Sony MDR-EX81SL, or something better?

[iMariah]

I've had other Sony headphones, because the Apple headphones sound really bad with my shuffle, but after reports of hearing loss, I've decided to invest in noise-reducing ones.

I just got these EX81's today, as a replacement. I've read good reviews (from iLounge, and others) about the sound quality, filtering outside sounds, etc.

So far, I'm not so impressed. I listen to a lot of diverse music, but a lot of R&B, so I like a deep, rich sound. The sound sounds very high pitched, and with a lot of treble. I can barely hear the bass. I've tried putting them in deeper into my ears, which does help, but the quality is still not so great. If I turn them up, it sounds better, but I'm afraid that doesn't help the hearing loss issue.

Maybe I have to get used to them, because they clearly sound different from my other Sony headphones. Or can you recomment other moderately-priced ear/headphones with better sound quality.

Also, I'm not so happy with the cord and the things over the ears. I just know it's going to be uncomfortable to wear with a hat. And, they seem a bit fragile, not "put them in and go" type of thing, that I need.

Anyone have better suggetions? Or maybe how I can improve these with my usage?

It's funny, because when I had my 15GB 3G iPod, the Apple earphones sounded great, and when I got my shuffle they sounded dull. What about the Apple In-Ear headphones?

Thanks for the help!

[feh1325]

maybe import at a higher bitrate
i use 320 mp3 format and the bass is overwhelming on my rock
the whole sony ex line is notorious for bass, some say too much bass

also, try using the different tips, when i first got my ex51's, i thought i was fit to use the small ones, which sounded fine, then i moved to medium, which gave me a pretty good fit
you can also clean the tips using warm water and soap

[yinyang]

welcome to the lounge :)

you might want to let the phones burn in for about 10 hours, though it's debateable as to whether that helsp, but some people claim it does - just leave the iPod playing overnight with the 'phones in at about 80% volume. i vaguely remember doing htat to my ex71s when i had them.

as suggested above try also experimenting with different size buds.

i'm surprised that the bass is weak, since the 81s are essentially the same as the 71s, which had a lot (actually too much) bass.

there are many alternatives, but just depends on how much you're willing to spend.

good luck!

[iMariah]

Hmmm. It's hard to know what 80% volume is on the shuffle.

But I was wondering, the reports they had about hearing damage, that was at full volume, right? Because, I'm sure they aren't even near 100%, so maybe I should just keep my old Sony earphones, which sounds fine. I only wanted to switch to external sound-reducing ones because of these reports.

It's hard to explain what I don't like about the sounds. As I said, I like music with deeper sounds, and it doesn't exactly measure up. It sounds too flat, yet not dull.

If you have more suggestions, I think my budget would be under $100. I'm a university student, so I'm looking for something fast, simple, yet good quality. These seem too fragile and complicated for everyday school life.

Any suggestions?
Thank You! :)

[iMariah]

Anyone? :(

[Jackonicko]

There are loads of threads on this. There's one on alternatives to the EX71, and the thread on where to buy the Panasonic HJE70 includes a run down of virtually all in-ears below $100.

For what it's worth, I recommend the Panasonic HJE70 as the best earbud available short of going above $150.

[iMariah]

Thanks, but I was looking forward to some suggestions for me specifically. I mean, I'm not sure if I even need in-ears. There is just so much choice, that's why I mentioned my needs, hoping people might now a good choice for me.

[iMonster]

Well my HJE70's were $91 with shipping from digitallyunique.com and came extremely fast. I love the set it up of them and I can listen to my iPod A LOT lower, half way is pretty darn loud. They've definitely saved my hearing since I usually have the iPod 80%-100% volume for every song.