Beyerdynamic Xelento 2 Wireless 2nd Gen Review

It has only been a few weeks since we reviewed the new second-generation Xelento remote here for MajorHiFi. These new IEMs didn’t just launch alone. A Bluetooth version of the same IEMs was also released called the Xelento 2 Wireless. Another second-generation upgrade from a previous model, the Xelento 2 Wireless aims to bring you an audiophile experience without the cables. I’ve been seeing a lot more high-end Bluetooth products recently with the Focal Bathys and Bowers & Wilkins PX8, so let’s find out if the Xelento Wireless can provide a similar experience.

What You Get

• Silicone ear tips in 7 sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL)
• Foam ear tips S,M,L (type ComplyTM Tx-500)
• Spare cerumen protective grids
• Bluetooth® receiver with remote control and USB cable
• Connecting cable with remote control, 4-pole mini jack (3.5 mm)
• Cable clips (2 pcs.)
• Microfibre cleaning cloth
• Hard Case (70 x 134 x 24 mm)
• Quick start guide and compliance booklet

Look and Feel

The Xelento wireless is the same IEMs as the Xelento remote. The only difference is the neckband. Even the MMCX cable feels the same as the cable on the remote version. With this comes one of my main gripes with the fit. The neckband is comfortable, but I prefer to have proper ear loops with a design like this. During my testing, I had to keep throwing the cable back over my ear, which became a bit of an annoyance. Otherwise, the Xelento is plenty comfortable while in your ears.

Design and Functionality

Like the remote Xelento, the wireless Xelento sports an 11mm Tesla transducer with a neodymium ring. Because this is a wireless IEM with a neckband, Beyerdynamic takes full advantage and includes a high-end AKM DAC/amp, strengthening its audio performance significantly. Another one of its wireless advantages is its integration with the MIY companion app. Here you can personalize your sound even further with hearing ID and EQ options. The EQ is limited to a few presets, but they should still help the sound signature fit your tastes.

Bluetooth

The Xelento wireless offers Bluetooth 5.2 for fast pairing and high range and bandwidth. It supports a wide range of CODECs including LHDC, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™, AAC, and SBC.

Battery Life

You should be able to get around 14 hours of playtime, with enhancement mode being a strong factor in what drains the battery the most.

Soundstage

Unsurprisingly, the Xelento Wireless retains a similar soundstage to the remote version. These are pretty much the same earphones, but their wireless traits provide some notable differences. The headband and AKM4377A DAC/Amp change some characteristics of the soundstage, such as improved depth and a more bubble-like image. It is quite surprising to hear the wireless version is more non-linear than the wired, but that seems to be the case here. Instruments are positioned at a clear distance, emanating from a specific origin rather than from the driver. I don’t think the wireless Xelento is more open than the wired version, but in its more limited headspace, it is more immersive with its dimension.

Low End

The bass isn’t very showy on the Xelento, and the wireless version doesn’t add much to change its natural signature. It is tight and consistent with its punchy details, but you won’t get a ton of heft from the sub-bass. While not recessed in any way, the Xelento is more focused on accuracy. However, because these IEMs are Bluetooth, you can use Beyerdynamic’s MIY companion app to boost the bass. These options are more limited compared to other in-app EQs, but for the Xelento just selecting this option does enough to offer some more meat to the tone. You can feel more of the vibration and rumble, and it is just subtle enough so that it doesn’t sacrifice any of the precision.

Mids

You are going to find most of the detail of the Xelento wireless in the mids. Just like the remote version, it is the richest, and the most vivid region of the sound signature. Instruments and vocals are incredibly transparent and resolve throughout the mix with liveliness. Sound elements are presented with proper body and appear with great form. You can add some marginal warmth to the notes with EQ, but I didn’t find as much dramatic change as the bass boost did for the lows.

Highs

I found the Xelento wireless to be nowhere near as energetic in its treble, but still very natural. The frequency content feels more even, getting rid of that tinge of piercing tone that the remote version had. Using EQ, you can make the treble more recessed by smoothing it out, or you can add brilliance which added more sizzle to the timbre. I mostly chose to listen to the original sound profile without EQ or custom settings, and the treble is mostly the better for it when it comes to the Xelento wireless.

Summary

I didn’t think it was possible, but I think I might have enjoyed my time with the wireless Xelento more than the remote version. When a high-end IEM can have a wealth of features like this, I think it is a bit more special than your run-of-the-mill audiophile IEM. You should be getting a lot more for the price, and the Xelento 2nd gen wireless offers that. Not only is it just a fantastic sound for a Bluetooth product, but the AKM DAC/Amp and MIY app help bolster the Xelento’s value considerably. Surely this is one of the best-sounding Bluetooth products out there, and its personalization makes it stand out even more.

The Beyerdynamic Xelento 2 2nd Gen is available at Audio46.