Wired connection sound quality

Wired listening (especially via USB-C) is repeatedly described as taking the IO-12 up another notch, with increased resolution, scale and punch compared with Bluetooth. Multiple reviews note wireless retains the same general character but can sound a bit warmer and less resolved, making wired use the preferred option when maximum fidelity is the goal.

Wired playback via USB-C or 3.5mm is widely described as a noticeable step up from Bluetooth, with USB-C in particular enabling cleaner, more detailed (often lossless) playback, though the headphones still require battery power in wired mode.

Reviewers note the P100/P100 SE can be used wired over USB-C audio or via a 3.5mm connection (using the supplied cable), and can sound even better when hard-wired to a DAC/amp. Wired support adds flexibility for hi-res listening and low-latency use.

Wired listening is a major perk via both 3.5mm analog and USB-C digital audio, with many reviewers hearing cleaner, more cohesive playback—especially in USB-C lossless mode—but USB-C audio typically disables ANC/transparency and wired use can include compatibility quirks or the need to keep the headphones powered on.

Using the wired connection tightens the presentation and reveals extra low-level details compared with standard Bluetooth listening.

Wired listening is available via 3.5mm and (on compatible sources) USB-C audio, providing flexibility for travel and desktop use. Some reviewers hear improved space, detail and dynamics over a wired USB-C connection compared with Bluetooth, though wired mode trade-offs can include losing ANC on analog connections depending on setup.

Wired listening via the 3.5mm cable can provide a noticeable clarity boost with a good source/amp; it remains analog-only and there is no digital USB-C audio path.

Wired listening (USB‑C or 3.5mm) is useful for laptops/planes, with some noting a small clarity boost over wireless, though not always night-and-day.

Wired listening via the included USB-C to 3.5 mm cable provides low-latency playback useful for video and content creation, with generally clean sound; some reviewers report the headphones can play wired even when powered off, while at least one source says the headset must be on for wired use; overall wired mode is a valuable backup for latency-sensitive tasks, with a few operational caveats.

Wired listening over USB-C or analog in powered (active) mode is generally reported to closely match wireless tuning and can tighten bass and dynamics compared to Bluetooth. Several reviewers warn that passive analog use without power sounds noticeably worse (muddy/harsh), so best results come with the headphones turned on, even when cabled.

Analog wired listening via 3.5mm is supported and can sound close to wireless performance when the headphones are powered on (allowing processing such as ANC). In passive wired mode (power off), multiple reviews say it sounds noticeably less premium, so powered-on wired or wireless is preferred for best results.

Wired listening can deliver a small fidelity and latency benefit, especially on the USB-C model with compatible Apple devices, but wired use is less straightforward than rivals: Lightning versions require a special Lightning-to-3.5mm cable and AirPods Max still need battery power in wired mode.

Wired listening is available through the included analog cable and is useful for travel, but at least one reviewer did not notice a major sound-quality bump versus wireless and several explicitly wish for a digital wired option via USB-C instead of analog-only.