OK tried both XBA-3SL and the H3 with my iPhone 5. The bottom end of the H3 does extend more and is fuller, but not by much, it is noticeable though. The top end? I think for listening the H3 is a tad smoother and sweeter on the top end, but the stereo imaging is better with the XBA-3SL, and...

Have some time to kill, will go to Sogo taipei where they had the H3's on demo. Will bring my XBA-3SL for a comparison. report later

    Apparently so. Supposedly the top end is better. They are both superseded now in any case by other models. 

thanks ... no crossover design differences? I assume the Armatures are the same?

Surely the metaphor of 'cans' doesn't apply to ear buds? I chanced upon these in SOGO Taipei about 2 hours ago. There was a demo set of XBA-H3  on the wall with other sony products and I tried it with my iPhone. Played a track by Terje Gewelt on string bass, "As Raindrops fall'. The bass didn't...

Someone here will know: what's he difference between the XBA-3Sl and XBA-30?