I just tried out XBA-1 to 3 using my phone (as it's the only music playback capable device I have ATM), at my local Sony Centre. They had them on display on a counter and they let people plug in their source with them.

From 1 through 3 I can hear noticeable increases in bass presence. However, I do not get the price gap between XBA-1 and 2. For RM300 more all I seem to get is more bass, and that's it. XBA-1 seems to sound louder at the same volume level at my phone than 2 and 3. XBA-1 sounds smoother, with XBA-2 having a slight bump in the bass. Oh and to add about the XBA-1, I dunno if it's my memory of the sound of PL50 getting hazier, or the noisy environment, the XBA-1 doesn't sound like the PL50 (another single BA). The PL50 is smoother, while the XBA-1 is more analytical.

XBA-3, although very expensive, it did sound enjoyable. I was surprised by the bass it produces, quite deep and fast I think. Detail is so much better than XBA-1 but RM600 would better justify its performance. So yeah, good sound but too bad about the price.

Isolation is at best, average for all three, but a seal is so easy to achieve. I would be able to better judge their sound at a quieter place, but the condition at the time was good for a real-life scenario test. I wish I had more time, but the Sony salesmen and women were looking at me and I was shy and embarassed.

This post has been edited by tunertoobe: Jul 21 2012, 04:45 PM

Depends on what you want of the sound. If you want ear massaging bass then no. But if you want an overall capable IEM, that does nothing wrong then yes.

I can't recall one at that price from my experience. The volume I use when testing them were my ideal volume, which is pretty low. I don't like using the volume of music as a primary way of getting isolation. The environment at the time was pretty noisy too. You can look for it at your local Sony centre and see if they have audition units up on display, so you can have a go yourself.

BTW, JonSpark, nice shot of those IEMs. Too bad they didn't have the XBA-4 for me to try out. All three XBAs were very very light and comfortable. They're actually really pretty in real life.

This post has been edited by tunertoobe: Jul 21 2012, 07:04 PM

Jaben is selling them for about RM1k.
It's between the price of an XBA-3 and 4. The Westones however have passive (electronic) crossovers (vs mechanical ones for XBAs IINM), different design, high quality parts and workmanship, which explains the price.

This post has been edited by tunertoobe: Jul 22 2012, 10:17 AM

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.

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.

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

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.

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?