The Sony MDR-EX51LP/EX71SL Maintenance FAQ

[williamIpodMini]

I live in the UK and have just ordered some white 71's from:

http://www.ipodx.co.uk/categories/just_in.shtml

Not especially cheap but peace of mind for me as the alternative was buying them from Ebay and having them shipped from HK.

As a great fan of Vaja cases I can't help notice that earphones universally acclaimed by Ipod users cost about the same as a Vaja case?

Or do you all prefer the Shure brand?

William

[dwchin]

I actually prefer Etymotic over Shure. But it's all personal taste, and I guess you'd have to try it to know. Etymotics are usually $100 and up, I think, unless you can find them used someplace. I believe $70 is a popular price range because at that price, it's still affordable but you can find at least decent sound.

[stonehhh5]

ah, i just got my black version after the white ones broke, Musical Bliss right now.... mmmmmmmmm

[Doug Gilmour]

Originally posted by stonehhh5
ah, i just got my black version after the white ones broke, Musical Bliss right now.... mmmmmmmmm

Great to hear! I know how much of a pain it is to switch back to the stocks... I've had to do that twice...

Enjoy them! And try to follow my FAQ now

-Dan

[Jackus]

Originally posted by Doug Gilmour
They will most likely not be able to be repaired.. Expect to get a new pair. As long as you are under warranty than you are safe. Now do you see why I said it is much better to get them at the actual retail "Sony Store"? None of this "waiting on Sony" garbage.. You just go in, tell them the problem, they test it for themselves, and they give you a brand new pair! Unfortunately not everyone has one near them...

And yes it is quite horrid to use those stocks after using the Sony's...

Good luck,

-Dan

I have a Sony store near me, they have never stocked or apparently had in stock the X71's so I got them from amazon... As i have done before, i am planning on just taking them inot the Sony Store and asking to get thme repaired there, even though I didn't buy there... The people are nice, and are willing to do all they can. because of my other large purchases at the Sony store... So thats my plan...

[Elithrar]

Lost *another* silicone cap. Lost both my grey ones, now, but traded my mediums for a friends set of EX51 smalls.

I've had these canalphones for a few months now, and am starting to sour towards them. Finding them a little too boomy and muddy for my tastes. It's weird; loved them at first, but I'm now seeking something more accurate. Tempted to buy some Shure E2c's or E3c's.

[Doug Gilmour]

Originally posted by arsenalmad10
I have a Sony store near me, they have never stocked or apparently had in stock the X71's so I got them from amazon... As i have done before, i am planning on just taking them inot the Sony Store and asking to get thme repaired there, even though I didn't buy there... The people are nice, and are willing to do all they can. because of my other large purchases at the Sony store... So thats my plan...

Good luck with that... Don't know what to expect though, as you wouldn't have a receipt, so don't get your hopes up.

-Dan

[Asli]

Hey I just got some 71s, and I am very happy with them. The only complaint is the length of the cord, which I won't bother explaining.

It came with a small hard care about half the size of my ipod and also another capsule thing hat seems pretty useless. The big case is too small to fit everything. if it was like a pouch maybe it wouldn't be so bad but the only thing it's good for to me is for holding the different pieces you're not using. It would be good if it was a little thicker or maybe if it was like a pouch.

Sometimes, when I'm not using my new earphones, i put the buds in the capsule thing (as it says so in the box) and wrap the cord around it. I was wondering if this could damage the cord??

[jwc110869]

I agree with the case not being too functional. I could make everything fit, but not in under 15 minutes, so no thank you. I only use the capsule for chord control. Being the cord is a bit too long, giving 5 or 6 loose wraps around the open capsule, then a snap shut has made the length ideal.

[Jackus]

Originally posted by Doug Gilmour
Good luck with that... Don't know what to expect though, as you wouldn't have a receipt, so don't get your hopes up.

-Dan

It worked before... They seem to think if its a sony product, then its ok for them to fix it... They're really nice people there. Anyway, no problems yet, and I'm following the FAQ's, so I should be fine.

[Doug Gilmour]

Originally posted by arsenalmad10
It worked before... They seem to think if its a sony product, then its ok for them to fix it... They're really nice people there. Anyway, no problems yet, and I'm following the FAQ's, so I should be fine.

Good stuff, that probably wouldn't work around here. The guy seemed very picky when I tried returning them...

Good luck with them, also don't get the impression that they will break easily, they will break if you don't treat them properly, but keep in mind since following and making this FAQ I have not had a single problem.. These ones I own now are about 5-6 months old, much better than 2 months that I used to have...

Good luck,

-Dan

[xtreme1sound]

Originally posted by stonehhh5
ah, i just got my black version after the white ones broke, Musical Bliss right now.... mmmmmmmmm

THAT WOULD LOOK REALLY WIRED
If i were you i would get the white one again
EX71SL

[Doug Gilmour]

Originally posted by xtreme1sound
THAT WOULD LOOK REALLY WIRED
If i were you i would get the white one again
EX71SL

I personally prefer the black. I just don't see the need to try to point out the fact that you have an iPod or try and keep a "white theme"... They do look pretty nice, but don't see the need for the colour, not a big deal. Also seeing that I have not found any retail Sony Store that sells them as of yet, I am not about to give up hassle free returns and a good warranty for a different colour...

-Dan

[Mikitty]

Hey guys. I just got myself an iPod 4G and was out around town (after work) last night looking for a good pair of earphones. The top of my list was of course the appropriately priced Sony earphones discussed in great detail in this thread.

I just have a question guys. I'm looking to buy either one of them, so is there any info as to which earphone actually produces a better sound? If it's a tie with sound quality then i'm pretty much going with the 51LP as i'm not very fond of long wires hanging around - it just makes you all the more liable to hook onto something as you are walking. =/

Tim

[jwc110869]

I'm going with a tie because they both have the same 9mm driver in them. The EX71s have a case, some chrome, and a 2 piece cord. Both come with a very small case (capsule) designed for cord control, so I wouldn't be too worried.