Nova Zhang
Sony's WH-CH520 headphones are wireless, entry-level, and affordable. They have decent sound quality, incredible battery life, and are reasonably comfortable. However, several users have reported noticeable sound leakage, especially when the volume exceeds 75%. This issue may be mitigated by using the Sony Headphone Connect app, which allows for sound customisation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sound leakage | Quite noticeable, especially over 75% volume |
| Battery life | 50+ hours |
| Connection | Wireless |
| Price | $60 |
| Design | On-ear |
| Fit | Comfortable, but can cause pain after a few hours |
| Sound quality | Decent, boosted low end, scooped mids, smooth highs |
| Features | Multipoint, Fast Pair, EQ, USB-C charging |
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What You'll Learn
Sony WH-CH520 headphones have noticeable sound leakage
The Sony WH-CH520 headphones are an affordable wireless option for entry-level users. They are equipped with features like Multipoint and Fast Pair, and offer a battery life of up to 50 hours. While these headphones deliver decent sound quality, there are some concerns about sound leakage.
Several users have reported noticeable sound leakage from the Sony WH-CH520 headphones, particularly when the volume exceeds 75%. This issue has been observed even when the volume is lowered, indicating that the leakage is not solely due to excessive volume levels. The sound leakage is significant enough that individuals in close proximity, such as a spouse in the same bed, can clearly hear the music or media being played.
The sound leakage experienced with the Sony WH-CH520 headphones may be attributed to their on-ear design. On-ear headphones sit on top of the ears rather than enclosing them, which can result in sound escaping and being heard by others nearby. While this design choice allows for a more lightweight and comfortable experience, it comes at the cost of sound privacy.
To mitigate the sound leakage, users can adjust the volume to lower levels. However, it's important to note that even at lower volumes, some sound leakage may still occur. Additionally, the Sony Headphone Connect app can be utilized to customize the audio experience and potentially reduce sound leakage. The app offers an equalizer (EQ) feature, allowing users to fine-tune the sound to their preferences.
It's worth mentioning that the Sony WH-CH520 headphones are not designed for active noise cancellation (ANC). While they can reduce background noise to some extent, they are not intended for noise isolation or complete sound containment. Therefore, if you are seeking headphones with advanced noise-cancelling capabilities, alternative options may be more suitable.
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Sound leakage is worse at higher volumes
The Sony WH-CH520 headphones are wireless, on-ear headphones with a battery life of over 50 hours. They are aimed at the entry-level market and are priced at around $60. The headphones have been described as "boring but reliable", with decent sound quality and comfort.
The Sony WH-CH520 headphones do leak sound, and this leakage is worse at higher volumes. One user reported that their friends could tell what song they were listening to in the gym, and that the leakage was noticeable even when they turned the volume down. Another user reported that their wife could hear their music unless they kept the volume at 1/4.
Sound leakage is a common issue with on-ear headphones, as they do not completely seal to the head like over-ear headphones do. The Sony WH-CH520 headphones have an EQ feature, which can be used to adjust the sound and potentially reduce leakage. The headphones also have a Sony Headphone Connect app, which allows users to customise their music and improve sound quality at higher volumes.
To minimise sound leakage, it is recommended to keep the volume at a lower level and to use the EQ and app features to optimise sound quality. However, if you are looking for a completely leak-proof experience, you may need to consider a different type of headphone, such as over-ear noise-cancelling headphones.
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Sony WH-CH520 is not suitable for frequent flyers or audiophiles
The Sony WH-CH520 headphones are a decent entry-level option for those seeking affordable wireless headphones. While they deliver good sound quality and boast an impressive 50-hour battery life, they are not without their limitations. Notably, these headphones are not ideal for frequent flyers or audiophiles due to their lack of advanced features and sound leakage issues.
For frequent flyers, one of the essential features in headphones is active noise cancellation (ANC), which blocks out ambient noises like airplane engine rumble or wind noise. Unfortunately, the Sony WH-CH520 falls short in this regard. While it does offer some level of noise reduction, it is not on par with dedicated ANC headphones, making it less suitable for travellers seeking a peaceful listening experience during flights.
Audiophiles, or individuals passionate about high-fidelity sound, may also find the Sony WH-CH520 lacking. The headphones have been described as "boringly reliable," indicating that they may not offer the level of audio refinement and detail sought by audiophiles. Additionally, the stereo separation and soundstage are reported to be underwhelming, with sound feeling "inside your head."
One significant drawback of the Sony WH-CH520 is its sound leakage. Multiple users have reported noticeable sound leakage, particularly when the volume exceeds 75%. This means that those around you may be able to hear your music or media, disrupting your privacy and potentially disturbing others. The sound leakage issue limits the headphones' suitability for environments where privacy and quiet are valued, such as during flights or in quiet public spaces.
While the Sony WH-CH520 headphones offer convenience and decent sound for casual listeners, they fall short for frequent flyers and audiophiles due to their lack of advanced noise-cancelling features and sound leakage issues. For those seeking immersive, undisturbed listening experiences, alternative options with better noise cancellation and sound isolation may be more suitable.
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Sony is known for its ANC headphones
The WH-1000XM6 is another flagship model from Sony, boasting an impressive 12 microphones to enhance ANC performance. This model effectively cancels out external noise, with only a few high-pitched sounds occasionally coming through, but they are not distracting. The Adaptive NC Optimizer is a standout feature, intelligently adjusting the ANC based on surrounding noise levels. The 20-level ambient sound mode is also noteworthy, allowing users to remain aware of distant sounds and conversations.
For those seeking a more affordable option, the WH-CH720N offers exceptional value, often available for under $100. These headphones deliver a vibrant audio experience with impactful bass and striking mids and highs. The DSEE feature enhances the fidelity of poor-quality recordings, and the EQ customization ensures a tailored listening experience. The WH-CH720N also includes ANC, providing a well-rounded package at a budget-friendly price.
While Sony is renowned for its ANC headphones, the WH-CH520 model is not one of them. These headphones are wireless and aimed at the entry-level market. They offer decent sound, incredible battery life, and a comfortable fit. However, they lack ANC, making them unsuitable for frequent flyers or audiophiles seeking noise cancellation. The WH-CH520 is a basic yet reliable option for those who need to hear their surroundings.
Regarding sound leakage, the WH-CH520 does exhibit noticeable sound leakage, particularly when the volume exceeds 75%. Users have reported that others around them could discern the music they were listening to, and adjustments through the recommended Sony app did not seem to mitigate the issue. Therefore, while Sony has a strong reputation for its ANC headphones, the WH-CH520 model may not be ideal for those seeking privacy or an immersive listening experience without sound leakage.
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The WH-CH520 has a good battery life
The Sony WH-CH520 headphones have been described as ""boring" but "competent", with a decent sound, a comfortable fit, and an incredible battery life.
The WH-CH520 has a battery life of nearly 50 hours, which means you will rarely have to worry about charging them. This is a huge advantage over other headphones in this price range, and it makes the WH-CH520 a great option for anyone who wants to listen to music or media for long periods without interruption.
The headphones are wireless and connect to the Sony Headphone Connect app, which allows you to customise your music experience. The app also includes a headphone connect EQ to help provide the best sound at higher volumes. The WH-CH520 also features Multipoint and Fast Pair, making them reasonably future-proof.
The Sony WH-CH520 is made of very light plastic, which makes it comfortable to wear for extended periods. The headphones are also slim and not bulky, so they don't stick out too much on the sides of your head. However, some users have reported that the headphones can start to feel uncomfortable after a couple of hours, with the sponges pressing against the skull.
While the WH-CH520 does have a good battery life, it is important to note that some users have reported noticeable sound leakage. This means that even when the volume is turned down, people nearby may still be able to hear your music or media. This sound leakage could be a significant drawback for those who want to use the headphones in public or in quiet environments.
Overall, the Sony WH-CH520 offers a good battery life, a comfortable fit, and decent sound quality for its price. However, the sound leakage may be a significant drawback for some users.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Sony WH-CH520 headphones do leak sound, especially at higher volumes.
The sound leakage on the Sony WH-CH520 headphones is quite noticeable, especially when the volume is above 75%. People in the vicinity can hear the music being played.
Any headphones that do not completely seal to your head run the risk of leaking sound. The Sony WH-CH520 headphones are designed to be lightweight and comfortable, which may contribute to the sound leakage.
Yes, there are other headphones that may offer a better fit and reduce sound leakage. Options include the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT and Anker Soundcore Life Q20.
To reduce sound leakage, try adjusting the volume using the Sony Headphone Connect app. Lowering the volume can help minimise sound leakage, but it may not eliminate it completely.
