Status Audio GoldenSound Pro X Review
Status Audio GoldenSound Pro X Review: More Natural Sound, But Is It Better?
At the end of July, I attended the launch of the new Status Audio GoldenSound Pro X earbuds in London.
I was already a big fan of the original Pro X, so I was very curious to hear what GoldenSound had changed. The main difference is the tuning, with a new EQ designed to sound more natural and less processed.
I then took them with me on holiday to the South of France and used them almost every day for a month.
And after all that time, I came to a slightly unexpected conclusion.
I really like the GoldenSound tuning, but I still prefer the warmer, more musical sound of the original Pro X.
Quick Verdict
How I Tested the GoldenSound Pro X
I received the GoldenSound Pro X at the end of July, just before our annual summer holiday in the South of France, and used them almost every day for the following month.
They came with me while travelling, walking, relaxing in the evening and watching content on my phone. Some days I used them for hours, other days only briefly. It was normal everyday use, which is how I prefer to test earbuds.
Because I already know the standard Pro X very well, I spent a lot of time switching between GoldenSound and Status Audiophile, sometimes halfway through the same song.
After a month, my preference was pretty clear.
What Is Different About the GoldenSound Pro X?
I am not going to repeat everything I covered in my original Status Pro X review.
If you want my thoughts on comfort, battery life, ANC, the app, controls and everyday use, I have already gone into much more detail there.
The GoldenSound model is still very much a Pro X.
You get the same triple-driver concept, ANC, multipoint, LDAC support and the same general design.
What makes this version different comes down mainly to two things.
The black and gold design.
And, much more importantly, the GoldenSound tuning.
I Really Like the Black and Gold Design
The gold accents give the GoldenSound Pro X a distinctive look without making them feel too flashy.
I have always liked the slightly unusual design of the Pro X.
They don't really look like most other wireless earbuds, and I think that helps Status Audio stand out.
The GoldenSound version adds gold accents to the black finish, and I think it works really well.
It doesn't look too flashy.
Personally, I am still a big fan of the original black Pro X, but the gold gives this version a little more personality and makes it feel different enough to be a special edition.
The charging case is probably my favourite part.
The gold top lid with the GoldenSound and Status branding looks great and immediately tells you that this isn't the standard version.
GoldenSound Tuning: You Can Hear the Difference
This is obviously the most important part of the review.
GoldenSound has created a dedicated tuning for the Pro X with the aim of making them sound more natural and lifelike.
And the difference is definitely noticeable.
You don't need to sit in a silent room trying desperately to convince yourself that something has changed.
Switch from Status Audiophile to GoldenSound in the app and the character of the earbuds changes.
For me, the GoldenSound setting sounds more natural and slightly less processed.
There seems to be less added character.
Vocals sound very clean, instruments feel nicely separated and there is a sense that the EQ is trying to stay out of the way rather than make the music sound bigger or warmer.
I think GoldenSound has achieved exactly what it set out to do.
The strange thing is that after a month, I realised that this wasn't necessarily what I personally wanted.
I Still Prefer Status Audiophile
This was probably the biggest surprise for me.
I genuinely expected to prefer the GoldenSound tuning, especially as it sounds more natural and a little less processed. But during my month of testing, I kept going back to Status Audiophile.
The reason is quite simple: I prefer the warmth.
One of the things I loved about the original Pro X was their warm, rich and musical sound. GoldenSound feels cleaner and perhaps more faithful to the recording, but some of that familiar Status character is missing.
That isn't necessarily a criticism. Sound is very personal, and I can easily imagine someone who prefers a more neutral presentation choosing GoldenSound immediately.
For the music I listen to, particularly jazz, indie and vocal-heavy tracks, I don't mind some processing if the end result sounds good.
Perhaps the easiest way I can explain it is this:
GoldenSound makes me listen a little more to the recording. Status Audiophile equalizer makes me listen to the song.
And most of the time, I just want to enjoy the song.
So yes, I think GoldenSound sounds more natural. I just don't think that automatically makes it better. For my taste, Status Audiophile remains the setting I prefer.
The GoldenSound Pro X come in a special black-and-gold finish while retaining the familiar Pro X hardware.
GoldenSound Pro X vs Status Pro X
If you are deciding between the two versions, I think it mostly comes down to your preferred sound.
Choose the GoldenSound Pro X if:
You prefer a more natural and neutral presentation.
You want a little less obvious processing.
You like clean vocals and a more balanced sound.
You prefer the black and gold design.
You want the special GoldenSound version of the Pro X.
Choose the standard Pro X if:
You enjoy a warmer and slightly richer sound.
You already like the traditional Status Audio sound signature.
You prefer a little more character in your music.
You don't care about the GoldenSound design.
You find the standard Pro X at a good discounted price.
What About Comfort, ANC and Everyday Use?
There isn't much new to say here because the GoldenSound Pro X feel and work just like the standard Pro X.
I still find them comfortable, ANC is very good for everyday use, and the transparency mode works well.
The Status Hub app was particularly useful during testing because I could switch between GoldenSound and Status Audiophile in seconds. I did this constantly over the month, and it ultimately helped me decide which tuning I preferred.
For more detail on comfort, ANC, battery life and everyday use, you can read my full Status Pro X review.
Should You Upgrade From the Standard Pro X?
If you already own the Status Pro X and love the way they sound, my answer is simple: no, I wouldn’t upgrade.
The GoldenSound version is mainly about the new tuning and special design, not a completely new generation of earbuds.
The exception is if you like your Pro X but have always wanted a more natural, neutral sound. In that case, the GoldenSound version makes more sense.
Otherwise, keep what you have. The standard Pro X are still excellent.
Who Are the GoldenSound Pro X For?
The GoldenSound Pro X make the most sense if you are buying the Pro X for the first time and prefer a cleaner, more natural sound.
They will also appeal to audio enthusiasts who enjoy trying different tunings. This isn't simply a different colour — you can genuinely hear what GoldenSound has changed.
For me, the standard Pro X and GoldenSound Pro X are simply two different versions of the same excellent earbuds. Which one is better comes down to the sound you prefer.
- Excellent overall sound quality
- GoldenSound tuning makes a genuine difference
- More natural, less processed presentation
- Very good ANC and comfortable fit
- Great black and gold design
- Excellent Status Hub app
- Little reason for existing Pro X owners to upgrade
- The main change is tuning rather than new hardware
- The standard Pro X can offer better value when discounted
Final Verdict
After a month with the Status Audio GoldenSound Pro X, I think GoldenSound has achieved exactly what it set out to do.
The tuning sounds cleaner, more natural and less processed than the standard Status sound.
I like it, but I still prefer Status Audiophile.
For my taste, the original Pro X have a little more warmth and character, and that is what I enjoy most with the music I listen to.
If you prefer a more natural, neutral sound, the GoldenSound Pro X are an excellent choice. If you already own the standard Pro X and love them, I wouldn’t upgrade.
The GoldenSound Pro X are not necessarily better.
They are simply a different take on an already excellent pair of earbuds.
Jerome
Status Audio GoldenSound Pro X review after one month of testing. More natural tuning, great sound, but are they better than the standard Pro X?