Neowin Forums > In the market for new headphones

snips

May 5 2005, 03:01

Well, I'm deciding whether or not to get some new headphones. I got a ZM and the stock Creative headphones are fine, but I'd like more bass. I am currently looking into some Sony MDR-EX51LP's but not sure if I want to spend $26 on headphones, unless they are worth it. What would you guys recommend?

Also to those that have those headphones, how are they when you are running?

Here are those Sony's I'm thinking about: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...e&s=pc&n=507846

Thanks!

EDIT: Found them on Amazon for $25.95 and I can get free shipping.

dL

May 5 2005, 05:37

I have a set of ex51 replacing my iPod earphones and they're tremendously good! I highly recommend it!

dL

PrototypeX2

May 5 2005, 06:06

get an ex71 if you want sub-woofer like bass.
ex51 is now made with new ex81 drivers which recesses some bass but produce clearer highs and mids. Much detailed too. But for a basshead, ex71 is the best.

Zeni

May 5 2005, 07:20

QUOTE(snips @ May 4 2005, 20:01)

Well, I'm deciding whether or not to get some new headphones. I got a ZM and the stock Creative headphones are fine, but I'd like more bass. I am currently looking into some Sony MDR-EX51LP's but not sure if I want to spend $26 on headphones, unless they are worth it. What would you guys recommend?

Also to those that have those headphones, how are they when you are running?

Here are those Sony's I'm thinking about: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...e&s=pc&n=507846

Thanks!

EDIT: Found them on Amazon for $25.95 and I can get free shipping.

[right][snapback]585874638[/snapback][/right]

I'm sorry, but that "not sure if I want to spend $26 on headphones" line is just too much for me.

You'll come to find that if you want quality you'll have to pay for it. I would throw in a vote for the EX71's simply as a small step in the right direction, they're not great, they're barely even good, but they are a HUGE improvement over any sort of stock earbuds.

snips

May 5 2005, 20:03

QUOTE(Zeni @ May 5 2005, 00:20)

I'm sorry, but that "not sure if I want to spend $26 on headphones" line is just too much for me.

You'll come to find that if you want quality you'll have to pay for it. I would throw in a vote for the EX71's simply as a small step in the right direction, they're not great, they're barely even good, but they are a HUGE improvement over any sort of stock earbuds.
[right][snapback]585875226[/snapback][/right]

Yeah, I'm cheap.

I might go with the EX51's because that isn't a bad price.

cswadner

May 5 2005, 23:05

As always I will chip in my vote towards the Shure E3C series of earbuds... a bit pricy but oh so worth it. The E2Cs are less expensive but still a great buy.

Monkeh

May 6 2005, 00:29

The EX51 would be a much better deal if the EX51 does indeed have new drivers. EX71s = bloated bass, shrill highs, weak mids (compared to other canalphones that is... they're still a huge leap from stock earbuds).

Mutex

May 6 2005, 21:47

I was going to recommend the Sharp HP-MD33S earbuds ($49), but saw you don't want to spend to much. In that case, you might look into the Sennheiser MX-xxx series, or go with the Sony MDR-EX51/71 like PrototypeX2 said. The question is...how do you know that you are getting the most recent pair of Sony MDR-EX51 w/ better drivers?

Check out http://www.audiocubes.com for some more information and selections.

PrototypeX2

May 7 2005, 00:52

QUOTE(rah2 @ May 6 2005, 14:47)

I was going to recommend the Sharp HP-MD33S earbuds ($49), but saw you don't want to spend to much. In that case, you might look into the Sennheiser MX-xxx series, or go with the Sony MDR-EX51/71 like PrototypeX2 said. The question is...how do you know that you are getting the most recent pair of Sony MDR-EX51 w/ better drivers?

Check out http://www.audiocubes.com for some more information and selections.

[right][snapback]585882901[/snapback][/right]

Recent comparison at Head-Fi...

I definitely second that recommendation of MD33s, which, I believe is the best choice of cheap canalphones. Seems to be better than e2c and close to e3c, where the bass is recessed but much better in clarity and highs/mids.

Monkeh

May 7 2005, 03:08

I own the MD33s and although IMO they're better than the E2C, they're not really close to the E3C when it comes to sound quality (partly due to the increased isolation I guess).

If you're willing to shell out $50 (this includes shipping), then the MD33s would definitely be your best choice.