Sony MDR WH1000 XM3...To much bass

[Howaboutthis]

So, after much research I bought the WH1000 XM3, the XM4 being out of reach. Sure, you can EQ them with the app on phone or tablet, but the headphones don't remember the EQ when connected to my TV. As a result, the bass overpowers the vocals in movies or concerts.
Anyway, I'm going to return them, maybe go for a cheaper Sennheiser, or just stick with my Lindy BNX 60 which still works, though falling apart.
Bluetooth in needed, probably with wired available too. Noise cancelling is desireable as is over ear rather than on ear. A pretty flat frequency response is a priority, though maybe not too clinical.
Thoughts?

[mholt1995]

Howaboutthis said:

So, after much research I bought the WH1000 XM3, the XM4 being out of reach. Sure, you can EQ them with the app on phone or tablet, but the headphones don't remember the EQ when connected to my TV. As a result, the bass overpowers the vocals in movies or concerts.
Anyway, I'm going to return them, maybe go for a cheaper Sennheiser, or just stick with my Lindy BNX 60 which still works, though falling apart.
Bluetooth in needed, probably with wired available too. Noise cancelling is desireable as is over ear rather than on ear. A pretty flat frequency response is a priority, though maybe not too clinical.
Thoughts?

Have you tried the Bose QuietComfort over-ears? I have the 35 IIs and they are nice and mostly neutral, good noise cancelling too. Not sure how the new 45 generation stack up but would expect it to be more of the same.

[Crackie]

Howaboutthis said:

So, after much research I bought the WH1000 XM3, the XM4 being out of reach. Sure, you can EQ them with the app on phone or tablet, but the headphones don't remember the EQ when connected to my TV. As a result, the bass overpowers the vocals in movies or concerts.
Anyway, I'm going to return them, maybe go for a cheaper Sennheiser, or just stick with my Lindy BNX 60 which still works, though falling apart.
Bluetooth in needed, probably with wired available too. Noise cancelling is desireable as is over ear rather than on ear. A pretty flat frequency response is a priority, though maybe not too clinical.
Thoughts?

Here is an excellent technical the review of your phones...........it shows the bass excess you're hearing. https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/me...

The reviewer knows his stuff and often makes modifications to improve performance. In the case of the Sony's you have the excess bass can be reduced by allowing a small break in the seal between the headphone cushion and the head.

I bought a pair of Sennheiser HD 560S at Christmas on the strength of the review on this site. They are open backed & not noise cancelling so may not be suitable for you. https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/me...

The 560s has also been tested by AudioScienceReview recently...... https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php... the findings closely match the Audio Heaven test. Very flat response, close to the reference target, light weight, great performance for the money.

The reason I mention the 560s reviews is that the AudioScience tests are very well respected.........the fact the Audio Heaven review matches it closely is reassuring regarding the validity of the test of Sony model you have.

For reference.........here's the ASR test of the XM4 https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php... they've not tested the XM3.

Edited by Crackie on Saturday 5th February 16:42

[Howaboutthis]

I haven't tried the Bose(s), I'm sure they are very good but a little out of my range at present. Thanks for the reply, though.

[cheeky_chops]

amazon had some bose 700's for £160 this week. They come up quite often, noise cancelling is fantastic!

[Howaboutthis]

Hi Crackie, appreciate for the link, there is a lot to take in, I'll read it more thoroughly later.