These Sony headphones eased my XM5 envy with all-day consolation and loads of bass

It is official — premium headphones are out, and mid-range headphones are in. At the least, that is my opinion, as many big-name client audio manufacturers have beefed up their midrange headphones catalog with spectacular choices. 

These days, a $200 pair of headphones can sound, really feel, and look simply pretty much as good as a $400 pair, and Sony’s 2024 Ult Put on headphones match that invoice as one of many coolest mid-range pairs available on the market. The all-new headphones borrow audio, design, and noise-canceling options discovered within the firm’s high-end flagship 1000X sequence of headphones however flaunt a extra accessible worth. 

Additionally: One of the best over-ear headphones: Skilled examined and reviewed

After I consider Sony headphones, I envision heat sound, a utilitarian design, and a excessive stage of performance. The Ult Put on have all these issues, plus a enjoyable characteristic that different Sony fashions lack, which I am going to contact on in a second. These headphones may be your subsequent best choice should you’re contemplating shopping for the XM5 however cannot justify the worth. So what makes the Ult Put on so spectacular?

First, let me make clear that this evaluation covers Sony’s over-ear headphones, in case the suspiciously easy product title confused you. You will have seen that Sony stopped naming its merchandise after a seemingly random string of letters and numbers. That alone ought to present you that these headphones exhibit a recent, new vibe from Sony, and I prefer it.

Now, let’s speak about sound. The Ult Put on’s 40mm drivers convey Sony’s normal heat, bass-forward sound properties. Within the higher vary, treble copy is vivid and clear with out being too harsh on the ears. This out-of-the-box sound makes bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and EDM electrifying and thrilling whereas maintaining lead vocals and devices at heart stage.

After I listened to Tame Impala’s Is It True, the groovy bassline was current, heavy, and filled with vitality. The lead singer’s vocals and the quirky synth sounds within the higher midrange had been clear, clear, and extremely satisfying.

Additionally: One of the best over-ear headphones: Skilled examined and reviewed

Maybe probably the most spectacular ingredient of the Ult Put on headphones’ audio is known as Ult Energy Sound, a brand new characteristic Sony carried out into its line of newly launched audio merchandise. On the push of a button, the headphones robotically alter their sound to offer deeper, richer bass, which Sony says is “designed to make the center tremble.” 

I really like deep, rumbly, virtually obnoxious bass, so this characteristic piqued my curiosity, however that is additionally as a result of I’ve seen it earlier than. I’ve to be honest; Skullcandy did the entire “bass you possibly can really feel” factor first with the Skullcrusher ANC 2 headphones. Nonetheless, I’ll admit – Sony did it higher.

With a push of the holographic Ult button on the left ear cup, the music you are listening to receives appreciable depth, delivering boomy bass you possibly can really feel on the base of your ears. Sony’s Ult Energy Sound is way simpler to tame than Skullcandy’s Crusher Bass, however it’s nonetheless intense and requires some EQ tweaking to keep away from important muddying of the midrange.

Moreover, Ult Energy Sound has Sony’s high-quality audio expertise on its aspect, and regardless of a heavier bass presence, harmonic layers and minute particulars do not get misplaced within the combine.

Sony lent its high-performing V1 chip from its 1000X-series headphones to the Ult Put on, which provides efficient noise-canceling expertise in their very own proper. Sony used this identical chip in its extra reasonably priced WH-CH720N headphones, however the Ult Put on have considerably higher noise-canceling properties.

Additionally: One of the best noise-canceling earbuds: Skilled examined and reviewed

Within the Sony Headphones app, you possibly can toggle between noise-canceling and transparency modes, and I discovered the Ult Put on’s noise-canceling effectiveness to be on par with noise-canceling headphones within the $300 vary, just like the Bose QC45. Nonetheless, activating the noise-canceling or transparency mode does considerably alter the sound high quality. This phenomenon is typical for headphones on this worth vary – even for Sony.

The Ult Put on have a premium design, mixing the simplistic design of the XM5 headphones with the purposeful components of the XM4 headphones. They’ve roomy, plush oval ear cups product of polyurethane leather-based and are very comfy. Their construct is primarily plastic, except for the steel headband extenders. A completely plastic construct is typical on this worth vary, which in the end makes these headphones extremely light-weight.

Additionally: Why I journey with these Google Pixel earbuds as an alternative of over-ear headphones now – and might’t return

Faucet and swipe controls on the appropriate ear cup dictate quantity and monitor skips, and these headphones have put on detection and exterior ear cup microphones for wind noise discount.  Sony additionally features a 3.5mm cable, USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and a sturdy cloth-covered carrying case together with your buy. Not dangerous for $200.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

The Sony Ult Put on headphones are perfect for commuters, frequent flyers, and anybody who enjoys a superb bass kick. Sony headphones normally have a bass-forward sound, so if different Sony headphones have already got sufficient bass for you, the Ult Put on could also be an excessive amount of.

If you’d like a great-sounding pair of Sony headphones with out the additional bass, think about the Sony WH-CH720N. In the event you’re in search of headphones with a impartial sound and satisfactory noise-canceling properties, attempt the Sennheiser Accentum Plus.

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