The last headphones you'll ever put on

[Jason Dunn]

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000067FCS/jasonsego">http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000067FCS/jasonsego</a><br /><br />I change suits more often than <a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/meninblack/">Agent J</a>, but one thing I won't change is the headphones I use for my Pocket PC. Someone asked me what I used today, so I thought this was good timing to tell you about the Sony MDR-EX70LP's (who the heck names these products for Sony anyway?). Ignoring the name, these headphones are absolutely the most stunning ear bud headphones I've used (they even eclipse the Bang &amp; Olufsen headphones a friend gave me). Bass response exceeds my Sony big-ol' DJ-style headphones, and the clarity of the audio is stunning. <br /><br />I was listening to a song by DC Talk and in the intro there's a very subtle right-panned guitar riff that until now, I had never heard before. If your headphones expose you to the music in a new way, they're doing their job. One of my favourite songs of all time is "Absolutely Anytime" by the Watchman (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005QAIH/jasonsego">awesome two-CD set</a>), and I know every nuance of that song - the headphones reproduced the audio as cleanly as my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000062VUO/jasonsego">breathtaking Klipsch speakers</a>. That is no mean feat. And because these headphones fill your ear cavity, they have a nice side effect of blocking out external noise - perfect for use on a plane. The above affiliate link is for Amazon - I looked around and every place seemed to have them for the same price: $49.99.<br /><br />Two caveats here: the headphone case Sony gives you sucks (I need to find something better). And those 64 kbps MP3 and WMA files might suddenly sound a lot worse - be prepared to re-encode your audio if you have discriminating ears. But if you want to hear things the way they were meant to be heard, 128 kbps WMA or 192 kbps MP3 is the way to go with headphones like this. These Sonys have my absolute highest recommendation - they <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/reviews/headphones.asp">outshine every other set I've reviewed</a>, including the expensive Sennheiser.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/sonyearbuds.jpg" /><br /><br />"In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Sony's Fontopia Ear-Buds, Sony presents the MDR-EX70LP 20th Anniversary Fontopia®Headphones. Featuring Sony's First Closed-Type of Fontopia Design, the MDR-EX70LP comes complete with new Super-Small 9 mm Drivers, Soft Silicon Earbuds including two different sizes, an Ultra-High-Power Neodymium Magnet, and a New Case Design. Celebrate in style -- we play the music that makes you GROOVE on the move."<br /><br />• Fontopia® Headphones in-the-ear design <br />• Sony's first closed-type Fontopia design <br />• New, super-small 9 mm drivers <br />• Soft, silicon earbuds

[marlof]

1. Those Klipsch Speakers, didn't they kill Pocket PC Thoughts at one time ? ;)

2. I have both the Sony's and the Bang and Olufsen. I agree that the sound quality of the Sony is better than the Bang and Olufsen. The major plus I see in the B&O is that they fit my ears like a glove, and I don't even notice I have them in. And the sound quality is very good (although not so good as these Sony's). When I have the Sony's in, I find myself fidgeting with the headphones all the time. But every other person I know that tries the Sony headphones is very happy with the fit as well, so I guess I simply have funny ears.

[gmelfissg]

Hi Jason,

Have you ever try the koss porta pro headphone ?

If you did how does it compare because those koss are very very very good !!!

[MaGNuS_Z]

I have the same earphones, well i have the EX-70SL which are the Japanese version. There are designed for minidisc with a very small cord (for plugging into remote) and an extension.

They are the best earphones i have ever listened to! Even better than over-the-ears headphones that cost twice as much.

[Foo Fighter]

I use a pair of Sony MDR-G52 headphones. They sound great, but they are a little awkward to wear.

[teschall]

Have'em - love 'em! There small, sound great and are *really* comfortable.

[timmy]

these headphones are absolutely the most stunning ear bud headphones I've used (they even eclipse the Bang & Olufsen headphones a friend gave me).

Since you obviously don't use the B&O's anymore, why not send them to me... :wink:

I have some Sony MDR-something with volume control bought for $20, but they sound pretty OK, probably due to the fact that I use 64kb WMA's

/Timmy

[Hooch Tan]

I agree with everyone, those earbuds kick ass, but for those of you who are on a budget, there is a cheaper verison out there that does a decent job as well that's made by Koss called "The Plug." Same kind of design with a sound dampening material that fills the cavity in your ear. I've known some people eschew the stuff they give you and poke holes into industrial ear plugs to fit the drivers for the Plugs for an even better effect.

I found mine at HMV but Amazon also sells them for less than half the cost of Sony's model. If you're an audiophile, go for Sony, but if you've got a budget, I'm sure you won't be disappointed with Koss' offering!

[Master O'Mayhem]

I am thinking of getting these. http://www.planetminidisc.com/mdr-nc11.html

[Ed Hansberry]

I know I told you about these several months ago (http://forums.pdabuzz.net/showthread.php?s=a54f23e315d549aa804805ee92757994&threadid=34804&highlight=open+your+ears), probably before I started posting here as a contributor.

And on pure 64KB WMA's, not those transcoded from MP3's, they sound fine to my ears. I hear sounds I don't hear on my car audio system from the original CD.

If you find a decent case, let us know. What they give you is pathetic at best.

[Ashley Dunn]

As Jason's wife, I have laid claim to the Bang &amp; Olufsen headphones. :-)

We saw Minority Report not too long ago, and if you take note of the "phone" Tom Cruise's boss uses, it's simply a Bang &amp; Olufsen headphone without the cables attached. We both noticed it in the movie, and thought it was quite clever. You'd have to know what they looked like to even notice though.

I figured, how can I pass up the opportunity to have the same style "phone" as the characters in Minority Report? :D

[PJE]

Hi All,

Just noticed Buy.com has the Sony MDR-EX70LP for $32.21 with free shipping...they're back ordered at the moment.

Regards,

PJE

[Marcel_Proust]

I agree these headphones are a major deal.
Also to consider are the noise-cancelling Sonys, which use the same technology, but add noise-cancelling technology. They sound maybe even slightly better, but are much more expensive and not as small or comfortable. The noise technology works well with low frequency constant noise. I use the smaller Sony for everyday use and the noise-cancelling ones for airplanes or when I really shut the outside world out.
As for the Koss headphones mentioned above, I have them as well, and they are an excellent deal, but don't nearly measure up in audio quality. They're good for casual use, where they might get wet or lost or damaged. I use them for running.

[bblock]

Thanks, Jason - you just found my new headphones for me!

I tried some Sony models a couple years ago, but purchased a pair of Gamma LH 735 double-drive headphones. Apparently Gamma is an offshoot of Sennheiser, and at $135 CDN, they sounded noticably better than the $200 CDN Sony pair - the bass response was lower and richer (thanks to the seperate bass driver) yet not boomy. They're amazing.

They're also extra-wide thanks to the twin drivers in each ear. Wanting something smaller without sacrificing quality, I was dreaming of the Etymotic Research ER-4P (http://www.etymotic.com) set, which is in-the-ear as well and has had amazing reviews from Stereo Review, etc. However, they're $330 US! Now the choice is clear.

[Ed Hansberry]

I am thinking of getting these. http://www.planetminidisc.com/mdr-nc11.html
Well, get them at http://shop.store.yahoo.com/yayco/mdr-nc11.html

That is where I got my EX70LPs. Good service and great price. They no longer have the EX70LP though. :(

[Master O'Mayhem]

I am thinking of getting these. http://www.planetminidisc.com/mdr-nc11.html
Well, get them at http://shop.store.yahoo.com/yayco/mdr-nc11.html

That is where I got my EX70LPs. Good service and great price. They no longer have the EX70LP though. :(

I found them 5 bucks cheaper http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90105256

[Jason Dunn]

Those Klipsch Speakers, didn't they kill Pocket PC Thoughts at one time?

They did? Huh? What? I miss the joke here... :D

[Jason Dunn]

Have you ever try the koss porta pro headphone?

You mean this big-ass thing?

http://www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/files/graphics/$file/PORTAPRO_lg.jpg

:lol: Totally different class of headphones, so there's no comparison, but like I said I'm very impressed with the sound from these Sony's.

[Jason Dunn]

I use a pair of Sony MDR-G52 headphones. They sound great, but they are a little awkward to wear.

Your problem is solved: buy these headphoens. 8)

[Jason Dunn]

I agree with everyone, those earbuds kick ass, but for those of you who are on a budget, there is a cheaper verison out there that does a decent job as well that's made by Koss called "The Plug."

Yup, good headphones, decent sound. Still, I think people should save their pennies and get these. :D

[Chris Edwards]

Yes, I would like one of those headphones too.

[schergr]

I've had these for three years now. Bought them in the airport in London before I even saw them in the US. They are unbelievable. You get high/mid/low separation like no other headphones i've used. The only problem is I lost one of the plastic bud coverings...but luckily...www.partsearch.com has all that you need.

By the way, I am using one of the roll up cases to store mine because, as someone mentioned, the one that they come with SUX.

- greg

[Jason Dunn]

I know I told you about these several months ago (http://forums.pdabuzz.net/showthread.php?s=a54f23e315d549aa804805ee92757994&threadid=34804&highlight=open+your+ears), probably before I started posting here as a contributor.

Yup. But it took a certain someone in Seattle a few months to get them in the mail to me. :roll: Now that I have them, I just had to share. :D

[mel]

Do they have a version of these with a volume control on the cord? I use a pair of cheap Sony earphones right now, and would love to upgrade but I love the remote volume control - and I dont think I can do without that. I dont like fiddling with the Pocket PC to turn the volume up and down specially while running.

[dhpss]

I am using the PRO Tatanium headsets at our old Radio Shack..They were on sale at $20. It delivers absolute amazing quality...Give it a try, it definitely sounds better than those brand name expensive headsets out there.

[sweetpete]

These headphones are great, especially bang for buck!! I do have to say though that if you travel, the noise cancelling head phones are the sweetest thing ever. Watched all my DVD's and slept without ever really knowing I was on a plane 8)

[Kre]

But the question is, how do these Sonys compare with the Etymotics high end earbuds.

I know the Sonys are far cheaper, but Im just curious.

Thanks for the post, though!

[Jason Dunn]

I am using the PRO Tatanium headsets at our old Radio Shack..They were on sale at $20. It delivers absolute amazing quality...Give it a try, it definitely sounds better than those brand name expensive headsets out there.

These big boys?

http://www.radioshack.com/images/ProductCatalog/ProductImage/33/33-1122.jpg

They're a completely different class of headphones - that's like comparing a BMW to a motorcycle when talking about gas mileage. :?

[TQBrady]

I'm an OLD School DC Talk fan. Been supporting those guys since their first album. Glad to hear you are a supporter, Jason.

Which song was it, with the guitar riff?

"I love rap music, I always have and I always will, there ain't no other kind of music in the world that makes me feel quite as chill" - if you can still love those guys after lyrics like that you are a true fan.

[Paul P]

I purchased these earbuds around 2 years ago. They looked like they wouldn't last for long at the time. Boy, was I wrong. After having used them considerably for 2 years now, they are still in excellent condition. And the case for them held up pretty well (still clicking).

By far the best earbuds I've ever had.

[Jason Dunn]

I'm an OLD School DC Talk fan. Been supporting those guys since their first album. Glad to hear you are a supporter, Jason. Which song was it, with the guitar riff?

Actually, truth be known, I didn't start liking them UNTIL Jesus Freak, which was the song I was listening to - there's a muted guitar pick-crunching thing panned to the right speaker at the beginning. Old school DC Talk was just...a little too cheesy for my tastes. :D Christian music, until the mid 90's was generally oh so bad. Mid to late 90's it became something unique. 8)

[CoffeeKid]

Been using these headphones for a year now

http://discussion.brighthand.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=184411#post184411

And to this day, they are still the best portable headphones I've ever used, and they have REALLY stood up to the test of time. I've probably listened to 300 hours or more of music thru them so far, sometimes way too loud, and the bass is phenomenal for the size.

Mark

[Brad Adrian]

I figured, how can I pass up the opportunity to have the same style "phone" as the characters in Minority Report? :D

So, what...You sit around with headphones not plugged into anything, making telephone noises? :D

[Brad Adrian]

Now, if you REALLY want to get great sound, here's what I do (when I'm not concerned about anybody seeing me, which I obviously seldom am)...

I use my Kangaroo adapter. It's one of those battery-powered amplifier devices that also allows you to plug multiple headphones into one audio port. I put in my favorite ear buds (right now, from AIWA) and then my top-of-the-line "can" headphones at the same time.

Try it sometime. It gives exceptional separation, not to mention a healthy boost to the volume.

[Rob Alexander]

I agree with everyone, those earbuds kick ass, but for those of you who are on a budget, there is a cheaper verison out there that does a decent job as well that's made by Koss called "The Plug."

Yup, good headphones, decent sound. Still, I think people should save their pennies and get these. :D

I bought the Koss ones after Jason (I think) mentioned them here. The appeal to me, other than that they sound great is that I could never wear regular ear buds as they just wouldn't stay in place. But the Koss, with the foam, fit to the shape of my ear and stay in place.

The reason I'm bringing this up is that it looks to me like you're saying these Sony's do the same thing. Is that right, 'cause if they do then I'm there?

[Jason Dunn]

The reason I'm bringing this up is that it looks to me like you're saying these Sony's do the same thing. Is that right, 'cause if they do then I'm there?

Same principal, but vastly greater quality of sound with the Sonys - to my ears at least. :)

[holycow]

Although, I never tried Sony MDR-EX70LP, so far the best headphones/earphones ever is Etymotic ER4S (http://www.etymotic.com/).

Yes, they are more expensive that the Sony MDR-EX70LP, but it outperforms anything made by human being, including those models that goes over $1000's. I think they are hands down the best out there.

Don't just take my word for it, try websites such as Headroom (http://www.headphone.com), Headwize (http://www.headwize.com), Head-Fi (http://www.head-fi.org)and Epinions (http://www.epinions.com).

For use with Pocket PC, you probably want ER4P.

I won't even mention comparing it to B&amp;O or Boss. They are terrible! My $30 Koss KSC-35 can kick their behind big time! 8)

Anyways, just my 2 cents.

[Deano]

I too have these Sony buds and agree that they are awesome. I originally bought them to wear inside my motorcycle helmet. I needed something small, comfortable and with decent volume and sound. A big tick on all criteria. An added bonus is that I fly about 6 hours a week for work and they are excellent for use in noisy planes and airports.

I also have the Koss Plugs but find them too large for inside the helmet and also difficult to get in the ear comfortably so they won't slip out.

As to Jason's comment about the case - simple - I use the Koss Plugs case and carry them around in my suit pocket wherever I go.

I'm not sure if I'm odd but I get a lot of earwax in these things which eventually worked its way into the pin-sized hole. I used a 0.5m pencil lead to clear the hole and ended up making it larger because the material in the end is softer than I thought. The result? No apparent loss of sound quality but much more volume. I'm not an audiophile so YMMV.

Cheers
Dean

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

I am thinking of getting these. http://www.planetminidisc.com/mdr-nc11.html

Oh man! You should have gotten them in Tokyo while you had the chance... I just picked mine up from Yodabashi Camera in Shinjuku for 8800 yen (approx $75).

For anyone too lazy to click the link, these are the noise-cancelling versions of the same Sony earbuds.

BTW, I have like 3 pairs of these earbuds now: one black, one white, and one noise-cancelling (the link above).

They are the best earbuds I've ever seen and heard, but I do have the same complaint as Jason... the case stinks real bad. Unfortunately, even here in Japan, you can't find anything better. They have such nice cases for their inferior headphones, but only this cheap plastic case with their fontopia earbuds.

Their noise-cancelling version does come with a pouch though and it does have analog volume control.

Ekkie

[Marcel_Proust]

Although, I never tried Sony MDR-EX70LP, so far the best headphones/earphones ever is Etymotic ER4S (http://www.etymotic.com/).

Yes, they are more expensive that the Sony MDR-EX70LP, but it outperforms anything made by human being, including those models that goes over $1000's. I think they are hands down the best out there.

Don't just take my word for it, try websites such as Headroom (http://www.headphone.com), Headwize (http://www.headwize.com), Head-Fi (http://www.head-fi.org)and Epinions (http://www.epinions.com).

For use with Pocket PC, you probably want ER4P.

I won't even mention comparing it to B&amp;O or Boss. They are terrible! My $30 Koss KSC-35 can kick their behind big time! 8)

Anyways, just my 2 cents.

I didn't mention the Etymotic Research in the first post- but then again I didn't mention my professional grade Senheissers full headphones either. I think the Etymotics are in a different class. They are good but awkward for portable use, and I don't think it's fair to compare sound quality. Also they'd be overkill for mp3 use except maybe encoded at very large bit rates defeating the point of compression. Etymotic has a new headphone, the er-6 - anyone try these? I was wondering if I should get one to test out. They seem more suitable for MP3 quality music.

[bitbank]

ekkie,
Not to worry about buying in Japan. I just bought the Sony noise cancelling version from BUY.COM for $99 with free shipping.

L.B.

[st63z]

I second the question, is there a version with an inline volume control?

[Jason Dunn]

I second the question, is there a version with an inline volume control?

Not that I've seen, but go to Sony.com and check for yourself... :wink:

[eosd30]

I second the question, is there a version with an inline volume control?

Not that I've seen, but go to Sony.com and check for yourself... :wink:

I have both the MDR-EX70LPs and the MDR-E888LPs, and while I can't deny that the EX70s kick ass, the E888s are my choice for extended listening. They sound a lot smoother over time, plus the carrying case is just so much more convenient than the stupid little plastic gizmo that comes with the EX70s. The case looks like a high tech golf divot tool from the 22nd century.

Vic

P.S. For any one who purchases a pair of E888s - break them in for a few days, leave them plugged into a CD deck or something and just crank them up. They take about two days to reach their full potential. Strange but true.

[cpoole]

Okay, you have tweaked my interest in these ear buds. I have tried ear buds in the past & they tend to hurt my ear after about 15 minutes of use. This has nothing to do with the sound... this is a physical discomfort... they just hurt. When I was geting my hair cut the other day, the hair dresser said that I have "such tiny ear holes". This may expain why ear buds bother me. The other ear buds I have tried were just hard plastic... do these ones look to be better for someone with smaller ear holes?

[eosd30]

Okay, you have tweaked my interest in these ear buds. I have tried ear buds in the past & they tend to hurt my ear after about 15 minutes of use. This has nothing to do with the sound... this is a physical discomfort... they just hurt. When I was geting my hair cut the other day, the hair dresser said that I have "such tiny ear holes". This may expain why ear buds bother me. The other ear buds I have tried were just hard plastic... do these ones look to be better for someone with smaller ear holes?

My pair of 70's came with two sets of rubber earpieces, and the smaller one fits me pretty well. I also dislike wearing earbuds for extended lengths of time, hence my preference for the 888s (see the post above yours)

Vic

[marlof]

Those Klipsch Speakers, didn't they kill Pocket PC Thoughts at one time?

They did? Huh? What? I miss the joke here... :D

I believe it was when you got the Klipsch, you were trying something new on drivers or hardware on your mobo or something, and the end result was that you couldn't get to Thoughts, only through your server. :) Way back when, old site, stuff like that. Your review on PocketPC.com of the nifty audio plug shows it (my computer is off on repair, and I wanted to test my Klipsch...).

[Kre]

Although, I never tried Sony MDR-EX70LP, so far the best headphones/earphones ever is Etymotic ER4S (http://www.etymotic.com/).

Yes, they are more expensive that the Sony MDR-EX70LP, but it outperforms anything made by human being, including those models that goes over $1000's. I think they are hands down the best out there.

Don't just take my word for it, try websites such as Headroom (http://www.headphone.com), Headwize (http://www.headwize.com), Head-Fi (http://www.head-fi.org)and Epinions (http://www.epinions.com).

For use with Pocket PC, you probably want ER4P.

I won't even mention comparing it to B&amp;O or Boss. They are terrible! My $30 Koss KSC-35 can kick their behind big time! 8)

Anyways, just my 2 cents.

I was wondering about these earlier, but I think the following article answers my inquiry, of which I suppose would be obvious, of how the Sonys sound compared to the Etymotics, which Ive wanted to acquire for quite sometime now. So expensive, though, but apparently worth every penny.

www.beststuff.com/articles/1358/

[Jason Dunn]

do these ones look to be better for someone with smaller ear holes?

The ear buds themselves are soft, "spongy" silicon I believe, so they should fit in the ears of EHC (Ear Hole Challenged). :wink:

[Jason Dunn]

Your review on PocketPC.com of the nifty audio plug shows it (my computer is off on repair, and I wanted to test my Klipsch...).

Jeese you have a good memory Marlof! :D

[marlof]

Your review on PocketPC.com of the nifty audio plug shows it (my computer is off on repair, and I wanted to test my Klipsch...).

Jeese you have a good memory Marlof! :D

Frightening, isn't it? ;)

[bbarker]

The ear buds themselves are soft, "spongy" silicon I believe, so they should fit in the ears of EHC (Ear Hole Challenged). :wink:
Actually that's silicone, not silicon. The former is the soft, spongy stuff. The latter is the hard substance used for circuit boards.

[Aceze]

Have you ever try the koss porta pro headphone?

You mean this big-ass thing?

http://www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/files/graphics/$file/PORTAPRO_lg.jpg

:lol: Totally different class of headphones, so there's no comparison, but like I said I'm very impressed with the sound from these Sony's.

Actually, there is a comparison. Koss used to sell the KSC35 which were the same drivers as the above Portapro except without the headband or anything (just sport-style ear clips) - I have a pair. Because of the open concept speaker design, the bass is incredible while the treble and midrange does not get interfered with and remains amazingly clear.
Koss discontinued them a short while back, and replaced them with the KSC50 (which they have on their website). It's all silvery now, but it still seems like it uses the same drivers (maybe better) - at a price that beats the Sony plug style units you talk about ($20 vs $50). Potential buyers might want to try them out. One of the reasons I hate earplugs are that they dont fit too well (one of them will forever be dropping out), so I wanted something that would be comfortable without having to be stuck into my ear. These KSC earphones are so comfortable I've fell asleep using them many a time.

http://www.liquidations.com/ksc35.jpg

However, dont get these if you fly a lot. The open concept allows the sound of the plane to interfere too much. Has anyone tried the sony units on a plane yet?

Aceze

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

I second the question, is there a version with an inline volume control?

Not that I've seen, but go to Sony.com and check for yourself... :wink:

The noise-cancelling version has inline volume control...

[rustbucket]

So I bought the Sony headphones (70's) based on the great feedback here and I have to admit, they do sound great, although sonically speaking I think they have too much treble emphasis (like many Sony products). The big problem for me is that they just don't feel all that comfortable in my ears after about 20 minutes, so I guess I'm one of the unlucky types with small ears.

All that said, a couple of other minuses in my opinion:
- The extra long cord with the attachment in the middle (to be used for a remote on an MD?) swings wildly when you jog.
- The way the right ear piece cord hangs wraps under your neck is also annoying when you jog, I found it whipped me in the face quite often.

So I guess in summary, these really are great if 1) your ears can handle it 2) you don't plan on being too active with them.

I'm back to my stock ipod headphones which I must admit, sound quite good for something that ships with the unit. If anyone's interested in a used set of the heaphones lemme know, I'd like to see them get a good home.

r.

[Ed Hansberry]

So I bought the Sony headphones (70's) based on the great feedback here and I have to admit, they do sound great, although sonically speaking I think they have too much treble emphasis (like many Sony products). The big problem for me is that they just don't feel all that comfortable in my ears after about 20 minutes, so I guess I'm one of the unlucky types with small ears.
Hmmm.. mine came with extra rubber things that were smaller or larger than the default ones that came on the earbuds. The normal ones fit me fine. Did yours not come with the smaller buds?

[rustbucket]

Yup, I tried both sizes and neither really works for me after awhile. I was actually on a flight yesterday and after finishing a DVD movie with them on I couldn't wait to get them off!

Another thing I forgot to mention is that I think they're not as loud as many other headphones, I had to turn the volume on my laptop to maxiumum to get an acceptable listening level.

Funny thing though, even with all these faults (that might be a strong word to use) I have to admit, you can hear things in your favorite music that you've never heard before. They really get you intimate with your tunes.

r.
[/quote]

[marlof]

Yup, I have one of those funny ears too. In one ear, it sits perfectly, but in the other it's an annoying feeling. Sigh.

[rustbucket]

The truly weird thing is that the ipod headphones are much bigger yet I can wear them for long stretched at a time. Go figure!

[Coralie]

If you find a decent case, let us know. What they give you is pathetic at best.
i bought a pair of these today after finding the same problem as the jason-dubbed EHC (ear hole challenged) people of this forum. normal earbuds get really uncomfortable.

i walked into sony central in brisbane city & got $10 off from the sales guy without a fight .. i must have smiled nicely or something, because i'd barely even mumbled about how it seemed a lot to pay. :lol:

i have to agree with the comments about the case though. i would have expected something as odd from a lesser company, but coming from sony, who, in my experience, i've found have always been right on top of things, design-wise, the case was a real surprise. it's really only of use when the headphones are not in your ears, but rather around your neck. it's good for avoiding having them swinging around, hitting other people & inadvertently sharing your ear wax with them.

[DrtyBlvd]

...- The way the right ear piece cord hangs wraps under your neck is also annoying when you jog, I found it whipped me in the face quite often.
r.

Errr - that 'loop' should be placed behind your head :!:

Give it a shot :lol:

[DrtyBlvd]

Thought I'd post an update - Got the Sony's, quite like them - but then my new 20G iPod arrived today - and I'm afraid to say, the supplied headphones (in a tasty fetching 'show-your-ear-wax-up' white), knock spots off the Sonys :!:

To such a degree I am amazed. Get the chance, try them. Although they are of the variety that will not suit EHC'd people I don't think :wink:

[ctmagnus]

Is it possible to get replacement pads for these things?

I was washing one of the pads last week and it went down the drain. :oops:

Fortunately, it was one of the small pads and my left ear canal is sized slightly smaller than my right and as such, accepts either the small or medium pads. The medium pads don't always fit in there too nicely though.

[famousdavis]

Okay, I've read through this entire thread, as I'd like to replace my Radio Shack earbuds with something else that can deliver richer bass response.

I see that Amazon has the Sony MDREX71LP available for under $40, which is equivalent I think to what Jason recommended, yes? The same headphones are available locally at Circuit City for a cool $50 -- but if Amazon offers free shipping and no sales tax, I think I can easily wait a week or better to get these headphones.

My only complaint would be the lack of a corded volume control. But I don't see anything that offers a volume control for about $40-$50 and still can deliver on all sound frequencies.

So -- for someone willing to spend not much more than $40 or so, the Sony MDREX71LP earbuds are good choice, yes?

[ctmagnus]

So -- for someone willing to spend not much more than $40 or so, the Sony MDREX71LP earbuds are good choice, yes?

Yep, 'cept they're MDREX70LP buds. ;)


And I figured out that if I pull my left ear up while inserting the bud, it fits quite comfortably.

[famousdavis]

Ummm, is Amazon up to tricks or am I crazy?

At work today, I found the item Sony MDREX71LP (not the MDREX70LP) on both Amazon and Circuit City. Circuit City has the item for $49.99 and if I recall, Amazon had the same item for sale for about $37 or $38 -- considerably cheaper than Circuit City. Moreover, as I browsed Amazon's site, I recall that Amazon's webpage had a link on the left showing that the item could also be bought from other retailers including -- of all places -- Circuit City!

Now, at home (where my Amazon cookie already has me logged in to Amazon's site), I can't find the Sony MDREX71LP, but I *can* see the Sony MDREX70LP! Circuit City doesn't carry this model.

I don't think I'm crazy -- while browsing at work, the Amazon site had the same photo of the same MDREX71LP earbud, because I remember trying to click on the photo for an enlarged view, but it wasn't zoomable. So I went back to Circuit City's site and found the same photo of the MDREX71LP earbuds but in a larger size (the photo, that is, not the earbuds themselves!).

Is it possible that Amazon isn't offering the Sony MDREX71LP to me at home, when I'm logged on to their site, because they know I live 2 miles from Circuit City?!?

I think marketing shenanigans are involved here!! :evil:

[ctmagnus]

The sony site doesn't produce results for either MDREX70LP or MDREX71LP. But I do know that I own a sweet set of MDREX70LP's.

[famousdavis]

Okay, I'm at work and I see that Amazon has the Sony MDREX71SL for sale at $36.94. I guess that's somehow different than the Circuit City offering: the Sony MDREX71LP. I'm either not paying attention very well when I'm using the Circuit City and Amazon sites, or I'm getting a different experience using Amazon depending on whether I'm browsing from work or home!

[ctmagnus]

Okay, I'm at work and I see that Amazon has the Sony MDREX71SL for sale at $36.94. I guess that's somehow different than the Circuit City offering: the Sony MDREX71LP. I'm either not paying attention very well when I'm using the Circuit City and Amazon sites, or I'm getting a different experience using Amazon depending on whether I'm browsing from work or home!

I have no idea what the 1 models are. I did a search on their site and came up with nothing for the models you listed. Something to consider, though, is that the older (by their definition, and maybe that of a mosquito) models are dropped from the Sony site fairly quickly while they're still in stores. Something to do with something called "advertising" and "moving product". Business terms. Blech.

[maximus]

models are dropped from the Sony site fairly quickly while they're still in stores.

Lets hope they regain consciousness, drop memory stinks, and start adopting CF/SD :roll: