[section_title title=Introduction]Introduction
Manufacturer: Sony
Model: XBA-H3
RRP: Ā£299
As you can probably already tell from the price, the earphones i’ll be reviewing today certainly aren’t aiming for any ‘bang 4 buck’ awards and instead just going for the jugular in hope to beat you into submission with their rousing quality. Sony’s XBA-H3 are certainly high-end consumer earphones, and indeed, the most expensive pair i’ve ever had the privelage of using, at least. Endorsed by Manchester music duo Hurts, Sony position the XBA-H3’s as high-end consumer offerings and with the advent of Beats by Dre and all manner of models and manufacturers popping up they’ll have to be to be worthy of anyone’s time, let alone money.
Specifications
| Type | Closed, hybrid |
| Power handling capacity | 100 mW |
| Driver unit | HD Hybrid 3-way (16mm dynamic + 2ĆBalanced Armature) |
| Frequency response | 3-40,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 107 dB/mW |
| Impedance | 40 Ī© (at 1kHz) |
| Cord type | Approx. 1.2m, OFC Litz cord (detachable ear hanger, Y-type) |
| Plug | Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug, Four-conductor gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug |
| Weight | 10g (without cord) |
| Supplied accessories | Hybrid silicone rubber earbuds (2ĆSS/ S/ M/ L), Foamed silicone earbud (2ĆS/M/L), Cord adjuster, Clip, Carrying case, Detachable ear hanger cord with remote control (approx. 1.2m OFC Litz cord) |
Now, Sony aren’t intent on completely robbing you blind with the XBA-H3’s. They’re actually quite good on paper with a solid 107db/mW sensitivity rating of note compared to most in-ear offerings you will come across, a total power handling of 100mW and solid accessory package including different types of earbuds, not just size, a snazzy leather carry case as well as a 4 ring cable for use with mobile devices for calls.
Of course, Ā£230 in-earphones may raise a few eye brows about what is special so let’s take a closer look.
