Sound Quality Doesn't Matter

In the tech world it's all about specs; processors, codecs, the latest version of this and that. I get it, all of those high numbers and fancy words are really cool to say and look great on the side of a box, but If I’m being honest, I just don’t freaking care. Don’t get me wrong, I completely understand how those specs can impact my user experience but sometimes the latest and greatest isn’t necessary for a product to be great.

Let’s talk about headphones for a bit. My daily drivers are the Sony WH-1000XM3 for an ANC over-ear option and the Galaxy Buds Live are my grab n’ go TWS earbuds. I chose to stick with the Sony XM3 over all the other headphones that potentially support better codecs, have better processing and may even sound “better” in a lot of ways. I Chose to stick with the Galaxy Buds Live because they suite my lifestyle needs as well, even though the new Galaxy Buds Pro have been released. No one loves the smell of #NewStuff more I do, but when you find something you like, you just roll with it until the wheels fall off.

Sony WH-1000XM3 in SlickWraps Black Camo skin

The reason I say sound quality doesn’t matter is because the Sony XM3 and Buds Live are simply not the best sounding options out there in their categories, yet they do have a great universally accepted sound. What draws me to them is intuitive controls, comfort and ease of use. Both offer unique lifestyle features as well, such as Sony’s Adaptive Sound Control which automatically adjust levels of ANC and ambient sound depending on my activity. They also include my favorite feature to ever be put in headphones, Surround VPT giving me the experience of being “in the room” with the music. The Buds Live have mastered the balance of open-ear design, controls and call quality.

FIIL T1Xs and Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

I’ve heard others claim Jabra, Sennheiser, Bose, Apple and other names sound way better… But that really doesn’t matter if the user experience is stunted by finicky controls, lack of comfort or lack of lifestyle features I want. The general public demands these lifestyle features and that’s been proven with Apple’s AirPods. Those things are hideous and really don’t sound that great. However, the convenience of having those little semen loogies (insert Something About Mary meme) in your ear all day while taking calls or jammin’ your tunes became a phenomenon.

What are your thoughts on this? Would you rather have the absolute best sounding headphones or TWS without features like ANC, ambient sound, intuitive controls, self-automating apps and long-term comfort? Or…. A generally pleasing sound with all or most of the aforementioned?

Comment below! 👇