KAZUKIN uses SONY's reasonably priced Bluetooth headphones, the “WH-CH520.” I think I bought them for about ¥5,000. As headphones go, that's a very affordable price range. And in fact, KAZUKIN quite likes SONY's sound too. “Then buy a higher-end SONY.” ...Fair enough. But for some reason that doesn't happen.

I like SONY, yet somehow don't choose SONY

If budget allowed, I'd aim for higher-end SONY models too. But when I try to choose headphones properly, it's BOSE or SONY? After agonizing, I bought BOSE. What about earbuds? SONY or Apple? After agonizing, I bought AirPods. ...I like SONY, though. I quite like the sound, yet I make the final shortlist and somehow get cut every time. KAZUKIN and SONY. We should be a good match, yet somehow we lack the connection. Amid that, the only SONY headphones still active in the KAZUKIN household are this “WH-CH520.”

This one is what you'd call a “value stock”

In KAZUKIN terms, the WH-CH520 is entirely a value stock. It has no flashy luxury feel. It has no super-high-performance noise cancelling. But necessary-and-sufficient sound at this price. That's very good. Considering it was bought for about ¥5,000, my personal satisfaction is quite high. The Anker Bluetooth speaker I introduced before is plenty good for its price too, but in KAZUKIN's personal rating of pure “sound you get for the price,” the WH-CH520 is higher. Of course headphones and speakers have completely different uses. Even so, it has the power to make me think, “If it sounds this good at this price, that's enough, right?” In stock terms, there's no flashy growth story. But look at the finances and you think, “...Huh? Isn't this cheap?” That kind of stock. KAZUKIN picked it up around ¥5,000.

The main battlefield is, surprisingly, the bed

And where these WH-CH520 are most active now. Not on a commuter train. Not on trips. Not in front of the PC. Inside the futon. I open a tablet and watch videos while lying down. At that time, they become dedicated headphones. This is very good. With expensive headphones, you feel a bit careful when you fall asleep. “Ugh, I fell asleep with the headphones on...” With the WH-CH520, oh well. Take them off and plop them by the pillow. Use them again the next day. That casualness is wonderful. They're becoming part of the bedding more than audio equipment.

When did I last charge it?

And the WH-CH520's quietly impressive point is battery life. It can play up to about 50 hours. Fifty hours. If I only watch a bit of video each night, it barely drops. In fact, KAZUKIN has little memory of when I last charged it. Of course it isn't a perpetual-motion machine, so I charge it somewhere. But the memory is thin. That's good. Phone. Tablet. AirPods. Smartwatch. Modern people are made to charge things all the time. In such a charging society, the WH-CH520 quietly stands there saying “I'm good for a while.” Reliable.

Only the ear pads went first

Even the WH-CH520 started having its ear pads crumble this year. Is it finally at the end of its life? No. Just replace the ear pads. About ¥1,000 to replace. Revived. In stock terms, additional investment. ¥1,000 added to a unit bought for about ¥5,000. Still only ¥6,000. I can't find a reason to cut the loss. Continue holding.

Summary

Premium headphones have their own goodness. BOSE is good. I want SONY's higher-end models too. AirPods are convenient. But what's easiest to reach for in daily life isn't necessarily the most expensive product. Bought for about ¥5,000, with enough sound. Light. Long battery life. Can be handled roughly. Even when the ear pads wear out, they can be replaced cheaply. And above all, they're just right for use while lying down. While thinking “SONY really does sound good...” while playing music or video, it's morning before I know it. Stock: SONY WH-CH520. Acquisition price: about ¥5,000. Additional investment: ear pads about ¥1,000. Holding policy: long-term. Main use: falling asleep. By KAZUKIN-style evaluation, there's no reason to sell yet.

KAZUKIN

ソニーいいよね

KAZUKIN Rating

  • 💰 Cost performance — ★★★★★ (a roughly ¥5,000 value stock)
  • 😴 Resistance to falling asleep with them on — ★★★★★ (take off and plop by the pillow)
  • 🔋 Battery life — ★★★★★ (up to about 50 hours; little memory of charging)
  • 🎯 Match with SONY gear — ★★★☆☆ (like it, but cut at the final round every time)
  • 🩹 Ear pad lifespan — ★★☆☆☆ (crumbled this year; revived for about ¥1,000)

This article is a personal opinion and record of use. KAZUKIN LAB has no relationship with SONY, BOSE or Apple. I'm just a gadget-loving customer. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

The illustration is an image based on KAZUKIN's experience. It may differ from real stores and products. It is not an official manufacturer image.