#Lavish software win eq lite pro

At the top end the XM5s had the good taste not to get too carried away, but still managed a polite bite and shine with high treble sounds.įrequencies from the bottom of the range to the top were even and smooth. This allows midrange frequencies where vocals sit to be delivered unhindered - and because detail levels are equally lavish here, it means the XM5 are about as communicative and articulate as any headphones at anything like this money. Low frequencies were muscular but agile, loaded with detail and texture, and delivered an ordered foundation without over shadowing the presentation further up the frequency range. Throughout, tonality was neutral and natural, with only the slightest suggestion of the highs being rolled off.

#Lavish software win eq lite pro

I also tried the headphones wired to an external DAC/headphone amp connected to an Apple MacBook Pro (2020) and streamed music using the same services. Listening was carried out using an iPhone 13 mini as a source playing content from Qobuz and Tidal streaming services. Sony is very keen on ABS just now - it’s a very useful material in acoustic terms and, given that it’s mostly made from recycled plastic and can be recycled again at the end of its life, its eco credentials are impeccable. The WH-1000XM5 are available in black or ecru (for which read ‘uninspiring beige’) and are mostly made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). They're a more streamlined shape than their predecessor, with an aero dynamic design that improves the flow of air across the headphone frame to reduce wind noise.īranding is minimal - just a little ‘Sony’ logo on each hinge - and the earcups and headband are virtually featureless and entirely anonymous. There’s something just slightly stealthy about the way the XM5 look. Certainly they’re a departure from the outgoing WH-1000XM4 - or, at least, as much of a departure as is possible where wireless over-ear headphones are concerned. Sony has had a bit of a re-think where the design of the WH-1000XM5 is concerned. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) Sony WH-1000XM5 review: Design WH-1000XM4 face-off will help you choose between them. You might also be torn when it comes to the XM5's predecessor, because the XM4 is still available, and for at least $50 less. So unless you enjoy being the earliest of adopters (and don’t mind paying for the privilege), it's certainly worth hanging back a while to see what discounts come to light. Each previous 1000X model has launched with a top-end price-tag attached, and each previous 1000X model has become considerably more affordable in fairly short order.

It seems unlikely Sony will maintain this price for all that long, though. You can also check out how they stack up against the AirPods Max - Sony WH-1000XM5 vs.

Certainly the XM5’s most obvious competitors - from the likes of Bose and Sennheiser - are all appreciably cheaper. This is, without doubt, at the upper end of the ‘mainstream’ over-ear headphone market and is edging towards the ‘luxury lifestyle’ area where the likes of Bang & Olufsen, Apple (with its AirPods Max) and Montblanc hang out.