INTRODUCTION

 
Brainwavz is a company that has a good name at the lower end of the price market when it comes to portable audio, and they've specialised particularly in the $20 - $100 end of the market, offering many choices which should give options to suit most people's budget and individual preference. I’ve previously had both good and bad experiences with their headphones / IEMs – I previously reviewed and owned their B2 IEMs and HM5 headphones, and I have fond memories of both as stellar performers when they were introduced. I’ve also sampled and reviewed their R1, R3, S5, S0, M1, R3 V2, Jive IEMs and S3 – and whilst some have been (IMO) solid performers, others haven’t been quite as well aligned with my preferences.
 
When Pandora approached me about the XF200 I was quite interested – mainly because of the ergonomic design – but also the price point they had targeted. Getting a decent sport earphone at a $20-$30 price point is not an easy task. So Let's see how they managed.
 
One small point before we continue - my apologies for the quality of the photos. With the white case and cable it was hard to maintain a consistent white balance.
 
DISCLAIMER
The Brainwavz X-Fit XF200 that I’m reviewing today was provided to me gratis as a review sample. I have made it clear to Brainwavz that I still regard any product they send me as their sole property and available for return any time at their request. But I thank them for the ability to continue use of the XF200 for follow up comparisons. I do not make any financial gain from this review – it is has been written simply as my way of providing feedback both to the Head-Fi community and also Brainwavz themselves.
 
I have now had the XF200 since February 2016. Normal RRP is USD 25.00 (Amazon)
 
PREAMBLE - 'ABOUT ME'.
 
Over the last few months – I’ve used the XF200 from a variety of sources, but for this review, I’ve mainly used it with my iPhone 5S and FiiO X1 or M3. I've used a smart-phone and value oriented DAPs as this is likely to be more in-line with the target audience.
 
This is a purely subjective review - my gear, my ears, and my experience. Please take it all with a grain of salt - especially if it does not match your own experience.
 

THE REVIEW

 
PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES
 
The Brainwavz XF200 arrived in a 93 x 165 x 45mm fully plastic retail box. The box has a fresh green and dark blue colouring with a graphic of someone running while using earphones (on top of the packaging), and an actual image of the XF200 on the lower half. The packaging states “Ergonomic Over-The-Ear Design”, “Secure Fit During Activities” and “Crisp Clear Bold Sound”. The side of the box states that genuine Comply tips are included, and also that the earphones have a 24 month warranty (which is pretty amazing considering their cost). On the rear of the box are full specifications and a list of accessories, as well as more “marketing type” information about the earphones.
 
 
Overall the packaging is fresh, and very easy to read – good job. Opening the retail box reveals a slide-out plastic formed tray containing:

1. The XF200 earphones
2. The very familiar back and red Brainwavz zip-up case
3. A velcro cable tie
4. A shirt clip
5. 6 sets of silicone ear tips (S,M,L)
6. 1 set of bi-flange silicone ear tips
7. 1 set of Comply sports S400 tips
8. Instruction manual and warranty card

 
Considering the value price of the XF200 – the accessory package is extremely good value.
 
 
The Brainwavz carry case is a hard fabric covered zippered case – and easily carries all your tips and the XF200. The case is really good because it does offer a lot of protection to the IEMs – but it is definitely more suited to transport in a jacket pocket or bag rather than a trouser pocket – simply due to its height. This is definitely a quality carry case though.
 
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
(From Brainwavz)
 
 
FREQUENCY GRAPH
The graphs below are generated using the Vibro Veritas coupler and ARTA software. I must stress that they aren’t calibrated to IEC measurement standards, but the raw data I’m getting has been very consistent, and is actually not too far away from the raw data measured by other systems except for above 4-5 kHz where it shows significantly lower than measurements performed on a properly calibrated rig. So when reading the graphs, don’t take them as gospel – or at least remember that the area above 4-5 kHz will likely be significantly higher. It is my aim to get this system calibrated at some stage in the future.
 
 
I measured both channels, and driver matching is extremely good – well done Brainwavz.
 
What I’m hearing:

1. Very elevated bass response – both mid and low bass
2. Comparatively recessed mid-range, with quite lean lower mids, and raised upper mids – particularly in the presence area from 2-3 kHz. This leaves vocals a little thin in body but very clean and clear.
3. Clear upper end which portrays sibilance if it is present in a track, but does not accentuate it. There is a certain amount of crispness to the lower treble.
4. Overall it is a V shaped signature with warm bottom end, and thin but crisp and clean top end.
    

BUILD QUALITY / DESIGN
My pair of XF200 were the white cable and clear housing. The housing is plastic, squarish shape, but with an ergonomic over-ear design (ideal for gym work). The shell itself is 16mm in length, and 17mm from the bottom of the shell to the cable exit (the actual body is only approx 12mm tall though). It is quite flat, just 10 mm at its widest point, and the nozzle extends a further 8mm on an angle forward from the IEM body. The nozzle is 5mm in diameter, has a mesh covering – but no lip. My first try with the XF2 was therefore an exercise in frustration, as most of my after-market tips simply slid off the nozzle and were left in my ears. I relayed this information to Brainwavz within a few days of receiving them. It is the one real fail with the design of the XF200 in my view. The fix is easy however. I simply wound some clear tape around the nozzles to fatten them.
 
 
Although I looked carefully I could not find any dynamic driver vent or port, and there is some driver flex present if using tips with high sealability. I also experienced some issues with creating a vacuum in my canals with anything giving me a great seal. Just a point to note, and for me personally a large foam tip gave me the ideal between seal, comfort and avoiding vacuum issues.
 
Thanks to @B9Scrambler, I was able to locate a very tiny vent below and to the bottom of the nozzle (internal side).  Despite this vent, I still experienced some driver flex and also vacuum seal issues if I used a silicone tip with an excellent seal.  The answer (for me anyway) was to use foam tips which helped avoiding both issues.
 
There is generous strain relief from the housing exit, and also at the Y split and jack. The cable is a 1.4m standard copper cable in an outer quite smooth TPE sheathing. From the cable exit there is just under 7cm of preformed “loop” or memory wire. This is preformed and non user-adjustable, but also works extremely well when combined with the cinch. It simply fits over ear, is quite comfortable, and does a really good job of staying put. The cable itself is slightly micro-phonic, but this can be eliminated bus tucking under clothing, or using the cinch.
 
 
On the right hand section (between Y-split and earpiece) is a combined microphone and control unit. The control unit has a single button for track control and separate volume buttons. This unit hangs just under my jaw (so ideal height for the mic). The jack is gold plated, 4 pole, has excellent strain relief, and is angled (around 45 degrees). It also fits my iPhone easily with the case on (great design choice).
 
The on cable controls work perfectly with my iPhone 5S, allowing volume changing, and also play/pause (one push), next track (two pushes), and previous track (three pushes). A single long push also activates Siri which is really handy. I also tried them with my Wife's Galaxy, and everything worked perfectly (including volume controls) except for the previous track (3 pushes) – it simply advanced the track and either paused or played (depending what was active). With the FiiO M3 and X1, the track buttons worked perfectly – but the volume controls did not (this is a FiiO issue rather than a Brainwavz issue. I also tested the XF200 with taking a call (with my wife), and it was reasonably clear at both ends. There was the usual hollow sound on my end due to the isolation and slight bone conduction.
 
 
All in all – very good build and design for the price point, with the exception being the lipless nozzle.
 
FIT / COMFORT / ISOLATION
I have one ear canal slightly different to the other one (my right is very slightly smaller) - so I tend to find that usually single silicon flanges don't fit overly well. I initially tried the large silicone tips included, and they were surprisingly good. I did have some vacuum issues and driver flex though. As I mentioned earlier, most of my after-market tips either didn't fit or slid off. In the end I wound the nozzles with a bit of tape, and after that had no issues fitting most tips. I settled on Comply large comfort foam tips which gave me the best combination of comfort and seal.
 
 
Isolation is better than average (probably because of the lack of porting), and comfort for me is excellent. The XF200 are nicely rounded internally, and there are no sharp protruding edges. They sit inside my outer ear, so it would be possible to lie on my side with them, and I would have no issues sleeping with them intact.
 
SOUND QUALITY
The following is what I hear from the Brainwavz XF200. YMMV – and probably will – as my tastes are likely different to yours (read the preamble I gave earlier for a baseline). Most of the testing at this point (unless otherwise stated) was done my iPhone 5S and FiiO X1.
 

 
Tracks used were across a variety of genres – and can be viewed in this list http://www.head-fi.org/a/brookos-test-tracks.
 
Thoughts on General Signature
As I outlined above in my comments in the frequency section, the Brainwavz XF200 has quite a V or U shaped signature with the main frequency boosts in the mid and sub-bass, and also in the upper mid-range. As such it tends to sound (for me anyway) quite thin through the mid-range, but with a lot of bottom end, and also a lot of sweetness particularly with female vocalists. The comparative dip in the vocal range gives a sense of space or distance, and the relative dip in lower treble ensures there is no excessive sibilance. Brainwavz description of crisp clear bold sound certainly seems to be accurate.
 
Overall Detail / Clarity
Tracks used : Gaucho, Sultans of Swing
 
The XF200 renders both tracks reasonably well with reasonable levels of detail and clarity. Cymbals are there but not highlighted, and definitely not glarey or etched in any way. Vocals sit back a little compared to the bass guitar which is quite prominent. Sax is well presented in Gaucho, and lead guitar in Sultans still has plenty of presence and bite. Once I got used to the extra bass, it's actually a pretty fun any dynamic listening experience, and detail definitely doesn't take a back seat.
 
Sound-stage, Imaging & Sibilance
Tracks used: Tundra, Dante’s Prayer, Let it Rain
 
First up was Amber Rubarth’s binaural track, and the XF200 has quite a narrow and intimate presentation. This is not particularly helped by the boom coming from the percussion. Depth and width are both close rather than expansive, and even though the track is binaural – it is still well within my “headspace”.
 
“Dante’s Prayer” was next, and the XF200 delivered an intimate performance, but with good contrast between the beauty of McKennitt’s vocals and the melancholy (but gorgeous) accompaniment of the cello. Imaging is reasonable with everything where it should be (I know the stage setting of this live track well). In this track, the applause at the end can be so well presented that with some headphones (HD600) I can actually close my eyes and imagine myself in the crowd. With the XF200, I wasn’t quite inside the crowd, but I could place it either side of me – so more strengths here on width than depth – but actually quite impressive all the same.
 
Last was Amanda Marshall’s “Let It Rain” – and I use this track because it has a naturally holographic feel about it (the way it was recorded), and can convey an amazing sense of space with the right headphones. The XF200 was reasonably holographic – but not to the extent I know the track can be. Marshall (in this recording) can also be sibilant at times. The XF200 had no issues – it was present but not highlighted.
 
Bass Quantity and Quality
Tracks used : Bleeding Muddy Waters, Royals
 
I started with Lannegan’s Muddy Waters which I use to evaluate bass quality. This blues rock track is quite dark and brooding anyway, and usually exposes any muddiness or bass bleed. The XF200 displayed very good depth with this track and genuine visceral impact. There is the slightest hint of bass bleed through into the vocal area, but nothing too much to detract the overall presentation. It doesn't quite manage to present the timbre and gravel of Mark’s voice (it is slightly lean and distant) but enjoyable despite this.
 
To see how low the bass would go I switched to Lorde’s “Royals” – and from the opening notes it was clear that the low bass has impressive extension. When the bass guitar kicked in, it felt like the low bass was going to rumble my head off. Too much quantity for me personally but it was impressive how clear Ella’s vocals remained.
 
Female Vocals
Track used : Aventine, Strong, The Bad in Each other, Howl, Safer, Light as a Feather, Don’t Wake Me Up
 
Up first was the hardest track in the repertoire, Agnes Obel's “Aventine”. For some reason IEM’s that are slightly “off” seem to play this track with a hollow or slightly strident tone. The XF200 is practically perfect with this tack – and I do mean perfect. Agnes’ vocals are sweet and slightly euphoric or sweet, whilst the accompanying cello is beautifully deep and almost mournful (wonderful timbre). Already for lovers of female vocals, you can tell these are special.
 
London Grammar was next with Strong, and at this point I knew that the XF200 really handles female vocals brilliantly. A joy to listen to and Hannah’s voice shone with them. The only distraction for me again was the volume of bass in the background – but that is personal taste. With Feist and FaTM (both tracks having good bass slam and really dynamic contrasts), vocals were clear and sweet – but again the bass was excessive for my personal tastes. I'd be EQing back if I wasn't reviewing it.
 
With slower and lusher tracks (Cilmi / Jones) the XF200 is a lot better – mainly because the tracks aren't overly bassy by default. Cilmi's “Safer” was gorgeous from start to finish and with Norah all I'd be doing is Eqing the bass a little lower to take care of the dominant bass guitar. The rest is really good.
 
Male Vocals
Tracks used : Away From the Sun, Art for Art’s Sake, Broken Wings, Hotel California, Keith Don’t Go, EWBTCIAST
 
I suspected this was going to be an interesting contrast because I knew the XF200 had significant bass ability, but also that the lower mids can seem a little distant – which would have an effect on male vocals in particular. Kicking off with 3 Doors Down, and the XF200 actually sounds pretty good (I'm getting used to the vocal presentation by now). There is no question that vocals are definitely slightly back in the mix, but the V shaped nature seems to suit rock music and already I can see these being great for the gym. Bass is dynamic, has great impact, and lead guitar brings wonderful contrast with great edge. 10CC was actually a revelation because its not an overly bassy track but the XF200 just gave it another level in dynamism. Really enjoyable. Likewise acoustic tracks were very enjoyable. Clear, articulate, and although a little lean, still had good vocal clarity.
 
My ultimate test for male vocals though has always been Pearl Jam. This was a quite different presentation, and although there was great presentation of cymbals and upper end detail, Eddie's vocals just weren't quite there for me. Still enjoyable – but missing some magic that makes PJ special to me.
 
Other Genres
I tested the XF200 with all of my main listening tracks, and the recurring theme was very dependent on what was playing. Anything with a lot of bass quickly became excessive for me. And anything with deep male vocals was slightly thin. I'll cover them with quick bullet points though:

1. Alt Rock – like classic rock, the XF200 was mostly pretty good with this genre, but dependent on the recording. Really enjoyed both Floyd and Porcupine Tree. Very dynamic.
2. Jazz – actually very good. Cymbals and softly brushed snares were very good. Double bass extremely enjoyable with amazing depth. Portico Quartet was exceptional and especially the track “Steepless” with Cornelia on vocals.
3. Blues – Bonamassa again really good. The XF200 seems to do guitar particularly well, and Joe’s vocals were really enjoyable. There wasn't too much bass in the tracks I listened to, so the overall presentation was dynamic and cohesive.
4. Rap / Hip-hop – Lots of mid and sub bass and visceral impact. Your level of enjoyment will likely be relative to how much you appreciate bass
5. Electronic / Trip-Hop / Trance – Little Dragon was great vocally but a little boomy in the bottom end. Stirling was slamming and this definitely emitted a “club vibe”. Trance was very enjoyable, and especially any tracks with female vocal. Bass light electronic was spectacular – thoroughly enjoyed the Flashbulb.
6. Pop – A little thin and distant in the vocals at times, but would imagine that many people will love the overall dynamics of the presentation.
7. Indie – generally very good, and Wildlight was spectacular (Ayla's vocals are sensational with the XF200). Did tend to get a little overly boomy at times.
8. Classical was a mixed bag. There was enough sense of dynamics, timbre and tone to be enjoyable most of the time. Standouts for me were Zoe Keating’s cello (Escape Artist) and Kempffs solo piano. Weak points would be Pavarotti (the power of his vocals was lost), and the overall width with some orchestral pieces.

 
AMPLIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

 
The XF200 is very easily powered straight out of virtually any portable device, and I didn’t experience any issues with any of the DAPs I tested (iPhone 5S, or any of the FiiOs). With the iPhone I was between 30 and 40% on most tracks, and with the X1 around 25-30/120. I did test the X1 with both the FiiO E17K and IMS HVA, and I couldn’t say it added anything sonically once volume matched.
 
EQUALISATION
I didn't spend a lot of time on this – mainly just trying to see if I could get Pearl Jam sounding a little closer to my ideal, To do this I cut sub-bass by about 4 dB, and gave a slow hump or hill between the 160 Hz slider and 1 kHz slider on the X1 (only a couple of dB). Even this small change helped a lot, and I'm sure I could refine this given a little extra time, and an equaliser with a few more options.
 
The good thing is that the XF200 responds well to EQ and can be manipulated if its close to your ideal signature and merely requires some subtle tweaks.
 
COMPARISONS
I wasn't too sure what to compare with for this section, but given that the overall signature is reasonably close to that of the Brainwavz Jive, and also it is being marketed as a “Sports Earphone” I thought the two obvious candidates would be the Jive and also the relatively new Alpha & Delta D2m from Lend Me Ur Ears. And because I also received the T-Peos Raisel, and it is a similar tuning – thought I'd throw that in as a slightly dearer offering.
 
Please note that these are all very subjective, so please take my personal bias into account (see the “about me” section). When testing, I volume matched first at 1 kHz using an SPL meter and test tones. The XF200 was unequalised.
 
XF200 $25.00 vs Jive $25.00
The Jive has the slightly better build with the aluminium shell, but really speaking build (and comfort) on both is comparable. He two have very similar signatures – both have elevated bass, but very clear and clean vocal signatures which are both on the lean side. The XF200 does sound a little fuller, and the bass has a little more presence (the difference is in the mid-bass). The XF200 is also a little peakier or brighter. I actually like both – and this will come down to preference.
 
XF200 $25.00 vs Alpha & Delta D2 $26.00
The A&D D2 is a recent arrival and I am yet to review it – but it is in the same bracket and also advertised as a sports earphone. Build quality is similar – with the XF200 opting for clear plastic housing while the D2 utilises a matte rubbery finish. Both have an ergonomic fit with looped cable guides – but for my particular physiology, the AD D2 fits just a little snugger in the ear. The accessory pack on the XF200 is more complete than the AD D2. Both have similar bass responses relative to their lower mid-ranges, and the main difference is in the upper mid-range and lower treble. The D2 takes a less V shaped approach, and as a result sounds slightly more balanced (still with a bassy tilt). The XF200 is also a bit brighter with more heat up top. Again – difficult to pick a winner and will come down ultimately to preference – bassy and bright vs bassy and a little more subdued.
 
XF200 $25.00 vs T Peos Rasiel $40.00
Two more quite similar earphones. The Rasiel has better build and cable, while the XF200 has better overall accessories and has the in-line controls. Bass is very similar between the two, but like the AD D2 the real difference is in the upper mid-range. Where the XF200 is very bright and clean, the Rasiel tends to be a bit more comparatively subdued in the presence area. This gives a much smoother presentation, but also accentuates the bass a lot more. The result is a lot more warmth. There is still a bit of heat at the top of the upper mid-range / lower treble. Overall these two are quite different despite the similar looking graphs (it is amazing how shifting the upper mid-range rise affects things). Again picking on over the other comes down to preference – bassy and bright vs even more bassy and smooth.
 
After testing all three – I have to admit that while each of them has their good points, none are really overly appealing to me with their default signatures.
 

BRAINWAVZ XF200 – VALUE & SUMMARY

The XF200 is an interesting IEM and I have to take my hat off to Brainwavz for their ability to deliver some pretty decent sounding IEMs for very little financial outlay.
 
The XF200 is well built with an ergonomic over-ear design, and very good in-line controls. The one design fault it has is not having a lip on the nozzle – but this can be easily fixed just by using a little tape (if your favourite tips don't fit). The XF200 comes with a very good accessory package including a quality zipped case and genuine Comply tips (1 pair).
 
Sonically the XF200 is quite V shaped with a bassy and warm bottom end, yet overall lean and clear mid-range. It is spectacular with female vocals, but a little less so with male vocalists for my tastes.
 
For the extremely low price of USD 25.00, the XF200 is quite a package and I can see where it could very well attract a following among exercise enthusiasts with its exciting/fun V shape, comfortable fit and on-cable controls.
 
The problem I have with it is for my own particular tastes there is simply too much bass, and the V is just a little too pronounced. None-the-less it is a good earphone, and for the package it offers, I'd have no problems giving 3.5 stars, despite it not being to my particular tastes.
 
My thanks once again to Pandora and Prithvi – I really appreciate the opportunities you give us as reviewers.
 
 
 

Intro​

TL;DR: The Brainwavz XF200 is, in and of itself, an excellent sports IEM that will go the extra mile with you and then some.
 

First of all, I would like to thank Brainwavz Audio and Pandora for the review unit which I would now review objectively without any biases. I used to own the M2’s from Brainwavz and after that pair died on me, I'm ready to give Brainwavz another shot. I must say I have enjoyed the M2’s thoroughly though
 
For this review, I have tested this IEM over the course of three weeks, and taking it on a trip with me overseas where I used it while sleeping, on noisy public transports, and doing multiple short workouts.
 

 
 
Intro
So these are the Brainwavz IEMs that are designed for the active user, for the athlete in us. They sport a Single Dynamic 9mm driver and an over the ear design, giving the user a snug fit. At a $25 price point, one might have their reservations, but they are a budget offering with absolutely bang-for-the buck sound quality.
 
These are the complete specifications below.
 
Specifications:



Drivers: Dynamic, 9 mm

Rated Impedance: 16 Ω

Frequency Range: 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz

Sensitivity: 95 dB at 1 mW

Rated Input Power: 10 mW

Cable: 1.4 m Y-Cord, Copper

Plug: 3.5 mm, Gold plated

 

 
 
Packaging
These sweet IEMs came in an assuming plastic packaging, but upon opening it, what came with it really amazes me at this price point, the standard Brainwavz case, which is one of my favorites, with just the right size to not occupy so much space in my bag, compared to the Pelican Case 1010. Included in the package is also a pair of Comply tips, not just any OEM foam tips but proper Comply ones. I was surprised how they were able to squeeze so much into such a small price point. Apart from that, they had a pair of Bi-flange tips and 3 sets of normal silicon ear tips. I used the default M sized ones which fits me like a glove. They also come with a shirt clip, to clip onto your workout attire, to prevent swinging cables getting in your way while your do burpees or other intensive activities. I found this especially useful especially during my workouts.
 
Build Quality
The IEM shells are plastic, actually, the entire IEM is made from plastic and rubber, which makes it lightweight but I am actually impressed with the build quality, it doesn’t feel cheap in anyway and has good strain relieves at the connection between the shells and the cable, and at the Y splitter as well as the termination. The strain reliefs look sturdy and could take a beating without giving way. As a IEM catered to sports and meant to take some abuse, these certainly lived up to expectations. Another point I like to point out is the engraving of the Brainwavz branding onto the shells and the Y splitter instead of printing as I believe after much use doing activities and sports, abrasion or wear might wear out the branding, making it unsightly, thus I guess kudos to Brainwavz. The cables seem to be slightly thicker than the usual cables and has a slight rubbery tactile feel to them which feels good, not sticky or too rubbery. They feel solid and just exudes quality.
 

 
Sound
Using the M sized eartips, the comfort surprised me. They sit flush in the ear conchae and don’t seem to budge. The shells are rather flat-ish and I could sleep with them without problems. With a good and comfortable fit, I could enjoy the sound of these to the fullest.  These came across overall as a basshead pair of earpiece, with emphasis on the strong punchy bass and extensive sub bass that extends really deep. In my opinion, as a pair of IEMs designed for active use, I would assume the user to be listening to fast paced, bassy tracks to give some extra kick to the workout, at least for me. These sounded really good while listening to artists like Alesso, Skrillex, Major Lazer. The bass had quite a bloat, which I enjoyed but does not come off as muddy or sloppy. They were accurate and sounded really pleasant. Mids wise they sounded slightly forward to me, but nothing to shout about in these regions. Vocals were smooth when listening to songs from Kodaline and Adele but not exciting or crisp like the FXT90s which I own. For the highs, they sounded like they roll off abit too quickly, and just doesn’t sound exciting and crisp, which is an area which I think this IEM could be better at. But speaking of which, these are supposed to be a fun pair of IEMs, ready to rock a workout and give thumping bass to the active user, thus I think they did the job perfectly well
 

 
Conclusion
For 25 bucks, I would say these are an absolute gem, I think Brainwavz has nailed it with these pair of active earphones and for those who don’t mind a wired pair of IEMs while you work out, do give these a shot at your local store, or purchase them from the Brainwavz webstore with the link below.
 
http://www.brainwavzaudio.com/products/xfit-xf200-noise-isolating-sport-iem-earphones-w-3-button-remote-microphone