Going fully Wireless IEMs. Too soon? Or are we there yet?

[clerkpalmer]

It this is the case with the MTWs, and I actually did hear the difference on left/right with SBC/AAC/AptX, I am a little proud of my hearing and test procedures.
Cause as I've said "a million times", the left speaker on the MTWs sounds like SBC regardless of codec used from the source.

I’m not convinced. If the technology was limited in this wayi feel like we would all know about it.

 

[james444]

the Earin M2 use NFMI and supports Aptx and AAC

Yes, they support Aptx and AAC for the bluetooth connection. But they still use NFMI to stream audio between earpieces.

https://www.soundguys.com/earin-m-2-review-18288/

After just a day of use, it was apparent that these are a standout pair of truly wireless earbuds because of the unfaltering connectivity. Sure, this is in part due to Bluetooth 4.2 technology, but when I interviewed Earin CTO Olle Linden, he shared that the real star is the internal hardware. Each earbud contains an identical chip set which features NFMI MiGLO technology by NXP. Linden shared that a 10MHz induction transfers through the head, rather than around the head like the M-1.

 

[webvan]

Apart from the Senns and EM2s do others use NFMI between the buds?

 

[nc8000]

Looks like NFMI may indeed be limited to SBC:

https://www.nxp.com/products/wireless/miglo:NFMI-RADIO-SOLUTIONS

Well at least that chip manufacturer do it that way. Are they to only one or are there others and do we know what chip the various iem manufacturers use ?

 

[nc8000]

Apart from the Senns and EM2s do others use NFMI between the buds?

Beoplay E8

 

[james444]

It this is the case with the MTWs, and I actually did hear the difference on left/right with SBC/AAC/AptX, I am a little proud of my hearing and test procedures.
Cause as I've said "a million times", the left speaker on the MTWs sounds like SBC regardless of codec used from the source.

However, transmission rate of these NFMI chips is stated 596 kbit/s. At such a high bitrate, even SBC should be pretty much transparent and free of audible artifacts.

 

[chinmie]

Jabra Elite Sport apparently also uses NFMI. i don't know about the 65t

 

[BigZ12]

However, transmission rate of these NFMI chips is stated 596 kbit/s. At such a high bitrate, even SBC should be pretty much transparent and free of audible artifacts.

I believe it isn't... My hearing says so

 

[clerkpalmer]

Presumably the nfmi connection is more stable than a Bt connection which would be why some use it? In any event, I guess using aptx and aac for the source connection would still be better than not. But this is still a remarkable revelation to me and I’m surprised I haven’t heard more about it. It seems like it should be disclosed to consumers.

 

[Tommy C]

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/hyphen-the-gold-standard-of-wireless-earbuds Fully funded mostly similar features to other buds but cheap as hell. What’s the catch?

Don’t believe the hype. Go with a reputable brand that will last and has warranty and support.
I have a Jabra, use it as a daily driver and when working out and at work. Flawless and great sound and go for $100 nowadays.
If you just want a toss away TWE go right ahead.

 

[dweaver]

Let me test with my MTW and N200 (wired between earpieces) both us APTx. Will be later today as I have a busy schedule. Will try WF700N.

 

[BigZ12]

Let me test with my MTW and N200 (wired between earpieces) both us APTx. Will be later today as I have a busy schedule. Will try WF700N.

Looking forward to hear your findings. Please note that you need to turn up the volume to really hear the difference.

 

[howdy]

Do some more listening and comparing of mainly the MW07 vs. the E8s.

 

[dweaver]

Ok curiosity made me try this right away. So I fired up that song on my N200 first and there was a definite buzz at the end of those bass notes (N200 is definitely a mid/treble centric IEM), very pronounced. This got me curious. So I hooked up my wired KEF HP70 as did it again, less bass but still definite buzz (headphone is bright and very articulate in that range). So I tried my Nighhawks more bass same buzz but less pronounced (headphone is polite in that sound range). So I fired up the MTW and that buzz is there but not as strong since its warmer than the N200. Finally I tried the WF700N (AAC vs APTx) and the buzz similar in strength to the MTW.

I can say this, all 3 IEM's were more noticeable because all had a huge pop from the bass then that sizzle. While my 2 full size headphone had way less bass slam or pop and then the sizzle so they kinda sounded more coherent in the note as the sizzle felt more natural with the lessened bass slam.

I am going to listen to the N200 and MTW on more time really louder for just one bass beat and see if I hear anything else. Only one note though as I found my ears bothered by the loudness already.

Edit: OK I used MTW, N200, and HP70 all cranked up to almost maximum volume way louder than I would ever listen. All 3 had a pan from left to right during that note. The pan was slightly more noticeable on the MTW but happened on all 3 products. So I think this is not an artifact but the way the song was intended especially since a normal wired headphone exhibits the same general sound.

 

[james444]

I believe it isn't... My hearing says so

Ok, but do you have any other TWs to corroborate your findings? Couldn't it just be an isolated issue with the MTWs?

Presumably the nfmi connection is more stable than a Bt connection which would be why some use it?

Yup, the first gen TWs had horrible dropouts because BT can't reliably stream through your head. Afaik, pretty much all current TWs use NFMI.

Here's a video on the technology, by the company that holds the patents: