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SONY'S MDR-XB70AP
INTRODUCTION
My Sony XBA-1's had just broken. I loved my XBA-1s for what they were (reasonably priced, solid performing pair of IEMs). Desperate to get something to replace them for my daily 1.5 hour commute, I picked up the MDR-XB70AP one day after work while doing a bit of "window" shopping. I was quite tired that day, and it hadn't occurred to me that something marketed as "extra bass" might not make the best high-fi purchase. However, my previous experience with the XBA-1's and the rigid aesthetics helped to swing my decision positively.
The usual disclaimers apply. I am neither an affiliate nor an employee of Sony. All photos are taken and owned by me.
SPECIFICATIONS
TYPE: 12mm Dome Type (Dynamic)
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 4 - 26,000 Hz (unrealistic)
MAXIMUM INPUT POWER: Not provided.
SENSITIVITY: 112 db/mW
IMPEDANCE: 16 ohms
WEIGHT: 9 grams
PRICE: ~80 USD
PACKAGING/ INCLUDED ITEMS
The packaging of the MDR-XB70AP doesn't do it too many favors (in retrospect). A plastic shell holds together a matte white box, which contains yet another clear plastic holder in which the earphones are stored. The large font proclaiming "Extra Bass" and the dichotomously small font announcing the model-number were signs that this probably wasn't going to be to be a high-fi earphone. That said, the 80 dollar price tag does put it at the slightly higher end of very basic, entry-level models. I suppose this is a price point dominated by high-end fashion earphones, low-end high-fi earphones, and entry-level specific earphones (A-Jays, etc.)
Included are 4 sets of tips, and a little carrying pouch. The pouch has the same "elastic" quality as a rollable metal ruler. Pushing the opposite ends together causes the metal band to "pop", thus opening the pouch. Overall a very neat mechanism, but definitely not one designed with very long-term durability in mind. In addition, the pouch is too small, and is better suited for storing coins than the large MDR-XB70AP.
BUILD/DESIGN QUALITY
Overall, the MDR XB-70AP continues the Sony tradition for strong build quality. Half of the earphone is aluminum, and the rest is plastic. While the plastic is strong and firmly attached, the concern here is how the MDR-XB70AP claims to have an aluminum "housing". I am not a sound engineer, so I cannot elaborate on the possible performance-based benefits of having the driver encased in plastic and the rest or the earphone in aluminum. However, from a purely consumer-based standpoint, the claim to have an aluminum housing is questionable, considering that two vital components (bass duct and driver) are actually housed in plastic. Having said that, the quality is still very good. A soft plastic stress relief indicates Sony's clear attention to detail.
The fit of the earphones is surprisingly good for something that measures over an inch long from bottom to top. With some tinkering, a good seal can be achieved. However, because Sony has made no attempt at making this negative profile, this pair of earphones is definitely not suited for anyone intending on being particularly active. In addition wind noise can become a problem, not only because of the large profile of the MDR-XB70AP, but because there are huge ports on this earphone! In total, there are 4 ports (2 small on driver housing, 2 big on the bass duct).
SOUND QUALITY
Overall sound quality is exactly as promised (not so balanced though). The bass quantity is pretty good for a pair of earbuds. There's simply a lot of it. In Animals by Martin Garrix, the XB70AP demonstrates its impressive ability to produce sub-bass. The long decay times can actually be felt, and the effect is quite enveloping. However, moving into mid and upper bass, the XB70AP demonstrates its lack of punch. It doesn't quite move fast enough to ensure that good clarity is kept throughout the general bass line. The weakness is especially evident when various types of bass come together. The sub-bass generally overwhelms the rest of the bass, and the XB70AP sometimes plows through songs with the stereotypical "dun-dun-dun". While this can be fun at times, it is annoying at others.
Trebles are okay. They offer a bit of sparkle, but this observation is biased in the sense that most anything will sparkle in light of XB70AP's bass. The clarity at the higher-end is good, and really helps to open up the otherwise narrow soundstage. However, the headphone's weakness comes to light with the mids. A deep V-parabola means that the mids are heavily recessed. Vocals sound like they are coming from another room in fact. In songs like Everytime You Go Away by Paul Young, the XB-70AP constantly tries to retreat into the lower notes. Increasing the volume only reveals a strong level of sibilance in the mids, and makes for a less-than-ideal balanced listening experience (but it is fun!)
It comes without saying that these earphones are not particularly clear in general. In The Mission by Ennio Morricone, there was so little clarity that the cellos, oboes, and violins sounded like one massive, muddled instrument producing rather disjointed sounds.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The MDR-XB70AP is not a high clarity, high-fi earphone. In comparison to its predecessor, the XB70AP has apparently sacrificed too much to achieve the "extra bass" (this is from impressions by other users). The tuning by Sony, which recesses mids and trebles in order to emphasize the base, was slightly heavy-handed. The large soundstage is rather awkward and hastily planned. The bass instruments feel like they are right next to you, the triangles a little further back, and the mids a mile away. Genres like classical, pop, and rock are definitely not good on these earphones. In addition, several physical design choices really accentuate the XB70AP's recessed mids. However, if you are looking for a pair of very fun earphones, this would be a good choice. Dedicated bassheads will also revel in the "epic" bass available. However, for regular users looking for a balanced sound, the 70 dollar price tag and deep-v signature may make the MDR-XB70AP off-putting.
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INTRODUCTION
My Sony XBA-1's had just broken. I loved my XBA-1s for what they were (reasonably priced, solid performing pair of IEMs). Desperate to get something to replace them for my daily 1.5 hour commute, I picked up the MDR-XB70AP one day after work while doing a bit of "window" shopping. I was quite tired that day, and it hadn't occurred to me that something marketed as "extra bass" might not make the best high-fi purchase. However, my previous experience with the XBA-1's and the rigid aesthetics helped to swing my decision positively.
The usual disclaimers apply. I am neither an affiliate nor an employee of Sony. All photos are taken and owned by me.
SPECIFICATIONS
TYPE: 12mm Dome Type (Dynamic)
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 4 - 26,000 Hz (unrealistic)
MAXIMUM INPUT POWER: Not provided.
SENSITIVITY: 112 db/mW
IMPEDANCE: 16 ohms
WEIGHT: 9 grams
PRICE: ~80 USD
PACKAGING/ INCLUDED ITEMS
The packaging of the MDR-XB70AP doesn't do it too many favors (in retrospect). A plastic shell holds together a matte white box, which contains yet another clear plastic holder in which the earphones are stored. The large font proclaiming "Extra Bass" and the dichotomously small font announcing the model-number were signs that this probably wasn't going to be to be a high-fi earphone. That said, the 80 dollar price tag does put it at the slightly higher end of very basic, entry-level models. I suppose this is a price point dominated by high-end fashion earphones, low-end high-fi earphones, and entry-level specific earphones (A-Jays, etc.)
Included are 4 sets of tips, and a little carrying pouch. The pouch has the same "elastic" quality as a rollable metal ruler. Pushing the opposite ends together causes the metal band to "pop", thus opening the pouch. Overall a very neat mechanism, but definitely not one designed with very long-term durability in mind. In addition, the pouch is too small, and is better suited for storing coins than the large MDR-XB70AP.
BUILD/DESIGN QUALITY
Overall, the MDR XB-70AP continues the Sony tradition for strong build quality. Half of the earphone is aluminum, and the rest is plastic. While the plastic is strong and firmly attached, the concern here is how the MDR-XB70AP claims to have an aluminum "housing". I am not a sound engineer, so I cannot elaborate on the possible performance-based benefits of having the driver encased in plastic and the rest or the earphone in aluminum. However, from a purely consumer-based standpoint, the claim to have an aluminum housing is questionable, considering that two vital components (bass duct and driver) are actually housed in plastic. Having said that, the quality is still very good. A soft plastic stress relief indicates Sony's clear attention to detail.
The fit of the earphones is surprisingly good for something that measures over an inch long from bottom to top. With some tinkering, a good seal can be achieved. However, because Sony has made no attempt at making this negative profile, this pair of earphones is definitely not suited for anyone intending on being particularly active. In addition wind noise can become a problem, not only because of the large profile of the MDR-XB70AP, but because there are huge ports on this earphone! In total, there are 4 ports (2 small on driver housing, 2 big on the bass duct).
SOUND QUALITY
Overall sound quality is exactly as promised (not so balanced though). The bass quantity is pretty good for a pair of earbuds. There's simply a lot of it. In Animals by Martin Garrix, the XB70AP demonstrates its impressive ability to produce sub-bass. The long decay times can actually be felt, and the effect is quite enveloping. However, moving into mid and upper bass, the XB70AP demonstrates its lack of punch. It doesn't quite move fast enough to ensure that good clarity is kept throughout the general bass line. The weakness is especially evident when various types of bass come together. The sub-bass generally overwhelms the rest of the bass, and the XB70AP sometimes plows through songs with the stereotypical "dun-dun-dun". While this can be fun at times, it is annoying at others.
Trebles are okay. They offer a bit of sparkle, but this observation is biased in the sense that most anything will sparkle in light of XB70AP's bass. The clarity at the higher-end is good, and really helps to open up the otherwise narrow soundstage. However, the headphone's weakness comes to light with the mids. A deep V-parabola means that the mids are heavily recessed. Vocals sound like they are coming from another room in fact. In songs like Everytime You Go Away by Paul Young, the XB-70AP constantly tries to retreat into the lower notes. Increasing the volume only reveals a strong level of sibilance in the mids, and makes for a less-than-ideal balanced listening experience (but it is fun!)
It comes without saying that these earphones are not particularly clear in general. In The Mission by Ennio Morricone, there was so little clarity that the cellos, oboes, and violins sounded like one massive, muddled instrument producing rather disjointed sounds.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The MDR-XB70AP is not a high clarity, high-fi earphone. In comparison to its predecessor, the XB70AP has apparently sacrificed too much to achieve the "extra bass" (this is from impressions by other users). The tuning by Sony, which recesses mids and trebles in order to emphasize the base, was slightly heavy-handed. The large soundstage is rather awkward and hastily planned. The bass instruments feel like they are right next to you, the triangles a little further back, and the mids a mile away. Genres like classical, pop, and rock are definitely not good on these earphones. In addition, several physical design choices really accentuate the XB70AP's recessed mids. However, if you are looking for a pair of very fun earphones, this would be a good choice. Dedicated bassheads will also revel in the "epic" bass available. However, for regular users looking for a balanced sound, the 70 dollar price tag and deep-v signature may make the MDR-XB70AP off-putting.
