I’m getting into audio and audio quality, and I’m wondering what is the best way to utilize the XM5s for accurate, lossless audio. I have the XM5s, the packaged 3.5mm wire, the Apple Lightning to Headphone Jack (as reccomended online for its built in DAC) and an Iphone with Apple Music.
Is it true that plugged in, using all of these, creates the most accurate mix, sound, and quality with hi-res lossless that is possible with all of these tools?
Set the quality to lossless on Apple music if you are using the apple 3.5mm. I would recommend eq but you don’t really have any options unless you use hardware or an android app.
Assuming the xm3 and xm5 are somewhat close in sound, using autoEQ makes them sound way nicer imo
none.
wired and off they sound shit.
zero point in losslessLike most ANC, wireless headphones, the XM5 is designed to work optimally with its own built in DAC and AMP.
Whenever you switch them “on” they will always be using the internal architecture - I think you *can* use them powered off via 3.5mm but they will not sound their best.
Your best bet with them is just to use them over Bluetooth using LDAC and “quality” preference from the Sony app.
Note that the iPhone doesn’t support LDAC. Arguably AAC with the Apple implementation is good enough, but still.
If you’re wanting balanced, accurate, high res lossless audio, Bluetooth anc headphones are not what you want. Like at all. You would be much better off with a wired pair of headphones from an actual audio focused brand