Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 Test and Review

Introduction

• Testing Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 in a noisy food court.
• Emphasis on microphone pickup and noise cancellation.

Key Features of Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2

• Smart Case Feature:
  • Direct USB type-C connection to the case.
  • Increases default volume by about 30% due to an additional layer of volume control.
  • Volume adjustments can be made directly on earbuds and source player.
• Spatial Stereo Feature:
  • Expands the sound stage, making audio airy and improving mids and highs.
  • However, reduces bass response slightly.

Comparison with Gen 1

• Similarities:
  • Features, functions, custom options in the app, and button controls are mostly identical.
• Differences:
  • Gen 2 performs differently in sound quality and noise canceling compared to Gen 1.
  • Slightly better mic pickup in noisy conditions.
  • Active noise canceling is similar but with more white noise masking.

Microphone Pickup and Noise Cancelling

• Gen 2's mic pickup slightly improved over Gen 1 in noisy conditions.
• Background noise reduction remains similar.
• Active Noise Cancelling:
  • Gen 2 cancels slightly less noise overall but uses more white noise masking.
  • Subtle differences in noise level, not easily noticeable without side-by-side comparison.

Transparency Mode

• Improvement in Gen 2:
  • Brighter, cleaner pass-through with less hiss compared to Gen 1.
  • Better for quick awareness and verbal exchanges.

Sound Quality

• Gen 2 Tuning:
  • Less v-shaped compared to Gen 1.
  • Reduction in bass, upper mids, and trebles; more emphasis on lower mids.
  • Gen 2 sound signature may be preferred if Gen 1 was too sibilant.
• EQ Adjustments:
  • Possible to adjust sound settings to personal preference.

Advantages of Gen 2

• USB Type-C Connection:
  • Flexible connectivity to sources with USB type-C or analog jacks.
  • Convenient for travel entertainment systems.
• Improved Transparency Mode
• Mic Pickup: Slight improvement in noisy environments.

Disadvantages of Gen 2

• Not a significant upgrade in sound quality or noise canceling.
• Lacks auto-reconnect feature when taken out of the case, unlike Gen 1.
• Consumer Experience:
  • May not be compelling enough as an upgrade from Gen 1.

Conclusion

• As a reviewer, retaining Gen 2 for comparison with other earbuds.
• Upcoming videos on comparison with best wireless earbuds in the market.
• Future software updates expected for Gen 2, despite Jabra discontinuing earbuds production.

Additional Resources

• Comparison Tool: Available for members to compare different earbuds remotely.
• Further Reviews: Check upcoming videos for more detailed comparisons.