Over-Ear Audio Still Reigns: A Review of the Sony WH-CH720N Headphones
While the true wireless (TWS) revolution has swept the consumer audio landscape, some brands, like Sony, still recognize the enduring appeal of over-ear headphones. The Sony WH-CH720N, priced at Rs. 9,990 in India, is a testament to this, offering a compelling blend of features, comfort, and sound quality without breaking the bank. This review delves into what makes the WH-CH720N stand out as a worthy successor to its predecessor, the WH-CH710N, and why it might be the perfect over-ear companion for your everyday listening needs.
Design and Features: A Refined Silhouette
The Sony WH-CH720N presents a noticeable visual departure from its predecessor, boasting sharper, more defined edges that give it a modern look. While its plastic construction positions it as a mid-range offering, the WH-CH720N still manages to exude an air of sophistication.
The over-ear design ensures a snug fit that completely envelops your ears, creating a seal that enhances active noise cancellation. The ear cups are comfortable, though not as plush as premium models, thanks in part to the lightweight design (192g). A key improvement over the previous model is the strategically positioned microphone grille near the top of each ear cup, which promises enhanced performance for both ANC and voice calls.
Further enhancing user experience, the ear cups swivel flat in one direction for compact storage, and the headband features a telescopic adjustment mechanism to accommodate diverse head shapes. However, the lack of full folding capability for storage might be a minor inconvenience for some. The power button is conveniently located on the left side, while playback, volume, and ANC/Ambient Sound mode controls are easily accessible on the right. The left side also houses a USB Type-C port for charging, and the 3.5mm socket for wired connectivity. The package includes a charging cable (USB Type-A to Type-C) and a stereo cable for wired connectivity, making it a well-equipped offering right out of the box.
Connecting and Customizing: The Sony Headphones Connect App
In line with Sony’s approach to headphone customization, the WH-CH720N relies on the Sony Headphones Connect app. This familiar app, available on both iOS and Android, serves as a hub for managing various settings. You can quickly access basic customization features, adjust functionality settings, and manage firmware updates with ease.
The app tailors itself specifically for the connected headset, offering only relevant controls and settings for the WH-CH720N. While you don’t get the level of customization offered by some true wireless headsets, the dedicated buttons on the headphones make up for the limited app-based customization.
Beyond the basics, the Sony Headphones Connect app provides a range of useful features. You can choose between invoking your smartphone’s default voice assistant or using native Alexa support, check the exact battery level, toggle multipoint connectivity for up to two devices, personalize sound with the equalizer settings, and so much more. Additionally, features like ANC and transparency modes, adaptive sound control, 360 Reality Audio, and Sony’s DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) enhancements are also readily available in the app.
Technical Specifications: A Solid Foundation for Sound
Under the hood, the Sony WH-CH720N boasts a standard set of technical specifications designed to deliver a well-rounded audio experience. It features 30mm dynamic drivers, a frequency response range of 20-20,000Hz (when connected via Bluetooth), and a sensitivity rating of 108dB. The headphones connect seamlessly via Bluetooth 5.2, supporting the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs. These specifications lay the foundation for a reliable and enjoyable audio experience.
Performance and Battery Life: A Symphony of Sounds and Endurance
Over-ear headphones hold a distinct advantage over TWS earphones in terms of comfort and sound quality. The larger drivers, while not necessarily guaranteeing superior sound quality, can create a more spacious and detailed listening experience. The Sony WH-CH720N exhibits both strengths and weaknesses when compared to similarly priced TWS options, but the strengths shine more brightly.
The WH-CH720N delivers a sound that’s both comfortable and elegant for a headset priced under Rs. 10,000. While it might not be as bass-heavy as the Sony WH-XB910N, the WH-CH720N delivers a punchy and enthusiastic sound that allows the entire frequency range to shine. Listening to "John Travolta" by Me & My Toothbrush, the headphones perfectly capture the track’s drive and attack, while simultaneously giving delicate elements room to breathe. The big drivers create a spacious soundscape, providing a clear sense of direction and positioning for different elements within the music.
The WH-CH720N also effortlessly tackles gentler, more detail-oriented tracks. The low frequencies in "Attic" by Hidden Orchestra have a defined edge, yet the intricate details that give the track its haunting quality are clear and well-defined. The key to truly appreciating the larger drivers and expansive soundstage is to increase the volume.
While the 108dB sensitivity rating is in line with many TWS headsets, the WH-CH720N performs remarkably well at higher volumes compared to its smaller counterparts. At 80 percent volume, listening to "High and Low" by Christabelle and Lindstrom, the sound is immersive, melodic, and vibrant. The headphones maintain impressive sound quality up to 90 percent volume without any noticeable distortion. You can push the volume further with slower, softer tracks, but bass-heavy tracks might require a slight volume reduction.
Sony is widely regarded as a leader in consumer-grade active noise cancellation (ANC), and the WH-CH720N is no exception. While it can’t match the flagship WH-1000XM5 in ANC performance, it still features impressive noise reduction capabilities that are perfectly suited to its price point.
The ANC effectively mutes distracting background noise, enhancing listening clarity without the misleading "vacuum effect" common in some headphones. The result is a gentle and subtle noise reduction that effectively tackles both indoor and outdoor sounds.
Call quality is also decent, especially with ANC enabled. The Ambient Sound mode proves useful for casual conversations, striking a balance that prevents background noise from becoming overly amplified. This ensures a comfortable listening experience, even during extended phone calls.
Battery life on the Sony WH-CH720N is excellent. With ANC enabled at around 60 percent volume, the headphones can last for approximately 31 hours, offering ample listening time for everyday use.
Verdict: A Solid Choice for Over-Ear Enthusiasts
While over-ear headphones may not be as ubiquitous as TWS earphones, the Sony WH-CH720N makes a compelling argument for their enduring appeal. At under Rs. 10,000, this headset offers an excellent combination of comfort, effective mid-range ANC, and a sound quality that utilizes the larger drivers to their full potential.
While the lack of advanced Bluetooth codecs might be a minor drawback for some, the well-tuned sound profile ensures a satisfying soundstage and an engaging listening experience. The convenient design, with intuitive on-device controls, further elevates the user experience. If you prefer the full-sized headphone experience over TWS earphones, the Sony WH-CH720N is a highly recommended choice in this price segment.
