First Impression: A Bass Monster That Got Me Hooked!
I admit, when I heard Sony was releasing the ‘ULT’ series as the successor to the legendary ‘Extra Bass’, my excitement was through the roof. As a techno freak who loves experimenting with various gadgets, especially audio, it was like an invitation to a party I couldn’t miss. And it’s true, when I finally held and tried the Sony ULT Wear, it immediately ‘clicked’! From the first touch in early 2025, the vibes were different. This isn’t just an ordinary headphone, but a personal sound system ready to bring your music to life.
The ‘ULT’ Button: The Key to a Crazy Bass World!
The feature that made me most curious and definitely the main highlight of the ULT Wear is the ‘ULT’ button, neatly placed on the earcup side. Seriously, it’s not just a regular bass boost button. When I pressed it once, you could immediately feel the bass become deeper, more punchy, yet still controlled. It’s like having a mini-subwoofer in your ears. Now, when I pressed it again for the second level… boom! This is where it gets crazy! The bass impact becomes massive, as if your whole body is vibrating with the rhythm. Seriously, for hip-hop or EDM tracks, this makes the music listening experience totally immersive. You’ll definitely like this too if you’re the type of person who loves feeling every single beat and the bass vibrations in your favorite songs. I’ve tried it on various playlists, from Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘Savage Remix’ to Avicii’s ‘Levels’, and the results always give me goosebumps!
Overall Sound Quality: Details Remain Safe, Bass Reigns Supreme
Even though the main focus is on that super deep bass, I did wonder, ‘will the vocals and other instruments get drowned out?’ But it turns out, Sony knows exactly how to balance it. Vocals in pop or even rock songs still sound clear and crisp, not overshadowed by the powerful bass. Other instruments like guitars or cymbals also still have decent clarity. So, this isn’t just a bass-only headphone, but a headphone with an extraordinary punch in the low frequencies without sacrificing detail in other frequencies. Although, yes, it’s undeniable that the ‘soul’ of this headphone is in the bass.
Flagship-Level Design & Comfort, Functional ANC
In terms of design, I immediately caught the premium vibes from the WH-1000XM series, which has become the benchmark. Not exactly the same, but the feel is there. The earcup material is soft and the head cushion is also just right, making me very comfortable wearing it for long work sessions in front of the laptop, or during the Jakarta-Depok commute, which is incredibly congested. The comfort is top-notch! Now, regarding the active Noise-Canceling (ANC) embedded, this is also quite effective for me. On the noisy KRL train or in a cafe filled with conversations, the ANC really can significantly reduce those external sounds. While it may not be as silent as the XM5 flagship, for the price, the performance is more than enough. It allows me to focus on listening to podcasts or music without much disturbance.
Boogeng’s Conclusion: A Must-Have for Gen Z & Bass Lovers!
As of early 2025, amidst the onslaught of various new headphones, the Sony ULT Wear is still a super exciting option. With a price that’s much more approachable than its older siblings, the XM5 series, this is truly a great choice for those who are young, dynamic, and whose main priority is powerful bass plus standout style. This is a headphone that makes you feel fun, energetic, and the music you listen to becomes more ‘alive’. Honestly, if you’re a true audiophile looking for a super neutral and balanced sound, this might not be your first choice. But, if you’re looking for headphones that can make you enjoy every beat of the music, that make your head nod along, and most importantly, have bass that’s out of this world, well, the Sony ULT Wear is definitely worth adding to your wishlist. From my experience using it for days, it’s really hard to move on from the signature ‘thump’ of the ULT Wear!
