Gandasaputra
100+ Head-Fier
Quick five minutes typing for my impression:
I went to choose the XBA-300 and so far in a week (without burn-in) could not be much happier with its clarity - possibly it is the 1st "real" analytic earphone in my collection despite of having +30 earphones. Two earphones that could come close to XBA-300 are the ATH-IM02 and Phonak PFE012 on grey filters.
Despite of its reputation of having a harsh treble like some said in this thread, I find the treble is shimmery, bright, and sparkly but avoid sounding metallic and sibilant like the XBA-40. It definitely has more treble present than XBA-30 though the 30 still has that metallic treble. I would say its treble is good but not perfect because my ears could ended up fatigued.
Tried some harsh-tizzing treble tracks like Hotel California's by Eagles, Only One Who Waits by Insomnium, 40m's Kotae, and some Asian Kung-fu Generation tracks which most of them are harsh and cymbals-focused in their earlier albums. So far I found them to be a little harsh and but never bothering - the harshness presents only at higher volume. The XBA-40, on the other hand, are harsher than the XBA-300 when it comes to tizzing, cymbals, and crashes.
I find the XBA-300 complements with my bass-heavy A3 and the MDR-EX600. I am glad I had returned the iBasso IT03, which I found hollow and sounded like having an hearing test to hear low-notes, and switched for the Sony's. I am happier with the Sony due to its isolation and comfort. I will post my updates in a week or two.
Speaking of bass, I find it sufficient and I do agree the treble has more present than its bass. Still the bass is present and tight. I am using Sony NWA-A25 walkman. The midrange is main strength of these. But overall the XBA-300 never sound too forward nor shouty.
I went to choose the XBA-300 and so far in a week (without burn-in) could not be much happier with its clarity - possibly it is the 1st "real" analytic earphone in my collection despite of having +30 earphones. Two earphones that could come close to XBA-300 are the ATH-IM02 and Phonak PFE012 on grey filters.
Despite of its reputation of having a harsh treble like some said in this thread, I find the treble is shimmery, bright, and sparkly but avoid sounding metallic and sibilant like the XBA-40. It definitely has more treble present than XBA-30 though the 30 still has that metallic treble. I would say its treble is good but not perfect because my ears could ended up fatigued.
Tried some harsh-tizzing treble tracks like Hotel California's by Eagles, Only One Who Waits by Insomnium, 40m's Kotae, and some Asian Kung-fu Generation tracks which most of them are harsh and cymbals-focused in their earlier albums. So far I found them to be a little harsh and but never bothering - the harshness presents only at higher volume. The XBA-40, on the other hand, are harsher than the XBA-300 when it comes to tizzing, cymbals, and crashes.
I find the XBA-300 complements with my bass-heavy A3 and the MDR-EX600. I am glad I had returned the iBasso IT03, which I found hollow and sounded like having an hearing test to hear low-notes, and switched for the Sony's. I am happier with the Sony due to its isolation and comfort. I will post my updates in a week or two.
Speaking of bass, I find it sufficient and I do agree the treble has more present than its bass. Still the bass is present and tight. I am using Sony NWA-A25 walkman. The midrange is main strength of these. But overall the XBA-300 never sound too forward nor shouty.