To my ear, the Zildjians sounded the most crisp, shimmery, good sizzle on the half open. The Sabian B8s surprised me. They didn't sound too bad (for a B8).
Unfortunately I no longer have my B8’s from 25 years ago but those sounded so good throughout the years. Still loved playing them even after owning sets of Paiste Signature’s and Innovations, Zildjian A’s and Sabien AAX’s lol
I’ve only ever heard one pair of new beats that sounded good. Most sound like brass to me. I actually like b8 alloy in hi hats and not other cymbals so I’m gonna say I liked the 2nd best
It's so funny the differences of opinion. Those New Beats are lightyears better than either of those Sabians. I played on XS20s for 15 years and just got a set of New Beats and holy eff I didn't realize how amateur my sound was until now. To each their own!
Sabian Xs20 is a very polyvalent hihat , exepted the Rock hats Z new beat extremely incisive and brillant , ideal for funk or reggae B8 is not comparable with B20 cymbals .. It’s just my opinion
The 14" XS 20 sounds the best I thought , they really werent in the most ideal room for sound but I thought the XS 20s sounded even better than the New Beats....and I have a pair of 14" New Beats!!! they are pretty old though roughly 85-86 when I bought them new... just looking for a new sound....
I already have a xs 20 18" crash (sabian) and a 17" AAX I(sabian) and also a sabian splash just not sure of size) and an older 18" Sabian ( not sure of model) its about 20 yrs old loud & heavy!!! .I have tried the 16" xs 20 but didnt like it. I have never tried the 21" ride xs 20 or the x-celerator 14" hats but am looking into those now...
