Reviews

81

I just received mine today, took 3 business days to NY. As for the cord question, they are uneven like the 71's. As far as sound quality they are definitely less boomy than the 71's and stay in better when working out as well due to the behind the ear clip. Compared to the Ear-Buds, they sound a million times better. Next to the Shure E2c's which I've owned for a while now, they're not as flat in the response and are more bassy, but much more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. My one complaint is that they seem to be lower in volume level comparatively to the 71's, E2c's and the ear buds... other than that I have no complaints as the fit is perfect and extremely comfortable. The only one's at a relatively affordable price point that I've tried that are marginally better are the E61's by Eytomic, but again, after wearing those for an extended period of time they become uncomfortable comparably to the sony's...

Posted by lisevolution in New York on January 4, 2005 at 2:44 PM (PDT)

82

I just purchased a pair. I was quite disappointed with the lack
of bass response even though many reviews I had read clearly stated the
tremendous sound they produce. After trying them on my iPod and several other
devices, I still get a low-quality sound. I receive better highs and lows with
my factory iPod earbuds.

Posted by Pat McCrotch in USA on January 6, 2005 at 12:48 PM (PDT)

83

I bought a pair of these from AudioCubes.com based on this review, and have been very pleased with them. When I went home for Thanksgiving, my brother liked them so much that he asked for a pair for Christmas.

Posted by pbartholow in Los Angeles, CA on January 14, 2005 at 12:33 PM (PDT)

84

My retail apple headphones included with my mini just broke on me... for some reason the plastic over the cord detached and well, even if they still work, they're starting to fade away.

I looked on EBAY for a new pair (8.00$US) ... but then I read these reviews... and I have a few questions.

1- I read that for the 81SL you need the remote to have acceptable lenght (otherwise with the extra cord it is way too long) ... is it SO long?

2- Is the sound difference between factory ipod headphones and 71SL or 81SL so big and worth the 50$US difference ?

3- If yes, which is better between 71SL and 81SL if the white clips on 81SL don't bother me ? I am keen on comfort !

Posted by F. Cossette in Germany on January 15, 2005 at 11:09 AM (PDT)

85

I have a U2 Ipod - thought taking your recommendation would make sense on two fronts - (1) Black headphones would have been a better fit to the U2 IPOD in the first place and (2) based on your recommendation they sounded like a good buy.

Was I wrong or what - the sound through these headphones is 'tinny'. The headphones that come with the IPOD are far superior.

Spend the $67 (including delivery) on iTunes and take what you read on ipodlounge 'with reservations'.

Not sure what if any my options are re returning these headphones but that is certainly what I will be looking to do although I am sceptical about getting a refund as they were sent from Japan.

I am new to iPodLounge and quite frankly am very disappointed in my experience thus far.

I agree 100% with the comments re the review on this site. What exactly the reviewer on iPodLounge was using seems like the obvious question - must have mixed the Bose quietComfort II's with these Sony duds.

Posted by dbmcbride in USA on January 16, 2005 at 9:44 AM (PDT)

86

Just got a pair. The cords uneven,but the sound is great. I walked around with them in and couldn't hear anything but my music. I haven't slept with them in, but they're so comfortable I'm sure that someone could.

Posted by Words of Beaverhausen on January 16, 2005 at 4:37 PM (PDT)

87

I got mine in mid-November and have been using them since. This is probably my 10th pair of headphones to use with the same iPod and I'm happy with them but am thinking about replacing them.

Pros:
-Great sound quality and sound isolation; not overly bass-y.
-VERY comfortable ear inserts.
-Design complements the iPod.
-I like that the cord can be used in two different lengths.

Cons:
-If using full length cord there is way too much of it... it keeps getting caught on stuff, especially at the gym . MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE WEIGHT OF THE CORD CONNECTOR PLUG KEEPS PULLING THE LEFT PHONE OUT OF MY EAR WHEN I'M MOVING AROUND WITH THEM ON!!!!!!
-They DO NOT fit my ears properly: the over-the -ear pieces are sticking out to the side and are all over the place instead of over my ears.
-Sound is so low. I usually have to keep the volume on 100% to hear my music, especially at the gym.

Posted by Sanjin in Baton Rouge, LA, USA on January 19, 2005 at 1:05 PM (PDT)

88

Just got mine from audiocubes, was looking for a higher quality, unique set of buds. When fit correctly bass is nice, crisp, nice highs, mids are toned down a bit. I read a lot of reviews and did a bunch of research... I love these buds

Posted by aEdm in Boston Ma, USA on February 7, 2005 at 6:26 AM (PDT)

89

Anyone else have a problem with the cord on the 71s? Mine tug while I'm walking... very annoying! Any suggestions?

Posted by beth173 in Seattle on February 8, 2005 at 6:06 PM (PDT)

90

I bought EX71 about 6 months ago, used it for about 2 months. So far, I'm definitely satisfied with the audio quality and the sound isolation. Loved them!! Only two problems: First, the right earphones suddenly just doesn't produce sound anymore. I know that I use them a lot, but 2 months just seem to be an unreasonable time for them to be broken. The funny thing about 71s is that if you only listen with one earphone, you can't really feel the bass. Second, I keep on losing the rubber earpiece because I had to put them in my pocket when I'm not using it. When I wanna listen to my ipod, pulled the earphones from my pocket, bam.... came out the earphone without the earpiece. Tried listening without it, the thing just won't stick to your ear and it has very poor audio quality without the earbud...
The durabilty of EX71 is really questionable. Sony should also try to fix the earbud problem cause they're kinda loose and easily came off with just a simple tug.
Now comes the new EX81. Thinking of buying them to replace my 71s, but I'm a bass guy. After reading the reviews on how bad the bass is with the 81s, I'm having second thoughts. I love the 71s, and I really wanna get my money's worth. Despite my bad experiences, I might consider staying with 71s since I love the audio quality.

Posted by ca_o on February 11, 2005 at 1:15 AM (PDT)

91

In short: the sound is decent when they fit in your ears right.

But when they do you better not do anything beyond tai chi or breathe in them because they slip that millimeter out of your ear and then they sound like you're listening through old airplane headphones -- resting on your cheeks outside your ears because the passenger next to you is asking you a stupid question.

How the hell do you get these to fit right?!!! It's driving me nuts! And what is this reviewer smoking?

Posted by crankypants on February 11, 2005 at 10:44 PM (PDT)

92

I received my headphones 5 days after I ordered them from igearbox.com. Pretty darn speedy for coming from halfway around the world. I have gone through two sets of the EX 71's shorting out. Only time will tell with the EX 81's as far as durability, but as far as comfort and sound quality. This is definitely a great purchase.

Posted by Danielcp on February 13, 2005 at 9:30 AM (PDT)

93

My concern is that although the flanges may fit in my ear, I'm worried the "hook" part will not hang on my ear. Can someone tell me what the dimension is from the flange to the beginning of the "hook"?

Posted by BuckD on February 16, 2005 at 12:53 AM (PDT)

94

I got mine today from AudioCubes (81's). My cords are uneven (not Y-shaped) but are fine if I put them behind, rather than in front, of me. At first the sound was rather disappointing, but then I realized that they were meant to be worn a little deeper (in the ear) than I originally was. I switched over to the smaller rubber tips (the smallest ones that came in with my set) and then I was able to get a great seal and began to be better satisfied with the sound. I am a bit of an audiophile, so I am not going to write how amazing they are, how absolutely perfect they are, because at this price point it won't get the job done. Nonetheless, the sound is nicely balanced, and they are a noticable improvement to the Apple ear buds that come with the iPod.

So my conclusion is this: great sound WHEN worn properly, the cords are uneven lengths but aren't as annoying when worn from behind, and I am happy I bought them and look forward to enjoying them with my new iPod.

Posted by Daniel-the-iPod-Freak in Reston, Virginia, USA on February 22, 2005 at 9:14 AM (PDT)

95

I just got my Sony 81s this evening. I ordered them from Audiocubes on Saturday and got them by Thursday (from Japan). Excellent shipping from Audiocubes.

I'm not an audiophile when it comes to headphones. I've always had good stereo speakers, not the best, but pretty darn good. I've never owned a particularly good set of earphones, until now.

I'm really impressed with the EX81s. I was irked at first 'cause I was losing the right earphone when I plugged the extension jack in, but then I read the Audiocubes website and realized I was doing it wrong (the enclosed instructions are in Japanese).

The "in the ear canal" design is sound dampening, but you can still hear enough that you aren't completely isolated. I've noticed very little, if any, distortion; an excellent mid-range; a satisfying, but not thumping bass; and very good treble response.

The earbuds are incredibly comfortable. Night and day in comparison to the (IMHO) horribly uncomfortable stock iPod buds. The sound is appreciably better as well.

I highly, highly recommend these. My only complaint is the length of the cord. It is way too short without the extension and way to long with it. Currently I am using it, but have used a twist tie to tie off about 8 inches. Not very attractive, but functional.

I love my iPod and I love the Sony MDR EX81 earphones. If you are still using the stock iPod phones, do yourself a favor and upgrade. Whether or not it is with these earphones or a more expensive pair. You spent a lot of money on your Pod and, honestly, the supplied earbuds are crap. I mean, you bought it to listen to music, right?

Posted by sechannell in United States on February 24, 2005 at 6:02 PM (PDT)

96

This talk of lack of bass amazes me. You don't know know lacking bass until you try some awful ER-6i's for a month! In comparison, these have lots of clean yet warm bass. Treble is excellent as well. Midrange is a little lacking compared ot the ER-6i's, but still easy on the ears.

Comfort is also amazing. I admit the earclips are a little goofy, as they accomplish nothing for me. But I don't find them to be a problem.

Glad I bought these new Sony's - now, if only someone would buy my now-for-sale ER-6i's!

Posted by Helicon Twist in Thugden, UT USA on February 28, 2005 at 12:41 PM (PDT)

97

I just recieved these Sony's and I love them. The bass is nice and warm-- not too overpowering. The sound quality from these baby's is great. They are also very comfortable on the ears and you forget about them once they are on your ears. I would definatly recommend these.

BTW-- The cord is the type that goes behind your neck. (I prefer it like that anyway-- the cord stays out of your way and out of trouble. I don't think I would want to go back to the regular Y-shape)

Be sure to fit the buds properly with the 3 sizes...failure to do so will cost you the whole quality of sound. You should have a great seal in your ear after putting these on.

Posted by aznghetto456 on March 8, 2005 at 1:43 PM (PDT)

98

I received these earphones today and for the little bit I've used them they sound great! Proper fit is a must though so try the different size earbuds to get the right fit. I ordered mine right from SonyStyle and to my joy I got the model that is all one cord, no extension, and there's a new spool type housing that holds the earphones and you wrap the cord around it. SonyStyle was also the cheapest, $49.99 + $8.50 for tax & shipping.

Posted by mhaider on March 9, 2005 at 12:25 PM (PDT)

99

Had mine for about a week and overall, very satisfied. The included earbuds suck and although the sound was not as boomy and loud as I expected, I understand that these are earbuds and will never reproduce as good sound as giant cans. I didn't want to spend $150+ for Shure or Ety's so this was a great compromise. On a couple of common concerns:

1. W/ Glasses: for me, fine. The frame rests on top of the ear, between the Sony hook and my head. Actually helps keep them in place.

2. Taking them on/off quickly: they are not designed to take off/ on quickly! Try doing that with the fragile wires of the E6i and you'll understand. In ear headphones need to be placed in the ear, and then pulled off carefully.

3. Uneven cord: specifically desigend this way. Most people put their ipod in a pocket or purse which is on one side. Actually helps with cord management if you put the machine on the left.

Everyone's experience is different so try to borrow a friends before you buy if you're not sure. Its the only way to be sure. I love mine!

Posted by jhs on March 10, 2005 at 8:34 AM (PDT)

100

Does anyone know what the difference (if any) is between the EX81SL and the EX81LP?

Posted by Senk in Winnipeg on March 10, 2005 at 11:48 AM (PDT)

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