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

[BooleanBones]

Once I get the app setup, I just never touch it. It needs an update, but there are worse out there! Been listening to mine since yesterday and man, I do dig them. I agree, the volume and low end is spot on. B&O keep getting better IMO. Nice to see. I also do not hear that strange distortion we heard on the EQs early on. One note, I do think the ANC on the EQ is better but that could just be passive isolation messing with my ears.

One thing I also noticed is the sound signature contains more bass when you switch from off to Transparency/ANC. Not that I mind, just happened to notice it seems thinner when ANC is off.

 

[dyh]

I agree with this too. For me, I have very different use cases for the Fokus and the EX, which is what drove me to get the EX (ANC, Transparency, size/portability, mics). If I were to choose between the two based on solely listening to music inside my house, then I would stick with the Fokus based on music capabilities alone. But my ears are not golden either, so it could be quite different for you.

Thanks, this is helpful. I have tried the EQs, and it seems the sound signature of the EXs is similar, based on what people are saying here. If the FoKus has somewhat better audio quality, then it seems like the right choice for me.

 

[BobJS]

@productred, Thanks I have been reading and thinking about the N400, can get them for $105CAD. The victors are out of reach for me at $500+ CAD.

N400 are $48 (USD) @ akg.com

Free shipping , no tax to US. Not sure about Canada.

 

[erockg]

I got the Beoplay EX and they sound pretty good, similar to EQs but slightly muted on high notes(treble). Sub bass is present and shows up when needed. Mid bass is not bloated and is just enough or maybe slightly lower than the competition. These fit much better than EQs but Edifier Neobuds fit better and feel lighter to my ears. The glass touchpads seem neat and two toned color is good to look at otherwise bland looking buds. Battery on my right bud drains 5% faster than the left bud. Mic quality is good too, and it is good at discarding surrounding noise when it sends your voice over the mic. Firmware upgrade takes forever just like Sennheisers, as compared to Sony, Anker or Technics.

Now, the question is are these worth the $400 price tag? I am not sure they are that much better than other top of the line TWS. I am a B&O fan and love my H95 but I am debating keeping these vs my AZ60 which sound mostly the same, minus slightly better vocals and sound stage on Beoplay EX. But these lack mute button for calls that Technics have. Mic also sounds clearer on the AZ60 but it is a very slight difference. Quite commendable for Technics to have such good mic quality without stems.

This is why it's so hard to tell someone else what to get without them comparing and contrasting themselves. I actually like the EX better than the AZ60. My update took maybe 15-20 mins. The Technics just didn't fit me as well and I very much prefer the B&O sound signature. I'm hearing a better soundstage and warmth. But not everyone likes that. Plus, wireless charging is just integrated in my world now, when a pair of buds do not have it, it's got to be something special like the Fokus Pro. Also, if ever needed, I mute from my iPhone. I never trust the buds doing that when I need to hide my anger The AZ are definitely an awesome value, I agree, and at close to half the price.

N400 are $48 (USD) @ akg.com

Free shipping , no tax to US. Not sure about Canada.

Yep. For months now. I think a lot of folks here attacked that sale. Great deal.

 

[erockg]

One thing I also noticed is the sound signature contains more bass when you switch from off to Transparency/ANC. Not that I mind, just happened to notice it seems thinner when ANC is off.

I'll check that out now. Also, I notice with both the EX and EQ, the music will auto mute when you take both buds out. Doesn't pause. Dumb... But maybe they'll fix that in an update.

 

[erockg]

One thing I also noticed is the sound signature contains more bass when you switch from off to Transparency/ANC. Not that I mind, just happened to notice it seems thinner when ANC is off.

I'll check that out now. Also, I notice with both the EX and EQ, the music will auto mute when you take both buds out. Doesn't pause. Dumb... But maybe they'll fix that in an update.

I hear it. Dude, the bass it just killer IMO.

 

[dweaver]

N400 are $48 (USD) @ akg.com

Free shipping , no tax to US. Not sure about Canada.

Unfortunately they don't ship to Canada. Heck of a price though!

 

[logiatype]

N400 are $48 (USD) @ akg.com

Free shipping , no tax to US. Not sure about Canada.

No longer available. I'd heard you can't use the left bud by itself. Is that true?

 

[Ceeluh7]

Yep, the wheel of sound is included in every set I have used. You will probably not get anything different from them any time soon. Did you happen to check out the review @Ceeluh7 posted on the Fokus a couple pages back? I don't think you can get a more accurate assessment on them. In terms of loudness factor, the Fokus win this category and will break your ear drums if you are not careful, although I think the EXs go plenty high themselves (beyond safe levels). The EXs are quite similar to the EQ in terms of SQ and tuning, but with a bit more capabilities in both volume and probably low end. I have not listened to them long enough yet but the similarities are there. They are more comfortable and secure than the EQs in my opinion. That's all I can really provide at this point, need to listen to them more.

Hey man, thank you for sharing that... Means alot. Really.

 

[BooleanBones]

Some cases for comparison if anyone needs it

Left to right, top to bottom

Fokus, E10, APP, XM4, TW-E5B, N400, AZ-60, T5 Ii ANC. Shout if you need something additional.

 

[Law87]

Yep, the wheel of sound is included in every set I have used. You will probably not get anything different from them any time soon. Did you happen to check out the review @Ceeluh7 posted on the Fokus a couple pages back? I don't think you can get a more accurate assessment on them. In terms of loudness factor, the Fokus win this category and will break your ear drums if you are not careful, although I think the EXs go plenty high themselves (beyond safe levels). The EXs are quite similar to the EQ in terms of SQ and tuning, but with a bit more capabilities in both volume and probably low end. I have not listened to them long enough yet but the similarities are there. They are more comfortable and secure than the EQs in my opinion. That's all I can really provide at this point, need to listen to them more.

I honestly dont think they sound the same...Ex sound a lot more laid back...my tuning is alot closer to the bright tuning capability...Mid are a little more recessed

 

[jant71]

Some cases for comparison if anyone needs it

Left to right, top to bottom

Fokus, EX 10, APP, XM4, TW-E5B, AZ-69, T5 Ii ANC. Shout if you need something additional.

AZ-69?? You didn't tell us they put out a new model! What tips are you using on the TW-E5B. I am using, currently, Philips tips. From the 35XX I think(so long ago to remember).

 

[Law87]

Victor HA-FW1000t and AKG N400, if sound is your thing out of most. Controls on the Victor is a breeze and the ANC and related features are awesome. Controls on the N400 is a bit quirky but the price is unbeatable. N400 is neutral-tuned but the deficiencies of the bluetooth sound are still there, just like every other options you have mentioned; on the other hand the Victor is the only TWS set that makes me not missing my DAP/IEM or CIEM combo at all.

how did you even find this, youtube has all reviews in Japanese.

 

[BooleanBones]

AZ-69?? You didn't tell us they put out a new model! What tips are you using on the TW-E5B. I am using, currently, Philips tips. From the 35XX I think(so long ago to remember).

Sadly, I have only used them with stock. The IEs sucked up my time. Might do that tonight Stupid phone types whatever it feels like.

 

[jant71]

Sadly, I have only used them with stock. The IEs sucked up my time. Might do that tonight Stupid phone types whatever it feels like.

Need some burn in as well. The more delicate things start to show more but no big change in the sig. I think they have settled out nicely. Tips are more important though.