Yamaha TW-E7B Review: A Warm and Enjoyable Sound, But Is It Worth the Price?
Yamaha has been a stalwart in the audio world for decades, known for its premium, professional-grade consumer audio products like AV receivers and speaker systems. However, with consumers increasingly embracing wireless audio, even the most traditional audio brands have had to adapt their product strategies. Yamaha is no exception, entering the competitive true wireless earphones market with its own unique twist. The TW-E7B, the most expensive true wireless headset in their lineup, boasts active noise cancellation, advanced Bluetooth codec support, and a promise of top-notch audio quality. But in a market dominated by giants like Apple, Samsung, Sony, and Sennheiser, does the TW-E7B have what it takes to stand out in the premium segment? Let’s dive into this detailed review to find out.
Yamaha TW-E7B Design and Features: A Bold Departure From the Norm
While the trend in true wireless earphones leans towards compact and minimalist designs, Yamaha takes a different approach with the TW-E7B, opting for a "bigger is better" philosophy. The earpieces are notably larger than the competition, though surprisingly lightweight at 7.3g each, making them surprisingly comfortable to wear. The distinctive "spotted" texture on the outer side might seem unusual at first, but it adds a unique visual touch.
Yamaha offers two color variants in India: black and white, with the white version highlighting the textured design even more. IPX5 water resistance ensures protection against light splashes and sweat.
In a departure from the typical touch controls found on many premium TWS options, the TW-E7B features physical buttons for precise control. While some might see this as old-fashioned, it offers enhanced precision and a reduction in accidental mis-fires, making for a more reliable user experience.
The charging case is significantly larger than standard TWS cases, making it less pocket-friendly and more suited for a backpack or handbag. While it features USB Type-C charging, wireless charging is notably absent, which feels like an oversight at this price point. The overall design of the case feels basic and underwhelming for its price point.
Yamaha TW-E7B App and Specifications: Customizable Audio, Limited Functionality
The Yamaha TW-E7B connects to the Yamaha Headphone Control app for iOS and Android. Despite the headset having fixed, non-customizable controls, the app provides minimal functionality. You can access battery level indicators, detailed equalizer settings, switches for ANC and transparency modes, and toggles for Yamaha’s Listening Care, Listening Optimiser, and Gaming Mode.
While the app doesn’t offer much in terms of control customization, the detailed equalizer gives users the ability to fine-tune the sonic signature based on their preferences.
Key specifications of the Yamaha TW-E7B include:
- Bluetooth 5.2 for seamless connectivity
- Support for SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codecs – ensuring high-quality audio with supported devices
- Frequency response range of 20-20,000Hz
- 10mm dynamic drivers
Yamaha TW-E7B Performance: A Warm and Engaging Sound with Room for Improvement
Yamaha’s experience in audio shines through in the TW-E7B, delivering a unique sonic signature that stands out in the crowded TWS market. AptX Adaptive support makes a significant difference, especially when paired with compatible devices like Android smartphones. The sound profile leans towards a warm and immersive experience, with a slight emphasis on the low end.
Testing with tracks like "Paris (Aeroplane Remix)" by Friendly Fires and "Obsessed" by Calvin Harris, the TW-E7B delivers a punchy and tight bass response, without overwhelming the mid-range and upper mid-range. Detailed musical passages are handled well, with the earphones skillfully pulling out faint elements in tracks, showcasing the impressive frequency range and ability to create a detailed and captivating soundstage.
While the TW-E7B offers a pleasing sound experience, it doesn’t reach the sharpness and refinement of options like the Sony WF-1000XM4 or the flexibility of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen). However, it shares a certain warmth and character with the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, both leveraging AptX Adaptive for a balanced sound. The Yamaha TW-E7B prioritizes an enjoyable listening experience over absolute neutrality and tonality, making it a good option for those who value a warm and immersive sound.
However, the Achilles’ heel of the TW-E7B is its active noise cancellation. The cancellation effect is underwhelming, particularly considering the price point. It performs on par with budget-friendly TWS options, which is disappointing given the premium positioning. It often introduces a dullness to the sound, making it preferable to keep ANC off during indoor use.
Transparency Mode is passable, but lacks the natural-sounding quality found in competitive models. Call quality is acceptable indoors, but significantly deteriorates outdoors. While voices can be heard clearly on the other end even with ANC off, the user’s voice struggles to come through clearly in noisy environments.
Battery life is a mixed bag. With ANC on, the earpieces provide around 5 hours of playback, with the charging case adding three additional charges for a total of 18 hours. Disabling ANC extends the playback time to 6 hours. Fast charging is included, offering an hour of playback with a 10-minute charge, while a full charge takes approximately 3 hours.
Verdict: A Warm and Fun Sound but with Shortcomings
Yamaha’s TW-E7B is a bold entry into the TWS space, showcasing the company’s audio expertise. The earphones deliver a warm, enjoyable sound with a focus on immersion and detailed soundstage.
However, the underwhelming noise cancellation performance and lackluster app functionality hold it back at this price point. The design feels a bit basic and outdated, particularly the bulky charging case. It’s also worth noting that the reliance on AptX Adaptive limits its full potential for iOS users, who may be better off with the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen).
If sound quality and warm, immersive listening are your primary concerns, the TW-E7B is worth considering, particularly for Android users. It stands up well against competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM4 and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3. However, for users seeking top-notch noise cancellation, a robust app experience, or a more refined design, there are better options available on the market.
