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

[Gilroypro]

The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro Wi-Fi ain't gonna impress most audiophiles. But for a critical listening experience, no other TWS currently match it

 

[Knightsfan11]

Yep, They have the Audeze stuff, Philips put out the solar charging headband in a model, they could have swapp-able pads like velour style etc. They have the ANC down and seem to have the controls dialed in. Let's get a nice sound advance or some feature not just software/firmware based. Some better physical stuff in there like drivers, battery and chips. BT6.0 stuff is dropping and they have BT5.3 with 40 hours of battery no ANC in the middle of 2025. We don't need a refresh. They want that so they can boost sales up again and at the full price. Doesn't do that much for us.

Had they implemented the wifi technology, I'd give them a pass. But no, they are taking the piss. If anything, they've fixed the hinge issue, which let's be honest, that's something that should have been designed the first time correctly. I wouldn't put it past Sony knowing the hinges would be flimsy, thinking the next version would be an "upgrade".

Problem is, people will continue buying the product, so it's a never ending cycle of crap.

 

[FYLegend]

I picked up the Liberty 5 recently but have noticed 1 major issue - they don't remember LDAC on my Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. It's really odd because even going into Bluetooth settings shows that LDAC is enabled, but checking Developer options confirms AAC is being used (I can hear the difference too as on the S23U, AAC is pretty distorted on most devices). As for sound, these are quite bassy with thick sub-bass impact and a muted midbass. It is fairly versatile though with decently wide soundstage. The ANC is great for reducing voices, but not so much other sounds and otherwise performs similarly to other ANCs at the same price point. It may well be an issue with the S23U but I am considering returning them.

 

[Tommy C]

Bose Quietcomfort 2024 TWS are available to me locally where I can use reward points + $30. Worth a try or pass?
Currently using the AirPods 4 ANC as a daily driver and they are superb for phone calls and meetings, ANC is OK but not superb which is to be expected.
Something dedicated for situations when I really need ANC will be nice but not a must.

 

[ZMan2k2]

I, personally, like the Bose QCU sound signature. The 3-band EQ is pretty versatile for what it is. But to be honest, you don’t buy Bose for SQ, it’s for the ANC, which is otherworldly. Not really sure how they do it, just really happy that the can.

 

[erockg]

Bose Quietcomfort 2024 TWS are available to me locally where I can use reward points + $30. Worth a try or pass?
Currently using the AirPods 4 ANC as a daily driver and they are superb for phone calls and meetings, ANC is OK but not superb which is to be expected.
Something dedicated for situations when I really need ANC will be nice but not a must.

If you're talking about the last release, the plain QC buds... I had a ton of disconnect issues. They'd randomly disconnect in my ear or wouldn't seat properly in the case to disconnect. I think many folks had this issue. See Reddit. But I really did like the sound signature over the QCU. But the ANC on the QCU is better. I've been thinking about repurchasing for the office since a woman near me can't seem to talk at a normal level. It's the buds or a bucket of water. Thoughts?

 

[Tommy C]

If you're talking about the last release, the plain QC buds... I had a ton of disconnect issues. They'd randomly disconnect in my ear or wouldn't seat properly in the case to disconnect. I think many folks had this issue. See Reddit. But I really did like the sound signature over the QCU. But the ANC on the QCU is better. I've been thinking about repurchasing for the office since a woman near me can't seem to talk at a normal level. It's the buds or a bucket of water. Thoughts?

Yeah, the Quietcomfort buds.
Someone I know has them and no issues whatsoever so I was intrigued for the current offering I have got, although kind of lukewarm now after you mentioned the QC Ultra’s ANC is superior

 

[erockg]

Yeah, the Quietcomfort buds.
Someone I know has them and no issues whatsoever so I was intrigued for the current offering I have got, although kind of lukewarm now after you mentioned the QC Ultra’s ANC is superior

Definitely superior, but not by a huge margin. I really liked them. Tried them twice and both buds had issues. Maybe they fixed issues with a fw update. I'd be curious.

 

[Nick24JJ]

Now I'm afraid to buy a Xiaomi 15 Ultra smartphone, for the sake only of using Xpan technology, and most likely I won't do it. And continue to use only aptx lossless with another smartphone for now. I came to the store to buy this smartphone and right in the store, this connection started working intermittently. The music was interrupted, maybe there was a lot of interference from other smartphones or other equipment in the store, but it all confused me and I decided to wait for now. At the same time, I sold absolutely all the other my tws headphones that I had, and I only listen to these. Via Harman Master sound effect. During the month of use, there were no other problems. At first, they were only unevenly dischargering relative to each other, but then it leveled off.

I had the same issue with my Xiaomi 15 Ultra and my Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro Translucent Black (Wi-Fi). You can see my posts, starting from here.

Currently, they are back at Xiaomi UK Service for inspection and, hopefully, a replacement.

 

[Not so fat head]

Had a problem with my Jabra elite 7 pros in that they would just make this jingle type tune, and that’s it.. Followed some Jabra online advice and reset them, now back good as new.. Easy to follow. Jabra will be missed

 

[helmutcheese]

Looks like an user (IBK) error just like those pesky Samsung AKG N5 Hybrid's I had at launch.

 

[absolutnie]

Playing with galaxy buds 3 pro. Overall quite impressed but... voice quality coming out on the other end is absolutely rubbish. Maybe it's my unit, maybe it's Maybelline... no comparison to review videos whatsoever. Going back

 

[howdy]

I've had my QC Ultras since launch and only had 1 issue with connection. Im using a samsung s24 ultra but also had a note 20 before that. I heard most people with connection issues have Apples. I used them for 5 hours today doing yard work with no issues.

 

[helmutcheese]

He was referring to the Quietcomfort buds (2024 Gen 2), they were plagued with issues and AFAIK (by their website) they are still on the initial Firmware but that could be outdated info but I cannot see in App as no longer own then just the equality buggy QCII.

 

[howdy]

He was referring to the Quietcomfort buds (2024 Gen 2), they were plagued with issues and AFAIK (by their website) they are still no the initial Firmware but that could be outdated info but I cannot see in App as no longer own then just the equality buggy QCII.

Oh, those buds. Yeah I never had intrest in those so never picked them up.