Sony MDR-EX81LP Bud-Style Stereo Earphones (White) by Sony
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Digital camera reviews of Sony MDR-EX81LP Bud-Style Stereo Earphones (White)
Digital camera Review: 3.5 stars. 4 if u go for the black
Summary: 4 Stars
These are a perfect introduction into the world of good quality earphones. They have good sound, look good (if black) and can isolate me from most things, even screaming people and my HP 3745 printer (no mean feat). Built quality is good except for the cord which "is made in japan from cheese and chalk"-sex pistols. Tears very easily from reptitive but not vigirous or strong rubbing/pulling. Now to contradict myself again, the audio is flat and quite basic (compared to sennheiser $100+ headphones clean sound). You would be better to go for the shure e2c's, they cost more but are sturdier and have cleaner sound and you can find them for around $50 now. They are good for there intended job of replacing the comparatively flat, dull, basseless, distorted and detailess stock ipod earphones. They bring out some of your lost detail if you were using the ipod earphones but you can do better. Get something good that you will keep for years as these sony ones won't last one and a half years (after 6 months the cord between the two drivers (softest of the lengths of cords)are held together by glue/putty stuff). The cord is made of soft rubber I could pull off in little pieces when I was gluing it to cover the exposed wires. So for a six month replacement, fine. For long term buy some shure earphones or (i highly suggest) splash out on some sennheiser hd-25s. They will last a lifetime and every part of them can be replaced, plus top class sound.Digital camera Review: A few problems
Summary: 3 Stars
I bought these headphones because I wanted a loop-around-the-ear style headphone, and I've always known Sony for good quality. Well, I have to say, I'm a little let down.
First things first, the audio quality. It says right on the box it comes in "superior bass". While that may be true, the treble really leaves a lot to be desired. Don't get me wrong, the treble comes in loud and clear-but so does the accompanying feedback. I don't know what it is causing the feedback, but it's constant on both my Toshiba F40 MP3 player, and my computer. (A little less abrasive on the MP3 player, but still apparent). It's not really such a big deal, but it does get annoying. What's worse, however, is that they are just LOUD. I suppose that's due to the in-ear format, but my Sony MDR-v150 headphones come in with no feedback, better bass, and at a volume that doesn't feel like something is jabbing me in the eardrum. That's not good, considering I paied $20 for my MDR-V150s.
Other than the audio quality, you have what other customers have mentioned. Sony had enough foresight to add a swivel connecting the ear-bud to the shaft, BUT they don't allow a heigth adjustment. So, if your ears are just too big, or just too small, these things are not going to fit. In fact, I think Sony must've designed these things for elves; I've always been told I have big ears, and there's at least a 1/4" of space between the loop and my ear.
So, if you're just lookin' for a good pair of headphones, go for the MDR-V150. They're only around $10 now days. If you're lookin' for a loop-around-the-ear style phones, look elsewhere, becaues Sony has some work to do on these.
Digital camera Review: A good buy, if it fits.
Summary: 3 Stars
For me, my ears are too small, and so the extra latches that go around the ear don't do anything but weigh the earphones down. As an earphone, they function perfectly, but becuase the frame is too large, they are uncomfortable.
I'd go with the MDR-EX71SL ones without the ear fixtures.
Digital camera Review: A layman's opinion
Summary: 4 Stars
I am _not_ an expert in earphones. Therefore, this review: caveat emptor.
I broke my IPOD earphones. These are replacements. I did not have the orginial Ipod earphones to use for comparison. I do not have a pair of enclose earphones for comparison either. Based on comparison with some cheap substitutes (very cheap) I was using in the interm, they Sony is definately better. The bass is superior, the range in the sound is great. My favorite feature is sound insulation. Non-bud style earphones tend not to insulate outside sound very well. I've had to turn the sound to max in the gym due to the ambient noise; however, with the Sony provides excellent insulation against outside noise while providing clear sound.
Digital camera Review: A mixed bag
Summary: 4 Stars
I read the reviews here, and decided to get these headphones anyway. Essentially they are pretty good: they are comfortable and sound good. I hoped for more though.
The sound can be good just by itself, but on the iPod I have to crank it up to about 80% for it to sound its best. While I disagree with people who said the buds have no bass (they must not have the fit worked out), I do agree that especially with rock music the sound can be tinny. Using the iPod equalizer setting called Treble Reducer seems to help, but then if you play the iPod over a car or home stereo you have to remember to turn the equalizer off again or the iPod sounds muddy.
The buds are very comfortable, but they do go pretty far in your ear. They block out a lot of noise (I couldn't hear my cell ringing until I got to a silent part between songs), but not everything. I'm not sure the ear hooks are even necessary since the buds fit in the ear pretty snugly. Plus the hooks tangle like crazy, catching on every cord they come across. I didn't like the asymetric cords until I realized the longer cord was supposed to go behind your neck instead of under your chin. That way if you need to talk to someone you can take the earbuds out and they hang around your neck. That's a nice feature.
I can't strongly recommend these, but I don't know that I would recommend avoiding them either. And they are certainly better than a lot of things you will find out there.