colstero
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2012
- Posts
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How do the XBA-1's compare to the Hifiman re-262?
I had both at the same time and over all the RE262 is quite a bit better imo. The RE262 has more over all detail in the mids which are very good and the soundstage along with the imaging and separation are also better. The XBA-1 is a nice warm and smooth IEM for the price but now that the RE262 is $120 that's a much better deal imo.
I have the XBA-2ip that I purchased 4 weeks ago, and now I have the opportunity to grab the XBA-3ip for even less cost of what I paid for the xba-2ip (I can get the xba-3ip for USD$100). I like the XBA-2ip is some sense but not in others so i wonder if you can advise me on the rationale to upgrade and get the XBA-3ip.
Things I like of the XBA-2ip
- Very good clarity
- Reasonable soundstage, and good instrument separation
- Good mids albeit I find the voices a bit "unnatural"
- Good highs but somethings a bit to edgy
- Very comfortable, good fit for my ears
Things I would expect the XBA-3ip to improve to justify the upgrade
- More body in the sound, the XBA-2 sounds a bit too thin, perhaps sounds a bit too bright and I would like a bit more warmth without losing clarity
- More bass presence
- Better defined highs, not so edgy
- Similar comfort
- Perhaps wider soundstage, and perhaps better intrument separation (albeit I am fine on this with the XBA-2)
Anyway, please let me know if the jump from the XBA-2 to the XBA-3 would improve the sounds in these areas.
Thanks indeed.