Nitemare3219
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2015
- Posts
- 85
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Depends. Sounds like you don't have the XM3 right now? If you're looking for something to buy, I'd say these are worth it over the XM3. On the other hand, I spent over an hour last night doing A/B comparisons of my XM3 and the XM4 I just received. Content sourced from Spotify, XM3 playing from an iPhone 12 Pro (AAC), and the XM4 from a Pixel 4 (LDAC). I did not notice any upfront quality differences (though I have always struggled to tell high-quality lossy apart from hi-res/lossless).Those coming from the XM3 a worthy upgrade ? I Enjoyed the XM3 but i bought one used off ebay and it was "too used," for me to keep.
Their sound signatures seemed a bit different. The XM3 was stronger in the low end (bass, guitars, deep make vocals), but was lagging the XM4 in the high end (sparkly electronic and high female vocals). That said, neither are great at the high end to my ears. For most tracks, I'd be hard pressed to call a winner one way or the other, from my Spotify listening anyway. Right now, I am leaning towards returning the XM4 because I don't see it as a meaningful upgrade from the XM3. My WH-1000XM4 put both to shame. Since getting the WH, I only use the WF for outdoor activity and cardio (I have sweat like a pig with the XM3 and never had an issue). The WH are that much better in every metric (except ears getting hot/sweaty).
Of course, tips matter. I used Spinfits years ago with the SE846, but didn't like them once I got my hands on the CA Andromeda. Foam/marshmallow tips have been my go-to since then. I disliked the stock XM3 foam tips, but really like the stock XM4 foam. The Spinfits (or silicone in general) on both sets of buds make the high end way too harsh for me, the low end weaker, and the fit too insecure.
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