I REGRET buying Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 🤦🏻‍♂️ (vs Gen 1 Review)

Summary

In this video, the reviewer discusses their experience with the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 earbuds, comparing them to the Gen 1 model. While the Gen 2 offers improvements in features like USB Type-C, spatial stereo, and better transparency mode, the reviewer regrets the purchase due to subtle performance issues like the lack of auto-reconnection and sound quality changes that don’t match up to the Gen 1. The video delves into aspects like mic pickup, noise cancellation, and the practical pros and cons of the Gen 2, ultimately suggesting that it’s not a strong upgrade over the original.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 has slightly improved microphone pickup in noisy conditions, making voices clearer in windy or loud environments compared to Gen 1.
• 😀 The Gen 2 features a USB Type-C connection to the case, making it more versatile and useful for various devices, including those without Bluetooth.
• 😀 Spatial Stereo on the Gen 2 enhances the soundstage, improving mids and highs, but slightly reduces bass response, creating a balanced yet different audio experience compared to Gen 1.
• 😀 The microphone performance of the Gen 2 is improved in noisy environments, with less muffling of voices compared to Gen 1.
• 😀 Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) on the Gen 2 is similar to Gen 1 but adds a bit more white noise masking to help with human chatter, although the difference is subtle.
• 😀 Transparency mode on the Gen 2 is noticeably better than on the Gen 1, offering a brighter, cleaner sound and clearer awareness of the surroundings.
• 😀 Sound quality between the Gen 1 and Gen 2 differs, with the Gen 2 offering a slightly smoother sound signature, particularly in the lower mids, compared to the more V-shaped Gen 1 sound.
• 😀 The Gen 2 is an incremental upgrade over Gen 1, providing improvements like better transparency, USB Type-C connectivity, and slightly better mic pickup, but overall, it's not a massive leap in terms of sound or ANC.
• 😀 The Gen 2 doesn't auto-reconnect to previously paired devices when removed from the case, unlike the Gen 1, requiring manual pairing through device settings.
• 😀 Although the Gen 2 includes some new features and improvements, the reviewer regrets purchasing it, feeling that the Gen 1 still offers better value and performance overall.

Q & A

Why does the reviewer regret buying the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2?

The reviewer regrets buying the Gen 2 because, as a regular consumer, the improvements aren't significant enough over the Gen 1 to justify the upgrade. Key features like sound quality, noise cancelling, and auto-reconnection were not improved to the extent expected.

What are the main improvements of the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 over the Gen 1?

The Gen 2 offers improvements such as a USB Type-C connection to the Smart Case, better transparency (hear-through mode), and slightly improved mic pickup. However, in terms of sound quality and noise cancelling, the changes are minimal.

How does the Gen 2's sound quality differ from the Gen 1?

The Gen 2 has a more subdued sound profile with a pullback in bass, upper mids, and treble, while the Gen 1 is more V-shaped, emphasizing bass and highs. The Gen 2’s sound is intended to complement its Spatial Stereo mode, but out of the box, it’s less crisp and airy compared to the Gen 1.

What is the reviewer’s opinion on the Gen 2's Spatial Stereo feature?

The reviewer finds the Spatial Stereo feature somewhat useful as it enhances the mids and highs, creating a more airy sound. However, it also reduces bass response, making it a double-edged sword. The reviewer prefers the sound of the Gen 1 without spatial enhancements.

How does the microphone performance of the Gen 2 compare to the Gen 1?

The microphone pickup on the Gen 2 has been slightly improved, especially in noisy conditions. The reviewer notes that their voice sounds less muffled compared to the Gen 1, though the background noise reduction is similar between both models.

What are the differences in active noise cancelling between the Gen 1 and Gen 2?

Both models have similar active noise cancelling performance, but the Gen 2 applies more white noise masking, which can help block human chatter better. However, the Gen 2 cancels slightly less noise overall compared to the Gen 1, though the difference is subtle.

What are the issues with the Gen 2’s auto-reconnection feature?

Unlike the Gen 1, which automatically reconnects to previously paired devices when taken out of the case, the Gen 2 does not have this feature. Users have to manually initiate the pairing process from their device settings, making it less convenient.

What is the significance of the Smart Case with the Gen 2?

The Smart Case for the Gen 2 allows for a direct USB Type-C connection, which adds flexibility for connecting to devices with either USB Type-C or a 3.5mm analog jack. This is especially useful for scenarios like plane trips or connecting to entertainment systems without Bluetooth support.

How does the transparency or hear-through mode of the Gen 2 differ from the Gen 1?

The Gen 2's transparency mode is brighter, cleaner, and less hissy compared to the Gen 1. The reviewer finds it more effective for awareness and verbal exchanges, as the voice sounds less occluded and the pass-through is clearer.

What are the overall advantages of the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2?

The Gen 2 offers advantages like the USB Type-C connection, improved transparency mode, and slightly better microphone performance. It is also more flexible in terms of connectivity and is better for people who need to quickly switch between wired and wireless connections.