I purchased the XM4s during the 2021 Black Friday sales. I was tossing between these and the Sennheiser MTW2s which were AU$100 cheaper at that time. Watched YT reviews from guys like Aaron, Picky and a few others. And finally decided the XM4s better ANC and app features were more important. I figured I could EQ either bud to suit my tastes. Out of the box I immediately had a problem, not with the buds or build but none of the three hybrid tips were any use to me. I have extra large canals and need big tips. Even the largest standard tips did not give me a good seal. This was surprising since even my cheap Sony WC-310s have a large tip that fits me. I do think part of the problem is that the bud’s size and shape prevent you pushing the tip very far into my big canals. Anyhow, I have enough spare tips to find a pair that fitted. These were silicone which I find much more comfortable than Comply tips anyway and with them I got a great seal. A good seal is vital to get full dynamic range and best ANC. Even so, I ordered some Spinfits CP360 (XL size). I’ve not used them before but they fit well and are super soft. I can use them for several hours in comfort.
In every other regard, the XM4s are terrific. Even with flat EQ I find their sound near perfect for me. Bassy without boom, nice mids and although the trebles are a little recessed compared to some buds, they don’t lack detail. In fact this means they have no nasty sibilance. They compare well to my Westone 4 IEMs with their 4 drivers! In fact I prefer the Sonys by a good margin. I also have a pair of Jabra 75Ts and Soundpeats H1s, both of which are very good to my ears. On their own those two sound very nice, but when you immediately switch to the Sonys you know you’re listening to a better pair of buds. Coupled with their fantastically effective ANC, comfort (for me), features and great app, I can say they are really good value. The EQ in the app is so flexible, I feel most users will find a sweet spot for their preferences. I use them mostly with my everyday iPhone which does exclude using LDAC unfortunately. I do have an Android A52 (long story) and can use LDAC with them. Honestly I don’t hear much difference to that compared to listening to lossless tracks whether my own FLAC files or the lossless off Apple Music. But then, my hearing is not as acute as it once was when younger.
In closing, I have read a few reviews mentioning low volume or tips that don’t fit including some saying the smallest are too large for them. These are both problems that will be a result of ill-fitting tips. Let me just say that there is nothing that can’t be fixed by getting some aftermarket tips. At the price Sony could (should?) probably add super small and extra large tips to cover us that the three included ones don’t fit. One other issue for some may be that the diameter of them could be too great for smaller ears making them difficult to get a good seal and uncomfortable. That is something you should weigh up before purchase. In my case, I’m extremely happy with mine and highly recommend the XM4s.
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