Synergy
Efficiency & Sensitivity
The AM Pro X20 has a rating of 119dB@1mW in sensitivity and 27ohms@1kHz in impedance. It is very easy to drive loud but may need a more powerful source for its optimal performance.
You may notice the AM Pro X20 being able to pick up noises from your output and generally the higher impedance rating helps press down some of the unwanted noise and withstand higher voltage swings, also to offer better protection against stage gears and mixers.
It is quite noticeable that the AM Pro X20 can scale with power to sound denser and more balanced, and I consider the output tonality quite consistent across different gears.
Pairings
When testing the AM Pro X20 with the RME ADI 2 Pro recording interface, it exhibits good transparency and sufficient details in the vocal range.
There is a good sense of control, and although the bass does not extend very deep, it maintains a fast pace and impact with adequate weight that doesn’t veil the sound. Overall, the sound remains very clean without unwanted spikes, and the positioning of instruments can be discerned.
When testing the AM Pro X20 with more colored gear like the powerful FiiO R9, there is a noticeable increase in fullness and warmth in the lows, which enhances the presence of bass instruments and adds to the overall musicality.
Using the AM Pro X20 with amplifiers also yields positive results, such as with the FiiO Q15, which provides even stronger transparency in the output.
When using dongles, the sound may be slightly softer, but the clean tuning of the AM Pro X20 allows it to maintain sufficient resolving power even when listening in a quiet environment.
Select Comparisons
Westone Audio MACH 20
Technical
The closed-back earphones MACH 20 from Westone Audio have a higher impedance rating of 96Ω and a sensitivity of 110dB @ 1kHz.
In comparison, the AM Pro X20, being more sensitive, is highly responsive and can be powered effectively by a variety of devices such as dongles, laptops, or USB-powered mixers.
Design
Both the MACH 20 and the AM Pro X20 utilize the same Estron T2 cable system and have a similar shape which is equally ergonomical.
It is, however, very easy to spot them from each other as the AM Pro X20 features a special venting module under its transparent hood, which feels cooler but not as stealthy as the MACH 20’s dark grey housing design.
Performance
The MACH 20 places more emphasis on the mid-bass, delivering a punchier and meatier sound with a focus on bass quantity.
It exhibits stronger bite and denser bass impacts. The AM Pro X20 provides lighter and faster bass punches, showcasing superior agility and detailed bass reproduction when compared at matching volume levels.
The tuning of the MACH 20 enhances the reproduction of bass instruments, making it well-suited for bass players or individuals who prefer a pronounced bass presence in their audio mix.
Additionally, it adds body to vocals, resulting in a fuller and meatier sound. This can benefit weaker voices by providing them with more presence, while also enhancing the texture and forwardness of already powerful voices.
The AM Pro X20 has a lighter and smoother tuning in the same frequency range, allowing for the finer details in vocals, such as breathiness, to be more clearly heard. It also maintains better separation and avoids congestion when multiple elements are present in the mix.
This reveals vocals more authentically and makes it easier to detect flaws such as unclear pronunciation or imperfections in vocal delivery.
If you are working with console desks or using more powerful audio players, the MACH 20 would be a suitable choice as it can scale with the power output and deliver a superior and immersive bass experience. Its tuning is designed to provide a pronounced bass presence and an engaging listening experience.
The AM Pro X20 is an analytical tool and prioritizes balance and clarity. It doesn’t sacrifice the overall balance of the sound and allows you to have conversations or communicate with others while in a gig or rehearsal.
This can be a handy feature when you need to hold your instruments or engage in discussions without needing to remove your earphones.
Westone Audio AM Pro X30
Technical
The AM Pro X30 has 3 balanced armatures inside a similar transparent body and the Passive Ambient module.
The X30 with an extra driver is rated at 56Ω in impedance and 124dB SPL@1mW in sensitivity, which suggests that it requires more swing for optimal performance just like the MACH 20 we compared above.
In practice the AM Pro X20 is marginally more friendly with less powerful sources, being able to deliver stronger clarity and resolution even on the laptop’s output, while the AM Pro X30 exhibits a fuller and more natural response with stronger outputs.
Design
The AM Pro X20 and AM Pro X30 nearly look identical and the way to tell them apart is by looking at the module that are differently colored.
Performance
The differences between the AM Pro X20 and AM Pro X30 are quite apparent and can be easily discerned when using different gear.
The AM Pro X20, with its lower sensitivity and one less balanced armature driver, is tuned to have a lighter bass response and provides cleaner vocal reproduction with stronger penetration power.
It offers a more balanced sound signature and doesn’t cover up ambient sounds as much as the X30 when listening in noisy environments.
While both IEMs are capable of extracting a sufficient level of detail and resolving instruments within a well-spaced headroom, the AM Pro X30 places more weight on the mid-bass frequencies.
This allows bass guitars, bass drums, and woodwind instruments to sound more upfront, natural, and with a clearer image. The bass and mid-bass are more prominent in the X30, although it may sound a bit fat on less powerful gear. However, this tuning provides the advantage of capturing more bass detail and note clarity.
For players of bass instruments, it would be more sensible to choose the AM Pro X30 due to its bass-tilted tuning. For those who want to focus more on vocals or strings and prefer a more balanced tuning, the X20 should be the pick, regardless of their driver count and positioning.
Our Verdict
The Westone Audio AM Pro X20 offers a complimentary tuning to the more bass-heavy AM Pro X30 earphones or the more swiftly articulated Mach 20.
Specifically tuned to excel in the vocal region, it offers striking separation and impressive clarity, providing a clear and immersive vocal imaging experience. Its special filtering implementation allows it to seamlessly function as both a stage monitor and an IEM for everyday mixing tasks.
Additionally, the AM Pro X20 boasts attractive aesthetics, and a sweat-proof cable system making it a good choice for both individuals and stage professionals who want reliability and a comfortable listening experience at the same time.
Westone Audio AM Pro X20 Specifications
- Sensitivity 119 dB @ 1mW
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 18kHz
- Impedance: 27 ohms
- Driver: Dual Balanced-Armature, with 2-way passive crossover
