Sony WF-XB700, EXTRA BASS meets truly wireless
Another day, and another FCC filing from Sony, almost feels like Christmas came early. Along with the WI-SP510 and WF-SP800N, a new filing for a WF-XB700 has appeared on the FCC. The filing does not reveal much, so I can only speculate for the moment.
Bluetooth 5.0 is expected, along with USB type-C on the charging case. NFC should be located on the case to connect to the wireless buds.
The headset will feature Sony's Extra Bass given the model, WF-XB700, which could indicate a larger driver unit when compared to the rest of the WF lineup. The WI-XB400 has a larger driver compared to the C200/C310 for example. The WF-H800/WF-SP800N have 6mm drivers, so we could be looking at a 9mm driver on the WF-XB700.
A 9mm driver would make it larger than the WF-1000XM3 driver. Of course a larger driver does not mean better sound quality but I still feel Sony might stick to 6mm for the XB700 as well. A larger driver would impact battery life, so Sony would either need a larger battery or reduced play time. A downside to a larger battery would be increased weight and size, but minimal if you ask me. Instead of using the CP1254. the larger CP1454 could be utilized in the XB700. The CP1454 is only 2mm wider in diameter but it does provide more around 40% more capacity, but it also weighs 0.7g more. Personally I would have liked to have seen Sony use this larger battery in the WH-1000XM3.
The FCC filing does not reveal which Bluetooth chipset is used, but I would bet we are looking at another Mediatek MT2811S member. Sony is definitely making good use out of the chipset, so far we are looking at 5 models, and perhaps maybe more in the future.
- WF-1000XM3
- WI-1000XM2
- WF-H800
- WF-XB700
- WF-SP800N
I am not sure if the WI-SP510 will be on the MT2811 or the RTL8763B chipset. I am assuming it is on the Realtek one since the predecessor was on the Airoha AB1522 chipset like the C300 and C400.
Edit, the XB700 has now appeared on the Korean FCC.
Edit, the XB700 has now appeared on the Korean FCC.
That is all the information for now, the headset might be shown at CES 2020, but it could just as easily debut later on in February or March 2020.
With 3 fillings this past week, perhaps the WH-1000XM4 will soon appear on the FCC as well? Keep your fingers crossed.
I hope this costs less than the wf-1000xm3, sony needs more affordable truly wireless headses other than the mk3.
ReplyDeleteof course, the costs will be more cheap than 1000xm3, i already tried it, its verry good sound.
DeleteDo you know when these new products will be announced? or if they are delayed due to the virus situation currently?
DeleteHi since you've gone into details of the technical components, I was wondering if you'd be able to help me. Between the 700 and 800 model, the driver is bigger in the 700 model, would the sound quality be better? I've the oneplus phone and have Equalizer setting for bluetooth, available on the phone, this is also available on the chrome browser on the pc. This adjustment I think is doable for both devices - Sony's app or no app. Please let me know your thoughts about the driver size differential and music output. Obviously given the lockdown there is no way to go to a store to try these.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I know, the XB700 is not compatible with Sony's headphone app, so EQ settings cannot be adjusted. It is not listed on the app here:
Deletehttps://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/hpc/v1/en/contents/TP0001548861.html
Likewise reviews have mentioned the app is not supported.
From the FCC teardown the WF-XB700 uses the same battery as the WF-1000XM3/WF-H800, so there will not be more power to drive the larger drivers, but they should provide a fuller sound versus the smaller driver on the SP800N theoretically.
Both the SP800N and XB700 use the same mediatek chip, MT2811S, according to Bluetooth certification, so there should not be a difference in sound quality technically but Sony most likely tuned them differently, since the XB700 is an Extra Bass model, so they should provide a deeper bass sound. This is evident in the reviews. So it depends what kind of music you listen to, if all genres, I would recommend the SP800N, more balanced and can use EQ from Sony's app. But more bassy music, then XB700.
The reviews below might be useful.
https://www.soundguys.com/sony-wf-sp800n-review-34421/
https://www.soundguys.com/sony-wf-xb700-true-wireless-earbuds-review-33162/
As for EQ settings and your phone/browser, not sure, you would have to test if there is any significant changes in sound with 2 different sets of BT headphones.
Good luck.
Hi Thank you very much for your reply. I see your reviews, I like the way you've reviewed both of them.
DeleteI use my pc to listen to music mostly, would the sony Equalizer app also function when I'm listening to music on the pc?
The reviews are not mine, just a website I use to read reviews.
DeleteYes I believe EQ settings on PC should work for the headphones. I do not believe sony has any app for the PC and their headphones.
Hi - Thank you very much. This settles it.
DeleteI didn't mind the cost but just wanted the version that gave the better output. Also don't care about noise cancellation. Most of the music I listen to is on the PC. If the sony app isint available on the pc then xb700 with larger drivers and better fit & comfort makes sense.
Thank you for replying quickly and helping me with this.