Sony SBH80: Wireless to the Next Level: Review

[aseems]

Thanks Guido, I did it.... It seems to have worked.... Time will tell!

yes...the volume issue is quite common when the insides get some moisture


pretty simple...open it up and you will understand...

 

[elektron]

I was a little disappointed with the audio quality of this phone.
I'm looking for another model to replace the sbh80

 
That's a bit strange as I've had a chance to compare these with some of the best bluetooth headphones available at the moment and these measure up very well.  I've certainly not heard anything better in this price range.
 
They only explanation I can think of is that you're not getting a good enough seal from the tips.  Have you tried swapping them to another pair that came with the headphones?  As I've previously mentioned, I've swapped mine for the larger pair, which improved the sound and noise blockage.

 

[limafranco]

   
That's a bit strange as I've had a chance to compare these with some of the best bluetooth headphones available at the moment and these measure up very well.  I've certainly not heard anything better in this price range.
 
They only explanation I can think of is that you're not getting a good enough seal from the tips.  Have you tried swapping them to another pair that came with the headphones?  As I've previously mentioned, I've swapped mine for the larger pair, which improved the sound and noise blockage.

 
I'll try with different tips, that's my first BT headphone, I'm comparing with some other wired IEM.
I have a UE 5EB (I know its really bassy), but as I said, I only enjoyed SBH80 after using some EQ.
 
EDIT: After changing tips and using Dolby ATMOS, I think I've reached the true potential of this earpiece.
 
Tks

 

[yooperjusty]

For running, would you guys say these are better than the jaybird x2s,bose soundsport or other fitness iems? These Sony are better priced, and my concern is staying secure and external noise blockage, which sounds like these Sonys do well

 

[limafranco]

For running, would you guys say these are better than the jaybird x2s,bose soundsport or other fitness iems? These Sony are better priced, and my concern is staying secure and external noise blockage, which sounds like these Sonys do well

I would not recommend these for sports.
They would probably be jumping off your neck,kinda annoying.

 

[Ling Vu]

I would not recommend these for sports.
They would probably be jumping off your neck,kinda annoying.

Actually ... no I use them for running usually and and they sit just like a good boy around my neck. More than that, this design fixes the annoying situation of the normally designed set tapping your nape continuously while running. Furthermore, if you wear a shirt with collars, put the band/cord under the collar, that's even better, 9.5 out 10 cases will not fall. Believe me and try working out with them, you will be surprised.

 

[limafranco]

Actually ... no

I use them for running usually and and they sit just like a good boy around my neck. More than that, this design fixes the annoying situation of the normally designed set tapping your nape continuously while running. Furthermore, if you wear a shirt with collars, put the band/cord under the collar, that's even better, 9.5 out 10 cases will not fall. Believe me and try working out with them, you will be surprised.

WOW... I'm really surprised with your comment.
I Haven't expected this as the construction and the 'neck part' doesn't seem to fit that well for running.
 
I'll give it a try sometime
Thank you

 

[kimvictor]

If you're looking for another great sounding BT IEM, look at LG's HBS910. Definitely a different tuning, but I've been using the 910 mainly for the past few months. SBH80 is lighter and warmer, but the 910 has exceptional clarity and flatness. It also drops out less compared to the SBH80 in crowded places and stays around my neck better with its firmer housing. But the main selling point for me was the battery life. The 910 has at least 2-3hrs more of actual use time, which is kind of a big deal if you always use your BT IEMs.
 
In terms of comparing SBH80 to other IEMs:
vs. SBH70: I find the SBH70 to be very different from the 80. The 70s are earpod style, and hence have less clarity and isolation. Personally not a big fan of them, but if you want less sound isolation, they could be good.
vs. SE215/LE: I find SE215 to be competent, but a bit lacking compared to the SBH80, especially in the treble region. Both are warm earphones, but SBH80 just is capable of producing much more treble.
vs. Sony's new Hear In: Meh. The new Hear In wireless sounded too harsh for my taste. It's bass is boomy and the treble is way too harsh for my taste. I'm ok with harsh treble on flatter IEMs, but not with bassy IEMs.
 
I've also modified the SBH80 in various ways, including few mods for MH1C, but I don't recommend it too much. The SBH80 had its own color, and I feel like I ruined the color. It's a bit harsher now, and I don't enjoy it nearly as much. I suppose that's one reason why I'm using the HBS910 mainly.

 

[elektron]

  WOW... I'm really surprised with your comment.
I Haven't expected this as the construction and the 'neck part' doesn't seem to fit that well for running.
 
I'll give it a try sometime
Thank you

 
I can confirm that also use them for running, weight lifting and boxing practice - they work great for all of these.  The general ergonomics are also top notch.  The only thing I can think of that they're not ideal for is reverse crunches, but even then, I manage ok

 

[kimvictor]

   
I can confirm that also use them for running, weight lifting and boxing practice - they work great for all of these.  The general ergonomics are also top notch.  The only thing I can think of that they're not ideal for is reverse crunches, but even then, I manage ok

During sit ups, I would put the neck housing in the front of my neck, not behind. It looks kind of silly, but it works.

 

[yooperjusty]

Anyone compare these to the advance sound model 3s by chance? I'm sick between these two sets... And I want comply tips for these, but having trouble finding some. I'm coming back to the states next week and need something that will be good for me and last awhile, as I live in China I've been stuck between these and the advance model 3s.... And the jaybird x3, but those are a lot more in price.
Please let me know guys! Thank you

 

[davescleveland]

I really like the jaybird freedoms. Summery comfy and great detail/separation. I hated the x2

 

[yooperjusty]

Hey guys, just got my Sony headphones in and they do sound pretty good, but, wanted to ask you guys if any of you have tried retrofitting foam tips and/or little wings to make them more stable and improve the sound?!
I'm in the states for just a few weeks, so if there are any tips I can try to purchase or if there is any way if fitting the little wings onto this nice headset, that would make them even better! Thank you all! They seem like a nice set and it does seem like they will stay put on your neck!

 

[elektron]

Hey guys, just got my Sony headphones in and they do sound pretty good, but, wanted to ask you guys if any of you have tried retrofitting foam tips and/or little wings to make them more stable and improve the sound?!
I'm in the states for just a few weeks, so if there are any tips I can try to purchase or if there is any way if fitting the little wings onto this nice headset, that would make them even better! Thank you all! They seem like a nice set and it does seem like they will stay put on your neck!

 
Have you actually tried swapping the default pair of tips for another pair they came with (smaller or lager)?  I did and it improved both the fit and the sound, and didn't cost me a cent  I would try that first before going after-market...

 

[kimvictor]

Hey guys, just got my Sony headphones in and they do sound pretty good, but, wanted to ask you guys if any of you have tried retrofitting foam tips and/or little wings to make them more stable and improve the sound?!
I'm in the states for just a few weeks, so if there are any tips I can try to purchase or if there is any way if fitting the little wings onto this nice headset, that would make them even better! Thank you all! They seem like a nice set and it does seem like they will stay put on your neck!

You don't really need to retrofit any foam tips. Comply sells them. They're the same size as most Sony IEMs. The ones for the Z5 worked on my SBH80. I haven't seen anyone try making earwings or guides yet though. If you have a 3D printer, you could probably make one. If not, I'm not aware of anyone who sells/makes them.