SANWEAR-HARDWIRE Wired Earbuds Review – Ambitious Audio

SANWEAR-HARDWIRE Wired Earbuds Review

It’s been just over a month since I wrote about my experience with the SANWEAR-HARDWIRE (TT02) prototype earbuds. So, when I saw the official SANWARE-HARDWIRE drop on my doorstep, I was both surprised and concerned. Did the team at SAN Sound take any of our feedback and apply it to the end product? Fortunately, the latest release of the SANWEAR-HARDWIRE earbuds does come with some improvements over the prototype. Are the improvements enough to make this a must-have product for audiophiles looking for a wired headphone product. Let’s find out.

Limited Compatibility With Gaming Devices

At COGconnected, our primary focus is gaming. For the SANWEAR-HARDWIRE earbuds, it’s important that we review them from the perspective of a gamer. The SANWEAR-HARDWIRE wired earbuds connect via USB-C. For gamers, this can be very restrictive. Xbox, PlayStation and Switch 2 controllers are not compatible with USB-C headphones/earbuds. For example, SANWEAR-HARDWIRE claims compatibility with the PS5, however, the big caveat here is that you’ll need to be within 48 inches from your console. Not ideal for living room gamers. These earbuds will work with handheld devices, such as the undocked Switch 2 and Steam Deck. Your phone and tablet might also be compatible. This is why most headphones and earbuds use AUX or Bluetooth, to ensure maximum compatibility. With that said, many devices are moving away from AUX ports, and USB-C does seem to be the industry standard moving forward.

The SANWEAR-HARDWIRE earbuds require some finesse to use properly. Despite my extended time with the prototype earbuds and then again with the final version that I’m reviewing, I still have difficulties setting them in my ears properly. The instructions are as follows: insert into your ear, tuck the sport hooks under your antihelix (which is a part inside your ear), then twist and lock. Yes, it’s a process. The goal by doing this correctly is to ensure the earbuds stay in place, maximize comfort, and provide a seal. The seal is the most critical aspect, because without it, you’re not getting the sounds as intended.

Difficulties Locking In

It’s worth noting that everyone has unique ears, and because of this, mileage will vary. For me, I didn’t have too much trouble locking in my left ear, but sometimes I had difficulties locking in my right ear. Weird right? I can recall chatting with someone on Teams, but because the right ear kept falling out, I just ended up swapping to my headset mid-conversation. This wasn’t always the case, of course. There were times when I could lock them in and they’d stay locked in, but I did find when I was chatting, such as in-game voice chat, it was almost a sure thing that they would eventually fall out. I assume it’s the movement of my face muscles that eventually jar it lose.

Lacking Comfort

The SANWEAR-HARDWIRE wired earbuds are very uncomfortable earbuds to wear. During my review time, I could use them for at most 15-20 minutes, before I’d need to take them off and rest my ears. Once they’re “locked-in”, the seal creates a sort of suction pressure. After a while, the best was I can describe it is my ears get exhausted. For reference, I use my iPhone Airpods daily, and often for very extended periods of time. I never get the same uncomfortable, fatigued sensations. Of course, this suction pressure is on purpose, as it’s designed to provide superior sound. Unfortunately, sound quality means very little if they’re too uncomfortable to use.

The SANWEAR-HARDWIRE does come with a variety of interchangeable sport hooks (26mm, 22mm, 18mm) and tips (12mm, 11mm, 10mm, 9mm). I’ve tried them all. The larger sizes seem to work better for me, but not to the point where it felt comfortable and truly locked-in. Changing the sport hooks and tips isn’t too difficult. I do wonder if the sport hooks or tips can be replaced, and what that process and cost might be.

When the SANWEAR-HARDWIRE wired earbuds are locked-in and the seal is established, the sound is good. It’s not mind-blowing. Just good. I can tell there is potential with this product, because if I just apply a little pressure, such as pressing a finger on either earbud, the seal becomes significantly better and the sound is incredible! Unfortunately, without applying any external force, the earbuds never properly sit in the ear to maintain that incredible sound. As mentioned before, mileage will vary between users, but I did have someone else try them and she had the exact same experience – they sounded much better when external pressure was applied. This suggests to me that the overall design might need some adjusting in the future.

Audio Cortex

The SANWEAR-HARDWIRE does come with an app, which oddly enough is connected via Bluetooth. No, that doesn’t mean there’s away to use them wirelessly, it’s only for the app. The app allows users to adjust functions on the Audio Cortex, the irregular hexagon-shaped device that processes the audio and houses the microphone. The Audio Cortex has a single button, and a variety of taps can perform different functions, which you can customize. A basic equalizer is also included in the app, so you can crank up the bass as needed.

The SANWEAR-HARDWIRE wired earbuds is a difficult piece of hardware to review. On one hand, it is very commendable the amount of thought that went into the development of these earbuds. Clearly, the intention is there. Unfortunately, the execution misses the mark. The earbuds are not comfortable to wear. And to achieve the perfect, intended sound, you literally need to apply pressure to the outside of the earbuds. Compatibility with devices is a mixed bag, but if you’re a gamer, I would absolutely not recommend them at this time. There is potential in this product line, but this version is not it.

***The SANWEAR-HARDWIRE wired earbuds were provided by the manufacturer for review.***