When you ask Google “What are the best headphones?”, chances are at least one or two iterations of Sony’s WH-1000X series will be cited. And to be honest, we’ll tell you the same thing. The WH-1000XM5 ranks well on our list of the best over-ear headphones, and it’s likely they’ll stay there until the next model arrives.
But if you’re in the market for a headset, you’ll quickly learn that to get the “best” you’ll have to shell out a few hundred dollars, something not everyone can or wants to do. Fortunately, some of the internal audio components that make Sony’s XM5 over-ear headphones so great are also available in the WH-CH720N, for well less than half the price.
So, should you choose the economical option or pay more? Here are my arguments in favor of the first option.
The main takeaways for the Sony WH-CH720N headphones
- For €150 (launch price), the WH-CH720N headphones offer one of Sony’s most high-end audio technologies, making them suitable for those with luxury tastes but a thin wallet.
- The V1 processor helps improve ANC and contributes to high-quality sound.
- You’re paying primarily for the WH-CH720N’s internal audio components, as the level of build quality, style, and design aren’t as premium as other headphones in the same price range.
For starters, the 720N delivers clear, bass-rich sound, thanks to its 30mm dynamic driver. The bass is deep and handles hip-hop, rap, and electronic music very well. The deep frequencies of Gotta Have It by Jay-Z and Kanye West are well-transcribed, with full-bodied bass that you can feel, especially at high volumes.
However, bass can overpower other notes and muddy them. In vocal-heavy songs like All The Right Moves from One Republic, you’ll need to play with the EQ settings to bring out the layered harmonies in the mid frequencies.
For such a small and light headset, I was surprised by the presence of bass
For such a small and light headset, I was surprised by the presence of bass, even at low volumes. Overall, the sound quality is impressive and will satisfy those who listen to a lot of rap and hip-hop.
The 720N features Sony’s DSEE technology which improves the sound quality of compressed audio files streamed by streaming services like Spotify. DSEE technology doesn’t improve audio quality as much as Sony’s LDAC Bluetooth codec, but most people won’t notice the difference.
The 720N’s ANC works well for its price, as it dampens the roar of an airplane engine, a running car, or even a lawn mower. If you wear these headphones while traveling, you won’t need to listen at high volume to block out surrounding noise. However, conversational sounds will not be picked up by ANC, and to block out outside noise you will need to turn up the volume.
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EQ settings, ANC and Ambient Sound mode levels are in the app
You can adjust the 720N’s Ambient Sound mode (surround sound perception) on a 20-point scale. If you turn it on above 15 without music, you will hear a static buzzing sound. This hum is due to the two microphones located in each shell which digitally process external noise and route it to the drivers.
You can access your EQ settings, ANC, and Ambient Sound mode levels in the Sony Headphones Connect app on iOS or Android.
The WH-CH720N headphones are incredibly lightweight. Sony claims this is the lightest pair in its catalog. And I noticed this lightness as soon as I put the helmet on for the first time. I wore it for hours without feeling any ear fatigue or excessive pressure on my head. The shells are oval, but they are not very deep, which reduces the immersion of the sound quality.
The construction is plastic, but you won’t hear any annoying creaks or squeaks when you bend and stretch the headband or when you twist and turn the shells. No carrying case is included with purchase, but this headset holds up well to scratches and short falls. Even though it doesn’t look like it, it’s quite sturdy.
ZDNET’s purchasing advice for Sony WH-CH720N headphones
For €150, this is an excellent mid-range headset. The sound is sufficient for not very frequent use, they are comfortable to wear for hours and they will not break the bank. But let’s do a quick comparison to help you decide whether you should grab the WH-CH720N or save up for the WH-1000XM5.
Here’s what you’re sacrificing with the WH-CH720N: the LDAC Bluetooth codec, four extra microphones, an extra ANC processor, touch controls on the cases, and a higher-quality, sleeker build.
What you get with the 720N is Sony’s lightest wireless headset, which offers 50 hours of battery life (35 hours with ANC enabled), ten hours more than the XM5. You’ll also save up to €250, as the 720N can be sold at a notable discount.
So, if you are looking for a backup helmet that will give you value for your money, then this is the product for you.
Source: “ZDNet.com”