Sony MDR-EX51LP Fontopia Headphones by Sony
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List Price: Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Sony MDR-EX51LP Fontopia Headphones
Digital camera Review: Not worth the money
Summary: 2 Stars
I bought these earphones as an addition to the Koss earphones I already own. The sound is OK, but not as good as I expected and the "holder" is a joke. Would not buy them again at any price. The Koss earphones are better quality, better sound and a real pouch to hold them for less money.Digital camera Review: Love these things
Summary: 5 Stars
BIG sound for a little price. The various sized rubber "gaskets" assure they will stay in place and can affect the level of bass that you desire. I also like the fact that one earbud cord is way longer than the other so you can wrap it behind your neck. I highly recommend them.
Digital camera Review: EP 630 vs. MDR-EX51LP
Summary: 4 Stars
I've owned the Sony MDR-EX51LP's for a year or two, and honestly they've served me well. The L-plug is a great feature which I find protects my iPod earphone jack from loosening or breaking because it lies closer to the iPod body (less leverage, get it?). If you're not careful, the silicon sleeves can fall off when you put the earphones in/out of your pockets, and that's why the blue/green case is a great extra. I actually lost one of my silicon sleeves and replaced it with Shure sleeves from Amazon for 10 bucks. (http://www.amazon.com/Shure-EA506A-Replacement-QuietSpot-Headsets/dp/B000F6570C/ref=pd_bbs_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214903819&sr=8-5) They actually made the earbuds more comfortable and sound slightly better, so I'd strongly recommend them.
Recently I acquired a pair of EP 630's by Creative. Overall, both are very comparable and evenly matched, but each has its strengths and weaknesses.
For sound quality, the EP 630's easily beat the MDR's, even with the Shure sleeves. Sound is crisper and clearer with the EP 630's, and a little more flat with the MDR's. As for comfort, both are very similar. While the Creative's are lighter and smaller in your ear, the Sony's (with Shure sleeves) have a fuller fit that just feels right. Without the Shure sleeves, the MDR's are slightly lacking. The cord length for the 630's is much shorter which I find to be a nuisance, but the MDR's are perfect, maybe even slightly long. With the MDR's, the right wire is longer than the left wire. I believe this is referred to as a J design, but I'm not sure. Its convenient because usually you put the longer wire behing your neck. This way, if you want to hear from only one ear, the longer wire will rest on your shoulder. The Creative's have a standard Y-shaped cord, so if you let one earbud dangle, it tugs at the one in your ear. The material surrounding the MDR's is softer and spongier, which feels high quality at first and doesn't tangle too much, but after prolonged use they will wear down. I've had to use electrical tape to fix some exposed wire underneath, but now it works like a charm. The 630's cord feels much more durable, but as they haven't been used nearly as much as the MDR's, I'm not definite. Another advantage to the MDR's is the cord does not transmit external sound like the 630's. I'm able to hear every touch with the 630's, but with the MDR's sounds are muffled or not noticeable (Big plus if you use these on the go). Lastly, and probably least, is the L-plug for the MDR's which I think is great, but not a huge deal and probably shouldn't sway your decision much.
In summary,
Sound - Creative EP 630's (easily noticeable advantage)
Comfort - Creative EP 630's (barely beat the MDR's with the included sleeves. With Shure sleeves, they're equal)
Cord length/design - Sony MDR-EX51LP (No brainer, the Creative's annoy me because of this. The J-shape is much more convenient than the Y-shape as well, but that's personal preference)
Cord material - Sony MDR-EX51LP (Another no brainer. I use these on the go and the constant clatter from the 630's is unbearable)
Cost - Sony MDR-EX51LP (almost 10 bucks, up to you if its worth it)
From the way I weigh each of the advantages and disadvantages, the Sony's beat the Creative's. However, you might think different, decide for yourself. I find myself using the Sony's often and the Creative's not at all because I'm usually on the move with my music and the Sony's are much more portable friendly as already mentioned. So my conclusion is this: If you'll be on the move, take the MDR's, because they have a clear advantage there. But if you're not, take the EP 630's, because for the price, you can't beat the sound quality. Just my 2 cents.
Digital camera Review: Good for the money
Summary: 4 Stars
Nice bang for the buck. The pods do stay in your ears well and do not need to be adjusted. I purchased them for the purpose of using them at the gym or running. Sound quality is decent but if you are looking for exceptional soumd these are not the pods for you.Digital camera Review: Not so great
Summary: 2 Stars
These are OK for the money (great Amazon price compared to BestBuy/Target), but like the JVC $9.99 earbuds or Bose $139 much better.
PROs: good outside noise exclusion
CONs: hardly any bass, didn't fit well in my ear
Some people really like these, but didn't work well for me.