By now I'm sure many people already know that Sony is a big name in the audio world. The WH-1000XM4, WH-1000XM5 and TWS WF-1000XM4 headphones have a reputation for high audio capabilities. There is no doubt that the price of Sony audio products is quite premium when compared to audio products produced by Chinese brands. But what if Sony had a quality premium audio product but at a more affordable price?
This product is their latest TWS which is WF-C700N. This true wireless earphone set is small and compact, lightweight and easy to carry or store anywhere and is loaded with many of the audio features and functions found in products like the XM4 and XM5. Is this C700N for everyone or just for Sony fans who want to save money?
SPECIFICATIONS
Sony WF-C700N
TWS type in-ear headphones
5mm Audio Driver
Sony DSEE audio engine
(Digital Sound Enhancement Engine)
Microphone Front microphone
Anti-wind noise
Claims guaranteed call quality
No Sensor
10 hours continuous battery
Bluetooth 5.2 tethering
Google Fast Pair
Microsoft Swift Pair
Connection to two devices simultaneously
Codec AAC, SBC
USB-C charging
Charge 10 minutes, last 1 hour
Sony│Headphones Connect app support
Android, iOS
Touch Control
IPX4 waterproof capability
Selling Price RM549
If you refer to the table above that is the official specification for Sony's new TWS. The WF-C700N is a mid-range TWS only with the usual specifications as there is no active noise cancellation (ANC). The audio driver is quite small 5mm, the codec is only SBC and AAC and uses Bluetooth 5.2 instead of the latest which is 5.3.
At a glance you will feel that Nothing Ear (2) might be more worth owning. Better features and functionality include wireless charging support, LHDC 5.0 support for lossless audio and a unique design that Sony doesn't have. What Sony offers is construction from recycled materials, small and compact size and audio features from their premium TWS.
This means that you will be able to use the DSEE audio engine which is the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine, using adaptive audio features that can intelligently change the level of noise cancellation, 360 Reality Audio and 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer. CF-700N also supports multipoint connection which is connection to two devices simultaneously.
DESIGN
Sony WF-C700N is quite comfortable because it is very light. It is ergonomic and is said to fit all human ears. The building materials are said to be from recycled materials to make their products more sustainable.
This uncomplicated design only has a USB-C port on the outside with a docking button. The charging frame comes in a small oval shape about the size of a 9V battery but longer. The packaging is also comfortable and feels like thick cardboard.
The construction material of the ear buds is a soft silicone that makes when in my ears I don't feel anything. But at the same time can ensure that the audio does not leak out and long-term use will not be a problem. Two more pairs of silicone buds, a larger pair and a smaller pair are given with every purchase. So if the medium-sized buds don't feel right to the ear, these two extra buds can help.
AUDIO QUALITY
Don't be surprised by the small 5mm audio driver on this TWS. Small chilies, large limes. The audio quality produced still has Sony's well-known audio profile. It doesn't try to be the WF-1000XM4, but gives comfort to the wearer and can provide good bass.
BASS/LOWS
The Sony bass thump that I know can be experienced on these Sony WF-C700N earphones which are not too loud and quite balanced. Instruments such as drums can be heard clearly and can be contrasted with the sound of the male singer's voice. Speaking of singers, men's voices are more melodious than women's voices which are quite thin.
VOCALS/MIDS
The vocals on this set of wireless earphones are excellent. I was quite surprised when the voice of the conversation in the podcast episode was clearly audible. For music I particularly enjoy using the WF-C700N for music that focuses a lot on vocals. It is clear and loud, not drowning and the user will feel comfortable and calm.
HIGH TONE/HIGH
This is where I start to feel the weakness of the Sony WF-C700N. Although the high tone can reach a good level of loudness, it does not seem to be very clear. It seems like it doesn't have the energy to continue climbing to the highest peak and continues to suffocate after reaching 70%. However with good Lows and Mids it helps provide balanced and quite satisfying audio.
AUDIO STAGE AND ISOLATION
With balanced and comfortable audio, this makes it easy for me to distinguish between vocals and instruments and their respective positions. With this TWS I can say that Sony managed to use their software technology like DSEE to make normal format audio to better quality. I could clearly hear the location of each instrument.
However, due to the small size of the audio driver it has limited capabilities. The audio performance on this TWS feels cramped and quickly fades for long-term use. Don't get me wrong, this small size is really comfortable in my ears but the level of the audio waves to give it room to play in my head is important. So I only use this TWS for podcasts and music only.
SONY PREMIUM FEATURES
What makes this Sony WF-C700N interesting is the premium feature WF-1000XM4 includes which is Ambient Sound Control which can change the listening mode from noise cancellation, ambient (sound through mode) and off. This mode will switch when the microphone detects that someone wants to talk to the C700N user.
Sony uses microphones with anti-wind noise technology to ensure this feature can be used well. Although there is no active noise cancellation, the soft construction of the C700N's ear buds means that it supports satisfactory passive noise cancellation.
Another premium feature is Adaptive Sound Control which changes the listening modes based on the user's movement. For example if sitting still in the train noise cancellation is activated and if walking outside the ambient mode is activated to be aware of what is happening around.
In addition to supporting converting the MP3 audio format to higher quality with DSEE, the C700N also supports 360 Reality audio for an immersive listening experience similar to Apple's spatial audio.
APPLICATION
Like other Sony audio products, the WF-C700N also uses the Sony | application Headphones Connect for controls and settings. I am not fond of the interface of this application because it is confusing and unorganized. So what I do is after finishing tethering, I continue to do the settings I want and then continue not to open this app.
With this application the battery status can be monitored as well as the currently active listening mode can also be seen. Sony also offers a mini media player, settings for tethering to two devices simultaneously, an equiliser system, DSEE control or even 360 Reality Audio.
The app also allows users to change the physical button controls built into each earphone. For me the control is a bit difficult due to the small size of the earphones. Every time the button is pressed, the ear bud will be pressed further into the ear. Like press once to play, pause, or change listening modes. Most importantly this application is also to update the TWS software.
BATTERY
Sony claims that their new compact TWS can last up to 10 hours of continuous use. I can say that by using Bluetooth 5.2 which is low energy, more efficient with a more stable connection guarantee I can say that Sony's claim is true.
For my use which depends on Ambient Sound Control and Adaptive Sound Control the battery life is only around 6 hours. Charging time is 10 minutes and can be used for 1 hour via USB-C, which is sufficient for a TWS of this size.
IN THE BOX
Here's what's included in the box.
1x Pair of Sony WF-C700N audio buds.
1x Charging pod.
2x Install silicone ear buds.
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x Manual.
CONCLUSION
The Sony WF-C700N is for those who want to try Sony products like the WF-1000XM4 at a more affordable price. With its smaller size, it is also easy to store and carry anywhere. This TWS is also built with recycled materials and is perfect for those who support this initiative.
Most importantly at the price of RM549 you can enjoy Sony's premium audio profile which is equivalent to their TWS which is sold at a price of RM1099. But you have to remember that TWS will be limited to SBC and AAC codecs only. No LDAC, no active noise cancellation, no wireless charging and the audio experience is also more for Sony fans only.
The alternative is Nothing Ear (2) which offers more melodious audio quality and more premium features at a price of RM549. For those who want to save more, Samsung Galaxy Buds2 is now sold at a price of RM499 with ANC, wireless charging, 360 audio, see-through mode and lightweight ear buds.
Pro
Small, light and compact design.
Recycled building materials.
Good audio quality.
Packed with premium features at an affordable price.
Cons
No active noise cancellation (ANC) support.
Does not support high quality audio streaming (SBC, AAC only).