webvan
1000+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2009
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What HiFi magazine in the UK have given the Amazon Echo Buds a very unflattering review. 2 stars out of 5 and a "don't buy" recommendation. I was torn between these and the SSK around 11/11 so it looks like I made the right call with the SSKs...
https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/amazon-echo-buds
Can't say I've noticed any of the sound problems based on volume they point out. There is however the occasional "pop" when changing the volume I recently noticed which I think is attributable to the "Feedback ANC" they're using, i.e. the sound inside your ear changes so the ANC has to adapt. Same as when you're in the tube with overhead ANC cans and the door opens creating a pressure change that tricks the ANC mics on the outside. Not a huge deal for the Echo Buds but the APPs, XM3s or LTA+ don't have that.
I do object to that "comment in passing" the "They’re not quite as good as the more expensive Sony WF-1000XM3s, but there is a subtle improvement with the ANC turned on, compared to relying on the passive isolation from the earbuds." Yes as I've (and @rhsauer) written before the improvement is subtle but that's because the passive isolation of the Echo Buds is WAY better than it is on the XM3s (or APPs or LTA+). What matters is the end result, passive+ANR/ANC, and the Echo Buds are the best to my ears. RTings with their intricate measuring device agree too