XBA-3/ XBA-30..The Appreciation thread. - Page 27

I got a pair of xba-40's from Japan a few days ago, also have the xba-4's. Will try to find some time to compare them within the next week or so.

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewlgm 

I just bought the xba-3iP and I am absolutely in love with the sound; however, the left earbud - where the microphone is - started losing all sound on the 3rd day. It usually starts by a slight decrease that progresses until all sound vanishes. The first time it happened, I thought they were definitely broken so I filed for a return with the seller - upon trying them again I found they were working fine. But after a few hours all sound stops again on the left earbud only. Is this a widespread issue? Should I attempt to buy the xba-3ip again? I don't much care for the mic, but the version without the mic is $100 more. And I'm truthfully afraid of facing the same issue. Does anybody know of any other headphone with this kind of sound around $150? I've been reading about the re-262 but I'm afraid it isn't comparable since it's a dynamic driver. The only other headphones I've had some experience with is the tdk-ba200 but I miss the bass that is present in the xba-3. I'm just getting into hifi-sound and I can't believe I've been listening to $40 earbuds for so long. Thank you for all of your help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dsnuts 

Just buy a extender with a mic and then get the XBA-3.. I am gonna have to try one of the new XBAs.. Debating if I want to try the XBA-40

Did you even read what he wrote,? he doesn't care about the mic, but the XBA-3ip is $100 less than the XBA-3,  he wants some advice as if anyone has heard a earphone that sounds like the xba-3 with a price around $150 or if is wise to buy the XBA-3ip again.

If the XBA3 sounds metallic, your source has too much output impedance.

XB3 isn't offensive with my IP4, gets even smoother if you can stretch Shure Black Olive foam tips into them. Highly recomended. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inks 

If the XBA3 sounds metallic, your source has too much output impedance.

 

XB3 isn't offensive with my IP4, gets even smoother if you can stretch Shure Black Olive foam tips into them. Highly recomended. 

Between the UE700 and the XBA-3 which are more of your liking? Did you fit the Olive with the core? 

The xba-4 out of a Sony Walkman Z1000 does have a metallic tinge, my B2 sounded next to them very flat, more cohesive  and polite.

Z1000 is a horrible source for the XBA4. 

I did fit it, just takes some stretching. I like the XBA3 a bit more, my UE700 has 33ohm added which makes it way better than stock. UE700s spike bothers me a bit and it has less rumble than XBA3, despite being a very good BA when it comes to rumble. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinquito 

Between the UE700 and the XBA-3 which are more of your liking? Did you fit the Olive with the core? 

 

The xba-4 out of a Sony Walkman Z1000 does have a metallic tinge, my B2 sounded next to them very flat, more cohesive  and polite.

I'd take the xba-3 for sure, but on a low impedance device.  Whatever small metallic tinge is left is better than the ue700 to my ears.  But they are by no means bad for the price, in fact very good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inks 

If the XBA3 sounds metallic, your source has too much output impedance.

 

XB3 isn't offensive with my IP4, gets even smoother if you can stretch Shure Black Olive foam tips into them. Highly recomended. 

Absolutely the case.  Although, I heard the metallic-ness even on my .7 ohm ipod touch 5th gen.  However, at that point it doesn't really hinder the sound at all it's just "there" slightly.  Otherwise, on a low impedance source they sound excellent.

Holy poop batman:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-XBA-3-Balanced-Armature-Headphones/dp/B006K556FI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359431815&sr=8-1&keywords=xba-3

$170???  And direct from amazon.com... that's a deal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jm722 


$149 or maybe it's because I have Prime

That one isn't from amazon.com though.  It's a third party seller.  I saw that, but I prefer amazon for a guaranteed good seller.  Not that there is anything wrong with buying from a third part, but for me the extra is peace of mind.  Although, in this particular case that seller has very good feedback. :-P