[amrbadrawy]

  If you are contemplating whether to take A2 over A3, you have made good decision. A2 is more open and less weighty than A3, but both earphone is pretty weighty.
soundstage wise, its ok, just nothing to shout about.
 
Have u try FAD Heaven II (cheaper, just less rumble bass) and IV?

So you recommend A2 over A3? what about bass? and comfort, i'm a little spectaculer about the A3 Design

 

[xXSjnHassanXx]

Definitely. A3 sound much more muddy to me compare to A2. YMMV. If you like warm and dark sound. Sony xba a series is for you. And I found a2 is most balanced and clear overall.

 

[Hawaiibadboy]

Definitely. A3 sound much more muddy to me compare to A2. YMMV. If you like warm and dark sound. Sony xba a series is for you. And I found a2 is most balanced and clear overall.

agree 100% A3 was too muddy and I'm a basshead...

 

[marlonmarabe]

a2 is the most underrated iem in the 200-250$ price range. it is just too good to pass up. sounds good straight out of a DAP and sounds even better when amped

 

[Hawaiibadboy]

  a2 is the most underrated iem in the 200-250$ price range. it is just too good to pass up. sounds good straight out of a DAP and sounds even better when amped

 Why is that? i went into a giant headphone shop without any preconceptions and walked out with the A2...and came to head fi and there were no reviews and no dedicated thread

 

[myemaildw]

 Why is that? i went into a giant headphone shop without any preconceptions and walked out with the A2...and came to head fi and there were no reviews and no dedicated thread:blink:

not everyone lives in japan thats why we need you to let us know about new fancy stuff there

 

[amrbadrawy]

 
agree 100% A3 was too muddy and I'm a basshead...

I'm sorry, i couldn't figure out what do you mean by muddy, do you mean that Bass on A3 is not refined and punchy? "The Guys on the A3 thread are saying the same about the A2; they are saying A3 have better bass than A2. I'm coming from XB90EX and i'm a bass head. Thanks for help, i'm trying to build an imagination of what i gonna buy cause i will buy and ship overseas without trying and without an option to return if not satisfied

 

[myemaildw]

I'm sorry, i couldn't figure out what do you mean by muddy, do you mean that Bass on A3 is not refined and punchy? "The Guys on the A3 thread are saying the same about the A2; they are saying A3 have better bass than A2. I'm coming from XB90EX and i'm a bass head. Thanks for help, i'm trying to build an imagination of what i gonna buy cause i will buy and ship overseas without trying and without an option to return if not satisfied

a2 isnt a bass head earphone, its bass is somewhat more than neutral, its bass amount is the same or slightly less than xb90 from iphone unamped. so, but if you eq bass it can have bass.

 

[Koshiro04]

How does the A2 compare to the IM70? I have read here that there is a user of both, can you share your insights about it? Thanks!

 

[beaver316]

Can someone recommend a pair of full size over ear headphones that has a similar sound signature to the XBA-A2? Preferably something in mid-fi level, perhaps around $400 or so.

 

[myemaildw]

mdr ma900 ?

 

[Ting Tiew Yik]

considering A3 and A2 now.Do you think bass of A2 is enough for me if i think CX3.00 bass is good for me?

Is A3 worth the money compared to A2?

 

[beaver316]

I am selling my A2 + E12 so if anyone is looking for a great pairing, check out my sig. I can sell separate though.
 
They sound awesome of course, but with my left ear condition where I overproduce wax, IEMs can cause blockages.

 

[Rodmunch]

I've been meaning to post in here about my experience with the XBA-A2 and A3.  As a precursor, I prefer a neutral sound signature with a bit of bass emphasis, but just a bit.  And I love detail and picking out instruments.
 
My first Sony was the EX600 which I really like but I needed more extension up top.  So I tried a used EX1000 and thought it really fit the bill (great bass and treble extension with a large soundstage) but the pair I bought weren't in as good condition as the seller claimed so back they went.  Then I decided I really wanted to try a hybrid and spend less than an EX1000 costs.  Having read alot of good things about the XBA-A3 I bought a set.  I really liked them, except for the bass...there's just too much of it!  I can't even imagine how the Z5 sounds with even more bass than the A3.  So I bought a set of XBA-A2 to compare and I think these might just be perfect.  There's the extended treble of the A3 but a bit more mids and less bass.  The bass is still accentuated but only a bit, just right in my opinion, and it goes pretty deep.  The A2 seem very close to neutral.  The soundstage and clarity are just as nice as the A3 (from what I read they both share the same balanced armatures).  The only things I don't like about the A2 is that they don't have over-ear cables.  1. The down pointing cables can make the A2s uncomfortable because of their size. 2. They cause microphonics.
 
I read some comments here on head-fi about the A2.  Someone said they are sealed...they are definitely open.  There's a hole on the backside of each earpiece.  It's more obvious than the little slot in the A3.  I think this helps the A2 keep the same huge soundstage of the A3.
 
So, if you like BASS, go for the A3.  If you like neutral and are ok with potential issues from the cables dropping down instead of going over your ears, get the A2.

 

[jant71]

Oh no. Don't say the A2 has less bass then the A3. I said that and it rubbed someone the wrong way even if it is the majority of the impressions.

 
Nice impressions!