A lot has been said and debated about the best earphones in the Rs. 2000 price category. The wide smorgasbord has only led to more confusion among audio lovers who are looking for a pair of in-ears on a budget. Today, we will compare two of the most popular earphones in India.
It's the SoundMAGIC E10C from China vs. the Sony MDR-XB50AP from Japan!
CUTTING THE LONG STORY SHORT
"If you are looking for in-ears that will let you enjoy music with more depth and detail, then the SoundMAGIC E10C is your earphone.
If an extra bass sound signature is something you love, then you should indubitably pick the Sony MDR-XB50AP"
-Raghav Somani
SoundMAGIC - E10C
BALANCED AUDIO UNIQUE METAL EARPHONES
Sony MDR-XB50AP
SONY'S SIGNATURE EXTRA BASS
Not Available
DESIGN: SOUNDMAGIC E10C VS SONY MDR-XB50AP
A noticeable upgrade to the older and very popular E10S, the E10C comes with a metal build. The unique 3-button in-line remote too comes in a striking metallic body. The build makes for an astoundingly durable body and surprisingly, this does not affect its lightweight feature. These in-ears are comfortable while also being conveniently portable.
The SoundMAGIC E10C is available in 4 different colours—simple Black, elegant Gold, bright Red and a vibrant Violet. A nice thought by SoundMAGIC, the red and blue indicators around the earpieces allow for quick indication of left and right.Branding has not been emphasized too much, all you have is the model name and brand logo on the back of the earpieces.
SHINY METALLIC BODY VS. ELEGANT CLASSY BUILD
The Sony MDR-XB50AP features a design that looks and feels extremely durable. Different from that of the SoundMAGIC E10C, the
earpieces are bigger in size. Unlike most conventional earphones in this price range, Sony has put in extra effort to ensure that these headphones
do not look ordinary or cheap.
The earpieces feature a
metallic accent casing, which when paired with the black contrast looks extremely elegant and classy. Sony as always has ensured that its branding is loud and clear and thus, has its logo printed in big letters on each earpiece.
The MDR-XB50AP is available in 3 colour
variants—Blue, Black and White.
USEABILITY: SOUNDMAGIC E10C VS SONY MDR-XB50AP
A great feature at this price point, the SoundMAGIC E10C sports a super functional microphone and 3-button controller that carries solid action. This means you can stow away your smartphone while answering calls and controlling your music on-the-go. The E10C packs along with it seven pairs of silicone ear-tips of varying sizes, including a double-flanged pair. There's also a small carry case, a shirt clip and a double-pin adapter to use the headset with a laptop or computer.
The coiled design of the cable makes it tangle-free and only aids in making it extremely durable. However, the outer plastic sheath of the cord does lend it a plasticky look causing it to be a small turn off.
SOUNDMAGIC'S 3-BUTTON CONTROLLER VS SONY'S SINGLE BUTTON REMOTE
The MDR-XB50AP comes with
four pairs of black silicone ear tips, a cord adjuster and a small carrying pouch. When it comes to the fit, it employs an
angular in-ear fit enabling the earphones to feel snug while in your ears.
The in-ears feature a cable that matches the colour of the earphones. This
serrated cable manages to avoid annoying tangles.
Thick and well coated, the wire comes across as sturdy. In short, it can take a fair amount of wear and tear.
Unlike the SoundMAGIC E10C, the MDR-XB50AP comes with a
one-button remote and microphone. Thus, you will not be able to control the volume of your music without fetching your audio device.
The Sony MDR-XB50AP does a relatively better job at
noise attenuation in this price range. But to get the best out of these we would recommend a pair of noise-isolating
Comply Foam Ear tips.
SOUND: SOUNDMAGIC E10C VS SONY MDR-XB50AP
Here, we come to the E10C's biggest strength: its sonic performance.
The impressive
three-dimensional soundstage is clearly wide, ensuring that you enjoy a more natural sound experience. The
bass is heavy, without compromising on the mids and highs. It is amazing how the tones are perfectly separated.
Overall, the audio sounds
clear and smooth.
Music from all genres sounds great with this pair.
A small complaint would be the noise isolation. You will find that these in-ears do not very effectively attenuate environmental sound. However, this is not a big issue as it can be improved with a pair of Comply ear tips.
IMPRESSIVE ACOUSTIC BALANCE VS SONY'S INSANE SIGNATURE BASS
The MDR-XB50AP is clearly targeted towards people who love all that bass. Just like the name suggests that it has been tuned to deliver bass that is heavily pumped up.The lows are heavy, while the highs and mids do get disappointingly over-powered.
On tracks with exciting beats such as EDM, Hip Hop, Bollywood, etc, the MDR-XB50AP delivers an exaggerated punch. A commendable feature that is not found among extra bass earphones in this range, the Sony MDR-XB50AP does not crack or distort even when played at the highest volume.It somewhat manages to maintain a decent balance between the lows and highs as well but may sound muffled with certain genres.
This is clear if you love your bass and do not mind compromising on clarity, by all means, go for the Sony MDR-XB50AP
Summary
- Impressive Wide Soundstage & Balanced Sound
- Strong Metal Build
- Universally Compatible Three-button Remote & Mic
- Hard Carrying Case
- 7 Pairs of Eartips
- Tangle-Resistant Cables
SONY MDR-XB50AP
- Heavy Bass
- Plastic Built Earpieces
- Universally Compatible One-button Remote & Mic
- Carry Pouch
- 4 Pairs of Eartips
- Serrated Cables
CONCLUSION
To put in simple terms, the SoundMAGIC E10C has a comparatively balanced sound signature and comes with a 3-button universal remote. So if you prefer clarity and are looking for convenient smartphone compatibility, then go for these.
If you are all about that bass and can make do with the one-button microphone and remote, then the Sony MDR-XB50AP is a better option.
Still confused? Book a time of your preference and let us guide you through other options, discuss sound and help you make the right choice. Allow us to introduce you to the choicest of products at your leisure.
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Derek Laughlin
April 27, 2018
Just a forward: I’m always late to these things so you probably did this at least 4 years ago. Anyway, i own both pair ( i am no audiophile, nor have i played one tv) but to me, the Sony’s squeak by with a win. I think they are louder and punchier. That being said and taste being subjective, I naturally do like a V-signature sound. So, of course the Sony’s would appeal to me. I also believe that had i bought both when initially released, I would of been more blown away. However after hearing every site praise Sound-magic so much you begin to hype them up, all the while, forgetting that when they were being reviewed, they were 10$. Now they are 40$. Just my 2 cents. If you like a more even “true audiophile” wide sound stage-then go with the Soundmagic’s. Ha, i almost forgot, most of these reviews are annoying and people tend to make it all about themselves and not the product. EGO>You, my friend, did an excellent job and I enjoyed your review immensely. Have a good day and thank you.