XBA-A1 review: articulate and balanced sound sunder $200

* This review is written by myself and my own opinion, and is not intended for any type of commercial or sale purpose.

  Hello to anyone who got into my archive. I am LeYes, and this is my own review for Sony's one of the most recent XBA series, XBA-A1.

  Currently, Sony officially came up with two version of this earphones; XBA-A1 and XBA-A1AP (microphone attached version). 
The one I'm reviewing is an original Japan-imported XBA-A1, the non-microphone version.

1. Boxing & Contents

(First boxing, literally)

(came with a hand written letter and toothpicks, kinda cute)

(Front side of the box)

Simply designed front

Picture does not show, but it was originally covered with plastic wrap 

(you'll have the wrap covered if it's new)

(Back side of the box)

Unfortunately I don't speak Japanese at all :[ 

However, it seems like specifications and explanations for technologies applied to the earphone are specified

*You can look for the specifications on official Sony website

(Overall & After removing front cover)

(Contents)

* This photo was take after a long term of use, 

therefore it might contain some scratches that were not originally on the product

Containing:

1 * XBA-A1 Earbuds

1 *  Clip

4 * Pair of Silicon Tips (XS, S, M, L)

3 * Pair of Sponge Tips (S,M,L)

1 * Wire Winder

1 * Carrier Pouch

(Close look on ear tips & accessories)

Sponge tips makes the sound more balanced, 

and silicon tips makes the sound more bass-focused

The clip is detachable, however falls off quite easily when the cable is banded

Little frustrating

Pouch is simple and makes it easier to carry earphones

The quality is nice, made with artificial leather and semi waterproof material

Little frustrating that it doesn't have a separate space to put ear tips in

2. Design & Unit picks: Close looks

(Close look for the unit)

The units are made of plastic, yet pretty well designed I would say

It is fat, due to use of both dynamic and BA driver

I would say design is one of the most exclusive features of A1 

It is small (as one of recent Sony XBA series models) and simply just beautiful

(Comparison with Apple Earpods)

 The units are shorter to the height but longer to the side compared to Earpods

A1 has a silver colored band for the left unit, and a red colored band for the right unit

This is how it looks when I wear the XBA-A1

* This would vary depend on your auricles' shape

3. Sound

*Whether it is good or not depends on personal preferences
*This is fully made based on my own opinions, judges on you
*Pictures are not the measurements for the earphones

(Low frequency)

Ex) Drums & Beats & Low pitched instruments, vocals...

1. Little bit emphasized ( reduced when using sponge tips )
2. The dynamic drivers well forms strong and powerful bass
3. Very Good

(Mid frequency)

Ex) Vocal, Instruments

1. I felt minor articulation of sound around ~1kHz frequency range
2. I guess sound coming out of the BA drivers is kinda merged with that of the dynamic drivers
3. Vocal is neither "worst" nor "perfect" (Ambiguous)
4. Not perfect but okay

(High frequency)

Ex) Hi-hats, High pitched instruments, Electronica

1. The earbuds well generates clear and articulate high pitched sounds
2. It is okay up to around 10~11kHz range, but as the frequency goes up, it gets harder to hear the sound
3. "Sibilants" are moderate
4. Pretty good

4. Conclusion 

  Overall, XBA-A1 is an excellent solution for mid-entry Hi-Fi earbuds, for its nice design, performance, and the price range ($130 non-ap, $150 ap version)

  I would not hesitate to recommend XBA-A1 to people who are looking for earphones with less distorted and well balanced sound, under $200 budget

So what is your opinions on XBA-A1 overall?

Share any of your ideas or questions by comments, and I would be happy to reply

Thank you! 

* This review is written by myself and my own opinion, and is not intended for any type of commercial or sale purpose.