Sony MDR-G74SL Street Style Headphones

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.4 x 6.9 x 9.6 inches ; 2.1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001IVB1S
• Item model number: MDRG74SL
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

10-05-2007 - Brand New Item. Description - SONY MDRG74SL STREET STYLE® FOLDING NECKBAND HEADPHONES

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great sound - great comfort, August 30, 2004

By 

Benjamin G. Turner (Yonkers, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony MDR-G74SL Street Style Headphones (Electronics)

These headphones sound a lot better than I expected based on their price and size. Naturally they can't compare to bulky and expensive studio-style headphones in terms of sound quality, but they're far better than anything I've tried that isn't the size of a dinner plate.

I'm using mine to listen to music while I work, and they shine on the two most important points there. First, they're comfortable enough to wear all day. Most headphones will start to hurt after an hour or two. These are very nice to your ears - most of their weight is supported by the band going OVER your ear instead of relying on friction and clamping to your head like a vise.

Second, very little sound leaks out to annoy those sitting near you. While I don't usually blast music while trying to work, I do often listen at levels above whisper quiet, and even when they aren't worn - if I put them down and walk away from my desk, for example - they can't really be heard from more than a couple of feet away. Still, they allow you to hear sounds in your environment. This is good here, as people shouldn't have to shake me to get my attention, and is the point of open-air headphones. If you're looking for some to block out a noisy environment, look for "closed" headphones instead. Note that if you're listening while cycling or walking in an area with traffic, open-air is the way to go for safety.

The only possible complaint is the cord, but they did try to go for the best of both worlds. The built-in cord is very short, and will only reach a shirt pocket or armband-mounted radio - maybe an inside jacket pocket. I can't plug it straight into my laptop on the desk in front of me and be comfortable. But they do come with a 3-foot extension. This might be a bit TOO long, but it's not so bad as it has a tendency to coil up, having been packaged that way. Their claim of "tangle-free cord" is basically true, though. It might get tangled, but the texture of the outer jacket will make any knot much easier to untangle.

They also fold up nice and small for portability. They seem like they might be easy to crush in that state if they're packed carelessly, but I haven't had the opportunity to "test" that theory yet.

Overall, these are a great pair of headphones. One must choose based on a variety of needs when picking headphones - there isn't one set that's best for all needs. If you're looking for a lightweight, open-air design, good for on-the-go use or anywhere a bulky pair would be unsuitable, these are definitely worth the money.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars not as good as Sennheiser PMX60, December 25, 2004

By 

graph101 (new Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony MDR-G74SL Street Style Headphones (Electronics)

The design and the no tangle cord rates 5/5 but the quality isnt as good as the Sennheiser PMX60 which i bought and compared at the same time. Sony sounds like its behind a wall compared to the crystal clear PMX60. the Sennheiser PMX60 feels really cheap but its a lot more comfortable to wear than the MDR-G74SL. Im keeping the Sennheiser PMX60.

25 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Almost it -, June 18, 2004

By 

Jon M. Call - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony MDR-G74SL Street Style Headphones (Electronics)

Pros -

Fits nicely, if anyone complains that these headphones are uncomfortable they are freakin' moron. These things are a lot more comfortable than the many headphones I've borrowed, bought, or tried. I have a lot of hair, it doesn't get in the way either.

Another is the fact they stay on your head. From the pictures you might be curious if they really 'do' stay on your head. I do a lot of weight training and the few sessions so far with these / they have stayed put the entire time. Even when on exercises like incline bench when the head pushes back they budge a bit, but no serious problem. Also I ran around a good bit with them on for the hell of it, no problem.

They fold, very compact. Also the cord is kind of a ropey material: Very cool / needs the extension, but actually it's no problem.

Good noise canceling. It doesn't mention anything in the specs, but it blocks outside noise pretty damn well. Also, there is little noise escapage. Moments ago my brother asked me if I was even listening or if I was just wearing them / The volume was way up, so nobody is going to be annoyed or even know what you're listening to.

Great bass, plays almost all music well.

Cons -

The sound isn't perfect. It reproduces great bass, but sometimes it can sound like the musicians are playing behind walls or something. I listen to nothing but the metal genre, so maybe it's to do with the genre maybe? It's good, but slightly muffled sometimes. Can't quite grind the sounds out like I'd hope for certain bands. It's not the source either: I'm testing them on an Audigy 2 with front breakout port / a better source than any to test audio. Anyway, it's better than any other headphones I've tried. The conclusion:

Great fit, comfortable as hell, stays put, stylish, great bass, and mostly very nice sound. I'm pleased with my purchase.

EDIT: I'm not sure the validity (Or whatever) of the process of burning in headphones. But after 2+ hours of listening with them, they are sounding 100% better. These are wonderful!