Panasonic RZ-S500W vs. Sony WF-1000XM3
First Impressions (50+ years old ears): used iPhone XS with Xelastec M tips (both S500 and XM3).
• S500s have clear vocals with good bass- smooth sounding with no fatigue. Enough sparkle.
• Wider and deeper sound stage than XM3- better instrument separation.
• Less bass slam than the XM3. However, the music from XM3 feels closed in and bloated in comparison. XM3 vocals suffer in comparison.
• Using the Bass Enhancer in app brings bass closer to XM3 levels (but not quite all the way) without affecting the rest of the spectrum.
• When changing from Noise Canceling to Ambient Sound to Off there is no perceptible change in the music- not the case with the XM3s (slight differences).
• Both protrude however the S500s are more comfortable and didn't require much adjustment on a exercise walk once I figured out their proper placement in my ears.
• Knowing the S500s have an IPX4 rating is reassuring for using them when working out. No IPX rating for Sony's.
• All of S500 functions can be accessed from the touch sensors where you are required to choose which functions can be accessed from the touch sensors of the XM3s (Ambient Sound Modes vs Play/Pause/Skip vs. Volume Control- limited to two of them).
• No auto-pause when removing the S500s.
• S500 case much small than XM3 case. Sony’s snap right in while you have to play with S500s to get them to sit properly.
Noise canceling:
• Vacuum running- equally effective
• XM3 more susceptible to wind noise when walking- so much so, I prefer having Noise Canceling/Ambient Sound off while walking. Not the case with the S500s- some wind noise but acceptable.
• Lawn mower- S500 does a terrific job blocking out most of the lower frequency sound of the mower leaving some higher frequencies. Did not have to raise the volume of the music at all. Very pleasant experience!
So far- I actually like listening to music with the S500s vs. XM3s where the music is acceptable. Mind you the differences are not huge but I prefer the S500 overall for my needs.