and XBA-4, highlighting the single-driver XBA-1 for its comfortable, lightweight design, and smooth, mid-centric, and detailed sound. Its limitations include significant sub-bass and upper-treble roll-off, making it unsuitable for bass enthusiasts. Conversely, the quad-driver XBA-4 delivers a full-bodied sound with deep 20Hz bass extension...Read more

C
cybershack.com.au
01/05/2012
Review: Sony XBA-4 Ear Buds - CyberShack

Summary of Sony XBA-4 Review The Sony XBA-4 ear bud headphones feature an innovative multi-driver setup combining armature drivers with a tweeter, woofer, and superwoofer in each earpiece to deliver bright, detailed high-frequency sound and effective ambient noise isolation. Tested using an iPhone across diverse music genres like rock, pop, and vocal-heavy tracks, the headphones...Read more

T
t3.com
09/07/2012
Sony XBA-4 review - T3

The Sony XBA-4 in-ear headphones feature an industry-leading four balanced drive units per ear—including a full-range driver, woofer, tweeter, and a super-woofer for extended sub-bass. Key design pros include excellent build quality, outstanding noise isolation, and a secure fit provided by four sizes of soft hybrid silicone earbuds. The package also features a high-quality 1.2m...Read more

H
head-fi.org
03/05/2012
Sony XBA-4 Review VS the MDR-EX1000 - Head-Fi

The Sony MDR-EX1000 dynamic driver IEMs focus on natural, accurate sound, featuring wide soundstage, precise imaging, and clear vocals as key pros, along with excellent build quality. Conversely, cons include a prominent treble spike, poor isolation, and fit issues from the memory hooks. The quad-BA Sony XBA-4 offers an engaging, fun sound with deep bass and holographic imaging,...Read more

T
theheadphonelist.com
05/06/2013
Sony XBA-4SL / XBA-4iP Review - The Headphone List

The Sony XBA-4 is a quad-driver balanced armature flagship earphone that offers a spacious, consumer-oriented sound signature featuring powerful, full-bodied bass far exceeding most armature-based competitors. It features an 8-ohm impedance that makes it highly sensitive to source matching, requiring a low output impedance source to avoid poor audio performance. The earphone boasts...Read more

C
cnet.com
03/04/2012
Sony XBA-4 review - CNET

Review Summary The Sony XBA-4 is a high-end pair of in-ear headphones designed for music lovers, priced at $349.99. It is the first generation from Sony to use special "balanced armature drivers," putting four of these micro-sized parts inside each earpiece to create a super clear sound. The design features a rugged magnesium alloy inside and a sleek gunmetal-gray outer shell,...Read more

T
techguide.com.au
09/04/2012
Sony XBA-4IP in-ear headphone review - Tech Guide

The Sony XBA-4IP in-ear headphones deliver an exceptional, five-star audio performance that replicates a high-quality, four-way speaker system inside each ear. This impressive feat is achieved through four tiny Balanced Armature drivers working together to output dedicated full range, tweeter, subwoofer, and super subwoofer frequencies. The review praises the product's flawless...Read more

W
whathifi.com
11/09/2012
Sony XBA-4iP review - What Hi-Fi?

The What Hi-Fi? Sony XBA-4iP review highlights these in-ear headphones as the best Sony has produced in years, giving them high praise for their advanced technical engineering. Priced at £275, the standout feature of these earphones is their unique quad-driver architecture, which integrates four balanced armatures—consisting of a tweeter, a full-range driver, and two woofers—into a...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
29/03/2014
Sony XBA-4: Best Price - Les Numériques (Detailed User Review/Test)

The Les Numériques review awards the Sony XBA-4 wired in-ear headphones a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, highlighting them as a highly capable and balanced audio solution. A core strength is their exceptional sound reproduction, delivering deep, well-controlled bass, and precise, reactive, and detailed audio across the spectrum without being aggressive. The build quality is noted as...Read more

(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
09/05/2012
Sony XBA-4 Technical Specifications - 01net.com

The 01net review of the Sony XBA-4 praises the high-end in-ear headphones for their great sound quality, which is delivered via four balanced armature elements housed inside compact earpieces. The reviewer notes that the device provides high-quality audio reproduction and includes a relevant selection of practical accessories. Key inclusions in the box are a dedicated carrying case,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
09/05/2012
Sony XBA-4 Review: Premium Earphones That Are Too Expensive

The 01net.com review delivers a mixed verdict on the Sony XBA-4, positioning them as high-end in-ear headphones that fail to fully justify their steep €300 price tag. On the positive side, the earphones excel in audio performance and comfort. They feature a sophisticated internal magnesium housing that holds a quad balanced armature system consisting of a full-range driver, woofer,...Read more

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A
audiocasque.fr
19/02/2014
Sony XBA-4: Full Review | The Best Pair of In-Ear Headphones

The Sony XBA-4 in-ear headphones utilize a unique four-balanced-armature system—comprising a tweeter, woofer, full-range driver, and superwoofer—to deliver rich, dynamic, and distortion-free audio. Encased in a magnesium and plastic shell designed to prevent vibrations, these earphones offer excellent passive noise isolation and a secure fit, making them a strong choice for...Read more

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L
lesnumeriques.com
23/08/2012
Sony XBA-4 Review - Les Numériques

The Les Numériques review awards the Sony XBA-4 in-ear monitors a maximum 5 out of 5 stars, highlighting their successful entry into the high-end audio market. The earphones feature a progressive V-shaped sound signature, boosting bass by up to 8 dB while maintaining rich vocals and guitars through a thoughtful boost between 1 and 2 kHz. Pros include an excellent, precise sound...Read more

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