REVIEW: Vivo Xplay 3S + XE800 Mobile audio perfection (Xplay 3S review coming soon)
Vivo XE800 Specs:
- Basic parameters
- Cable length:1.25m
- Connector:3.5mm plug
- Rated power:10mW
- Maximum power:50mW
- Frequency range:5 Hz-30000 Hz
- Nominal Impedance:50 OHM
- Sensitivity:110 dB
- Mic Parameters
- Frequency range:20 Hz-16000 Hz
- Sensitivity:-42 ± 3dB
- Interface Definition:L / R / GND / Mic
Price: $60-99 (aliexpress, taobao, liaow)
Accessories (XE800):
3 pairs of Vsonic VSD1 type eartips in S, M, L sizes.
The barebones accessories packing is somewhat disappointing, but comfort, fit, and SQ from these stock tips pair up perfectly with the IEM. Since the XE800 was meant to be sold with the phone, the lack of accessories can be forgiven.
Build & Design:
The teardrop shape of the XE800 and crisp white color is strikingly beautiful, yet simple. The design is very “Apple” like, almost as if this was an evolutionary upgrade to the earpods.
The inline mic performed admirably, allowing my voice to be heard clearly by any caller I tested with.
The cable is not microphonic, and it provides a little “clip” to attach the split Y cables together for a cleaner look. Build quality is sturdy, but nothing really stands out cable wise compared to the shell design.
Fit, Comfort, Isolation:
Outstanding. The XE800 fits like a glove in my ears. The moveable nozzle allowed me to tailor the IEM to my ear canal, and it provided one of the most comfortable fits I’ve had to date from a universal IEM. It allows the XE800 to be worn on any occasion, from sleeping to cardio at the gym. I almost hate using other in ears now. It also makes isolation top notch. This is all based on just the stock tips, as I felt they offered the best fit/sound out of all that I tried.
Sound:
The XE800 is actually a modified Vsonic GR07 using the same biocellulose driver, made specifically for Vivo. The sound signature seems to be a hybrid of the GR07BE and Classic tuning, with nicely extended and slightly boosted bass, neutral mids, and pleasing neutral highs with an easing rolloff.
Joker’s GR07BE review paints a picture of the XE800’s sound perfectly, except that sibilance now no longer exists, or it is so minor that I have not heard it in any tracks so far.
http://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/vsonic-gr07-bass-edition/
The most impressive part is that the XE800 can be had for 1/3rd of the original GR07BE price from the right seller. This is a top tier IEM which bests the RE-400 and many others for sub $100 pricing.
Comparisons:
RE-400 vs. XE800:
The only thing the XE800 lacks to the RE-400 is the accessory package. Aside from that, the stronger bass, neutral but prominent mids, more extended highs, and complete comfort push the XE800 far ahead of the “watermark” $99 previous champion.
AX-35 vs. XE800
No contest. The XE800 is better in every way again except for accessories.
Havi B3 Pro 1 vs. XE800
These two are my current favorites. While the soundstage and imaging on the XE800 are excellent, the Havi Pro 1 is world class at this. No IEM or headphone has ever surpassed it in my testing, including the HE-500. The Havi matches up with the XE800 pound for pound in everything but bass, which is more prominent and pleasing in the XE800.
Ostry KC06A vs XE800
These are actually very similar. Both have excellent bass and provide a full signature that punches well above their price points. The KC06A recesses its mids and boosts highs a tiny bit to compensate for the slightly bigger bass over the XE800, which is the more neutral signature set overall.
(Do yourself a favor and try at least one of these sub $99 underrated monsters. They are worth every penny and then some.)
Value:
The XE800 is an exceptional, rare IEM, based off of one of the best VSonic IEMs. If you can grab one, do so. You won’t be disappointed, and you’d be amazed at what <$99 can get you from China these days in audio.
More info here:
http://www.vivo.com.cn/vivo/xe800/
