Quick Attention at the cover of your palm © One Tech Traveller | Buy Sony Hear on 2
Now Im not going all technical (theres plenty online for that), but instead referencing my own opinion on the quality across a few tracks I honed in on. For vocal and instrumental rich songs, I played The Essential Michael Jackson Hi-Res FLAC album on the Sony NW-A45. The vocals in Man in the Mirror are clean and really captures the sharp, streaky pitch he frequently hits that are simply delightful. When I move to Smooth Criminal, I could appreciate the individual hits on the cymbals and drums, as well as his piercing, gritty vocals in this song. The distinction is superb and really enjoyable. You can feel the graft in this voice and then it livens up to the electric guitar solo. You dont just hear the pluck of the strings, you feel it.
Its so immersive in wireless mode and slightly more refined in wired; nonetheless, negligible to the average person. The heartbeats in the beginning? Amazing. The soundstaging for the deeper bass is incredible and feels like the headphones are physically moving to create that beating movement, when it isnt. Crazy.
© One Tech Traveller | Buy Sony Hear on 2
Moving on to bassier tracks, I switched to Bruno Mars 24K Magic album and defaulted to Thats What I Like. Bass lovers will really enjoy the Sony WH-H900N. Though it isnt labelled under the Extra Bass line from Sony, these do a tremendous job punchy, subtly reverberation hitting the low line. It demonstrates the bass range nicely and knows how to take a step back from the frontlines. That was evident in the energetic song from Ne-Yo Push Back with the raw bass and then dialing back in Pour Me Up.
Read: Sony MDR-XB50BS Wireless Earphones Review
Standing Side by Side
Great noise cancellation that doesnt cost as mucha s the 1000MX3 © One Tech Traveller | Buy Sony Hear on 2
With the Sony WH-H900N, youre getting an excellent pair of headphones that delivers superb audio dynamic range, sound reproduction and clarity with all-day battery life. Touch controls are natural and intuitive while ambient mode is the best integration of the feature Ive seen along with the 1000XM3.
Though it misses out on a few exclusive features of the 1000XM3 such as: atmospheric and personalised noise cancellation, longer battery life, faster USB C charging and superior noise cancellation, you may not be willing to spend over $349 / £330 for the luxury. So considering the lower price tag and performance that holds well against it and the Bose Quiet Comfort 35, these stylish headphones offer excellent noise cancellation and sound for the money.
For the price, I would have still liked to see a hardshell case and USB C charging with the Sony WH-H900N and not left exclusive to the flagship when its a modern-day standard. And where the earpads can twist and lay flat on the surface for practicality. The 1000XM3 offers a lot for the premium but if thats just out of reach, the Sony WH-H900N h.ear on 2 hits that best value sweet spot for many.