My first IEM were the Sony MDR-EX300 and man they were great. I've had it for a while until it was recently stolen and I was in the market for new IEMs. After doing a lot of research and the price drop, I decided to jump on these, and I do not regret my purchase. Now, I am no audiophile by any means but hopefully, this review will help you on picking some decent headphones.
Design:
I really like the red/black color scheme. The cable is Y-shaped, versus the annoying J-shape that many Sony headphones, including my old EX300, come with. The cable is flat and tangle resistant. You can roll up the headphones and put it in the included pouch, take it out, and it won't have that wire memory that some of the round cables have. I feel that the design of the cable also reduces the microphonics. They also include a shirt clip to reduce it even more, especially when you are exercising. The actual casing or body of the headphones is made of plastic, but stylish.
Fit:
It comes with two sets of tips, both are the silicone hybrid tips, but one has foam and one doesn't. I tried the one with the foam and I didn't really like the fit/isolation. It just felt a little weird for me and I couldn't get a real good seal. The normal silicone tips worked a lot better for me, but it could be because I am used to wearing the normal one with my EX300. I read some reviews that the Comply tips make it even better, so I gave it a shot. I could definitely tell a difference, so see below on the sound quality. The casing is a little bit bigger than most IEMs, and kind of sticks out of your ear, but it doesn't feel heavy when you are wearing it. I don't feel fatigued after wearing it all day long at work.
Sound:
So, once you get a good seal and have had some burn-in time with these, the headphones really shine. The comply tips definitely make a difference and brings out the sound more on these headphones. The bass is very controlled and prominent, but not super thumpy (if that is a word). It doesn't overwhelm the mids or highs and blends in with the music very well. The best part of these headphones are the mids. Mids are very crisp and clear. I really love how well these headphones do with vocals and instrumentals. It sounds bright and forward. I would say the highs is where these headphones are the weakest. I would say they were pretty harsh at the start, but after burn-in, it smoothed out. The quality is good but it isn't as crisp. The soundstage is pretty good. It sounds like you are at a concert and the singer or band is playing at you. The instrument separation is excellent, and you can definitely hear the different layers.
Overall, for $99, it isn't a bad price for an excellent pair of IEMs. If I can describe these headphones in one word, I would say it sounds "fun". Definitely consider the comply tips because I think it helps out these headphones a lot. It is a great set for someone who is looking for some entry level quality headphones.
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This Item  Sony XBAH1 Hybrid 2-Way Driver In-Ear Headphones |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | — | $39.95 | -7% $9.20 Typical: $9.90 | $7.99 | -50% $7.49 List: $14.99 | -33% $25.99 List: $38.99 |
| Delivery | — | Get it May 17 - 22 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Comfort | ||||||
| Noise cancellation | ||||||
| Sold By | — | superior sales | DREAM FIELD K | Joe Magazine | Amazon.com | MINDBEAST audio |
| connectivity tech | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired |
| headphones form factor | In Ear | On Ear | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear |
| connector type | 3 5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack | — | 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack |
| noise control | sound isolation | sound isolation | — | — | — | sound isolation |
| headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | — | 3.5 mm Jack |
| cable feature | Retractable | Retractable | Retractable | Retractable | Tangle Free | Retractable |
| material | Silicone | Leather | Plastic | Silicone | Silicone | Aluminum |
| model name | — | — | MDR-E9LP | — | MDREX15LP/L | language tag |
Reviews with images
Mixed feelings
My order came with the wrong accessories and is missing the hybrid ear tips, cord organizer, clip, and the proper case to store them in. In addition, silicone ear supports.The foam located to isolate foreign debris is pushed all the way back on one ear and slightly stuffed in on the other.The bass tends to be muffled and the treble very distinct, sharp and clear. You are able to hear the crispness undebiably but are left wanting more out of any bass sound in any wave other than muted.Only other concern was the cable, seemed to be lacking Sony logos and only saying "Thailand" on the cable splitter.
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