[nc8000]

Uh well, I've got rather small ears so I might not even try the xm4s. You're confirming what I've read here already. I don't see another <$200 BT in-ear apart from the three mentioned that provide moderate to at least acceptable passive isolation.

The passive isolation mostly depends on the tips used, size of nozzle and depth of insertion. Best passive isolation of anything I've ever tried was Etymotics ER4 with tripple flange "brain implant" insertion depth

 

[Leonarfd]

A big thing with xm4 is that the very good ANC they have is with foam tips, if your like me who don't get a good fit with foam the Linkbuds S will be better for with ANC.

 

[nc8000]

A big thing with xm4 is that the very good ANC they have is with foam tips, if your like me who don't get a good fit with foam the Linkbuds S will be better for with ANC.

To me the XM4 has the better anc when using the same silicone tips but the S is not far behind

 

[Leonarfd]

For me the xm4 was a disaster. Not one of the stock tips was big enough for good seal, might be the reason.

 

[nc8000]

For me the xm4 was a disaster. Not one of the stock tips was big enough for good seal, might be the reason.

Yes the stock tips were too small for me as well so I use various third party tips

 

[nc8000]

After disabling multi point my battery imbalance has all but vanished and I now get about 9 hours on both buds using aac and with anc, eq and dsee all disabled

 

[turbobb]

PSA: Was digging around the topic of LE Audio and it turns out that the Linkbuds S will support them after a FW update this spring.

Excerpt (via: https://www.sony.com/en-iq/electronics/truly-wireless/linkbuds-s)
"Next generation Bluetooth audio
These earbuds are ready for LE Audio, a next generation Bluetooth audio that enables ultra low latency - ideal for gaming.19"

and footnote 19:
"Feature requires firmware update, available in 2023 spring. Feature requires connection to a compatible smartphone."

Of course, devices that support LE Audio are still rather limited currently but should only improve in the coming years. Interested to see what increase in battery life might be achieved when utilized for this (and other) TWS.

 

[ostapo]

There was a firmware update to version 2.1.3 with optimization of charge consumption. Who has an opinion about this firmware?

 

[nc8000]

There was a firmware update to version 2.1.3 with optimization of charge consumption. Who has an opinion about this firmware?

I’m on 2.0.2 and am not being offered a newer fw version

 

[ostapo]

I’m on 2.0.2 and am not being offered a newer fw version

May I ask you why you decided to stay on firmware 2.0.2!

 

[nc8000]

May I ask you why you decided to stay on firmware 2.0.2!

Because Sony has not offered me anything newer in the Connect app, 2.0.2 is the newest available at least in Denmark. There is also a newer version for the XM4 than what I have but that is also not offered in Denmark/Europe only in Asia

 

[Indeep]

I have not been notified of any updates. I am from Spain.

 

[nc8000]

The new fw for the XM4 became available in Denmark today, will see tonight if a new one for the Linkbuds have become available

 

[teegee17]

There was a firmware update to version 2.1.3 with optimization of charge consumption. Who has an opinion about this firmware?

I updated, and bluetooth connection has become quite unstable (like two firmware updates ago, if anyone had similar problems). Lots of very short cut outs, both sides. I should have stayed on the previous firmware version...

 

[ostapo]

I updated, and bluetooth connection has become quite unstable (like two firmware updates ago, if anyone had similar problems). Lots of very short cut outs, both sides. I should have stayed on the previous firmware version...

I haven't noticed any Bluetooth issues since the update. The connection with the phone and audio player is still stable.