Was anxious to receive this complimentary Sony WI-SP600N, Sports Wireless Noise Canceling In-Ear Headphone set for evaluation while going through my running and workout paces. And, after two weeks of running and working out, alternately, every other day, I am super-impressed. These are the best ear buds I have ever used to go through the tortures of bouncing up and down while running. They stayed snugly in my ear while delivering crisp, clear, powerful sound. This whole unit, earbuds, earwings, wires and control unit, weighs less then two ounces. It was easy to run and exercise wearing this lightweight unit. I no longer have to deal with a bothersome neckband rubbing against the back of my neck. And, I can use Siri to make my hands free, phone calls too. How cool is that?
***Sound***
> For physically active sports the sound quality is just as important as the snug and reliable fit of these wireless, in-ear headphones. Sony designed this set so I can use 'Noise Canceling' when I activate it, and, or allow Ambient Sound through in two different settings. 'Normal', for safety in an outdoor environment like around auto traffic. And, 'Voice' for gym workouts to hear an instructor or buddy, and, or with a running partner like I do every other day.
> Headphones Connect App – Can be downloaded for Free at the Apple or Google Play Stores. The App allows you to turn ON the Quick Sound Settings, which enables you to set the Ambient Sound Control and Equalizer Presets. The App on your smartphone or device can control switching between the two Ambient Sound Modes, Normal and Voice, and the Noise Canceling mode. The EQ Presets are Bright, Excited, Mellow, Relaxed, Vocal, Treble Boost, Bass Boost, Speech, and OFF. I personally like the Excited Preset because it has the highest bass setting (+8) over Bass Boost (+7), which I prefer for my workouts. Excited features more of the kick drum, deep bass, whereas Bass Boost accentuates the low end of acoustic guitar, piano, and deeper notes of vocalists while providing a punch for robust bass tones. Although you cannot adjust any of the EQ settings you can have FUN using the eight presets according to your musical genre choices. The App also displays what music is playing, battery power, along with your choice of Sound Quality Mode, priority on Sound Quality or Stable Connection. The APP also remembers all of your last settings.
> Noise Cancellation – I found that this is a two step process. First, Passive Noise Cancellation. It is super important to match the appropriate eartip and earwing to fit your ear correctly. I started out using the large sizes, which is the best for me. These eartips are softly cushioned and elongated, which really helped me to get the right fit. Yet, they are still comfortable in my ears. WooHoo! The active Noise Cancellation feature is superior to other sets I have used for sports, in-ear headphones. However, there is no comparison to over-the-ear headphones. It uses the two built-in microphones on the earbuds to sense outside noise and sends an equal-but-opposite canceling signal to the unit. The Noise Cancellation feature is engineered to work in the low frequency band. It does reduce the ambient sound, but NOT cancel it out completely. The majority of the time I wear and use these I have the ambient sound to 'Normal' or 'Voice' so I can workout and run with a partner.
> Notification Sounds – This Sony alerts you when the unit is powered ON and OFF. It also lets you know the status of the battery level and Bluetooth Pairing.
***What's In The Box?***
> Sony WI-SP600N Wireless Noise-Canceling In-Ear Sports Headphones.
> Arc Supporters – Two sets, one Medium and one Large.
> Hybrid Eartips – Four sets, Extra Small, Small, Medium, and Large.
> Charge Cable - Micro-USB Cable.
***Other Sony WI-SP600N Features:***
> IPX4 Rating – Can tolerate perspiration, light rain, and splashes. Be aware they are not waterproof. Oddly enough, the Noise Cancellation feature works better for me after a workout or run. I think the perspiration moisture in my ear makes for a better seal with the eartips.
> Battery Life - It takes approximately one and half hours to fully charge, which will last approximately six hours according to Sony. At the volume level I set I got around five hours of continued use. There is a red LED indicator light ON while charging and OFF when fully charged.
> On Board Controls – They are simple and it is an easy learning curve to master. By the third day I was on top of it. However, Sony Connected App is simpler to use.
> Bluetooth and NFC Connectivity – Pairing is simple and quick, Bluetooth Version 4.1.
> Cleans Easily – Sony recommends to clean the earbuds with a mild detergent solution, then thoroughly dry with a clean cloth.
> Charging Unit – Using the Micro-USB Cable to a USB port on a computer, laptop, or tablet. A commercially available USB AC adapter capable of feeding in more than 0.5 A (500 mA) can also be used.
> Smartphone Digital Assistant – Voice Assist using Google App or I-Phone, Siri.
> One Year Warranty.
***Wish It Had:***
> Would have been nice to have a small carrying bag for storage to and from the gym.
> The Sony Connect App does not stay ON. You have to switch back to your smartphone screen to turn it back ON each time you want to use it.
> A user adjustable Equalizer to allow personal, customization settings instead of the eight Presets.
***Conclusion***
> The sound quality is absolutely amazing for in-ear headphones once you match the correct fitting eartips and earwings for effective, Passive Noise Cancellation. The Active Noise Cancellation is topnotch for sports in-ear headphones. The two channel separation is terrific along with the extra bass. The elongated Hybrid silicone rubber earbuds provide a snug, but comfortable fit in your ear, which is great for physical activities. Along with the earwings they will keep your unit secure during heavy workouts or running.
> I highly recommend the purchase of this Sony WI-SP600N, Sports Wireless Noise Canceling In-Ear Headphones. This would make an outstanding gift for a physically active family member, friend, or loved one. It would also make a great gift to yourself.