Sony XBA-1iP Pro Reviews

The thing to remember about the Sony XBA-1iP in-ear headphones is that they are half the price of either of the reference models. Their comfort level was good, though I never forgot I was wearing them. The bass response was more than adequate and the midrange, while not as rich as the reference models, was still very good. Sitting at my desk, I'd prefer one of my other headphones. But outside, or when I might be expecting a call, the Sony XBA-1iP in-ear headphones are a fine choice. At $100 MSRP (likely less in a store), they are almost an impulse buy. At this price, they are a very nice second pair at a reasonable price.

The XBA-1iP balanced armature headphones may look the part and talk the talk on the packaging, but when it comes to the overall listening experience they’re quite average. A lack of low-end response leaves the mid-levels to dominate. Although the sound isn’t bad by any means, it just doesn’t feel like the sort of refined, next-level purchase that the £89 RRP suggests. A little shop around will reveal they can be bagged for closer to the £60 mark, and it's only this that saves these in-ears from a lower score. They’ll do the job on the treadmill, but aren’t going to produce the most rounded or pleasurable listening experience for true music fanatics. However, the sound isolation is up there with the best in class, so if you want to keep outside noise out and your music tapped to your ears only then these Sonys certainly deliver on that front, bettered thanks to the multiple earbud sizes included in the box.

The $100 Sony XBA-1iPs are best-suited for buyers craving high-resolution headphones with a natural appeal that contrasts with modern, bass-focused buds.