[JK1]

I have the Sony XBA-1 and like it very much. I paid $25 for it. I am wondering if there are any BA IEMs that are much better and under $50? The Sony XBA-C10 is under $50 now, although it is probably only slightly better than the XBA-1. The Meelectronics A151 is inexpensive, however the newer A161 seems much more expensive now. Which others am I missing? Any much better than the XBA-1? Sony's later single balanced armature earphones like the XBA-10 and XBA-100 seem to be well over $50 now. Is the XBA-100 really much better than the XBA-1? Sony makes a big deal about its brass housing on the XBA-100, as if it is gold and not brass.

 

[JK1]

Anyone care to respond?

 

[jant71]

We've moved on. Now you can get hybrids for under $50 so why settle for one armature when you can have an armature and a dynamic. One like this....http://www.amazon.com/Earphones-Granvela-Dual-Driver-Headphones-Smartphones/dp/B010FRQIMG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440543710&sr=8-1&keywords=Urbanfun+hybrid...have gotten good impressions, good accs. and a warranty.
 
Did I sound audiophile snobbish there?? I try to sometimes cause it's fun!!

 

[JK1]

  We've moved on. Now you can get hybrids for under $50 so why settle for one armature when you can have an armature and a dynamic. One like this....http://www.amazon.com/Earphones-Granvela-Dual-Driver-Headphones-Smartphones/dp/B010FRQIMG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440543710&sr=8-1&keywords=Urbanfun+hybrid...have gotten good impressions, good accs. and a warranty.
 
Did I sound audiophile snobbish there?? I try to sometimes cause it's fun!!

Do you have it? If so, what do you think of the sound? How does the sound and build quality compare to the Sony XBA-H1?

 

[Ivabign]

Meelec A151 - can't go wrong - I was not impressed with the single driver Sonys....

 

[JK1]

  Meelec A151 - can't go wrong - I was not impressed with the single driver Sonys....

The A151 is cheap, however based on its appearance it doesn't seem like it would be that sturdy. I looked at the reviews on Amazon, and sure enough, a few people said the A151 broke within a few months.The A161 looks much sturdier, however it doesn't seem to be available at a low price.

 

[jant71]

  Do you have it? If so, what do you think of the sound? How does the sound and build quality compare to the Sony XBA-H1?

Some people on here have it and like it quite a bit. You can ask..http://www.head-fi.org/t/684159/chinese-asian-brand-info-thread-headphones-iems-amps-dacs/16890#post_11801994...and search a bit and find the other owners.
 
H1 is pretty good but not great. They seem to be under $50 and sometimes $40 for refurbs now. Best paired with a brighter souirce as they are pretty dark. There is a thread...http://www.head-fi.org/t/685463/sony-xba-h1-pictures-and-impressions