Sony MDR-EX51LP Fontopia Headphones by Sony
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Digital camera reviews of Sony MDR-EX51LP Fontopia Headphones
Digital camera Review: A keeper with a few issues.
Summary: 5 Stars
Wasn't expecting much from ear bud type headphones due to the small drivers and what not. I wanted the in ear type so I could listen and wear a hat at the same time. I have been using the sennheiser PX100s and was quite satisfied with those. Anything is better than the apple headphones that came with my iPod (god those are uncomfortable).
My first impression was how comfortable these MDR's were!! That is a big deal with me since I have them in most of the day.
Highs are a tad bright, mids are decent to good and the bass is quite pronounced. Good Clarity, not muddy sounding. Some people say the bass is overdone. I think it's just right if you want to simulate a large subwoofer or subwoofers in the room with you. I think some people aren't use to hearing the LOW frequencies that these buds supposedly can get down to (6hz). Which I doubt most people can hear anyway. I'd filter out 10hz or more as I'd bet it's mostly distortion at that point anyway. I'd rather have too much and reduce it, then not enough and be stuck.
I like how they really do cancel out most extraneous noise from moving around / typing and what not.
I tried the larger rubber buds and it totally wrecked the sound for me. Very tinny, horrible sound. If you don't or can't get a good seal, they are useless and you need to look elsewhere. Everybody probably has slightly different ear canals so if they sound bad try the different size buds.
If I wanted to spend more I'm sure there are better out there, but I'm quite satisfied. For critical listening I used my Home System anyway. I think somebody might have a point in that they may show the limitations of MP3s more than other phones.
Also, I would suggest customizing the EQ setting for all the tracks in iTunes for your taste with these buds. Then use the Flat EQ setting on the iPod which will then play the tracks with the EQ settings you assigned in iTunes. You can then find the perfect EQ setting for your listening preference. Not to mention you can adjust each iTunes track individually or in small groups etc.. Cool feature. Wish the iPod just had a customizable EQ though!! Come on Apple!? Not Sony's fault. Might tone down the highs a bit too, just a bit. Although the more I listen the less bright it sounds and the bass seems perfect now. It's either the driver has finally broken in, or I'm just getting used to them. Sennheisers are going on a shelf now.
Keepers for me. For my taste, comfort and use 4.5 Stars.... Your mileage may vary based on Use, Taste, and Fit!!
Digital camera Review: A month in and good so far
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought a pair of the same headphones in black several years ago, and after several years one of the ear buds stopped working. I've been using the white version for about a month now and everything is kosher.
The rubber used to cover the wires is a bit more rigid as others have noted. I haven't spotted any wear on it and I do keep the headphones in my pocket. Almost everything I own is destroyed instantly, so in a way it's impressive that the earphones have made it this far.
I'm also a big fan of the asymmetrical wiring. Rather than hanging off your ears, the ear buds are balanced off the wire that drapes behind your neck. It's a lot more comfortable and minimizes the number of times my iPod has shot off the treadmill when I moved too suddenly (file under the 'destroying everything I own' part).
Low frequencies don't sound terribly good on these headphones and the volume is a tad low, so I certainly wouldn't recommend these for high fidelity acoustics. However, the ear bud suction cups do seem to block out a lot of the background noise, so I can hear dialog on the TV in a crowded gym if I turn the volume up.
I paid about $20 for these. You can't get much cheaper than that.
Summary: Cheap and comfortable ear buds for around town, but not your listening room.
Digital camera Review: A shoddy product with inferior build and sound quality
Summary: 1 Stars
I bought these to use for working out, as the stock Apple buds were so low quality, and had no acoustic isolation, but frankly, these are no improvement.
First, the high end frequency response is non-existant, so while I got some bass and some acoustic isolation, the net sound improvement wasn't so great. Second, the right channel died after 2 months. I replaced it under warranty, and the new set died after 3 months.
While the Sennheiser cx 300s are way too bright, adjusting EQ on an ipod makes them sound totally serviceable, and they are vastly superior build quality.
Digital camera Review: A very dissapointing offering from Sony
Summary: 1 Stars
The quality slide continues at Sony unabated. These headphones are lack luster at best. Spend a little more and get SOMETHING for your money.Digital camera Review: A weird Headphone Cable
Summary: 3 Stars
They sound great for the price. Fit well. But a strange design in the cable that separates to each ear bud is configured awkward. I also have a friend that has a pair and has the same issue. It is made so you can wrap the right ear bud around your neck in the back but does not wear nicely and lie flat. I love the sound and quality, but do not like this feature that can't be adjusted. I don't recommend this particular version. Dr. Ted Mcleary