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

[mikaik]

hello head-fi users!! just registered to this forum so i can ask this, i've been searching for answers and reviews for weeks and i still can't decide on which earbud to get next. hope i'm not posting this on the wrong section & hopefully someone can help me finally, because i realized this forum is full of actually knowledgeable people that loves to help.

so basically my phone is Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

i've been using the original Galaxy Buds Pro's since 2021, but i feel like it's time to upgrade now even though they're still working well.

this time i want to pay more. sound quality & sound stage is definitely my number one priority.

but i can't decide between three models:

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

technics etc. are not available in my country, so i only have the three models i listed to choose from.

i'm guessing that Sony and Sennheiser would definitely have better sound than Buds3 Pro right? but even if that's the case, i can't decide between the Sennheiser and Sony.

for example it looks like people on internet mostly seems to suggest Sennheiser for the sound quality, but then I check this forum and see terrible comments about it.

an another thing that makes everything more confusing for me is that my phone supports Sony's HQ codec (LDAC) - but it doesn't support Sennheiser's HQ codex (aptX Adaptive/Lossless). it only supports aptX standard. would Sennheiser still be the better choice for me in this situation?

and an another thing that confuses me alot: the driver sizes and specs. Galaxy Buds3 Pro have a 10mm dynamic driver, and a 6.1mm Magnetic Planar tweeter withdual amplifiers and a two-way speaker setup. in comparison, both Sony and Sennheiser only have one single driver, 8.4mm for Sony and 7mm for Sennheiser. in this situation, Buds3 Pro sounds superior compared to Sony and Sennheiser. but how does the Sony and Sennheiser produce better sound then? i never get this, does this mean Samsung is better for me in this situation?

i know this was a lengthy post, but everything is getting even more confusing for me if i keep researching so i just wanted to ask people who know better than me.... i would be soooo happy if y'all can help me thank you so much!!

TLDR: if sound quality & sound stage is my #1 priority, which earbud should I get, to use with a Samsung phone: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

Welcome!
You are in the right place
That's a tough question and there is not more than one answer to it. In short, you cannot go wrong with either of those. Sony and Samsung are very reliable. I'm new to the Sennheiser camp so I won't speak for them, even though I have some ancient BT headphones from them, that still work (does anyone remember MM450X on ear).
Sound wise, Samsung is the weakest of the bunch - when ANC is on (for me). Comfort wise - Sony is the worst for me (though the xm5 is better than my xm4, apparently).

For simplicity and features, I'd choose Samsung. There is no other way to put it, they work great with the Samsung phone. Will you keep your Samsung phone for longer? Get the GB3P. There are a lot of advantages, like using the buds microphones when recording video. Very cool. Also the surround can be interesting in some occasions. For only one pair, I'd get the Samsung ones.

The sound is not given only by the BT codec or the number of drivers, it's a lot more complicated. IEMs with higher number of drivers are not automatically superior to single dynamic driver ones, the same holds true for TWS. Also, what sounds superior to me, might sound horrible for you. The Apple airpods run AAC or SBC, but the rest of the world still has problems catching up with them.

Bear in mind that Sony also has the Linkbuds S and there are things like Nothing ear, if they are accessible to you.

I know it's not the answer you were hoping for, but it shows how dependent on your preferences this whole hobby is. The best thing to do, would be to try them (buy and send back if you are not sure - if you have the possibility).
I'm also curious what the others will say.

 

[PixelSquish]

A lot of people are going to recommend the Qudelix 5K, but I personally didn't like it. I'm still waiting for something better. There's also iFi Go Blu, but that had battery issues in the past, not sure if they started using a better battery. Also Fiio has few different models.

You also have the FiiO BTR15

 

[Knightsfan11]

The newer AZLA SednaEarfit MAX TWS 6 are much less boomy
They're my goto right now --- the normal Crystals for TWS are definitely more bass focused

Which size tips? I'd be a large, so would be good to know if they fit in the case.

 

[voicemaster]

hello head-fi users!! just registered to this forum so i can ask this, i've been searching for answers and reviews for weeks and i still can't decide on which earbud to get next. hope i'm not posting this on the wrong section & hopefully someone can help me finally, because i realized this forum is full of actually knowledgeable people that loves to help.

so basically my phone is Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

i've been using the original Galaxy Buds Pro's since 2021, but i feel like it's time to upgrade now even though they're still working well.

this time i want to pay more. sound quality & sound stage is definitely my number one priority.

but i can't decide between three models:

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

technics etc. are not available in my country, so i only have the three models i listed to choose from.

i'm guessing that Sony and Sennheiser would definitely have better sound than Buds3 Pro right? but even if that's the case, i can't decide between the Sennheiser and Sony.

for example it looks like people on internet mostly seems to suggest Sennheiser for the sound quality, but then I check this forum and see terrible comments about it.

an another thing that makes everything more confusing for me is that my phone supports Sony's HQ codec (LDAC) - but it doesn't support Sennheiser's HQ codex (aptX Adaptive/Lossless). it only supports aptX standard. would Sennheiser still be the better choice for me in this situation?

and an another thing that confuses me alot: the driver sizes and specs. Galaxy Buds3 Pro have a 10mm dynamic driver, and a 6.1mm Magnetic Planar tweeter withdual amplifiers and a two-way speaker setup. in comparison, both Sony and Sennheiser only have one single driver, 8.4mm for Sony and 7mm for Sennheiser. in this situation, Buds3 Pro sounds superior compared to Sony and Sennheiser. but how does the Sony and Sennheiser produce better sound then? i never get this, does this mean Samsung is better for me in this situation?

i know this was a lengthy post, but everything is getting even more confusing for me if i keep researching so i just wanted to ask people who know better than me.... i would be soooo happy if y'all can help me thank you so much!!

TLDR: if sound quality & sound stage is my #1 priority, which earbud should I get, to use with a Samsung phone: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

Galaxy buds 3 pro.

 

[HeadphoneAddict00]

Galaxy buds 3 pro.

No, no no no. Buds 3 pro recalled for being bad quality and breaking, they didn't even refund everyone, it never seals properly, the case blocks the pairing button, the tips break and have no 3rd party or samsung replacements, and it sounds compressed.

Sennheiser is better, buds 2 pro are better than buds 3 pro even.

Can't believe the company issues a public apology for how bad their product is and people out here are actually recommending it, SMH

 

[cr3ativ3]

Yup. With EQ I have to turn the volume up to get back to how loud they can get without.

mine coming tomorrow .. i also have an iphone.. lets see

 

[highlightshadow]

Which size tips? I'd be a large, so would be good to know if they fit in the case.

I'm an SS on ears.

 

[erockg]

mine coming tomorrow .. i also have an iphone.. lets see

Call work great with them. Zoom too today.

 

[dweaver]

hello head-fi users!! just registered to this forum so i can ask this, i've been searching for answers and reviews for weeks and i still can't decide on which earbud to get next. hope i'm not posting this on the wrong section & hopefully someone can help me finally, because i realized this forum is full of actually knowledgeable people that loves to help.

so basically my phone is Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

i've been using the original Galaxy Buds Pro's since 2021, but i feel like it's time to upgrade now even though they're still working well.

this time i want to pay more. sound quality & sound stage is definitely my number one priority.

but i can't decide between three models:

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

technics etc. are not available in my country, so i only have the three models i listed to choose from.

i'm guessing that Sony and Sennheiser would definitely have better sound than Buds3 Pro right? but even if that's the case, i can't decide between the Sennheiser and Sony.

for example it looks like people on internet mostly seems to suggest Sennheiser for the sound quality, but then I check this forum and see terrible comments about it.

an another thing that makes everything more confusing for me is that my phone supports Sony's HQ codec (LDAC) - but it doesn't support Sennheiser's HQ codex (aptX Adaptive/Lossless). it only supports aptX standard. would Sennheiser still be the better choice for me in this situation?

and an another thing that confuses me alot: the driver sizes and specs. Galaxy Buds3 Pro have a 10mm dynamic driver, and a 6.1mm Magnetic Planar tweeter withdual amplifiers and a two-way speaker setup. in comparison, both Sony and Sennheiser only have one single driver, 8.4mm for Sony and 7mm for Sennheiser. in this situation, Buds3 Pro sounds superior compared to Sony and Sennheiser. but how does the Sony and Sennheiser produce better sound then? i never get this, does this mean Samsung is better for me in this situation?

i know this was a lengthy post, but everything is getting even more confusing for me if i keep researching so i just wanted to ask people who know better than me.... i would be soooo happy if y'all can help me thank you so much!!

TLDR: if sound quality & sound stage is my #1 priority, which earbud should I get, to use with a Samsung phone: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

I own the XM5 and GB3P and also own the older MTW3.

Out of those 3 I easily recommend GB3P. The XM5 will sound quite a bit warmer and less detailed than your old GB2P. The MTW also sound very good but you will never be able to take full advantage of its codecs.

The GB3P is a more detailed GBP TWS and thats even before you get to using UHD once your S23 Ultra has the latest FW.

Samsung did have some initial TWS difficulties and the phone firmware update to use UHD is a pain. But in the end it's still the best option for S23 which is what I also am using.

I know Samsung dropped the ball out of the gate but it's still a great TWS and Sennheiser has its own challenges with MTW3/4 in regards to developing issues after user for a month or 2. Sony similarly seems to always end up with lots of battery issues.

 

[Not so fat head]

Check this out. A portable CD player with a BT transmitter, this might get be fun for us old Time CD collectors
https://www.geekwills.com/fiio-dm13-cd-player.html

 

[voicemaster]

No, no no no. Buds 3 pro recalled for being bad quality and breaking, they didn't even refund everyone, it never seals properly, the case blocks the pairing button, the tips break and have no 3rd party or samsung replacements, and it sounds compressed.

Sennheiser is better, buds 2 pro are better than buds 3 pro even.

Can't believe the company issues a public apology for how bad their product is and people out here are actually recommending it, SMH

Sorry. Had the buds 3 pro over 2 months already and no issues so far. Seal issue is a personal issue. The case blocks the pairing button? What kinda BS is this? The tips break and no 3rd party replacement? Literally there was someone posted a link to the replacement tips on this thread. Sounds compressed? Have you tried it yet?
There was an issue with some early batches of the GB3P and no one is denying it, but from this forum and reddit, I have rarely seen this problem anymore. Some complains are mostly fit issue.

 

[Ghisy]

Do the XM5 still have battery problems after all the updates? Still thinking about them for my live shows need. Although I might get the AZ80 instead. I need to try them both in stores.

I also found out Sennheiser has some new ear plugs, but I'm not sure about the double-flange thing. My ears didn't like this before when I tried them with IEMs.

 

[TK33]

I own the XM5 and GB3P and also own the older MTW3.

Out of those 3 I easily recommend GB3P. The XM5 will sound quite a bit warmer and less detailed than your old GB2P. The MTW also sound very good but you will never be able to take full advantage of its codecs.

The GB3P is a more detailed GBP TWS and thats even before you get to using UHD once your S23 Ultra has the latest FW.

Samsung did have some initial TWS difficulties and the phone firmware update to use UHD is a pain. But in the end it's still the best option for S23 which is what I also am using.

I know Samsung dropped the ball out of the gate but it's still a great TWS and Sennheiser has its own challenges with MTW3/4 in regards to developing issues after user for a month or 2. Sony similarly seems to always end up with lots of battery issues.

Sorry. Had the buds 3 pro over 2 months already and no issues so far. Seal issue is a personal issue. The case blocks the pairing button? What kinda BS is this? The tips break and no 3rd party replacement? Literally there was someone posted a link to the replacement tips on this thread. Sounds compressed? Have you tried it yet?
There was an issue with some early batches of the GB3P and no one is denying it, but from this forum and reddit, I have rarely seen this problem anymore. Some complains are mostly fit issue.

@melodrama

Agree with the above. No issues with my Buds3 Pro and I have swapped tips a number of times. Still waiting for Azla to release the GB3Pro tips (should have asked in-laws to pick it up while in Korea). Sound is a step up for me from the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, which I still have but use only with an old Samsung tablet for watching TV/streaming media since I never liked the GB2Pro sound for music. GB3Pro is also mostly used with a tablet for watching videos but also my go to for phone calls (i spend a few hours a day on calls). Switching is seamless with between my Samsung Galaxy Fold5 phone and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra tablet. If you are in the Samsung ecosystem like I am, I would highly recommend the GB3Pro as a super convenient and all-rounder option.

I also have the MTW3 (skipped the MTW4 due to all the issues I have had with the MTW3). It took me a while but I finally got my replacement MTW3 EQd the way I like it but I rarely use them since I picked up the Technics AZ80s and the B&W PI8s. Note, I use a Sony Xperia 1 V for music so I dont have the issues where I cannot take full advantage of the codecs when paired with a Samsung source. I also had battery issues with my Sony Linkbuds, which stopped holding a charge after only 13 months (1 month out of warranty). In other words, they all could have issues so make sure you buy from somewhere with a return policy or an authorized dealer so you can make a warranty claim. Also, sound and fit is personal to you so, while everyone is trying to be helpful, take it all with a grain of salt. What works for me (or anyone else here) may not work for you.

Edited to address OP.

 

[productred]

@melodrama

Agree with the above. No issues with my Buds3 Pro and I have swapped tips a number of times. Still waiting for Azla to release the GB3Pro tips (should have asked in-laws to pick it up while in Korea). Sound is a step up for me from the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, which I still have but use only with an old Samsung tablet for watching TV/streaming media since I never liked the GB2Pro sound for music. GB3Pro is also mostly used with a tablet for watching videos but also my go to for phone calls (i spend a few hours a day on calls). Switching is seamless with between my Samsung Galaxy Fold5 phone and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra tablet. If you are in the Samsung ecosystem like I am, I would highly recommend the GB3Pro as a super convenient and all-rounder option.

I also have the MTW3 (skipped the MTW4 due to all the issues I have had with the MTW3). It took me a while but I finally got my replacement MTW3 EQd the way I like it but I rarely use them since I picked up the Technics AZ80s and the B&W PI8s. Note, I use a Sony Xperia 1 V for music so I dont have the issues where I cannot take full advantage of the codecs when paired with a Samsung source. I also had battery issues with my Sony Linkbuds, which stopped holding a charge after only 13 months (1 month out of warranty). In other words, they all could have issues so make sure you buy from somewhere with a return policy or an authorized dealer so you can make a warranty claim. Also, sound and fit is personal to you so, while everyone is trying to be helpful, take it all with a grain of salt. What works for me (or anyone else here) may not work for you.

Edited to address OP.

Offtrack from the GB3P a bit.............How would you compare those 2 in your collection, AZ80 and Pi8, mostly in terms of SQ but also on other aspects you'd care to share? Thx

 

[Ghisy]

Do the XM5 still have battery problems after all the updates? Still thinking about them for my live shows need. Although I might get the AZ80 instead. I need to try them both in stores.

I also found out Sennheiser has some new ear plugs, but I'm not sure about the double-flange thing. My ears didn't like this before when I tried them with IEMs.

I'm currently trying both. I'm having a hard time telling the difference on LDAC. ANC at 100% seems to be on par and it seems like my ears are OK with it.

The Sonys are louder though. I don't know if this is a deciding factor.