Set to release on December 6th, these wireless earbuds are designed to seamlessly integrate with Sony’s next-generation console, and also function as regular Bluetooth headphones. In an immersive review, CNET describes them as a “game-changer”, highlighting their exceptional performance for gaming as well as general music listening.
The review emphasizes that in terms of audio quality, they rival Sony’s flagship WF-1000XM5 earbuds, which are priced at around $300. Considering the Pulse Explore Earbuds are retailing for about $200, this comes as a pleasant surprise.
The review exclaims: “I found that they sound clearer and more articulate than Sony’s flagship WF-1000XM5 earbuds, with tight, powerful bass. That doesn’t necessarily mean they sound better than XM5s, which sound a little fuller. But I wasn’t expecting them to compete at all with the XM5s for music listening.”
The evaluation proceeds to delve into the reason behind their exceptional sound quality, attributing it to the use of planar magnetic drivers typically found in high-end studio over-the-ear headphones. “Planar magnetic drivers are prized for their sonic accuracy and being less prone to distortion,” the review points out. “They’re typically larger than standard dynamic drivers found in the majority of headphones and harder to drive.”
While acknowledging that the earbuds are slightly bulky due to this technology, it highlights that they are comfortable to wear. The write-up does concede that this accessory is fairly basic – lacking features like noise cancellation and ear detection – but overall, the outstanding audio quality seems to compensate for these shortcomings.
Considering that just a few years ago, earbuds with planar magnetic drivers were priced at over $1,000, it appears that Sony has truly succeeded in bringing down the price of this product. Do you intend to grab a pair? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
[source cnet.com]
