Sony XBA-1 Balanced Armature Headphones: Crisp, Balanced Sound Performance

Published on May 6, 2023, 5:25 p.m.

The Sony XBA-1 offers great sound in a portable package thanks to its balanced armature driver. We’ll take a look at what makes these in-ear headphones stand out.

Overview

The Sony XBA-1 Balanced Armature Headphones was released in January 2012 with an MSRP of $79.99. Key specs include:

Design

The Sony XBA-1 Balanced Armature Headphones features a sleek, compact in-ear design for portability and discreet wear. The angled nozzles allow for a secure, noise isolating fit. The flat cable resists tangles. Multiple eartip sizes provide a customizable fit.

Double Layer Housing

The XBA-1’s double layer housing is a unique design element that contributes to its smooth frequency response. By using two layers of material for the earphone’s housing, Sony has been able to reduce unwanted resonances and vibrations that can negatively impact sound quality. This results in a more natural and accurate sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum, allowing you to hear your music as the artist intended.

Usability

The Sony XBA-1 Balanced Armature Headphones offers easy, plug-and-play use. The angled nozzles and array of eartip sizes enable a tailored, comfortable fit for all-day wear. No extra controls or electronics simplify operation.

Build Quality

Sony is known for quality construction, and the Sony XBA-1 Balanced Armature Headphones reflects this with durable housings and reinforced cabling built to last. The gold-plated plug also resists corrosion.

Sound Quality

The Sony XBA-1 utilizes a single balanced armature driver to deliver a balanced and detailed sound signature. Users frequently praise its clear, crisp vocals and accurate instrument reproduction. The mids and highs are particularly well-represented, offering excellent clarity and detail.

However, some users find the bass response to be somewhat lacking compared to dynamic driver earphones. This is a common characteristic of balanced armature drivers, which tend to prioritize accuracy and detail over sheer power in the low end. While the XBA-1’s bass may not satisfy those seeking a thumping low-end, it is still present and well-defined, providing a balanced listening experience suitable for various genres of music.

Overall, the XBA-1’s sound quality is impressive, especially considering its price point. It offers a detailed and balanced listening experience that many users find enjoyable for both music and other audio content.

Noise Isolation

Thanks to the in-ear seal created by the various ear tip options, the Sony XBA-1 provides excellent passive noise isolation. This effectively blocks out ambient noise, allowing for a more immersive listening experience and improved audio quality, especially in noisy environments like commutes or crowded spaces.

Gold-plated L-shaped Stereo Mini Plug

The gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug on the XBA-1 serves two essential purposes. First, the gold plating helps to ensure a reliable and high-quality connection to your audio devices by resisting corrosion and ensuring optimal signal transfer. Second, the L-shaped design of the plug makes it less prone to damage from accidental bending or twisting, which is a common issue with straight plugs. This contributes to the overall durability of the earphones and ensures a longer lifespan.

47 1/4-inch (1.2 m) OFC Litz Cord Neck-chain

The XBA-1 features a 47 1/4-inch (1.2 m) OFC Litz cord neck-chain. OFC stands for Oxygen-Free Copper, a type of copper known for its excellent electrical conductivity and reduced signal loss. The Litz construction of the cable involves weaving multiple strands of insulated wire together, which helps to minimize the skin effect and proximity effect, both of which can degrade audio quality. The neck-chain design of the cable is intended to provide a comfortable and secure fit, preventing the earphones from falling out during movement.

Carrying Pouch and Cord Adjuster

Sony includes a carrying pouch and cord adjuster with the XBA-1 to enhance the overall user experience. The carrying pouch provides a safe and convenient way to store your earphones when not in use, protecting them from dust, scratches, and other potential damage. The cord adjuster allows you to customize the length of the cable, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for your individual needs. This is particularly useful when using the earphones on the go, as it helps to prevent the cable from getting caught or tangled.

Use Cases

Thanks to their lightweight and low-profile design, the Sony XBA-1 Balanced Armature Headphones are a perfect companion for your daily commute. Their balanced sound profile also makes them a great choice for musical enjoyment. Pop in your favorite playlists and enjoy crisp vocals and natural instrument reproduction as you head to work or school. The Sony XBA-1 Balanced Armature Headphones are also ideal for watching videos and movies on your phone or tablet, letting you immerse yourself in clear, detailed sound.

Value

With an MSRP of $79.99, the Sony XBA-1 Balanced Armature Headphones punches above its weight for sound quality. The use of a balanced armature driver at this price point delivers great value. Overall, the Sony XBA-1 Balanced Armature Headphones deliver impressive audio performance and design at a budget-friendly price point.

Recommendation

For an affordable introduction to balanced armature sound, the Sony XBA-1 Balanced Armature Headphones is a great choice. The portable design and balanced tuning make these headphones a versatile pick for on-the-go use. As long as booming bass isn’t a must, the Sony XBA-1 Balanced Armature Headphones live up to their solid reputation.