$339
Frequency response: 4Hz to 40,000Hz; impedance: 32 ohms; driver size: 12mm
I like the XBA-A2 so much that I revisited nearly every track of my
music collection with it during the review - just to hear what sonic
thrills I have been missing all this while.
There is much to like about these earphones, which sport a
three-driver design. I heard accurate bass, clear mids and crisp highs
without any harshness.
However, the best part about the XBA-A2 is its all-round ability. It
will work well with just about any genre of music, whether classic
rock, pop or jazz.
The XBA-A2 threw up a wide soundstage and there was a great sense of
position, making it easy to locate all the different elements within a
recording.
Singers, for example, can sound like they are right in front of you
with the rest of the band behind them, a little further away.
Listening to the jazz track Stratus by jazz-fusion drummer Billy
Cobham made me feel as if I was right in one of his studio jam sessions.
The earphones also shone with bass-heavy music. I thoroughly enjoyed
listening to my deep house, dubstep, drum and bass, and hip-hop tracks.
Yet, while sounding full at the low-end, things never got out of hand
as the bass is tight and well controlled.
Take the track Staggered Dub by Breakage. Despite its insistent
bassline and frenetic breakbeats, I heard no distortion or muddiness.
You will not turn many heads wearing the XBA-A2, which has a subdued
industrial look. It is also bulkier than the average pair of earphones
and can look a bit unwieldy.
But I find it attractive nonetheless. Build quality is good, despite
the surfeit of plastic. It has a premium feel, thanks to the matte and
soft-touch finish. The detachable and tangle-free cables snap on with a
satisfying click.
It also fit well and it was easy to get a good seal. It is
comfortable enough for all-day use, although the earbuds took some time
to break in.
- Excellent sound across all genres; great fit and comfort – pretty much perfect in my books.
