How is the jump from Sony XBA-1 to XBA-3?

I think the difference is huge. When I used tf10s and listened to the xba3's i thought they were similar, the xba3 a but neutral compared to tf10s but enjoyable. Then I put on xba1's for a quick try but couldnt stand it and took them off

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevms89 

I just got the 1's and for $100 am extremely impressed! I hear the 3's are the best of the bunch, how big is the gap in SQ between all 4?

Is is possible to return those? for $100 it's not quite worth the price, I managed to bargain the XBA-1 for about $60 and the XBA-2 for $98 which i bought for my friend.

I listened to the XBA-3 and was really impressed with them, very smooth and overall pleasant sound. More coloured than the W4 but in a good way.

I got the 2's on a black friday sale. I haven't been able to compare them the other xba's, however was disapointed when compared to other sub $200 IEM's. They perform as well as a good sub $100 IEM.

The following comes from memory, 2 is warmer than 1 and adds bass. the 4 is huge and cold compared to to the 3, which has good balance of bass,mids, and treble imo. So I think xba3 is best

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevms89 

I really gotta learn this terms, I have no idea what Warm, Cold etc means.

http://www.head-fi.org/a/describing-sound-a-glossary

If you can get XBA-3 for around $150 or less, then it would be an excellent buy, IMHO it doesn't worth any more than $150-$180 max

Does anyone know how the XBA-3 compares to more well known double/triple IEM's? (DBA-02, Westone 3, Triple fi 10's, or top tier dynamics such as the Vsonic GR-07).

Thanks,

Mclover

Quote:

Originally Posted by mclover 

Does anyone know how the XBA-3 compares to more well known double/triple IEM's? (DBA-02, Westone 3, Triple fi 10's, or top tier dynamics such as the Vsonic GR-07).

 

Thanks,

 

Mclover

TF10 is more V-shaped than the relatively balanced XBA-3. TF10 has a MUCH more aggressive treble which is sensitive to harshness and sibilance, but it extends better than the safer XBA-3. Low end is also much better on the TF10; Sub-bass has lower extension. Mids on TF10 are more recessed than the XBA-3, which has a fuller and more embodied midrange. I prefer the T10 here.

B2 (DBA-02 clone) is analytical and flatter than the XBA-3. B2 extends nicely low and is quite tight, but not as well as the XBA-3, which have an impressive impact. Both have a good, full midrange, but the B2 have better clarity. At the top, B2 wins at detail and extension, but has a sparkly treble that WILL point out harshness and sibilance unlike the calmer XBA-3. I prefer the B2 here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevms89 

Ok moment of truth guys, is the difference really that substantial? I can get the 3's for a good deal right now but im just not sure, I am using an iPhone 5, is that enough? If they just sound a "bit" better than the 1's then its not worth it for me.

XBA-1 has smooth, detailed mids, but the less impressive lower and upper extension yields to the XBA-3's extension. XBA-3 has a much better low extension and impact (although yielding to its big brother XBA-4) and has a great treble presence, yet refrains from being harsh. The mids, unlike the XBA-4, are more neutral and less recessed. XBA-3 has a metalic timbre and sounds noticeably less natural than the XBA-1. However, as djvkool says, if you can get the XBA-3 for a good enough deal, go for it; also, if you find the XBA-1 for under 50, that also would pose as a tempting deal. IMO, the price gap between the 1 and 3 should be at most $100, and if anymore, I would go for the XBA-1 or look at other options. And the iPhone 5 is enough for driving the whole XBA spectrum, no amp necessary.