Sony MDR-EX81LP Bud-Style Stereo Earphones (White)

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4 x 2 x 10 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0007N55LE
• Item model number: MDREX81LP/W
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (247 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 26, 2005

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Audiophiles who demand great sound quality but need something smaller than DJ headphones will appreciate the Sony MDR-EX81LP Bud-Style Stereo Earphones. With nine millimeter diameter driver units and PET (generic mylar) diaphragms, your music will sound loud, clear and rich. The MDR-EX81LP driver units reproduce surprisingly clear recorded sounds at a wide frequency range (5-23,000 Hz). These substantial, compact earphones also feature neodymium magnets for greater power handling and higher frequencies. Five times more powerful than standard earphone ferrite magnets of the same size, these neodymium magnets mean that the MDR-EX81LP Bud-Style Stereo Earphones maximize energy, while keeping size to a minimum. With these advanced technological features, the MDR-EX81LP provides great sound in a tiny package.

The Sony MDR-EX81LP Bud-Style Stereo Earphones' earbud design was built for the audiophile on the go. Made of Elastomer, the hanger fits around your lobes for a snug fit. Sony has not scrimped on comfort, designing the earbuds with soft silicone for a stable and comfortable fit for your ears. Also, Sony has used a lightweight, aluminum shaft throughout the earphone for even more stability. These features allow you to listen to clear, robust sound while you're at the gym, the ballpark, or any time you're on the move.

What's in the Box
Sony MDR-EX81LP Bud-Style Stereo Headphones, earphone holder, carrying case, and small, medium, and large ear pieces.

Product Description

Sony's worldwide reputation for creating unique, attractive, high-quality, advanced technology products rests on a long line of innovations embraced by people from all walks of life. With a diverse product lineup serving a variety of lifestyles and industries, Sony continuously strives to introduce new products and technologies to meet changing market needs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

140 of 144 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Earbuds, March 28, 2005

By	Marcus L. Mattern "Ephor" (VA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've had Sony's MDR-EX51LP and MDR-EX71SL Fontopia headphones, and this are decisively better. The 52LP's at around $27 are still the best option for someone on a budget, but I'm very happy with the extra ten I paid for these. The sound quality is VERY similar to what you get from the 71SLs (which is lower bass than the 51s, but much more clarity), but the earhook design of these 81LPs overcomes a MAJOR design flaw of its forebearers. I've had a huge problem with the earbud coverings flying off into oblivion when the plug was pulled out on the othermodels, rending the unit unuseable until I found the extra buds (infuriating when they're in another state).

The earhooks on this one ensure that won't be a problem and are thus infinitely better for use at the gym and elsewhere. Of course the sound quality and clarity on all of these is excellent and although you won't get any directional audio, the plug design locks out surrounding sound like a champ, fuctioning just as well or better than any noise-cancelling headphones in this price range.

85 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Headphones, June 28, 2005

By	S. Quan "Namo Amitabha" (Foster City, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

These headphones offer good portability, comfort, and good sound at an affordable price. The bass and treble are slightly muddy but all the sounds are there (I am comparing them to a pair of Grado SR80's). In addition, the bass is clearly enhanced with the EX81's but not as exaggerated as other Sony "DJ style" headphones.

I am a 5'7" male with normal sized (and shaped) ears. They fit my ears perfectly with the medium buds. They do a good job of blocking out ambient noise but outside sounds can still be heard.

I bought these earphones to go with my Sandisk mp3 player. I really enjoy using them "on the go". They are easy to put in my pocket and roll out when needed. One caveat to those who want to use these for jogging. The cord has kind of a "stethoscope" effect whereby the sounds are transmitted from the cord directly into your ears. This can be very annoying. It is because of this I would not recommend these for joggers (stationary bike - yes, joggers - no).

** Addendum **

I paid around $50 for my EX81LP's around Feb 2005 due to the fact that it was only available in Japan at that time (bought from Ebay). I cannot confirm this, but it is possible the EX81LP's now available in the US offer a hard egg shaped carry case which would in essence render previous comments discussing the soft cloth carry case useless. By the way, I find the soft cloth carry case to be useful although it does not offer much in the way of protection.

The EX81LP I purchased is black. I noticed many people complaining of their white EX81's cords "dissolving". I have had my headphones for 4 months now and my cords are fine. I have not seen any complaints regarding the black EX81's cords dissolving.

Many people complaining of tinny distant sound music. It is necessary to pull the ears back (or up) and then insert the earbuds inside the ear canal to get the best response. If you don't place the buds inside the ears you won't hear anything. This has been a common complaint regarding "canal" type earphones.

I would recommend these headphones to a friend.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Earbuds!, March 29, 2005

By	N. Price "Iceman" (Denver, Colorado) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After trying several different kinds of earbuds, I decided to go ahead and give these a shot. They are noticeably better than any other earbuds I have tried (sennheiser, koss & panasonic). They have good bass and excellent clarity. I use these at the gym and they fit very comfortably and don't move. They also work really well for running. I would recommend these to any MP3 owner.