# How is the sound quality for music compared to the XM4?

> Expert answer about Sony WH-1000XM5

*Published: 2026-01-08 | Updated: 2026-01-08 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/sony-wh-1000xm5-sound-quality-music-compared-xm4*

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## Product: Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
**Brand:** Sony

# How Do They Sound Compared to the XM4?

This is where things get interesting. Sony basically went back to the drawing board and tuned the [Sony WH-1000XM5](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XS7JWHH?tag=shopsavvy-20) for a more "grown-up" sound signature.

## The Big Changes

**Smaller drivers, better sound**: They actually went from 40mm to 30mm drivers, which sounds like a downgrade until you hear them. The new drivers are just way more controlled and precise.

**Bass that doesn't dominate**: The [XM4](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0863TXGM3?tag=shopsavvy-20) could get a bit boomy, especially with electronic music. The XM5's bass is tighter and more accurate—it's still there when you want it, but it doesn't overwhelm everything else.

**Vocals come alive**: This is the biggest improvement. Voices sound so much clearer and more present. Whether it's podcasts, audiobooks, or your favorite singer, everything sounds more intimate and detailed.

## Real-World Listening Experience

Here's how different music genres sound:

**Rock/Metal**: Guitar separation is fantastic, drums sound more realistic  
**Hip-Hop**: Bass hits hard but doesn't muddy up the vocals  
**Classical**: You can actually pick out individual instruments in orchestral pieces  
**Podcasts/Audiobooks**: Voices sound natural and easy to understand for hours

## The Honest Comparison

**[XM4](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0863TXGM3?tag=shopsavvy-20)**: Fun, consumer-friendly sound with boosted bass  
**XM5**: More accurate, [audiophile-oriented](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=audiophile+headphones&tag=shopsavvy-20) with better balance

If you loved the XM4's sound signature, the XM5 might initially seem a bit "flat." But give them a week, and you'll start noticing details in your music you never heard before.

## Bottom Line

The XM5 is for people who want their music to sound like the artist intended, not necessarily "exciting" or bass-heavy. It's a more mature sound that grows on you.

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Secondipity | $229.99  | Check |
| StockX | $230.00  | Check |
| Chapman University Bookstore | $399.95  | Check |

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*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*