Also available at the same price at Amazon (low stock) and Officeworks (sorry, no price beat).
Kogan/DSE have them for $349 but no C&C and no free delivery unless you have Kogan first or you can use their 14-day trial (I prefer local pickup).
ATL as far as I can tell except for that one-off DJs clearance deal.
I’m on the same boat, also have the Sony XM4. I have 10x YouTube videos lined up for research purposes. I would consider getting them from Officeworks or Amazon, they have pretty good return policy and I’ve had success returning open items before. Alternately, visit an Apple Store to try them in person. Or better yet, try price matching at Apple as they have the best return policy but from memory they don’t price match over 10%.
Worst case purchase from Amazon, if not satisfied with purchase return, that's if you have an account for their easy return process.
I’ve noticed more recently some items have a $7 restocking fee with Amazon. Not sure how this is determined whether it’s by size or price.
I'm in the same boat.
Here's a the rtings comparison: https://www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/sony-wh-1000…
I have both Beats Studio Pro and the Sony XM4s. I upgraded to the XM4 from my XM2, and scored the Beats Studio Pro in this DJ fire sale (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/850907)
Sound quality: Beats Studio Pro is a downgrade, the XM4 are delivering fuller sound profile. Beats Studio Pro is thinner and narrower. If you are coming from the XM4, you can hear it straightaway, it doesn't take an audiophile to feel the difference. There is just 'less' audio experience if I can put it this way. Bass not as thumping as the Sony, mids are thinner. I'd describe the whole audio envelop is smaller, if you understand my imagery.
Noise-cancelling: The Beats Studio Pro cannot cancel wind noise, you can immediately feel the difference coming from your XM4. The Sony XMs set the bar high. Beats Studio Pro is not in the same league. The Sony XM4 gives you a quiet headspace on public transport. You can still hear people talking in the Beats Studio Pro.
Comfort: The XM4 cans can swivel but the Beats Studio Pro cannot. The Sony are more likely to be fitting to your head shape. In contrast, you may like the Beats Studio Pro feeling a tighter clamp force on your head, the cans feel firmer because they cannot swivel.
Battery endurance: I cannot directly compare them because I have had my XM4 for 18+ months and the Beats Studio Pro just arrived recently.
Overall, my ownership experience is, the Beats Studio Pro are not in the same league as the XM4s. Beats Studio Pro price similar if not higher than the Sony XM4 but delivering less product. I'd suggest probably pitch the Bose for a comparison.
Thank you very much for your detail explanation. I think it's not uncommon to say that the XM4 set the bar high for NC headphones.
Don't tell my boss, I use the Sony XM4s in the office for its noise-cancelling prowess ;- )
After trialing the Beats Studio Pro on the streets, I am keeping them at home for casual entertainment
As an owner of the Beats Studio Pro, I can comment on their quality. At $359, they offer great value for an upgrade from the Sony XM4. While I can't directly compare them to the Sonos Ace or Bose UltraComfort, here are some key benefits I've found:
Regarding sound quality, the Studio Pros performs well given the in the $300-$500 range. However, like most Bluetooth headphones, sound quality over Bluetooth is limited by codec compatibility (they support AAC and SBC) so sound quality is essentially the same for wireless use. .
How well does switching between Apple device work? I read that it doesn't have the H2 chip so it's not as seamless as AirPods and you need to manually turn them on and off?
I was surprised by it too, but I just select the beats from the connections drop on macOS or tvOS down and it connects away from my iPhone.
@WhyThingsCostMoney: Thanks for the insight. That means it still needs to be manually switched unlike AirPods.
The XM4s are better in every conceivable way except a slightly lower bass response and they're the same price. if you're anti-Sony, the Momentum 4 is also a great option not much more
Not better at pairing with multiple devices in Apple ecosystem if that’s a priority though.
I don't think this Beats can do that either, though. The Pro does not have H/W chip.
Yea, I previously posted that you can auto-switch like AirPods but apparently it cannot because it doesn't have the H2 chip.
These are tiny. Tried them on at JB’s and was shocked at how small the earpads are.
Did you confuse them with the Solo 4s? All Beats looks the same to me to be honest but the Studio Pros are over ears (so should be similar size to other over ear headphones) while the 4s have on ear pads.
That's a major price drop. Bought these on release, happy with them. Good deal.
I am not sure if it is just me, but I can see it is still selling for $529, the one selling for $359 is the older version (Beats Studio 3 Wireless)?
Anyone have this and can comment on their quality? I'm looking to upgrade from my xm4 and have been considering between the new sonos ace, and the bose ultracomfort.