[ColdsnapBry]

Was the N1 released the same time as the N3? What came before the N1? Just hard to keep track of Sony models. But I'm searching for a Sony IEM and want to choose the right one.

But $160 brand new sounds like a good price:

https://www.amazon.co.jp/ソニー-SONY-ハ...ny+XBA-N1&qid=1578797012&s=electronics&sr=1-2

Unless it's used, I can't read japanese.

 

[daveyostrow]

Was the N1 released the same time as the N3? What came before the N1? Just hard to keep track of Sony models. But I'm searching for a Sony IEM and want to choose the right one.

I believe the xba series was right before. But the N series came out all at once.

 

[Damz87]

2016: XBA-N3 & N1
2015: XBA-300, 100
2014: XBA-Z5, A3, A2 & A1
2013: XBA-H3, H2 & H1
2012: XBA-40, 30, 10 & C10
2011: XBA-4, 3 & 1

There might be others but these are the main XBA models throughout the series

 

[Raketen]

Was the N1 released the same time as the N3? What came before the N1? Just hard to keep track of Sony models. But I'm searching for a Sony IEM and want to choose the right one.

edit , ninja'd by Damz

N is the third series in their hybrid lineup starting maybe 7 years ago? First they had the H1/2/3 then the A1/2/3 models, and IIRC between those the Z5 was introduced (i think alongside the MDR-Z7 full size?).

I don't think that is used, though it comes from some 3rd party seller - you can switch amazon.jp to english if you click the little globe icon next to the search bar (incidentally they do have used N1 for 13,000 and N3 for 22,500 yen shipped by amazon).

 

[ColdsnapBry]

Awesome, thanks so much! Adding to my spreadsheet, haha. Should there be any shortlisted for headphones that can pass in the gym? I know most of the sony flagship IEMs are a bit big, but was hopefully I can find something that sounds great in the gym and also on the go. I think the N1 might be in the right price range and size.

 

[Doug2507]

N3 is great, I use it as my beater, work, office, gym, bike, trains etc. More hours on it than any other iem.

 

[ColdsnapBry]

Hmm so my options are; XBA-N1 $160 new complete or XBA-N3 $187 used w/ box and accessories. I have spent a bit already on my mobile setup, with a failed FiiO attempt. But the N3 is only $27 more.. but it is used. What do you all think?

 

[daveyostrow]

Hmm so my options are; XBA-N1 $160 new complete or XBA-N3 $187 used w/ box and accessories. I have spent a bit already on my mobile setup, with a failed FiiO attempt. But the N3 is only $27 more.. but it is used. What do you all think?

My bad, when I said the xba series I meant the A1/A2/3 (and the z5).

The n3 should be head and shoulders better than the N1. I had the a2, and still have the A3 and N3.

For the price,t get the N3.

 

[ColdsnapBry]

Alrighty then, done! The N3 will arrive in the same package as my Sony DAP. Looking forward to that!

 

[Damz87]

Alrighty then, done! The N3 will arrive in the same package as my Sony DAP. Looking forward to that!

Good choice

 

[Jenz]

Have had the XBA N3AP since yesterday and am surprised how good the resolution is in the middle, even if only the dynamic driver takes over the middle frequencies.
The treble is very pleasant without hissing. But the star of the N3 is clearly the bass range. Unusually precise for a dynamic driver.
Not as accurate as a BA but still faster than any dynamic or hybrid IEM I know of, and I've had quite a few. Does Sony build all of its drivers itself? Even the dynamic ones?
The N3 can keep up with the M4U4 or N40, for example.
Can you recommend a high quality & Sony compatible MMCX cable with volume control. Maybe that I can buy on eBay, Amazon Germany or Aliexpress? I couldn't find one that I liked.

Greets Jenz

 

[HaloGenZ]

Have had the XBA N3AP since yesterday and am surprised how good the resolution is in the middle, even if only the dynamic driver takes over the middle frequencies.
The treble is very pleasant without hissing. But the star of the N3 is clearly the bass range. Unusually precise for a dynamic driver.
Not as accurate as a BA but still faster than any dynamic or hybrid IEM I know of, and I've had quite a few. Does Sony build all of its drivers itself? Even the dynamic ones?
The N3 can keep up with the M4U4 or N40, for example.
Can you recommend a high quality & Sony compatible MMCX cable with volume control. Maybe that I can buy on eBay, Amazon Germany or Aliexpress? I couldn't find one that I liked.

Greets Jenz

I can't see one with high quality cable, as Volume Control cables always come in cheap price, budget cable and people tends to adjust volume on their player than adjust one on the cable.

How about going True Wireless way?
I'm using Fiio UTWS1 with my XBA-N3, they still sound good as always.

 

[ColdsnapBry]

I can't see one with high quality cable, as Volume Control cables always come in cheap price, budget cable and people tends to adjust volume on their player than adjust one on the cable.

How about going True Wireless way?
I'm using Fiio UTWS1 with my XBA-N3, they still sound good as always.

Ooo, does that true wireless FiiO UTWS1 stay put in your ears? Maybe I can use that versus the FiiO btr3 and short cable approach I was going to use for the gym.

 

[HaloGenZ]

Ooo, does that true wireless FiiO UTWS1 stay put in your ears? Maybe I can use that versus the FiiO btr3 and short cable approach I was going to use for the gym.

Yes, They fit perfectly for me.
but u have to change the way to wear the UTWS1 to this way.

 

[ColdsnapBry]

Yes, They fit perfectly for me.
but u have to change the way to wear the UTWS1 to this way.

AH ok, gotcha! I'll give that device a try. Thanks!