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

[FullCircle]

Just think it's funny because if there's anything I don't want Bose to do with my earbuds, it's tuning them.
Anything that's more tech-related I would be very thrilled if they had a hand in (ANC etc)... But tuning? Nah.

Actually I'd prefer if Bose were the ones who partnered up with someone else who could tune their earbuds.

 

[helmutcheese]

SOUNDPEATS Air5 Pro​

Already for sale in Japan (AFAIK launch is May/June), current price with discount come to about £42 but now way we get that price in the West and SOUNDPEATS battery life is going down each new earbuds it seems.


https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0DWDWL25T?th=1

 

[clerkpalmer]

Just think it's funny because if there's anything I don't want Bose to do with my earbuds, it's tuning them.
Anything that's more tech-related I would be very thrilled if they had a hand in (ANC etc)... But tuning? Nah.

Actually I'd prefer if Bose were the ones who partnered up with someone else who could tune their earbuds.

Bose are pretty good for what they are going for. For example, for the gym or a run or something Bose nail the tuning. But why buy headphones from someone else tuned by Bose. Kinda weird.

 

[Not so fat head]

Just think it's funny because if there's anything I don't want Bose to do with my earbuds, it's tuning them.
Anything that's more tech-related I would be very thrilled if they had a hand in (ANC etc)... But tuning? Nah.

Actually I'd prefer if Bose were the ones who partnered up with someone else who could tune their earbuds.

Idk Bose sells more headphones in a week, than the boutique vendors all year!
Someone’s buying them..

 

[helmutcheese]

Does not mean that have the best or even good SQ, people buy Apple products as they do not know any better or follow others (sheep).

Bose improved their SQ on the Ultra earbuds so I hear (I had the QCII and skipped the Ultras after that mess) and I tried the newer QC 2024 model and they did sound better to me but the issue where they powered off if you put your head back was the killer for me even though they added better battery and FULL controls.

They are the ANC kings but I have others that are nearly as good possibly equal esp. as I can get a good passive seal with some of those but not since Bose went with that new crap Wing+Flange Tip (even the Extra Fit Kit) over the older 1 piece Comfort Fit Tip/Wing.

 

[erockg]

Bose are pretty good for what they are going for. For example, for the gym or a run or something Bose nail the tuning. But why buy headphones from someone else tuned by Bose. Kinda weird.

The great thing is the only reason I posted the link was because you mentioned there's nothing new out there. I would never buy them!

It pleases me that I could get the juices flowing on here. My job is done.

 

[Pastapipo]

Anyone any experience with the Xiaomi buds 5 pro? Packs quite the hardware, wonder if its any good.

 

[subguy812]

I tested the Rex5, AZ100, Pi8, Gemini 2, Rex5 won hand's down.

Yep sound wise they are good. Shame there are more complete packages out there for less cash. Aside from the horrible app, no sweat or water resistance, being very tip dependant and lukewarm ANC. They check the sound box for 450.00.

 

[galaxygrrl]

Yep sound wise they are good. Shame there are more complete packages out there for less cash. Aside from the horrible app, no sweat or water resistance, being very tip dependant and lukewarm ANC. They check the sound box for 450.00.

I think it's a trade off. After testing several headphone models—including the Gemini2, AZ100, Rex5, Pi8, and Beoplay Eleven—and previously owning XM5, in terms of audio quality, the Rex5 clearly stands out above the rest. While it may not offer the most comprehensive package compared to some other models, the sound quality is unmatched.

When evaluating Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the Rex5 falls short compared to the Sony, Beoplay, and AZ100. However, it performs comparably to models like the Pi8. Regarding the accompanying apps, AZ100 and Beoplay Eleven provided excellent user experiences, while Sony's app is solid, and Pi8's app experience was notably poor. I've found the Rex5 app effectively meets my needs, and this aligns with other user reviews I've encountered.

Choosing suitable tips can easily resolve the Rex5's dependency on the right ear tips, so I believe it's unfair to significantly penalize it on that front. I tried a bunch of tips, and the AZIA Origins worked best. I tried 4 or 5 sets

However, the limited water resistance of the Rex5 is a critical consideration. My solution was to use two sets of wireless earbuds. The Rex5 remains my go-to choice for daily listening due to its superior sound quality. For workouts and outdoor activities, especially in wet conditions, I've opted for the Beoplay Eleven, which offers the best balance of overall features and sound performance among the tested models. Since the Beoplay's are expensive, I think the AZ100's are the best bang for the buck of the group. It's a complete package at the lowest price point.

The return policies are so good at this point that the Rex5 is worth trying. Given what people said, I bought them just to try them, thinking I would not keep them. Best laid plans of mice and men.

 

[subguy812]

I think it's a trade off. After testing several headphone models—including the Gemini2, AZ100, Rex5, Pi8, and Beoplay Eleven—and previously owning XM5, in terms of audio quality, the Rex5 clearly stands out above the rest. While it may not offer the most comprehensive package compared to some other models, the sound quality is unmatched.

When evaluating Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the Rex5 falls short compared to the Sony, Beoplay, and AZ100. However, it performs comparably to models like the Pi8. Regarding the accompanying apps, AZ100 and Beoplay Eleven provided excellent user experiences, while Sony's app is solid, and Pi8's app experience was notably poor. I've found the Rex5 app effectively meets my needs, and this aligns with other user reviews I've encountered.

Choosing suitable tips can easily resolve the Rex5's dependency on the right ear tips, so I believe it's unfair to significantly penalize it on that front. I tried a bunch of tips, and the AZIA Origins worked best. I tried 4 or 5 sets

However, the limited water resistance of the Rex5 is a critical consideration. My solution was to use two sets of wireless earbuds. The Rex5 remains my go-to choice for daily listening due to its superior sound quality. For workouts and outdoor activities, especially in wet conditions, I've opted for the Beoplay Eleven, which offers the best balance of overall features and sound performance among the tested models. Since the Beoplay's are expensive, I think the AZ100's are the best bang for the buck of the group. It's a complete package at the lowest price point.

The return policies are so good at this point that the Rex5 is worth trying. Given what people said, I bought them just to try them, thinking I would not keep them. Best laid plans of mice and men.

It really depends on your usage needs. I can’t argue with any of the points you’ve made about the true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds you’re discussing. To my ears, the Rex5 earbuds sound better than the others you listed. However, sound is very subjective.

If you’re looking for something wireless to wear around the house, the Rex5s are fine. That said, I have wireless headphones and a collection of wired options at home that sound better than the Rex5s. I could be off base, but TWS earbuds are meant to provide the convenience of portable listening in any environment.

If I could have found an ear tip that sealed well and didn't require constant adjustment, which ultimately affected my appreciation of the sound quality, I might have kept the Rex5s a little longer. However, I recently sold them. However, I can penalize them because they didn't work for me. It is not a penalty, just a fact that they never stayed in place, an issue that I don't have with the AZ100 and Origin or CP100+ and also an issue I don't have with the Pi8.

There were only two real issues I had with the app: it was very slow to recognize the Rex5 and the fact that they included an EQ that isn't designed for the REx5. The Pi8 app loads quicker, but it is a waste, there are no features.

Out of the list, I would agree the AZ100 is the most complete package. The B&O's have been a part of my collection forever, and I enjoy them immensely and can use them anywhere anytime.

 

[galaxygrrl]

If you’re looking for something wireless to wear around the house, the Rex5s are fine. That said, I have wireless headphones and a collection of wired options at home that sound better than the Rex5s. I could be off base, but TWS earbuds are meant to provide the convenience of portable listening in any environment.

It's more than home: office, Starbucks, walks, airplanes (ANC is good enough there), etc.

 

[Not so fat head]

Yep, companies have a choice, scale back the ANC to improve sound, or go Bose, Sony and Apple level. There is no free lunch, the real trick is finding the sweet spot between noise canceling and sound..
My AirPod 3rd gen (no ANC), to me, sound much better than my AirPod Pro’s.
But ya really miss the anc when sitting in a coffee shop . Sometimes unlistenable if busy, I carry in 3 pair just in case…

 

[Gilroypro]

OMG. The Definition and clarity out of using Aptx Adaptive 4 WiFi or XPAN on the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro Wifi is . 4.1mbps 24/96khz. Every other codec is currently dead to me

 

[subguy812]

It's more than home: office, Starbucks, walks, airplanes (ANC is good enough there), etc.

okay thanks

 

[galaxygrrl]

If I could have found an ear tip that sealed well and didn't require constant adjustment, which ultimately affected my appreciation of the sound quality, I might have kept the Rex5s a little longer. However, I recently sold them. However, I can penalize them because they didn't work for me. It is not a penalty, just a fact that they never stayed in place, an issue that I don't have with the AZ100 and Origin or CP100+ and also an issue I don't have with the Pi8.

There were only two real issues I had with the app: it was very slow to recognize the Rex5 and the fact that they included an EQ that isn't designed for the REx5. The Pi8 app loads quicker, but it is a waste, there are no features.

Out of the list, I would agree the AZ100 is the most complete package. The B&O's have been a part of my collection forever, and I enjoy them immensely and can use them anywhere anytime.

I found ear tips for Rex5. The AZLA Origins and Xelastec work well; the Origins sound better. Comparing them to the AZ 100s is a fair yet harsh comparison since they are the most comfortable earbuds I've ever worn.

I'm a little confused by your comment on the Audiodo personalization, which is not an equalizer. This is what Google Gemini said.

AudioDo in the Rex5 app is a sound personalization technology that creates a custom sound profile based on your unique hearing capabilities. It conducts a hearing assessment for each ear and optimizes the audio output accordingly, resulting in a perfectly balanced and personalized listening experience.​

​

Equalizers, on the other hand, adjust the balance of different frequency components within an audio signal. They are essential for tailoring the sound to your preferences or compensating for deficiencies in the audio source or listening environment. The Rex5 app features a 10-band equalizer that allows you to fine-tune the audio settings to your liking.​

​

Both AudioDo and equalizers are valuable tools for achieving optimal sound quality and a personalized listening experience with the Rex5 earbuds. While AudioDo focuses on tailoring the sound to your hearing, the equalizer provides further flexibility in shaping the audio to your specific preferences.​

Personally, I tried the Rex5 because AudioDo sounded cool. @FullCircle can let us know how the AudioDo works with the Rex5.