The Soul ST-XS ² true wireless earphones are incredibly consistent with previous models like the ST-XS. However, the new ST-XS² is not the company’s first entry in the truly wireless space.
Their features not as many compare to Sony WF-1000xM3, but they’re going to be a cheaper price than WF-1000xM3 noise canceling earphones: $169. At the price of $169, you get a very good quailty sound from the earphones and most important part of this earphones is supporting AAC and SBC, low power consumption with latest Bluetooth 5.0 and IPX7. That’s a steal!!!
IPX7: Can be submerged up to 1 meter in water for 30 minutes.
The AAC is one of the most commonly supported Bluetooth codecs in the wireless headphone and speaker markets. It’s also the default audio compression codec used by Apple’s iTunes and YouTube, and is supported across both iPhone and Android smartphones.
On the official web site it state supporting 20kHz and you need to know a few things. Audio frequency is measured logarithmically, and there’s very little content in music above 16kHz. The bulk of what you hear appears well below 10kHz. Human hearing is also limited to somewhere between 10kHz to 20kHz depending on age, so bear that in mind.
The Accessories include: USB Type-A to C Charging Cable, Carabiner and Ergonomic C-shaped Ear Hooks.
In terms of design, the Soul ST-XS ² is an acquired taste. At the same time, Soul made the design almost same as prevouis model ST-XS. I personally prefer black color.
That USB-C powered case is substantially sized, but can still fit in most pockets, and the round top allows you to easily lay it top-down on surfaces when you’ve got the buds in. The cap flips up to reveal the two earbuds inside, and whote led in the front of the case lets you see if they’re charging. You can’t charge the case without insert the two earphones.
Keep in mind that the ST-XS ² is built specifically for casual listening, not fitness. The casing doesn’t support water-resistant protection, yet it’s still sturdy enough to survive tumbles onto the concrete.
The ST-XS ² comes in only four colors – Matte Black, Navy Blue, Pure White and Sakura Pink – and beyond an engraved Soul logo above each earphones. These are designed to sound good and feel comfortable to wear.
Performance
Sound quailty:
We’ve listened from the 宇多田ヒカル – First Love , 宇多田ヒカル – Can You Keep A Secret and Altima – I’ll Believe, finding ourselves consistently impressed by everything we’ve heard from a $169 earphones.
Treble is clear and crisp, and the songs feel like they are lack of bass and depth that we often don’t miss on high-end earphones.
Should you buy them?
Yes — and especially if you’re an Android or Iphone user. If you want a budget pair of true wireless headphones with good sound quailty, the Soul ST-XS² are still one of the best you’ll find.
Soul ST-XS
169
Pros
- IPX7 water-proof
- Type- C charging case
- Good sound quality
- Affordable price range
- Bluetooth 5.0
Cons
- Not enough bass
- No software or apps for EQ
- Ear will pain after long hour wear
