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There’s no auto-pause or play when you take the buds out or put them in, which is another feature we thought might be present on the C700N. It’s slightly disappointing given some rivals do offer this functionality. Coming from the same manufacturer, it's no surprise that both sets of buds are practically the same in how they look and feel, although there are some key differences. The WF-C500 are slightly larger than their newer stablemates, the later model using Sony's 5mm driver compared with the C500's larger 5.8mm counterpart. Nothing could be more indicative of such a dependable stalwart's commitment to affordable quality than two of its budget (but still brilliant) wireless earbud models: the WF-C500 and the WF-C700N. Yes, so good is Sony in this area that we have pitched the company against itself for the title – albeit with two different models, obviously.
It's not a total disaster here for the C500, though, as while they're incapable of any form of ANC, they do at least offer voice control and hands-free calling, and with a high-quality microphone built in, that's still a really handy feature at such a small price.Switch to Beethoven's Symphony No.5 in C Minor by Herbert von Karajan and the Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Sonys nail the piece’s dramatic opening. The highs and lows, the string section’s descent into quiet troughs from where they rise into a stirring crescendo are all handled deftly. It requires solid timing and great organisation and the Sonys pass the test with flying colours. Impressive at this level. Depending on the computer you are using, the built-in Bluetooth adaptor may need to be turned on. If you do not know how to turn on the Bluetooth adaptor or are unsure if your computer has a built-in Bluetooth adaptor, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the computer.
There’s a fantastic sense of power and drive on display that grabs your attention and hooks you into the song. But it’s not all about the bass. The WF-C700 still favour a balanced presentation overall. There’s still percussion and a vocal to fit into the mix and the Sonys are more than generous with the amount of exposure they give across the frequency range. As always when testing earbuds or headphones, the Sony WF-C700N became my musical companions for two weeks – after a thorough 48-hour run-in period.
Sony LinkBuds S vs. WF-1000XM5 vs. WF-C700N: In-Ear Fit
Otherwise, the XM5 earbuds also support some shortcuts. You can configure double and triple taps to respectively trigger Spotify Tap and Endel (a generative soundscape app) integrations via the app. Sony WF-1000XM5 The available operating time is short, the battery power does not last long, the battery life of the left and right headset units is different.
Both pairs of earbuds are once again punching above their weight in this department, so things really come down to a question of value for money. A split decision might be the fairest option when price is factored into the equation. I'll speak plain: for features, design and most-importantly sound quality, these cannot be bettered for the money. In fact, you'd have to double your outlay to do so. What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence. Perks abound. You can even deploy safe listening levels or collect badges pertaining to how often you've listened, and in which scenarios!The indicator (blue) on the charging case repeatedly flashes twice in a row and the headset goes into pairing mode. The C500 (the dear old nanna in this scenario) offer phenomenal value for money, providing more features and far better audio fidelity at the price than almost any other rival on the market today. They're also so well made they'll probably continue giving you that same great sound decades from now. You have to hand it to Sony. It’s managed to build a nice little portfolio of wireless earbuds that hit a number of key price points. Each step up delivers a bump in performance that justifies each model’s price and position in the category. For this level, I think it would be churlish to ask any more from your earbuds. Call-handling? A breeze –but not literally; Sony has worked hard on neutralizing wind-interference (there's a new mesh structure surrounding the microphone) and the fact that the units are much more flush with your ear does promote clearer calls.
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