There is a wide range of in-ear headphones in the under Rs. 2000 price category which pack in some great features. While some boast of great audio quality, others sport a well-built body.
Today we have the MDR-XB55APfrom Sony's Extra bass series vs. the CX275s from the well-renowned German brand Sennheiser!
"The Sony MDR-XB55AP packs in all the Extra Bass to make your music sound boosted and entertaining.
For sound that is baised towards the lower-end and Sennheiser's prestigious brand name in a budget, the Sennheiser CX275s does a solid job"
The Sony MDR-XB55AP features a design that looks and feels extremely durable. Different from that of the CX275s, the earpieces are bigger in size. Unlike conventional earphones in this price range, it is very apparent that Sony has put in extra effort to ensure that these headphones do not look ordinary or cheap.
The MDR-XB55AP is available in 3 colour variants—Blue, Black and White. The earpieces feature metallic accent casing, which when paired with the black variant looks extremely elegant and classy. Sony has ensured that its branding is loud and clear and thus, has its logo printed in big letters on each earpiece.
The Sennheiser CX 275s comes in a design that is very different from that of the Sony MDR-XB55AP. Itfeatures a simple, lightweight design, with dark, metallic grey earpieces and black ridged accents. The body has been clearly built to look clean, without attracting too much attention.
The Sony MDR-XB55AP sports a cable that is solid and durable. A clear difference from the in-ears in this price range, the thick cable is serrated thereby avoiding tangles. On the other hand, the Sennheiser CX 275s employs an ordinary thin cable that most earphones in this price range sport. You will want to take care of your cable to keep your earphones from getting damaged.
A great feature at this price point, the Sony MDR-XB55AP sports a super functional universally compatible microphone and 1 button controller that carries solid action. This means that you can stow away your smartphone while answering calls and controlling your music on-the-go. However, you will not be able to control the volume of your music and need to fetch your music device for the same.
The Sony MDR-XB55AP packs along with it 4 pairs of black silicone ear tips of varying sizes, including a double-flanged pair. There's also a small carry case, a shirt clip and a double-pin adapter to use the headset with a laptop or computer.
When it comes to the fit, the MDR-XB55AP employs an angular in-ear fit,thus, the earphones snugly fit into your ears. It also does the best job at isolating unwanted environmental sound. You will be amazed by how these in-ears so effectively cut out external noise.
Just like the Sony MDR-XB55AP, even the Sennheiser 275s has an in-line mic and one-button remote (nothing that sets it apart from its Sony counterpart). It comes along with eartips of different sizes, a right-angled mini-stereo plug and a storage pouch.
As far as fit, the CX 275s feels quite secure—the earpieces are so tiny and glossy, they're almost difficult to put in at first, but once you get a good fit, they stay put.
The MDR-XB55AP has been clearly targeted towards people who love all that bass. Just like the name suggests, the MDR-XB55AP has been tuned to deliver bass that is heavily pumped up.
The lows are heavy, while the highs and mids do get over-powered. The MDR-XB55AP delivers an exaggerated punchfor music across genres such as EDM, Hip Hop, Bollywood, etc.
A commendable feature that is not found among extra bass earphones in this range, the Sony MDR-XB55AP does not crack or distort even when played at the highest volume. It manages to maintain a decent balance between lows and highs as well but may sound muffled with certain genres.
This is clear, if you aren't a bass lover, the XB55AP is not meant to match your sonic taste.
On tracks with serious bass, the CX 275s provides ample boom, that too without distortion, even at high volumes. The CX 275s also manages to maintain a decent balance between lows and highs as well.
Sometimes, however, there is a strange high-mid to high boosting. In specific areas, the highs are so boosted that there is a strange mix of elements that stand out dramatically.
Certain electronic percussive sounds can seem far too bright, even a bit harsh or tinny. On tracks with serious bass, the CX 275s provides ample boom, that too without distortion, even at high volumes. It also manages to maintain a decent balance between the lows and highs.
Bottom line, this is the earphone for people who enjoy the added punch in their music but aren't bassheads.
Relatively less bass, but more balanced.
To put in simple terms, if you wish to listen to music with extreme pumped-up bass, then the Sony MDR-XB55AP is a better option.
For those that prefer Sennheiser branding and audio that leans towards the lower end while also maintaining the highs and lows, the CX 275s is a better option.