Customer Reviews

Sony Mdr-Ex700Lp Earbud Style Headphones (Black)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

All the fuss about "fake" Sony earphones is off the mark. The so-called "clones," still available on other sites, are the predecessors of the updated model. If you're looking for inarguably the best bargain in earphones, have no hesitations about spending a pittance for top-of-the-line phones. Here's what the firestorm is actually about:

1. The original pair of top-of-the-line Sony phones, going for three hundred, were called "Premium MDR-EX700SL" headphones; the updated models (primarily to satisfy the desires of the American consumer), are called "Supreme MDR-EX700LP" headphones.

2. If you'r unsure which pair you happen to have (I have both), there are some quick and easy tests. First, is the cosmetic one: The prior, SL model has a shorter cord (4 feet) than the new, LP model (6 feet--no doubt the longest cord of any earphones). 2nd, the prior model has an audio plug that extends straight out from the cable; the newer model has a plug that is attached at a right angle to the end of the cord.

3. Peripherals and accessories. The prior, SL models are being sold in a soft leather pouch that closes with velcro. The new, LP model comes with a hard, leather-covered metal case that jack-knifes open. The SL models come with 1-3 different-sized silicone ear tips; the new, LP model comes with a record 7 different-sized silicone hybrid ear tips.

4. The difference in sonic quality. Unless you have both phones, this will be the most difficult distinction to note. The earlier SL models are full-frequencied, with a rich and warm mid-range and "understated" high and low end. They "wear" extremely well, especially for extended listening to jazz, classical, instrumental music. The newer LP models have been "tweaked" in the high end (they're more brilliant, with highs that immediately get the listener's attention) and the low (they've been tuned to take full advantage of the extra- large drivers (3 X the size of some phones going for a hundred or more). Again, the appeal is to the bass hungry, youthful American audiophile audience. The older SL phones have the same size drivers and are capable of producing all of the pitches, or frequencies, of a non-compressed audio file, but they're not altered in a way to knock the socks off the prospective buyer.

My first pair of Sony 700s were the SL models. They came directly from Amazon, and included all of the cosmetic accessories mentioned above (#3). But upon ordering one of the Hong Kong "dirt-cheap" models, I became aware that someone had "swapped out" models with my Amazon phones, replacing the LP with the SP model. After communications with Sony (like Amazon, a first-rate, reliable, consumer-friendly company), the company made things right for me, sending me the latest LP model with the extra-long cord and angled plug. I was immediately impressed by the brilliant highs and the omnipresent lows. But soon I found myself going back to the the SL phones.

In sum, the latest Sony--the Supreme MDR-EX700LP phones--have been updated and "re-tuned" to suit the fancies of the American marketplace and will doubtlessly be appreciated by many listeners of today's popular music. The older phones are still the audio summit when it comes to listening to unforced, uncolored, flat-response (no artificial spikes or enhancement) instrumental music. But in either case, you can't go wrong. After listening to dozens of these things, I've heard five dollar phones that surpass two hundred dollar phones, but I've never heard anything better than either of the Sony phones discussed above.

If most of your listening is to compressed MP3 files, you may wish to consider the MDR-EX300 or MDR-EX500 models, both of which have smaller (but still ample) drivers), capable of pumping out bass frequencies in the mid-range that many younger listeners appear to thrive on. Again, all of the considerations apply, as both of the above are available in SL models (at giveaway prices) and LP models. Heck, buy one of each, or at least extras of the SL models. They're so cheap you have nothing to lose. Use the SL models when you're active and putting the phones at risk; save the LP models for more immobile, serious listening.

As the owner of the full spectrum of earbud style headphone -- from ipod included crap-phones to top of the line Shures-- I place these 'phone near the top of the spectrum. They're not really worth the $300 asking price, but 30-50 % off that (which most retailers are selling them for) is about right. Sound (after 10 hours of breaking them in) is tight and crisp, without sounding overly bright at higher volumes. The buds have a sort of classic Sony sound -- not part of the bass-midrange- treble mix is over-emphasized, which makes for a generally pleasing sound. Fit and comfort is top of the line, tho -- the variety of color-coded bud tips supplied is unequaled, and the unit itself is light yet surprisingly sturdy and unobtrusive. An elaborate storage case with molded compartments for each phone to sit it, is also included. The only negative, I suppose, is the quality of the cord itself, which feels thin and perhaps prone to breakage. But for $150 (the price I paid) the 700's are recomended.

I have gone from one earphone to another for several years. This is the first one that really sounds as good as full sized speakers in a top class high-end system. You will hear all the nuances in a classical recording, so now my i-Pod Touch is as good as my downstairs sound system.
It is also spectacular in movies like Kingdom of Heaven or Blade Runner.
The isolation from exterior sounds is as good as active noise cancelling systems which modify the sound somewhat, so these are my only earphones for air travel as well.
They are not expensive, since they are probably the last earphones you need to buy.

Interestingly, the EX700 sounds nothing like previous incarnations of Sony IEMs (think MDR-EX71) but rather, they sound quite similar to it's full-sized brother, Sony's flagship MDR-SA5000 - very revealing of details, but horridly bass-shy and highly tilted in the treble region. Unlike the SA5000 however, the EX700 just never seems to stop exhibiting sibilance. This is one VERY sibilant headphone, and burn in just never seems to get rid of it. I find that I'm using bass boost on these things more than I normally would with a pair headphones.

The headphone comes with 7 silicone sleeves, but I never found that they fit me just right. In my opinion, they're all way too small. On a different note, the EX71 comes with just 3 sleeves, and it's medium pair fits me perfectly. I got the best fit by placing a Shure medium silicone sleeve on the EX700, but that immediately degraded the sound and made everything sound muddy. General comfort is very good; I can easily keep them in my ears for hours on end without much pain.

I would have preferred just a zip pouch over the supplied leather slide-out case if you ask me. That case is just too awkward to wind up, especially with the right-angled plug. If you have the EX700SL version then the case is perfect if you detach half of the headphone cord and keep just the top portion, which is then terminated in a straight plug.

The price was right, so I decided to try Amazon.com for these earphones. I'd recommend them if you like the way Sony earphones sound. They're not as neutral as Shure 'SE 530s, which I found detailed but, well, boring. By contrast, the MDR-EX 700s are heavier on the bass and the treble. There's a little siblance, but I hope that will even out as they burn in.

I find these more comfortable than the Shures, which hurt my ears after a half-hour or so. These are almost as comfortable as my Sony MDR EX-90s, which I wear for 90 minutes or more at the gym.

The four-star rating isn't because I can find anything to complain about with these, but only because I think a five-star product would be a perfect product and these are just really, really good.

At first I have to thank Amazon for getting me a Genuine pair of Sony Ex700lp Ear buds at this cost $170, about 43% less than Sony's website. Though Sony was ready to match this Price tag, They added a hefty 20% tax on it. I am from India an can only dream about these products as they aren't available here. I worked as a Sound Engineer and I know the basics of Sound forms. Trust me this is the best pair of headphones that you can get at this cost.

The First time when you listen to these Ear Buds, Off course you will hugely disappointed as you can hear only the Highs and Mids. I burnt them for about 100 hours day and Night and now together with Comply T400 foams I can proudly say I am the only Indian to have the best personal music system in my pockets. The bass is exactly the way it should be essential and not over powering. I have used the Ety's,Denon C751, Turbines etc all either over power the bass which causes it to be muddy or Under powers bass. Both the cases you wont feel like having the buds in your ears for Hours. but the EX700lp will be exactly the way you want it. I have a Sony Ericsson Aino which has an Output more or less the same like a X series Walkman. So I don't want to be too technical here describing the Frequency response and Sensitivity which would not be clear to everyone. In short for MP3 listening these are the ideal ones which are practically unmatched. I accept Sony is not the best in therms of Audio Quality, Shure, Senheiser have better ear buds like SE530 and IE8 and which provide much accurate sound output. But these are not for casual listeners, they are ideal for Technicians.In Short Ex700lp are like a smooth drive on a Highway Where other are like a Roll-a-costa can be enjoyed only for a while.

Regarding the Variants MDR EX-700LP and MDR EX-700SL, I see many reviews stating that the LP is an upgrade version for SL, WHICH IS COMPLETELY INCORRECT. Visit Sony Singapore website you can find MDR EX-700SL listed on sale. They are two versions sold at the same time and are differentiated in terms of geographical locations and not in terms of upgrade.


In my personal opinion, May it be Rock, Pop, Salsa or any Genre, music must be pleasant like Having a drink on a Sunday Evening with your Girlfriend at your favorite cafe and not like listening to Jingle Bells Played on a 1970's Wooden Speaker box on Christmas, Blasting your thoughts away.



So, Just decide yourself, Do you want a Ear buds like Ex700lp which are pleasant, warm and you regret to remove them from ears or go with SE530, IE8 kinda pairs which make your Heart Explode in excitement with the accurate Mids and Highs and make you remove the Ear buds minutes to save yourself?

I got my set yesterday. In the first few listens I was like what's so special, sounds like usual earbuds? Today is the second day of use and let me tell you, I don't know why but these son of a guns sound really nice, very nice actually. they might have programsed them to have progressive quality or something. whatever it is, they sound excellent, better than anyother Hps I've owed. enjoying them right now as we speak.
you have to listen to some good music though produced from cd source or a good player otherwise if you are playing a cheep 2 dollar player hooked to these then co'mon you can't blame these buds. My first experience with these was on my $12.99 sony radio from walmart or something. the sound was so horrible I thought I got ripped off by counterfit or something. I had to take the buds out of my ears and make sure I had the right ones in lol. jk, but you know what I mean, have a nice source for these to hook to and you'll like what comes out.
later.

I am a music fanatic. Live, Studio, Metal, Rock, Blues, Jazz, House, Trance, It doesn't matter, I LOVE IT ALL!! The Sony MDR-EX700LP Earbuds make the experience even better and borderline orgasmic. Music that I have been listening to for years is now cleaner, crisper, and brighter. Tweak an EQ and BAM, underwear change time! Songs I have listened to for years now have new vocals, parts, and nuances that I had never heard or felt before.

PROS: Good Construction, Magnesium Cased Right Angle Gold Plug, Wrap Behind-the-Head Cable Design, Many Different Sized Ear-Cushions for the perfect fit, Incredible Acoustic Range, The Best Studio Monitor Class Earbuds for the price.

CONS: The included Case is a little cumbersome and doesn't accommodate all the extra Ear-Cushions. Wrapping the Earbuds into the case is not good for the life of the cable. Get a little box to hold the Ear-Cushion and Earbuds here: Plano® 3448-4T Utility Box.

Go for it! You will not be disappointed!!

Raul Espino

I had a version of these from Japan for a while until they broke due to abuse (totally my fault). I recently purchased this US variant (only difference seemingly was the Japan one's were short with an extender - nice for wearing your player around your neck) - anyway - these are the best earbuds I have ever used. The bass is incredible and the sound from high to low is outstanding. I am glad these replacements were HALF of what I paid for them in Japan in Nov of 2009. I do miss the short cord but I will get by. I will most likely buy the Japan set of these when I head to Japan this October. In short - get these. Comfortable, easy to wear for long periods of time, awesome sound, many custom sizes of eartips and they stay on very tightly.

** Update **
Okay, I usually don't update my reviews. But. I have heard all about "burn in" and there are just as many people who say it is bogus as there are people who say its real. I am not trying to start a debate, but after 2 months of use, the bass is all of the sudden even better that before. I am not an audiophile, but I know bass when I hear it - and WOW. Buy these NOW !!!!

i got these earphones in the last month and i faithfully burned them for 50 hours before i used them and what a sound i heard from these speakers. i've had sony MDR EX85s before. they had awesome sound, however the wire was thinner and it couldn't take a lot of abuse. i.e it gave out and the right earphone burned out. i then decided to get the sony MDR700s and they had a thicker wire, which may mean that they are more hardy, and they have a magnesium encased earpieces, which reduces the sound resonance while maintaining the sound quality. magnesium is also a tough metal therefore you can rest assured about damaging the earphones.