[sonyfan501]

Just got this yesterday. While I love the sound out of the box I had a hard time finding the right positioning in my ear at first because of the oddly shaped housing. Glad I checked here and saw some examples. The cables that comes with it are ok I guess.

You'll get use to the housing eventually. I'm getting the Sony XBA-A3 myself in September.

 

[Hinomotocho]

I was concerned about the shape/style of them but after finding the right position have no problems in having them stay in my ears. Before these I had the Sennheiser IE80 which sit flat in your ear, but regardless of tips they just wouldn't stay put.

 

[Donie Ray Samba-an]

Hi,
Is the nwz-a17 sony walkman enough to drive the a3 ?

Yes. A10/20 series can drive the XBA-A3. But based on my experience, the A3 sounds better with external amplifier (I used JDS Labs C5) when paired with Walkman A series due to weak amplification of the latter.

 

[Sp12er3]

Agree, despite the big size of its housing, after getting used to it and finding the perfect tips for it (Hybrid and Spinfit is the best for these IMO) it became a very comfortable IEM, 2nd only to my much smaller IM50 that I've gotten used to using so much it basically disappear in my ear, the A3's big housing and a bit fussy earguide make it not as comfortable, less versatile and convenient for daily driver usage, but for the sound quality you got out of it, it's more than worth it IMO

 

[Sam L]

was curious, do any of you find the A3 sibilant? I ask because I'm at that age where I have some high freq loss and I noticed that the A3 have incredible upper end detail, which I love. These are still one of my absolute favorites IEMS -- clear, fast, impactful bass, great mids, fantastic upper extension and a soundstage rarely rivaled by IEMs. Still an awesome set of IEMs!

 

[gerelmx1986]

was curious, do any of you find the A3 sibilant? I ask because I'm at that age where I have some high freq loss and I noticed that the A3 have incredible upper end detail, which I love. These are still one of my absolute favorites IEMS -- clear, fast, impactful bass, great mids, fantastic upper extension and a soundstage rarely rivaled by IEMs. Still an awesome set of IEMs!

I found them to be slightly sibilant perhaps the better term is sparkle

 

[Sam L]

I found them to be slightly sibilant perhaps the better term is sparkle

Ah, thanks for the response. Good to know.Typically when I hear this much clarity and "sparkle" in the high end, the IEM is sibilant by a majority of the younger listeners.

I still ponder a z5 purchase every time you chime in... The decision would be a "no brainer" if I didn't already have a the A3.

 

[se7en]

One thing I don't like about the a3 is cable that comes with it. My tennmak pro mmcx works pretty and probably gonna stick with it.

 

[Sam L]

One thing I don't like about the a3 is cable that comes with it. My tennmak pro mmcx works pretty and probably gonna stick with it.

Nice! When I first got the A3's, the cable did present a bit of a challenge, not so much in comfort but it was affecting my tip choices in achieving a good seal. I think I'll pick up a tennmak cable when I'm on aliexpress next.

 

[Donie Ray Samba-an]

Has anyone here tried the upgrade cable MUC-M12SM2? How does it sound? Does it make a good improvement over the stock cables?

 

[Hinomotocho]

Has anyone here tried the upgrade cable MUC-M12SM2? How does it sound? Does it make a good improvement over the stock cables?

I have the original MUC-M12SM1 - I find it to be a noticeable improvement over the stock cable. I always thought people were imagining things when talking about cable upgrades, but there were definite improvements for me

 

[blah00]

I posted this in the Kinera H3 thread, but thought it would be an interesting thought to post here too just out of interest and in case different people read different tread so different responses

I have read through all the posts for both the Sony XBA A3s and the Kinera H3s, and havent come up with the answer...just wondering how something like the Kineras would compare to something like the Sony A3s?

Are they totally in a different league or are the China made iems catching up to the tried and true brands?

Any thoughts appreciated! I'm looking to get into the hybrid scene but would be interested in know where everything is at!

Thanks and sorry if this has been asked before!

 

[Gosod]

As these headphones will play if to remove them from the grid material?

 

[AeroSatan]

Has anyone here tried the upgrade cable MUC-M12SM2? How does it sound? Does it make a good improvement over the stock cables?

I've imported this cable from Japan and couldn't be happier. Not only does the higher quality braided cable give the headphones a more refined look they deserve but also the SQ improved imho

 

[Gosod]

What do you like more? A3 or Z5?