After spending hours testing the JBL LIVE 770NC and the Sony WH-1000XM5, I'm delighted to share my thoughts in this comparison review. Each headset has a lot to offer and I'm excited to delve into how they compare to each other. Join me as we explore the features, sound quality, and overall performance of these two top competitors in the noise-canceling headphone market.
What you get
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JBL Live 770NC Headphones USB-C charging cable Detachable audio cable Warranty/Warning QSG |
Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones Eighth inch wire |
look and feel
Comparing the JBL headphones to the Sony WH-1000XM5 reveals clear differences in their appearance. Available in blue, the JBLs feature an impressive lightweight construction, ideal for long listening sessions. However, the thin plastic construction can feel a little cheap, although the plush ear cushions offer excellent comfort. In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM5 exudes sophistication with its modern design and premium materials, ensuring unparalleled comfort for long-term use. While both headphones offer comfort and appeal, the Sony model stands out for its refined aesthetics and luxurious matte black look and pleasant feel.
Design and functionality
The JBL Live 770NC and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer different design features and functionality to suit different preferences. The JBL headphones use 40mm drivers for immersive sound and have an auto play/pause function when removed. They also support voice assistants and can easily connect to multiple devices. In contrast, Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones feature touch-sensitive controls and adaptive noise cancellation for a serene listening experience. Overall, both earbuds provide unique benefits for users to enjoy.
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The JBL Live 770NC headphones surprised me with their effective true adaptive noise cancellation. With four noise-detecting microphones, it effortlessly blocks out distractions, whether you're studying or enjoying music. Additionally, the Smart Ambient feature enhances ambient sounds while maintaining audio quality, providing greater comfort. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM5 impresses with its Adaptive Sound Control, which analyzes the environment for optimal noise cancellation, ensuring a serene listening experience in any environment.
Battery
The JBL Live 770NC headphones boast impressive battery life, offering up to 65 hours of playback without ANC and up to 50 hours with ANC on; The battery life is truly remarkable. Meanwhile, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers up to 30 hours of battery life. For fast charging, just 3 minutes of charging gives you 3 hours of playback with a compatible USB-PD AC adapter.
Bluetooth
The JBL Live 770NC headphones use Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio to improve wireless connections and sound quality. Meanwhile, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones support the Bluetooth version 5.2 specification, allowing simultaneous pairing with two Bluetooth devices. The difference in Bluetooth versions between the JBL Live 770NC and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones is minimal and both offer excellent connectivity and wireless functionality.
sound stage
When comparing several tracks on both headphones, I found that one of my favorite songs, “Si No Estas” by Íñigo Quintero, sounded extraordinary on both models. The JBL Live 770NC headphones particularly stood out for their soundstage, with a strong bass presence while maintaining clarity in the mids and highs. However, I noticed that the bass could sometimes overpower other frequencies, especially in different genres. However, the layering and stereo layout contributed to an immersive listening experience, improving the overall soundstage. In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones create a spacious and immersive soundstage through advanced DSP technology and virtual surround sound features. With their 360 Reality Audio format, they provide a concert hall-like atmosphere, enriching the depth of the music and revealing intricate details with exceptional clarity. In conclusion, both headphones offer an impressive soundstage, ensuring an enjoyable multi-track listening experience.
low end
For bass enthusiasts, both Bluetooth headphones offer attractive options, with the JBL Live 770NC providing fast, punchy bass that doesn't overpower other frequencies, leaving room for the mid-bass to shine. Customizing bass with the JBL app is easy and fun. By contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM5's bass leans toward a boomy quality, occasionally overshadowing other frequencies and compromising clarity, especially in the lower midrange. However, adjustments via the Sony Headphones Connect app allow for fine adjustments, catering to individual preferences without sacrificing impact. Ultimately, preference for the XM5's deep bass profile comes down to personal taste, especially in genres like electronica and hip-hop.
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Both headphones excel in the midrange, with the JBL Live 770NC achieving a harmonious blend of low-mids and highs, exemplified by the clarity and richness of tracks like Radiohead's “Creep.” Vocals, guitars, and other midrange elements are delivered with clarity and depth. Similarly, the Sony WH-1000XM5 demonstrates clarity and texture in the high frequencies, although the lower mids may lack some clarity, affecting the presentation of certain instruments and vocals. Despite this, the overall midrange is more balanced and offers a transparent mix with textured layers that enhance the listening experience, particularly with complex arrangements.
Highs
Both headphones deliver impressive highs, and the JBL Live 770NC maintains clarity and precision even on bass-heavy tracks, ensuring every instrument and vocal shines in crisp detail. Meanwhile, the Sony WH-1000XM5 features improved treble frequency response, delivering clear and well-defined treble. EQ settings in the app further enhance the highs without harshness, contributing to an immersive and balanced listening experience across genres.
Summary
In conclusion, both the JBL Live 770NC and the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have left me completely impressed. The JBL model stands out with its longer battery life and advanced Bluetooth features, ensuring uninterrupted listening sessions and seamless connectivity. On the other hand, the Sony headphones have an elegant matte black design that adds a touch of sophistication to their appearance. Despite their differences, both headphones offer exceptional soundstage and come with easy-to-use apps that allow for equalizer customization, enhancing the listening experience. Ultimately, choosing between them comes down to individual preferences, with each headset offering an attractive mix of features and performance that suits a wide range of users.
JBL VIVO 770NC and Sony WH-1000XM5 are available in Audio46.
