Sony unveiled on Tuesday not one, not two, but eleven new “experience balanced armature” (XBA) earphones.
The earphones feature micro-sized balanced armature (BA) drivers which are smaller than local ten-cent coins. Although much smaller than the traditional 13.5mm dynamic drivers, Sony promises a similar level of sensitivity. Coupled with its sealed housing – which reduces the amount of ambient noise and sound leakage – the earphones produce a deeper and richer sound.
Though a tad overwhelming at first, the 11 models cover almost every conceivable price point, and it’s pretty easy to understand the various models once we break them down.
Let’s start with the XBA-1: at S$109, this model targets the more budget conscious and contains a single full range driver. Throw in a woofer and you get the XBA-2, which will set you back S$279.
For higher frequency delight, look to the XBA-3. It has everything aforementioned plus a tweeter, which you can call your own for S$419. Finally, the king of the show the XBA-4 is a quad balanced armature monster, incorporating a full range driver, woofer, tweeter and super woofer. You’ll have to part with a dear S$529 for that baby.
Each of the models above also has a doppelganger with an “iP” suffix, i.e. XBA-1iP, XBA-2iP, XBA-3iP, and XBA-4iP. The “iP” models are made especially for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and will cost an additional S$20 each.
Eight models down, three to go.
For the sporty consumer, Sony is offering the waterproof XBA-S65 for S$129, with a high sound transmission waterproof film coating. It’s very ergonomic, too, with an adjustable loop that goes all the way around your ear.
If you eschew wires, take a gander at the XBA-BT75. This S$419 wireless Bluetooth headset loops around the back of your neck, and can last up to 3.5 hours on a single charge. If you run out of juice, the bundled carrying case actually doubles as a convenient charger.
Finally, we have the XBA-NC85D, the world’s first in-ear digital noise cancellation earphones with a box-free design. All the tech is housed inside the ear pieces, thanks to the tiny size of the BA drivers. This S$699 gizmo can last up to 20 hours on a single charge.
Sony is so confident that listeners will be pleased with these earphones that it’s offering a satisfaction guarantee campaign dubbed the “Sony Sound Quality Campaign”.
If you’re unhappy with your XBA earphones, bring them over to the Sony Care Centre at Isetan Orchard within two weeks of purchase and Sony will give you a full refund. There are, however, terms and conditions to adhere to. For one, you have to purchase your earphones from an authorised dealer. This campaign will end on 31 March.
All 11 earphones will be available from mid-Febraury.
