When comparing Symphonized NRG 3.0 vs Sony MDR XB50AP, the Slant community recommends Sony MDR XB50AP for most people. In the question“What are the best earbuds around $50?” Sony MDR XB50AP is ranked 4th while Symphonized NRG 3.0 is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose Sony MDR XB50AP is:
The low frequencies are what stand out from the sound signature. Bass goes pretty low and with good punch too. Also, the full deep end bass is achieved without muddying up the mids. The mids are smooth and clear, allowing vocals and guitars to be clearly heard. The highs are present, though slightly recessed, giving these headphones an overall warm sound.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Warm and bassy sound
The bass output of the NRG 3.0 is quite powerful and deep. Bass-heavy tracks will sound full and will have good punch. The mids are on the warm and smooth side. While not really forward, the vocals have good body and presence. The highs are recessed compared to the other frequencies.
Pro Made of real wood
The wood doesn't add any substantial benefit, but it looks really cool.
Pro Gold plated jack
The 3.5mm jack is gold plated for maximum sound quality
Pro Inline controls
There is an inline mic and volume controls that come with these earbuds.
Pro Great wire
The wire is coated in a durable braided nylon material.
Pro Great low end complemented by clear mids and fairly good highs
The low frequencies are what stand out from the sound signature. Bass goes pretty low and with good punch too. Also, the full deep end bass is achieved without muddying up the mids. The mids are smooth and clear, allowing vocals and guitars to be clearly heard. The highs are present, though slightly recessed, giving these headphones an overall warm sound.
Pro Cable does not tangle easily
The XB50AP's cable is flat and fairly thick, yet flexible. The cable does not tangle easily even when chucked into a bag or pocket.
Pro Light weight and soft ear tips make these comfortable to wear
The XB50AP is fairly lightweight. Combined with the high quality ear tips that are soft and flexible, there is not much pressure in the ear canal, making them great for wearing for straight periods of time.
Pro In line remote allows for convenient smart device control
There is a single button remote control which allows you to answer/end calls as well as pause/play tracks. This minimizes the need for you to pull out your phone or media player to do these functions.
Cons
Con Dark sound
The bass and mids are quite prominent and overpower the recessed highs. This gives the audio a dark sound, which may not be to your liking if you want to hear the minute details of the audio.
Con Heavy cables cause noise
These earbuds have heavy cables that cause noticeable noise when they move.
Con Earpieces are quite bulky
The earpieces are quite big and stick out of the ears a bit. It is possible that you will find these to be straining on your ears. Also, these can hurt when you are lying down on your side with these on.
Con Microphonics can be distracting
It produces noise when the cable moves around while you're wearing them or when it rubs against your clothes. This can be quite distracting, especially if you like to focus on your music.
Con Treble can sound recessed
While the bass in these headphones is powerful and full, the treble has taken a bit of a step back. While there is a good level of clarity on the high frequencies, these do not have the airiness and sparkle that more detail oriented headphones have.