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

[SussyTofu420]

Have tws iems gotten close to wired ones yet? or is Bluetooth still holding them back

For what it's worth, I prefer my Aviot over the Moondrop Blessing 2: Dusk, it's not even close. Better comfort and ANC take things even further.

The only over-ear wireless headphones I've heard are Sennheiser Momentum 2, Sony WH-1000XM3 and B&W PX8. They're all complete garbage.

I really don't see myself using wired gear anymore unless I'm at my desk. No clunky Bluetooth adapters like the Qudelix 5k either.

 

[highlightshadow]

Anything crazy enough to buy this?

https://store.xmems.com/products/harding-2-way-tws-reference-design-ref-xsc-2100-ha

Wow, $1k!
However amazing they are -- i think the electronics side of this still imposes that mental cap on how much you'd want to spend on something that will become obsolete/worn out --- At least wired IEM's have that non-dependency

I did see one set of TWS on linsoul that had an MMCX connector on them as well as being wireless -- thought that was a clever idea but does mean that there's more space pressure inside to have both a TWS and passive crossover setup i guess

 

[Quaz1]

A little birdy told me the Noble Fokus Triumphs are in stock now in select places

https://www.jaben.com/products/noble-fokus-triumph

 

[cresny]

Anything crazy enough to buy this?

https://store.xmems.com/products/harding-2-way-tws-reference-design-ref-xsc-2100-ha

This must be old stuff.

 

[Tommy C]

I also find I have to charge the case alot more often. But the buds themselves do last longer than the Elite 10.

I’m noticing the same and it bothers me to the point I’m not sure if something is wrong.
I got them fully charged, used them in the office for a couple of hours at the most and at the end of the day the case is at 82%… makes no sense.
My return window is closing next week. I’m leaning towards keeping them just because the price was right but I’m not in love. Never even had the honeymoon period.
The other option is to downgrade to the XM4 but the bud size concerns me and the issue with the battery drainage too.

 

[Pastapipo]

Just ordered the JBL live buds 3. Let's see what they've got to offer besides a pretty face.

 

[uraklechko]

Connectivity is great! Very stable with both my iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Creative BT-W5...

I also have no troubles with MTW4 paired to my iPhone 12. Sound is amazing with no doubt

 

[erockg]

The Sony sound is better than I remembered from the two previous XM5's I owned. Some tweaks bring out the best in them.

My one negative as I land in NY is the the Bose anc on the ultras beat the Sony. Sad but true. Unless I’m doing something wrong. Seal is great.

 

[stacey]

Wow, $1k!
However amazing they are -- i think the electronics side of this still imposes that mental cap on how much you'd want to spend on something that will become obsolete/worn out --- At least wired IEM's have that non-dependency

I did see one set of TWS on linsoul that had an MMCX connector on them as well as being wireless -- thought that was a clever idea but does mean that there's more space pressure inside to have both a TWS and passive crossover setup i guess

This must be old stuff.

It’s a ODM development kit. Just like a development PS5 you pay more for features that are relevant for development and not necessarily regular consumer use.

 

[Tommy C]

My one negative as I land in NY is the the Bose anc on the ultras beat the Sony. Sad but true. Unless I’m doing something wrong. Seal is great.

I never tried the Quietcomfort II or Ultra but i believe the ANC is indeed better than Sony. It just has this thing is quiet when you turn it on. On the flip side it has this thing where it’s almost too strong and has a vacuum-feeling when turned on.

How’s the batter life of the XM5? especially the case. I find mine to drain faster than a gas guzzler SUV in heavy traffic.

 

[dweaver]

I tried both the Live Pro 2 (Flex 3) and Live Free 2 (Bud 3) and while I preferred the battery life of the Pro model I preferred the fit and design of the free model.

Outside of these areas the biggest difference was the 10mm driver ( Free 2) versus the 12mm driver (Pro 2). I have to assume since the new models share the same specs they are likely the same drivers just with changes to the other electronics. If thos hold true the 10mm driver was much more balanced to the point of not quite having the right bass temp for me (if I remember correctly I found the EQ could not fully bring it to where I liked without becoming to processed). The 12mm on the other hand was just right. I will be curious how people hear the new models in thos regard.

I also am very interested in LDAC vs AAC sound quality. It will be interesting if AAC accounted for the slightly pedestrian sound quality and detail or if it's more on the driver and tuning which no codec can fix...

 

[erockg]

I never tried the Quietcomfort II or Ultra but i believe the ANC is indeed better than Sony. It just has this thing is quiet when you turn it on. On the flip side it has this thing where it’s almost too strong and has a vacuum-feeling when turned on.

How’s the batter life of the XM5? especially the case. I find mine to drain faster than a gas guzzler SUV in heavy traffic.

It’s okay, the battery. Not stellar, but good enough for me. I don’t really listen to buds until they drain. I rotate. Sono headphones, Bose, Sony and the Aviots were rotated on the flight. I have to say, the Aviots did better than expected. Very very tempted to hit Audio46 while in town. Could be a blessing or a curse.

 

[dweaver]

The XM5 case definitely drains way to fast. I suspect the quick charge is to blame.

 

[erockg]

The XM5 case definitely drains way to fast. I suspect the quick charge is to blame.

Ah, missed that, thought he meant buds. I’m still on LA time. My XM5 case does drain. But the pros out weigh the cons. Thankfully, I bring way too many battery packs for charging when travelling.

 

[Not so fat head]

It’s okay, the battery. Not stellar, but good enough for me. I don’t really listen to buds until they drain. I rotate. Sono headphones, Bose, Sony and the Aviots were rotated on the flight. I have to say, the Aviots did better than expected. Very very tempted to hit Audio46 while in town. Could be a blessing or a curse.

Oooh, audio Meca…..