Yep. That's a big part of the problem.

My xm3's are also running great. I bought a pair of WF-5s just because. I can't say the sound is better on the xm5's, but the noise cancelling is improved and the smaller profile is easier to deal with. I didn't like the included tips, so I bought some silicones.

Did you peal off the plastic film from the earpieces' stems? It's Creative's test to see if you read the fine print.

Any impressions as to how they sound compared to the old XM3s? I remember some people saying the XM4 was a little bassy compared to the XM3.

Check your Headphone Accommodations settings?

I just received my new APP2s and am comparing them against my old Sony WF1000xm3 and so far I can't say one is better than the other. Time will tell.

The ER4 are great earphones and with the triple flange tips are great for noise isolation. I don't have a real problem with the triple flanges as far as comfort goes in the short term, but after a while my ear canals get itchy and I have a hard time maintaining a seal and find myself often...

Wireless.

Acclimation.

They do sound great!

Not budget, but the AirPod3 has really great sound.

I think the latest update to the xm3 was 4/11/21. A long time ago. But still great!

Check out post #1084 and possibly PM member nc8000.

Sorry. When I said "poof" I should have said "poop". Does it make more sense now?

I just listen to the music. If a product provides great music 99.99% of the time with an intermittent poof that's good enough for me. Some people want their product to be flawless in all circumstances. This is a difficult thing to accomplish. The Sonys provide great sound and features and...