Beyerdynamic have unveiled a new generation of its flagship XELENTO earphones designed for audiophiles. They arrive in wired or wireless form factors. The wired version is called XELENTO remote ($999) and the around-the-neck wireless model is simply called XELENTO wireless ($1,199).
Beyerdynamic is calling each XELENTO 2nd generation earphone an audible piece of jewelry. Each is handcrafted at beyerdynamic’s Heilbronn headquarters in Germany, and utilize gold-plated connectors, silver-plated cables, and claim the logo is 24 ct real gold.
How they differ from the Free Byrd True Wireless IEMs that we just reviewed requires a much deeper drive — the price differences between the 3 models is rather considerable.
A more price appropriate comparison could be to the Shure SE846 Gen 2, which we recently reviewed that also comes in wired or wireless versions.
Nevertheless, XELENTO (2nd generation) boast exquisite design, offer custom sound personalization, and are sweat and water resistance.
The Skinny
XELENTO are driven by beyerdynamic’s own Tesla technology in its smallest form factor to date. The company says its TESLA.11 driver creates an exceptional level of detail, unparalleled spatiality, and a much more spacious presentation with higher levels of resolution.
The 11mm dynamic one-way driver mixes beyerdynamic’s acoustic expertise, engineering, and craftsmanship. With special new acoustic filters, beyerdynamic’s engineers claim its new dynamic driver offers impact, clarity, and a more extended top end.
The Beyerdynamic XELENTO includes seven pairs of silicone ear tips that are newly developed by beyerdynamic and perfectly matched for individual fit preferences and high acoustic performance.
The XELENTO also comes with sets of Comply Memory Foam ear tips in three sizes for maximum sound isolation; a really solid add-on to the package.
Audiophile Excellence, Designed for Everyone
Both new Beyerdynamic XELENTO models come with a 3.5 mm jack cable with remote control and hands-free microphone. This allows users to engage in calls or video calls, or use the Google, Siri, or Alexa voice assistants via XELENTO’s connected device while on the go.
The XELENTO remote model also features a symmetric 4.4 mm Pentaconn cable that allows a direct connection to high-quality hi-fi components with balanced outputs. This makes XELENTO remote the ideal choice for enjoying music on DAPs and balanced hi-fi systems.
XELENTO wireless, on the other hand, has a high-quality Bluetooth 5.2 neckband that guarantees up to 14 hours of playback time. It includes a digital-to-analog converter and amplifier from AKM, to create the perfect wireless hi-fi experience.
The XELENTO wireless offers support for LHDC, aptX HD, and aptX.
Both earbuds are flexible with adaptability to the users’ needs due to an MMCX plug-in system. XELENTO remote also transforms easily into the wireless version with the separately available wireless neckband. In turn, the Pentaconn cable is also additionally available to connect XELENTO wireless by cable to high-quality hi-fi systems.
Comparison
| XELENTO REMOTE (2ND) | XELENTO WIRELESS (2ND) | |
| MSRP | $999 | $1,119 |
| Transducers | 1-way, dynamic (beyerdynamic TESLA.11) | 1-way, dynamic (beyerdynamic TESLA.11) |
| Frequency response | 10 – 50,000 Hz | 10 – 50,000 Hz |
| Acoustic design | Closed | Closed |
| Nominal impedance | 16 ohms | 16 ohms |
| Nominal sound pressure level | 114 dB SPL at 1 mW | 114 dB SPL at 1 mW |
| Nominal power rating | 200 mW | 200 mW |
| Max. limiting sound pressure level | 134 dB SPL | 134 dB SPL |
| Total harmonic distortion | < 0.02 % at 1 kHz | < 0.02 % at 1 kHz |
| Connection on earphone side | MMCX, detachable | MMCX, detachable |
| Wireless Audio Codecs | – | LHDC, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, aptX™ Adaptive, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | – | Version 5.2 |
| Battery Life | – | Up to 14 hours (charging via USB-C) |
| Range | – | 10 m |
| Jack cables | 1.30 m, silver-plated copper, 3.5 mm jack with remote control 4.4 mm jack, symmetrical (Pentaconn) | 1.30 m, silver-plated copper, 3.5 mm jack with remote control |
| Certification | Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Hi-Res-Audio Wireless, Apple MFI, Amazon Alexa Built-in, Google Fast Pair |
| Sweat and water resistance | Yes (IPX4) | Yes (IPX4) |
| Scope of delivery | One pair of XELENTO (2nd generation) earphones Cable 4.4mm, 5-pole jack (Pentaconn) Cable 3.5mm, 4-pole jack with remote control Silicone ear tips in seven sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL) Comply™ memory foam ear tips, Tx-500 series, in three sizes High-quality hard case Microvelour cleaning cloth Interchangeable wax guards, Quick start guide Compliance booklet Certificate of authenticity | One pair of XELENTO (2nd generation) earphones Bluetooth® wireless neckband receiver Cable 3.5mm, 4-pole jack with remote control USB cable (USB-A to USB-C) Silicone ear tips in seven sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL) Comply™ memory foam ear tips, Tx-500 series, in three sizes High-quality hard case Microvelour cleaning cloth Interchangeable wax guards Quick start guide Compliance booklet Certificate of authenticity |
| MSRP | $999 | $1,119 |
Price & Availability
- XELENTO remote – $999 at beyerdynamic | Amazon | Audio46
- XELENTO wireless – $1,199 at beyerdynamic | Audio46
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