Not sure if this is burn-in effect on my ears for using XBA-1 everyday, my ears cant adjust back to using dynamic IEMs.....too much bass in em

It's switching sound signature that's more likely it. I bet that if you listen to a bass-lean dynamic you'll find that it's an easier transition.

current unsatisfied with my ip4s with e6 running my xba-4
will the sony f series drive my pair of heavily metallic tinged earphones well?
haha.

You mean the laptop? I don't know any Sony F-series DAP.
Never tried the headphone out of any VAIO either. The only Sony DAP I like is the E-series. The enhancements are pretty much useless except maybe the Clear Bass on some occasions.

My guess is, with just about any laptop, you can adjust the sound with a decent player with a decent enough EQ, like Foobar2000. Not gonna be exactly audiophile but it will definitely be bearable. I'm also guessing if the output isn't noisy (like my Vostro 1400), then you'll do fine. Or just plug in a decent affordable DAC.

I mean the f series Walkman

Oooooh. I see.
You meant the new Android one.

Sorry, I'm not into high-end Sony DAPs much. I like their lower end series for their best value for money. Had a glimpse of a Z series (forgot what model it was). Pretty awesome sounding I would say overall. If it weren't for all the damn features in it that I wouldn't use and would make the price go lower if they were to go away I'd buy them in an instant. If it replaces the Z-series I think it'll be quite good.

This post has been edited by tunertoobe: Sep 15 2012, 06:58 PM

in terms of impedance wise, will it match the xba 4?
the xba 4 is a very very sensitive earphones and it really shows the difference between low quality mp3 and high quality mp3 as well as FLACs.
cymbals sound very metallic in this pair. low quality files with cymbals can be very nauseating.

This post has been edited by ooiwbng: Sep 15 2012, 07:19 PM

Yes it's true that BAs are more critical when it comes to source but I don't think it is THAT picky. I tried an XBA-3 with my Nokia X2 and it sounded pleasing (albeit a little cold sounding). The only time I experienced something weird with a BA IEM was pairing a SoundMagic PL50 to a Hippo Box+ amp. It sounded very very messy, like a cheap RM10 dynamic IEM. Not staticy or anything like that, but somewhat...I don't know how to describe it actually...ripply, shaky?

Anyway try and get one to audition, and pair it up with the XBA-4. I'm almost sure that when you are close to purchasing one they will let it out of the box for you to try it out. At least it's almost always like that when I "buy" (read "try) their IEM/headphones. Try it at a bone-stock setting (every enhancement off), and turn on the features one by one if you like to try them out.

In fact, the UE 350vm sounds better with lower quality files. However, that's my jogging pair so what gives.

Thoroughly going through every single review I can find on the nz-f800.
It's time to get a dedicated sound player.
Anyway, I own the nwz-706f, it's light years away from the iPhone 4S. Both amped with the fiio e6.
I must say the xba 4 is one of my most worthy investments.

I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. Why would Sony make a flagship DAP that would not be able to drive their own flagship BA IEM?

You definitely got that right. The only question I'm facing now is whether to buy it or buy a tablet. Leaning more towards the player xD.
Thanks by the way

Any news on the latest XBA series?
I see it's already been at the Sony website for quite sometimes but unable to find any review on it.
Want to know what improvement on it and possible Jaben carry this?

Got the Sony XBA-2/Q at 299.40 (40% from 499) at sony klcc ...
the higher of two 899 / 1089 (i think) is at 50% discount ...
sorry didn't ask until went the sale end ...
the 10% discount for member doesn't apply ...

I envy you, I would try to get them at that price. How does the XBA-2 sound to you? Does it make up for the lack of bass in the XBA-1?
By the way, do they have the XBA-10iP available already?

The ipod one's is out but i think there was no stock for the xba-1 one's ...

The xba-2 isn't really a good buy .. its decent but no wow factor ..
The voices , instrument is clear and comparative to the urbeats ..
I have tried all the earphones size and the one's with sponge sucks max .. why the hell they make those

I am using it on my old sony nwz-a726 .. the wow factor on the ori mdr ex was too good ..
I should have look for the old mdr stock to buy .. maybe because it was build and tuned with this walkman series ..

I think it's agreed that the so-called isolation tips are a pain to use. They feel stiff to me, and to achieve a good seal is like an unnecessary task. The hybrid tips are good enough most times, providing excellent isolation.

On another topic, from another thread I have sent my pair of XBA-1's for warranty. Do note that the whole XBA range is covered under Sony's warranty terms, and other earphones only covering for rm350 and above.

Tried a few BA before, bought the XBA-1 and gifted to a female friend of mine who loves music. She loves it and enjoy her music very much. As for me the sound and build is decent for the price. Clarity is great but sound is a bit thin for me.

new XBA series


XBA C10

Googled and found a topic at head-fi that talks about this model, dual BA?
Anyway, couldn't really find any solid review on the latest XBA-n(/x)0 series yet, it seems to improve the frequency extension on several impressions that I glanced.

I got shocked for a moment when I thought there's a new series of XBA out. Haha, I'm going to invest in the xba 40/N, currently using the xba-1. Not really happy with it and plans to sell it =)