amazon Sony WH-1000XM3 reviews
In 2016, when first launched the MDR-1000X flagship stage on the IFA (Germany), Sony did not expect that the first wireless headset of the company’s success so unexpected. One year later, the WH-1000XM2 was added as a “tiger-wing” with a host of new technologies, significantly enhancing the sound and becoming a force in the noise-canceling headphone range.
It was difficult to reach the top, maintaining the peak was twice as difficult. Many Sony fans wonder what it will do with the next WH-1000XM3: changing design, adding technology, changing sound quality or reducing sales prices?
The WH-1000XM3 keeps the box simple, yet delicate as other Sony products. The front is the headset image with the mainstream technology such as Noice Canceling, Ambient Sound, Bluetooth, NFC, …
Specifications of the WH-1000MX2, notably the fast charging feature 10 minutes, use 5 hours with the battery life up to 40 hours.
The kit is very sturdy and beautiful.
Let’s talk about design. If the previous version was a light upgrade compared to the original 1000X, the WH-1000XM3 is considered “beauty salon” in all aspects. The basic design is still a high-end metal frame that incorporates leather wrapped in ear details, but the headband and pads on the WH-1000XM3 are more padded and the housing size is larger than the full-body trim.
WH-1000XM3 marks the change in design compared to the predecessor WH-1000XM2
This change brought me a very comfortable feel, even during the experience I had to wear WH-1000XM3 for over 5 hours continuously. Earcups and headband are soft and comfortable to wear, and they are also hugged enough to provide better noise protection, not too hot.
The next interesting thing is WH-1000XM3 lighter than the old version, down from 275g to 255g, also more neatly folded in the process of moving. This is a great advantage of 1000XM3 when compared to other competitors in the same price range as B & W PX (335g) or Bose QuietComfort 35 II (234g).
The leather earcup on the new version is still equipped with sensors that allow users to control by touch: increase the volume, transfer messages, receive calls, … with just a few touches on the touch housing of the headset. Swipe up and down to increase volume, swipe to switch songs, double tap to Play / Pause, or take a call – all still accurate and smooth.
The Sony WH-1000XM3 is also equipped with a new charging system. Say goodbye to the micro-USB port and replace it with the new USB-TypeC – a sensible move as most high-end Android smartphones now turn to TypeC, a rechargeable cable that can cum even 2 tasks, much more convenient than that.
The fast charging feature has also improved significantly, with a 10-minute rechargable battery life that is enough for the WH-1000XM3 to operate for 5 hours – extremely impressive compared to just over an hour on the predecessor WH-1000XM2. Full battery life in 3 hours, the WH-1000XM3 will operate at full power (on both noise and NFC mode) for up to 30 hours – the desired battery life with all other wireless headsets at the time current score!
If you ever owned a WH-1000MX2, you know this headset will automatically power off to save battery power if you do not receive the audio signal from the transmitter. This accidentally causes inconvenience to users who do not want to listen to music, just want to turn on the noise to “get quiet” nap, reading or work. On the new version with the Sony Connect application, you can set the noise time according to demand. A small change, but bring a completely enjoyable experience to the user.
About noise-reduction technology, the most significant upgrade on the WH-1000XM3 is its own processor called the Noise Canceling Processor QN1 – instead of being integrated into the DAC as its predecessor. According to Sony, this independent chip will have four times better noise protection than the WH-1000MX2, because QN1 not only eliminates low-frequency noise such as aircraft or engine but also It also includes higher frequency sounds such as human speech, orchestra, etc.
where can you get a Sony WH-1000XM3 online
Sony WH1000XM3 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Over Ear Headphones, Black (WH-1000XM3/B) (2018 model): Buy it now
Sony WH1000XM3 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones, Black WH-1000XM3/B (Certified Refurbished): Buy it now
Another design change to improve the noise resistance of the WH-1000XM3 is the appearance of three microphones on the left earcup. Specifically, the microphone used in the noise canceling analysis has been separated from the microphone for voice conferencing – meaning that the call quality on the WH-1000XM3 is much better than its predecessor.
Exclusive features such as Ambient Sound, Personal NC Optimizer and Quick Attention are all optimized by Sony, in addition to Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing technology for those who are constantly on the go on the plane.
Quick Attention Mode is a temporary noise reduction mode when you need to listen and chat with your friends around. When the hands are placed on the headset, this mode is activated, and the volume decreases, while the microphone transmits the sound to the ear for better clarity. Noise levels are also automatically adjusted when you are traveling on the road.
The Atmospheric Pressure Optimising feature on the WH-1000XM3 allows the headset to recognize the ambient air pressure to optimize noise performance. In conjunction with the Headphone Connect application, you can use Apdaptive Sound Control for self-adjusting noise cancelling headphones based on different real-world environments.
Next is the time to discuss sound quality. The use of the QN1 Processor is the key to Sony’s ability to handle 32-bit audio on the WH-1000XM3, giving users a better experience of lossless music.
This headset also supports the exclusive LDAC decoder developed by Sony itself. Advantage of the LDAC is that this method allows the signal transmission at a maximum of 990kbps, much higher than the standard 328kbps Bluetooth standard SBC.
Actually at a maximum speed of 990kbps, LDAC still can not meet the bandwidth requirement of 4.5Mbps of hi-res PCM 24bit / 96kHz tracks. However, Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE HX) solves this problem, with “the ability to upgrade standard compressed music from all formats to high-quality hi-res audio, even wireless mode”.
The WH-1000XM3’s mainstream style is the Sony MDR-1AB, MDR-100ABN, and the Sony MDR-1000X. But compared to the WH-1000MX2 predecessor, this new version possesses richer bass, flares, depth & vibration that are clearly visible when the WH-1000XM3 hits the dance, edm of legendary Avicii. Wake Me Up, Addicted To You or Hey Brother, …
The high midrange of the WH-1000XM3 is trendy, sweet, lightly peaked to tone the vocalist’s ear, but this will make the listener demand for detail, separation in the negative The bar is not really satisfactory. This, in my opinion, does not compromise on the value of the WH-1000XM3 – it’s designed to be a portable headset for mobility and noise reduction.
Frankly speaking, Sony’s flagship is not so perfect that it can beat tough opponents in all respects – but no noise-isolating headset like the WH-1000XM3 brings in. the present moment.
Bose is always known as the “king” of the noise-canceling headset, QuietComfort 35 II is a clear demonstration for that name but the customization Noise Cancelling as well as sound performance has not reached the peak. The B & W PX has an excellent midrange with high detailing, outstanding separation, but its user experience or noise resistance is just as acceptable.
Simply, the WH-1000XM3 deserves the best knockout that Sony has made to date.