Apart_Flounder702 t1_j1tithj wrote on December 27, 2022 at 7:16 AM

The XS running thru the BTR5(BAL) is pretty well driven, w about 10 clicks away from max(High gain). But IMO, it doesn't sound that good, too airy to the point where it sounded thin, loses that BASS more like bass now lol. XS thru the A50s is a league above ngl. I have the B2, not B2D, and to compare to 2 is like comparing 1kg of steel and 1kg of feathers. 1 has the soundstage, the airiness, and the bass impact, while the B2 is just clean and surgical. That's not to mention it's 2 different experiences.

Sleepless_in_Bristol OP t1_j1xu33g wrote on December 28, 2022 at 4:49 AM

"... comparing 1kg of steel and 1kg of feathers" - That's OK, I live in a vacuum. lol. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E43-CfukEgs)

TBH I'm not sure what's really driving me to want to try open-back, I'm certainly not dissatisfied with the Dusk in any way. I think it's that the reviews of the XS are just as glowing and impressed as the Dusk were - "This is the device to beat under $500" - so I want to try it, after all I like all kinds of music so why not all kinds of ways of listening to it.

Ideally I want an equivalent to the BTRx that works equally well on the desktop and mobile and with both devices, and definitely one with USB input (I only listen on my PC and phone) so the A50s wouldn't be suitable but any other suggestions would be welcome.

Apart_Flounder702 t1_j1y3occ wrote on December 28, 2022 at 6:26 AM

well, ill say this, the XS sounds really really good, never for a second that I doubt the purchase. BUT the fit is a hit or miss, my coconut is on the HUGE side of the big. I maxed out the R70x wing suspension system they have(I have to bend the headband). So I thought oh so the XS has to fit me like a glove... NO, fit every loosely(could be good or bad)even for big ass head, pressure point under the ear-lope(after 2-3hr).

I haven't try the BTR7 yet, no demo unit sadge. But I wouldn't get it either, the bigger form factor doesn't fit my use case. cuz I clip my BTR5 to the "pen holder" slot of my shirt while the BTR7 doesn't have a clip/case.

Sleepless_in_Bristol OP t1_j22v173 wrote on December 29, 2022 at 6:25 AM

So weird that they messed up the headband like that. Yeah, the BTR7 is too big. Had it offered something new and amazing it might have been worth it but no, that and the lack of clip puts me off. I've ordered a Qudelix as almost everyone says it's the best solution.