Rating: 
Summary: Best earbuds you can find without blowing a lot of $$$!
Review: After realizing that my current pair of Sony Street-style had reached the end of their lifespan, I began searching for a replacement pair. They had served me well, so I decided to see what Sony had to offer again.They didn't disappoint me. I decided to look for an earbud type this time for convience and work-related reasons. What I found were the MDR-EX71SL's. These little babies are a godsend. They fit snugly and comfortably inside your ear...you won't know how comfortably until you try them. The best part is, they sound absolutely amazing! I've never heard bass from earbuds like this before! The treble seems a little dark, but that may just be because I prefer bright treble. And, the closed-type design does a good job of blocking out outside noises, which was an unexpected bonus, I must say. The cord quite short, but that's so you can connect it to the in-line remote of your CD or Mp3 player without having too much slack. Sony threw in a metre long extension for those of you that don't have a remote, but the combined length is a bit long for use with a portable player. This problem can be fixed with the nifty case that comes with the pair. Normally, it holds just the earbuds, but it also doubles as a cord winder, which is very useful. In the package you also get a cloth carrying case, which is totally useless IMO, unless you have a MiniDisc player, which it might fit, I don't know. All in all, the MDR-EX71SL earbuds are best you're going to find without splurging on a pair from Shure or another high-end manufacturer. And one more thing, be sure to push them in all the way to get that deep bass, as previously mentioned by other reviewers.
Rating:
Summary: Nice workout headset for non-audiophiles
Review: I read all the Amazon and epinions reviews on the predecessor of this model -- MDR-EX70LP. And the reviews are mixed. Some complained loudly about the quality of the sound in comparison to the "shure e2c" and any "Etymotic Research" models. Others liked the sound compared to their other earbuds. I don't consider myself an audiophile. The only reason I'm replacing the Sennheisser MX300 that came with my iRiver ifp-195tc was that they kept falling out when I was on the treadmill. Some people from Google Groups had positive experiences working out using the Sony Fontopia family, and it's way cheaper compared to the other models especially the Etymotic Research models, so I went for it. I just got them this afternoon, and they worked like a charm while working out. Here come my humble review: The GOOD: * short cord perfect for armband mp3 players, no more flailing cords * I've never used the in ear canal type of bud before and these sound pretty decent. I'd love to try the shure and ER models just to see what the fuss is about if I get the chance. * the length of wire going into right ear is longer than the left. This style is meant to be worn behind the head. My Sennheissers were like this and I got used to it. It's definitely another plus for armband mp3 players. The BAD: * The drawback of the in-canal type of bud, I guess is that when you rub the chord the ruffle comes through pretty loudly, kind of like how kids with cups-and-string phones. I could hear my heart beating and myself breathing in the background of the music, but I got used to it. * The cord is rather flimsy. They had to keep it light considering the target audience I guess. I like light. * Because they chose the shorter cord to accomodate remotes and my iRiver type of players, there is an extension portion you can use if the cord is too short. The junction is fairly heavy, but the connection is solid so far. * As I was doing my pre-buying research, I found that some people lost the rubber fitting tip of the bud, and had to get replacements from Sony. The replacements are more than $10 for a pair before shipping. I haven't had a problem with them falling out, but KNOW that you don't get any backup tips. They give you one pair each of "small", "regular", and "large". Lose one and you're on your own. That's about all I have. Notice I didn't go crazy describing the audio response in different frequency ranges and stuff. I'm NOT an audiophile. They sound good. They are a bit more expensive than regular $5-$10 buds, but well worth the price. A final plus for this model is that some people describe the Etymotic Research earbuds as providing an orgasmic experience. You won't have to worry about orgasms in public with the Sony! ;-)... I enjoyed jogging today a lot more without having to tug and organize the wires on my Senns, and the music was great. AND THE BUDS STAYED IN THE WHOLE TIME.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent for the purpose
Review: First of all, realize that these are not a replacement for traditional over-head phones - These are strictly for a portable player. Plug them into you're computer or sound system, and you will immediately notice how overly heavy the bass is - its like that for a reason. Most portable players have a problem with under-emphazied bass, and these headphones solve that problem. They are very comfy; after a few minutes, you will forget they are there. They also block out much of the nosie that would otherwise distrupt you're listening experience. They are ideal for listening in an airplane or car (as long as you aren't driving!). The carrying case is a nice addition (although it takes awhile to pack and unpack them. They are excelent overall.
Rating:
Summary: Best in the market
Review: If you are looking for the best ear-bud type headphones look no further. This is as good as it gets. I've owned a pair for about 6-7 months now... and they are all that and then some.
I am a college student and I never leave my dorm without music. It is true, they do a great job at blocking outside noise, which is great for riding buses and taking the subway. They also deliver the best bass that I have heard coming out of any headphones. Due to the noise blocking, even the slightest sounds are heard, and because they are so light-weight you often forget they are in your ear and get the feeling that the music is coming from all around you. I have never had them fall out of my ears spontaneously, and the 3 sizes of buds that it comes with makes it fit any ear.
Some reviews talk about the stetoscope-like noise that you get when the wires dangle agains the shirt. Yes, you do get some unwanted noise, but what I discovered is that it's not the noise of the collision that is transmited through the wire, but rather it's the wire moving the earbuds in your ear that cause unwanted vibration. This can be avoided most of the time by just tucking the wires under the shirt or securing them so that they dont dangle agains the body.
The only con that I can think of is the fact that the headphone cord is too short. I am 6'2" and I have to use the extension which makes the wire a little too heavy and causes it to dangle too much. I wish they would have made it half a foot longer so that it could reach inside a pocket. Other then that...it's all golden
I will never buy any other headphones as long as they make these
Rating:
Summary: Good comfort, sound, strange cord design, price varies
Review: I never bothered using the Apple earbuds that came with my iPod; too many negative reviews and they just looked uncomfortable. My husband researched earbuds exhaustively and presented these as a gift. For the most part, his research paid off.
Noise cancellation: when I'm plugged in, I'm tuned out to the outside world. One little quirk: they can be a bit like a stethoscope. I can hear my footsteps, teeth grinding and breathing TOO well. Also, touching the cord is like tapping a live microphone. At times distracting, but after awhile, I don't notice it too much. Overall: ****
Comfort: The soft, varying gasket sizes allow for maximum comfort over sustained (hours long) periods of wear. They're tight enough to stay put, loose enough to keep from feeling "suctioned." Overall: ****
Sound quality: The bass is satisfying, treble can be tinny at times, but for earbuds, I think these produce great sound. If I were to step up, I'd probably opt for an over-the-head set. Overall: ***
Design: The weak point, I believe. Others have said it and I agree that the uneven right/left cord length is rather awkward (even when the right wraps around the back of the head). Used without the extension cord, the regular cord length is not long enough to fit in a waist-length pocket. With the cord, there is an excess that, if not carefully managed, tends to catch on everything around it. In addition, the cord/extender connector is so heavy, it tends to pull the delicate cords out of the ear; I've resorted to using my cell phone cord clip to solve the problem. Cord itself is very delicate. Overall: **
Case: Nice idea, a bit cramped, but I like how compact it is. Fits neatly into a purse pocket or backpack with no worries about the buds' safety. Overall: ***
Price: Do your research and be patient! I've seen the price go from $50 to $34, down to $25, and, as of this writing, back up to $34, all here at Amazon.
Rating:
Summary: They are overall an excellent purchase!
Review: I owned two pairs of the older MDR-EX70s, one with a short cord and one with a long cord, and these headphones are worthy replacements. I used the old ones so much that I broke them. As much as I liked those, these are actually nicer.
Compared to the older types, they do sound better, but not by leaps and bounds. The highs are not quite as annoyingly bright. The mids have been cleaned up a little bit. And the bass is just as powerfull and clear, if not more so. With all that said, you still have to give a very discerning listen to notice the difference between the two. Also, any annoying sound characteristics can easily be fixed if your portable has an adjustable EQ.
I can't really explain the difference between the design of the two versions, but the new EX71s actually feel more comfortable in my ear after a prolonged period of time. I guess the little chrome triange fits the ear better than a circle.
A huge plus is that these things block out noise extremely well because they actually go in your ear and not on your ear.
P.S. Recently, I ordered my MDR-EX81SL which is only available in warehouse123.com. Ths sound is excellent, and they are a little bit better than the EX71s.
Rating:
Summary: Odd design, a few minor caveats, but overall, top notch
Review: I got these headphones for my birthday, after someone online I knew recommended them. I must admit, the design is funky - one headphone cord is much longer than the other, and the main part of the cord is way too short for normal use. They give you an extension cord, but it's too long for average use.
I'm not a very vain person, so I went ahead and took the suggestion that was put on here of bundling up part of the extension cord with ties, and using the extension all the time in normal use. This works just fine, and easily fixes the length problem... and also, having that extension is excellent.. I had an old pair of earbuds I liked to use with my laptop, and I was always yanking the cord because it was too short.
As far as the one cord being longer than the other... I have no problem looping the right side cord behind my neck to the right ear. This causes no discomfort for me.
Occasionally, the left side will get yanked a lil bit, which will pull on the left earplug.. this isn't really a big deal though. It doesn't come out, and unlike if that were to happen with traditional earbuds, it doesn't hurt.
A word of advice: Maybe it's just me, but I sometimes have a heck of a time getting the left earpiece in right so it sounds right and doesn't feel weird. I'm a right-handed person, and the solution I've used is to put in the earpieces one at a time, the right first, and then put the left in with my right hand.
Now, I don't know why they tell you that there's a winding case that comes with this - there's NOT. It's a little chest kind of case, which sucks and I don't use. It does come with a lil capsule to hold the buds and keep them clean, and prevent tangles though, I do use that.
These caveats aside though - I LOVE THESE HEADPHONES. They're one of the best sounding set of headphones I've ever heard, and they even beat out a lot of over-the-ear models I've heard, esp. when you have an equalizer on what you plug them into. And not only do they sound great (decent sound across the whole spectrum - but the bass is AWESOME), but they block out a lot of noise with the closed, earplug type design. They're great for bus trips. They're also fun to use on the computer, if you don't like to hear your own keystrokes - which I hate. LOL
Another word on the bass response... it's best described by one word, beautiful. Most headphones this size can't do real rich, warm, comforting bass like they have in some songs.. these can. I give these guys two thumbs up on their bass response. I'm a big bass fan BTW. lol
They are also very comfortable.. unlike most earbuds I've tried, you can wear these soft silicone wonders for hours on end without any sores in your ears. Just keep your ears clean though!
For safety's sake though... don't wear these where hearing external sounds is necessary for your health. The noise blocking properties of these headphones truly are amazing... I'd hate to see someone get killed in traffic because they were jammin' with these things! :)
PS: If you wear these in your room, and you have other people in the house and they come to see you... you won't hear them coming. So prepare for a shock if you're nervous. These headphones are that good at blocking noise.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Comfort, but Irritating Design
Review: I purchased these earphones to replace the headphones which came with my iPod. I recently took a job which requires me to commute nearly 2h each way, and the iPod headphones were killing my hears. Therefore, I checked everything out and purchased these headphones hoping they would be usable for 4+ hours every day.
I was not disapointed. They are definitely the most comfortable earphones I've used. Unfortunately, the design of nearly everything below the earpieces is very irritating. Unlike the standard iPod headphones, these do not have the usual Y-intersection where each earpiece is connected by an equal-length cord to an intersection which then merges the separate cords together. Instead, from the intersection point, there is a very short cord which extends to the left ear, and a very long cord which extends to the right ear. The result of this is that the left earpiece bears the entire weight of the the cord. In addition, this results in the left earpiece being suseptible to being yanked out if the cord get caught on something. The equal-cord-length design of the original iPod earphones is much superior to the design of these earphones.
The second disappointing aspect is the cord below the junction point. The actual cord itself is very short (only long enough to reach an iPod in a chest pocket) which Sony offsets by including a 2' extension cord. The problem is twofold: first, the linkage between the cord and the extension easily gets caught in one's clothing, and second, the combination of the cord and extension is too long for most purposes. The two factors lead a much lanking on the left earpiece and having to fuss with the cord to keep it from getting tangled in your clothing.
Finally, there's the case. One of my objections to the iPod's earphones is that there is no good way to store them short of wrapping them around the iPod itself. So, in deciding what to replace them with, I was pleased to see that these earphones came with a "winding case design". I had assumed that this case was the kind where the earpieces rest in the center of the enclosure, and you can use a single finger to rotate the center part of the case within its housing to wind up the cord. Alas, this is not so. The case they provide is simply a box slightly bigger than an Altoids tin. While this does serve the purpose of protecting the earphones, it is far from convenient to use. I'd hoped for something more useful.
Overall, these are a very confortable set of earphones, and despite my grousing, I much prefer them to others I have tried. Ideally, however, I would love to chop of the earpieces from my iPod headphones and attach the earpieces from these to make a perfect set of iPod earphones.
Rating:
Summary: great quality
Review: these headphones are a really great buy for the quality, and the ear bud design stays in my ear and i forget about them in minutes. The sound quality is great and odd cord length is due to that some people might have remote controls to connect thses too, i think. The case is awkward but the bottom line that these are a great buy
Rating:
Summary: Great Headphones
Review: I bought these headphones over X-mas break because I lost my Ipod headphones. These were supposed to be Sony's comparable headphones to the Apple In-Ear headphones, but better. After reading many reviews, I find these headphones to be awesome! They fit really well in the ear, which helps reduce outside noise. That's one thing I didn't like too much about my Ipod headphones, was how they fit and they let in a lot of outside noise. Also, if I were to wear them for a long period of time (like an hour or more) they would start to hurt my ear. These are very comfortable and haven't had any discomfort so far. The quality of music compared to my Ipod headphones is about the same. But with the reduction of outside noise, it makes it sound better. The only things I don't like about them how they split going up the wire from one wire to splitting into the two separate headphones. They made one side longer than the other, which is great when you want to wear them behind your head for working out, but when you wear them normally they look kinda weird. Also, the piece that sticks out of your ear is sitting at a weird angle and looks kinda funny. But, besides those two things, they are totally awesome and worth the little extra money.
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