Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling

[raymanh]

Got mine. With a bit of EQ tweaking, keepers. Shipped the m4s to my daughter last night. No extensive analyses other than for me they do what I expect: Help me enjoy listening to a wide variety of genres. Are they light years above the M4s? No. Considering my only other NC phones are the Soundcore Q30 (a great value In NC) I am no expert. But I’m happy. Seems like most views are they are excellent or they are not. Easy to figure out where I reside.

How are the XM5s compared to the Q30? I've been considering the Q30s for a while since all the other higher priced wireless headphones didn't seem to be worth it for me.

 

[Maukey]

One of my favorite reviewers on YouTube just did his review of the 1000XM5. He also compared them in sound and ANC to some of the other popular ANC headphones out there including the AirPods Max and Technics A800. I have to say I agree with him 100% on his rankings in sound and ANC when comparing all of the the headphones. The only headphones I haven't owned that he compared were the Technics A800.

 

[Gamerlingual]

One of my favorite reviewers on YouTube just did his review of the 1000XM5. He also compared them in sound and ANC to some of the other popular ANC headphones out there including the AirPods Max and Technics A800. I have to say I agree with him 100% on his rankings in sound and ANC when comparing all of the the headphones. The only headphones I haven't owned that he compared were the Technics A800.

I want the XM5, but for the price? Dang…

 

[CocaCola15]

How are the XM5s compared to the Q30? I've been considering the Q30s for a while since all the other higher priced wireless headphones didn't seem to be worth it for me.

Well frankly, the Q30s are probably one of the best values I’ve ever encountered in my 20 years as a headphone devotee. I use them now and then and continue to be astounded. Hsving said that, I am lucky enough to be able to afford higher-priced BT phones, in the Sony line only TBH. I really do love the M5s, though I did tweak them via the Sony connect app.

Happy to own both, but if $$$ is an issue, the Q30s are a fantastic choice. Hope that helps.

 

[Gamerlingual]

How are the XM5s compared to the Q30? I've been considering the Q30s for a while since all the other higher priced wireless headphones didn't seem to be worth it for me.

Get the Soundcore Q35. Some of the best sounding cans per dollar. They sound about double their price if not more.

 

[jamesofla80]

Anyone use the XM5 on a flight yet? I currently own the APM and for a wireless headphones they are pretty solid but I just can't get a good seal. One of the biggest quirks I have is when I am on a plane with the APM I get consistent popping noises probably due to the changing pressure. If I push on the sides a little the seal improves and popping goes away.

Debating about getting the XM5 for travel and using the APM for home use, since I do enjoy Spatial Audio for movies/shows.

 

[ubs28]

Are the earpads still shallow? My ears touch the inside of the headphones with Sony headphones usually, which makes it not a good office headphone for me

Is this fixed with the XM5 so that it is good for all day use in an office setting?

 

[The1Signature]

Are the earpads still shallow? My ears touch the inside of the headphones with Sony headphones usually, which makes it not a good office headphone for me

Is this fixed with the XM5 so that it is good for all day use in an office setting?

They are a little bit bigger at least and softer. People with larger ears claim that they ears no finally fit complete into it.

 

[ubs28]

They are a little bit bigger at least and softer. People with larger ears claim that they ears no finally fit complete into it.

Peope with larger ears fit inside the XM5 no problem finally?

If so, then I will order it.

 

[The1Signature]

Peope with larger ears fit inside the XM5 no problem finally?

If so, then I will order it.

see here - timestamp included for you.

another one here.

 

[tcellguy]

Are the earpads still shallow? My ears touch the inside of the headphones with Sony headphones usually, which makes it not a good office headphone for me

Is this fixed with the XM5 so that it is good for all day use in an office setting?

It's a bit of a mixed picture. Initially comfort was great for me, but over time the softer pads resulted in the drivers/cups being closer to my ears. The cups do feel larger inside though so that hasn't been a problem.

I'm getting a lot of headband / top of the head discomfort after 1-2 hours that was not present on prior models due to the newer thinner band though.

Most reviewers say the XM5 is more comfortable than the prior models other than one reviewer (can't recall which) who commented on the softer pads allowing the ears to go further into the cups and bringing the drivers closer.

 

[toupee]

I'm a little mixed on them. Overall, they're great. Super comfortable, great ANC, good enough sound quality for my fairly untrained ears. I can't quite settle on an EQ though, as opposed to my Aonic 50s which sound great for everything flat. I tried the soundguys' wavelet file, but I dunno.

I also find my Aonic 50s to be insanely more versatile thanks to much better codec and multipoint support, but ... I knew what I was in for. Not a surprise, just continued disappointment there.

Real question though. How are you guys keeping these things clean!? I've obviously only had them for less than a week but the sheen on them makes it look like I've been taking them to Long John Silvers' and sharing fried fish meals with them for months - greasy looking! And I've really tried to be precious with them, but it isn't working out. Does anyone have any tips to care for these? I don't want to ruin the finish even more... (they're the black model, btw. Wish they had the blue of the XM4 again, but oh well.)

 

[The1Signature]

I'm a little mixed on them. Overall, they're great. Super comfortable, great ANC, good enough sound quality for my fairly untrained ears. I can't quite settle on an EQ though, as opposed to my Aonic 50s which sound great for everything flat. I tried the soundguys' wavelet file, but I dunno.

I also find my Aonic 50s to be insanely more versatile thanks to much better codec and multipoint support, but ... I knew what I was in for. Not a surprise, just continued disappointment there.

Real question though. How are you guys keeping these things clean!? I've obviously only had them for less than a week but the sheen on them makes it look like I've been taking them to Long John Silvers' and sharing fried fish meals with them for months - greasy looking! And I've really tried to be precious with them, but it isn't working out. Does anyone have any tips to care for these? I don't want to ruin the finish even more... (they're the black model, btw. Wish they had the blue of the XM4 again, but oh well.)

this was your first post. welcome first of all.

i clean them with a microfiber cloth + put on it 1x display spray. it looks like new afterwards.

 

[toupee]

this was your first post. welcome first of all.

i clean them with a microfiber cloth + put on it 1x display spray. it looks like new afterwards.

Thanks so much! Seems like a great place.

I appreciate the tip, I'll try that now.

 

[G_T_J]

I'm a little mixed on them. Overall, they're great. Super comfortable, great ANC, good enough sound quality for my fairly untrained ears. I can't quite settle on an EQ though, as opposed to my Aonic 50s which sound great for everything flat. I tried the soundguys' wavelet file, but I dunno.

I also find my Aonic 50s to be insanely more versatile thanks to much better codec and multipoint support, but ... I knew what I was in for. Not a surprise, just continued disappointment there.

Real question though. How are you guys keeping these things clean!? I've obviously only had them for less than a week but the sheen on them makes it look like I've been taking them to Long John Silvers' and sharing fried fish meals with them for months - greasy looking! And I've really tried to be precious with them, but it isn't working out. Does anyone have any tips to care for these? I don't want to ruin the finish even more... (they're the black model, btw. Wish they had the blue of the XM4 again, but oh well.)

May I ask if you find the Aonic more neutral sounding across the spectrum?