[MagellanR14]

Would pairing the XBA-4 with Sony's (higher quality) Walkman F Series also be a bad match? I understand the synergy between the XBA-4 and the Walkman Z Series is fairly good so the F Series, which is known for having better SQ, would I suppose have good synergy. Thoughts? Anybody tested this?

Anybody?

 

[Migou67]

I have used a lot the XBA-4 with the F and it's a good pairing, but to be honest now I don't use so much my F-807, i have a more "fun" sound with my Galaxy Note2 (Wolfson) coupled with Noozxoide EIZO-rewire™ PRO, and this with the XB4 and the IE80.

For me the only area's where the F is better is in soundstage and stock sound (without equalizer or effects), every think else for me is better on the Note 2 when using Noozxoide.

But sound is a very personal taste and many will disagree with me !

 

[MagellanR14]

Quote:

I have used a lot the XBA-4 with the F and it's a good pairing, but to be honest now I don't use so much my F-807, i have a more "fun" sound with my Galaxy Note2 (Wolfson) coupled with Noozxoide EIZO-rewire™ PRO, and this with the XB4 and the IE80.

For me the only area's where the F is better is in soundstage and stock sound (without equalizer or effects), every think else for me is better on the Note 2 when using Noozxoide.

But sound is a very personal taste and many will disagree with me !

I just got my XBA-4SL and boy do they sound sensual paired with my Walkman F! I would recommend this setup the synergy is spot on. 
@Miguo67, I am going to give Noozxoide a try, thanks. (nevermind, it is not compatible 

)
 
in Addition, when you wear them flipped (cable around ear) they isolate really well, stay in your ear perfectly, and are exceptionally comfortable. 

 

[MagellanR14]

For those of you that have the XBA-4, what do you find is the best way to wear them? I have the XBA-4SL if that matters. Has anybody tried wearing them over the ear using ear guides? If not, how do you guys think that would work?

 

[james444]

Quote:

For those of you that have the XBA-4, what do you find is the best way to wear them? I have the XBA-4SL if that matters. Has anybody tried wearing them over the ear using ear guides? If not, how do you guys think that would work?

 
I actually wear the XBA-4SL over the ear without ear guides. Works pretty well for me (large ears).
 
@a_rec: finally got to try these... great review, spot-on conclusion regarding EX1000 vs. XBA-4 for portable use. Though I must say, it's been a long time since I've heard something as screwed up in timbre as the XBA-4 from a flat source, lol.

 
Rin's EQ recommendation works great though and I think I might end up preferring these over the XBA-3 once I've found the ideal EQ settings. Sub-bass is awe-inspiring for BAs, even compared to the 334s... 

 

[SaigonGrandFunk]

Quote:

Hi I was wondering ...... You don't by chance have the iPhone 5 ?
and if so dose the C5 sound better/more detailed then iphone 5 when using XBA-40's
( will I get the wow factor that I'm after

)

I recently got the fiio E12 which got good reviews paired with XBA-40's on a few threads I've read here.
But to my ears are no contest to iPhone 5
For just a great more detailed sound,


ps, I have XBA-4's and assume will preform similar to the 40's

Sorry haven't got time to go online much.
I don't have the Iphone 5 but I do have Ipod classic 4G, will find LOD cable then try XBA40 with Arrow 4G this weekend to find down.

 

[howihearit]

a realisation"
I Can't believe it"
The standard iphone 5 iem's sound nearly as good as xba 4's....... LOL ( direct from phone )
First time I tryed them.......LOL

My gosh" ....... I've been kidding my self
( unbelievable ) ... LOL
Now I feel I have to get the C5 so as to hear some awesomeness from xba 4's and justify
spending so much $$$ on them .... ***'

 

[james444]

Quote:

a realisation"
I Can't believe it"
The standard iphone 5 iem's sound nearly as good as xba 4's....... LOL ( direct from phone )
First time I tryed them.......LOL

My gosh" ....... I've been kidding my self
( unbelievable ) ... LOL
Now I feel I have to get the C5 so as to hear some awesomeness from xba 4's and justify
spending so much $$$ on them .... ***'

 
Like I said above, the XBA-4s from a flat source are severely screwed up IEMs imo.
 
Get a decent EQ app, follow Rin's recommendation (ON SECOND THOUGHT #5) and start hearing the awesomeness.
(... or put them on the FS forum and get the XBA-3, if you refuse to EQ).
 
My preference:
Unequalized: XBA-3 >> XBA-4
Equalized: XBA-4 > XBA-3

 

[AUDIOBREEDER]

Quote:

Anybody?

The XBA 3/4 sound great through the Z & F without the need of an amp (esp. with dance music). That's the best thing about Sony. Their IEMS & DAPs have great synergy, something which I adore with them.

 

[DMinor]

My only question is what I am gonna do one day when my EX1000 is broken and there is no 2nd pair around.

 

[james444]

Quote:

My only question is what I am gonna do one day when my EX1000 is broken and there is no 2nd pair around.

 
You know the answer. The time is now.

 

[DMinor]

Quote:

 
You know the answer. The time is now.

Thanks for the info. Going to the ATM right now.

 

[a_recording]

Quote:

I actually wear the XBA-4SL over the ear without ear guides. Works pretty well for me (large ears).
 
@a_rec: finally got to try these... great review, spot-on conclusion regarding EX1000 vs. XBA-4 for portable use. Though I must say, it's been a long time since I've heard something as screwed up in timbre as the XBA-4 from a flat source, lol.

 
Rin's EQ recommendation works great though and I think I might end up preferring these over the XBA-3 once I've found the ideal EQ settings. Sub-bass is awe-inspiring for BAs, even compared to the 334s... 

 
Whoops, this fell off my subscriptions list!
 
Glad to hear you got them James. The sub-bass is slightly more intense on the XBA-40's haha.

 

[james444]

Quote:

Whoops, this fell off my subscriptions list!
 
Glad to hear you got them James. The sub-bass is slightly more intense on the XBA-40's haha.

 
Believe it or not, these are currently my favorite IEMs for commuting. Good isolation and excellent smooth, detailed and non-fatiguing sound with EQ.
 
For those who're not anal about EQing, probably one of the best bang / buck out there. Btw, here are the settings I use with Neutron Music Player:
 

 

 

[canikickit1]

How do the 4/40s compare to the Westone 4Rs? Are they a side grade?