MDR-EX90 Mini-review

[mcdj]

Just picked up a pair of the new EX90s at Circuit City (oddly enough, as they're usually the last place to get newly released stuff).

Now, I'm no audiophile, but I know what I like, and these I like. Can I say wow? Wow.

Ok, to be fair, I haven't heard the various Shures, Etymotics, etc., but I own a decent pair of Grados for home listening and have some very nice older Alison CD6 speakers powered by a vintage NAD amp, so I am somewhat sonically aware. My previous ear bud experiences have been limited to EX71s and EX51s, which I've always found to be a bit tinny, but generally listenable, and far better than the stock Apple buds, especially for the money.

Lately, I've been considering getting into something a little higher end, but I've always winced at the prices. At $100 MSRP, the EX90s seem like a steal.

Again, I have no experience with higher end ear buds, but I can say unequivocally that against the EX71/51s, there is simply no comparison.

People often describe the 71/51s as overly bass heavy. I never really felt that way, but now hearing the EX90s, I think it's probably because bass is the only thing the 71/51s does fairly well, and thus they seem bass heavy, without the mids and highs to counter the bass. By comparison, the EX90s are much more balanced. Solid warm mids, crisp highs, rich full bass...it's all there.

The ear fit is identical to the 71/51s...once in your ear, they feel no different than the 71/51s, to me anyway. The enlarged driver portion touches but does not bother my ear. The extended aluminum earpiece sticks out a tad further than the 71/51s, but actually provides a nice flat sturdy spot to push the buds in during initial fitting or for occasional adjustment. Another benefit to the aluminum extension is that it provides something to grab when removing the buds from your ears, instead of grabbing them where the plugs meet the wires, which I'm certain was the demise of the 3 or 4 pairs of EX71/51s I've owned that eventually went dead in one channel. The aluminum also has a distinctive look in your ears. The EX90s are styled much more like Audio Technica or B&O than Sony.

The cord features the same asymmetric behind-the-neck fit as the 71/51s, something which the packaging makes no mention of in words or pictures. This was a relief to find out, as I am hooked on the asymmetric design, and have shyed away from Y-cable buds for this very reason. There is no extension cord, and the overall length is basically the same as the EX51s (shorter than the 71s with the extension). IMO, the cord is the perfect length. It feels/looks a bit beefier than the 71/51s cord, but not by much. Time will tell if it holds up any better than the fairly fragile 71/51 cord.

One thing worth mentioning...the EX90s are a semi-open design. The 13mm driver has 3 small openings on it, which either delivers some bass, or acts as a vent. Either way, this means that, unlike the 71/51s, other people will be able to hear your music at moderate volumes; probably not as much as the stock Apple buds, but more than the virtually silent 71/51s. If you intend to sit next to a stranger on an airplane and rock out, you might consider bringing a backup pair of 71s/51s out of courtesy to your in-flight neighbors.

If you're in the market for a new set of buds and are A.) a fan of the behind the neck cord scheme, B.) happy with the fit of the EX71/51s, and C.) not willing to spend $200 on ear buds, then the EX90s are definitely worth considering. If you think the 71/51s sound OK (which they do), then the EX90s will absolutely blow you away. I'll certainly be curious to see how the EX90s stack up in the eyes of Shure/Etymotic/Super-Fi owners.

Did I mention wow?

-Rob

[Jackonicko]

Haven't seen them online (not in iGearbox or audiocubes) or in a UK store yet, and most seem to say that they are Japan only at the mo.

Metal driver enclosures lead me to live in hope that they'll be better than the EX71 which were appalling.

[bjork]

I just got MDR-EX90 from Circuit City. The cost is $99.99. Slightly cheaper than what it was priced in Jpn. They priced it for $123.90 (in Jpy).

I like the fit so far. I used EX51 and EX81. So this is nothing new to me.

I noticed the bass is heavier. I am more of a bass head anyway,so love the sound. More to come as I test this out.

[SilleeString]

I saw those at Circuit City, but holy uncomfort Batman did they look like they had an uncomfortable shape.

[bjork]

Hello,

I have pictures of the earphone. I noticed that the earphone plays a nice range of mid sounds, but when you play bassy music, the bass can produce warm sound bass effortlessly.

This is my 2nd day trying it out. The fit is comfortable (I am used to the EX51 and 81 fit already). I do notice that the cable slightly thicker than my EX-51. Hopefully this time around it doesn't break too fast. My EX51 lasted for a year before the wire started to strip (earphone still works though).

Can somebody confirm that having a 13.55mm driver matter?

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y212/kloningan_bjork/sony1.jpg

[valkolton]

I can say honestly the 13.5mm vs 15mm vs 10mm vs 9mm does not make the difference in sound for in-ears. It does however for earbud-type earphones...

It is all in the housing design, padding, ventilation, membrane thickness, speaker coil design and loops, driver quality, fittings, adhesive amount and location, cable thickness, and pattern on the membrane to make the sound the way it is. As a matter of fact, the same earphone with any difference of these parameters can have a great effect on the final sound.

Several earphone mfgrs of in-ears (including us) are trying to switch from 10mm to 9mm in order to be more creative in the designs. However, it adds difficulty and costs in the manufacturing process as these things are extremely small electronics.

We are currently using 10mm in Bass Freq, and 15mm for our Remix model. Remix uses a very thin membrane and unique pattern as well to reproduce the bass needed for a non in-ear model. Remix has a 6 micron membrane as opposed to 9-12 microns in the Sennheiser and Apple buds, this 6 micron membrane needs special factories and training to manufacturer.

Sony does likes to experiment with ventilation designs as evidenced by this model, their patents, and the now extinct Qualia line (which honestly did not sound too good to our engineers)...

Our research for the next few years is focusing on using 8.5mm and 9mm technology that uses closed ventilation, this allows us to finally break free of the designs we have been accustomed to with in-ear earphones over the last few years. Look how big and ugly many of the "audiophile" brands are, and you'll see why we need revolutionary technology to enable ergonomic and wireless future stereo headphones.

We will try to make future models of earphones that sound, look, and function great... a very hard combination that takes lots of R&D, as well as trial and error!

best regards,

val kolton
ceo v-moda

[Jackonicko]

That's interesting Val, and it tallies with my experience in that the very best cheap (sub $100) in-ear I've tried has the smallest driver - 8.5-mm.

(That's the Panasonic HJE70).

I wonder whether solidity and weight isn't more important - I remember there was once a fashion for hi-fi speakers mounted in concrete - and it's interesting that the HJE70 and ATH CK7 both have such warm sound, when both have their drivers embedded in a heavy cast/machined alloy housing. There's no doubt that buying a predominantly metal, solid object feels as though you're spending money on something worthwhile.

[valkolton]

The material does make a difference for resonance, etc just like larger speakers, but I would say that the other items (air flow, driver, membrane, housing design) make a vastly greater difference. Like you said, the metal makes a better visual, tactile and emotional feel! But it also has to be ergonomic and lightweight when we use metal... Since I like to run and jog, if the metal is too heavy and compromises ergonomics I'll ALWAYS switch to a lighter material (such as plastic) to make it active friendly, since we feel this is even more important. Luckily, remix only weighs a little bit more than a stock earphone 11g vs 15g, vs the 36g of Shure's plastic E2c.

Here is something interesting - the way we tie the cable and apply adhesive has a greater effect on sound than the material used (plastic vs metal).

All the future and more expensive models we have been working on use metal housings and 8.5/9mm drivers - however it is interesting that we actually had a sound breakthrough the other day with a plastic 10mm because of airflow design of the housing!

We too have made 8.5mm in-ears, and there is even a company in Korea with 7mm in-ears. We will probably use 8.5mm/9mm metal housings in the future not just for the sound, but more for the ergonomical and design freedom.

As the saying goes, its not just the size, its more the motion (air and driver) in the ocean (housing)...

For earbuds though it is a different story - size can make a huge difference and we usually try to go as big as possible for active approved models like Remix (15mm). We will go as small as possible (13mm) for girl and non-active models so that the bud fits closer to the ear like an in-ear. However, we are not sure if we will release this 13mm model in the US because although the sound is great it is not as good for jogging for most males but it is GREAT for non-active use because it is EXTREMELY comfortabe. This 13mm design was one of the first versions of Remix out of many designs and sizes we tried when working to improve bass on a earbud! If we do release it, it will be in one color and be called "Thumper".

val kolton
ceo v-moda

[bjork]

I am a newbie here. This is to Val or anybody

1) What is REmix? Is it a brand?
2) What do you think is the best bang for your bucks in term of in-ear phone? Shure? Sony? AT?
3) Comparing design, performance, and overall, what do you think of the Sony MDR-EX90? Put it in a comparison to EX81, EX71?

Thank u!

[valkolton]

1) I am CEO of a music company, V-MODA, and Remix M-Class is one of our headphones
2) I'd love to say ours! but I'll let that up to the forum users to debate!

Honestly best bang for buck most people would agree is us (V-MODA), Audio Technica, Panasonic, Philips, and Sennheiser. Shure's are very expensive for their good models, the E2C is just not good (read the reviews on all the sites). The Sony EX71 used to be good for the buck a year ago, but the technology has been surpassed in the last year with the new models from the aforementioned companies.

Great place to research is the reviews on this site, and playlist, however our new model Bass Freq has not been reviewed yet on these sites yet I predict it will do very well since we did an exhaustive competitive review during engineering.

3) I cannot comment since I do not own EX90 yet, but the EX71 and EX81 are very old now and do not have the best sound anymore in their class (our Bass Freq is a much newer in-ear model), I am sure the EX90 is greatly improved over EX71, and it should because it costs double the price and is three years newer technology.

Regards,

Val Kolton
CEO V-MODA

[bjork]

Hi Val,

Got chance to view your website and the products. Very nice products and website! The V-Moda Bass Freq appeals to me, since it's the in-ear design. I am more of a bass head and definitely would love to try the ear phone. Any electronic store sells them? Or do I have to go direct?

Why don't you add more color to the Bass Freq? I loooove the blingblingblack color in the remix m. Sweet color!

Does the Bass Reflex produce deeper, fuller bass sound than EX51/81?
It's a bias question I know :d

[valkolton]

Bjork, as other's have said, and we have tested - I truly believe Bass Freq is better in all aspects than the EX51/EX71/EX81. The bass is deeper, mids/his clearer, and it doesnt have a distant and muddy midrange like the EX51/71/81s do. I PERSONALLY worked to engineer and test to make sure of this, since the EX71 and Shure E2C was our two main targets to beat for Bass Freq.

We will have a new product coming out that borrows the Remix's chrome and cables if you prefer this, but right now Bass Freq does come in 8 cool colors! Actually, we cannot use the same cable on Bass Freq because the diameter is too big for the housing.

The new model will cost around $101, and named "Bass Bliss" - yet it won't be out til 3Q or 4Q since we just launched two major products that took a LONG LONG time to make :).

val kolton
ceo v-moda

[Jackonicko]

I would confirm that to my ears, the Bass Freq marks a quantum leap over the EX51/70/71/81.

Like Val, however, I haven't even seen the EX90, yet.

There is a short review of the Bass Freq at:

http://forums.ilounge.com/showthread.php?t=160934

I'd put his Bass Freqs high on the list of 'great bang for the buck' phones. It's a subjective judgement, of course, but I marginally prefer the Sennheiser CX300, and would give the Panasonic HJE70 a significant edge in sound quality, albeit at a significantly higher price.

[bjork]

Not sure what it says...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y212/kloningan_bjork/tech_img1.jpg
and
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y212/kloningan_bjork/tech_img4.jpg

[bjork]

Anybody else experience this?

In comparison to EX51 and Ex81, I found that their mid and high are more balance, not as recessed and bassy. Mind you that the bass is still pretty good. The cable is slightly thicker, hopefully this is an answer to easily stripped cable in the previous EX models.

[IpaqMan2]

I got the EX90s from CC last week. They do offer functionality not in my E3C, EX71, CX300, E888. The sound is very balanced. The bass is not as overwhelming as in the EX71, CX300. They are not as sound isolating as typical IEMs. In fact, they seem like E888s with a ear canal sound tube. They are very comfortable and really stay in the ears during vigorous physical activity more so than all of my other earbuds. There are less cord microphonics.

I prefer the E888s when needing to converse while listening to music, the CX300 when I want isolation and the EX90s for other situations.

[bjork]

I got the EX90s from CC last week. They do offer functionality not in my E3C, EX71, CX300, E888. The sound is very balanced. The bass is not as overwhelming as in the EX71, CX300. They are not as sound isolating as typical IEMs. In fact, they seem like E888s with a ear canal sound tube. They are very comfortable and really stay in the ears during vigorous physical activity more so than all of my other earbuds. There are less cord microphonics.

.

I am glad that you feel the same way as I do. For a moment, I thought I am the only EX90 owner in this forum :D
I do notice that the sound is more balanced compared to EX51 and EX81.
I am still waiting for my HJE70 shipment and then decided which one to keep.
I notice that with the new design, EX90 stays in your ear longer and fits wells (I use the medium sleeve). Do you notice that compared to the other EX models?

[IpaqMan2]

I am glad that you feel the same way as I do. For a moment, I thought I am the only EX90 owner in this forum :D
I do notice that the sound is more balanced compared to EX51 and EX81.
I am still waiting for my HJE70 shipment and then decided which one to keep.
I notice that with the new design, EX90 stays in your ear longer and fits wells (I use the medium sleeve). Do you notice that compared to the other EX models?
The EX90 really stays in my ears. The large driver acts like a lever when I tug on the earphone cord and the ear plug presses upward instead of outward. Pulling on other IEMS pulls them out of my ears. For some odd reason, most IEMs will slowly fall out of my left ear over time. This is true for my E3C, EX71, MD33s, and CX300.

The EX90 design reminds me of an old Sony monaural earphone of ancient design. Old earphones for transistor radios usually consist of a plastic driver and a cone shaped tube for the ear canal. The Sony design had a clear plastic plug angled slightly upwards which helped keep it in the ear.

I really like the EX90 because it lets me hear some outside sound and really stays in my ears and has good sound.

[bjork]

It's weird, must be something about the left ear because the same situation occurs when I use my EX51 and EX81. The left one for some reason easily gets yanked out. Be it from my shirt collar or something.

This does not happen with the EX90. With EX90, you don't really have to jam the earphone all the way down your ear canal to get the isolation.

In the video, I saw that they are taking plastic models of human ears (comes with different shapes) and the EX90 was built to fit in those models with ease.

I heard that they just lower the price for this to $80. Given all the above, I might just keep this baby for spare.

[altopryde656]

Is the change in balance from the ex51/71 to the ex90 dramatic? I always found the ex 51's to be WAY too muddy. Also the treble was earsplitting and it lacked any mid range. They has no warmth to them. However if, these problems really have been fixed i might consider these.....anyone know how the compare with the e2cs?

[bjork]

Can't really say about the e2c. I tried the e3C and don't like quite it as much, comparing it apples to apples. E3C is more expensive but you can't really tell much difference in performance.

Comfortwise, you can put this EX90 forever and your ears are not fatigue.

Yes, the balance sound for EX90 is better than the previous EX's models (The old EX models are slightly colored in sounds....more toward low frequency/bass). EX90 does that without sacrificing the higher pitch (mid and treb).

[bjork]

For those interested with MDR-EX90, they can be found in Circuitcity.com website. Web special price for $89.99.

[Brainhunter]

The left earbud yanking out periodically from the left ear may be associated with the J assymetric design of the cord where the weight of the earbuds are heavier on the left flank than on the right. I'm currently using my brand new RP-HJE70s (got them yesterday). Besides their amazing sound and seal and comfort, I experience the same problem experienced by some in-ear users around these forums regarding the left ear. All of them have reported to be using IEMs with J neck design. The RP-HJE70s come with an extension, and the plug itself adds a certain weight on the cord, tugging on the left ear when I tilt my head up. A minor setback, a solution would be to clip the cord to your shirt, or add a clip to the right side of the cord that goes behind the neck.

[bjork]

The RP-HJE70s come with an extension, and the plug itself adds a certain weight on the cord, tugging on the left ear when I tilt my head up. A minor setback, a solution would be to clip the cord to your shirt, or add a clip to the right side of the cord that goes behind the neck.

I have similar issue with the HJE70, my only gripes.
I am using Ipod Radio Remote and if I don't bother with the radio, I put my Nano in the shirt/jacket pocket and just use the single cord (0.5m) minimizing the weight from the cord.

I still got a wee bit pull from my left one though.

For some reason, I don't feel much of the tug from EX90.

[bjork]

cool,

buyt where can i find this online??

i see alot a japanese sites...

peace

Circuitcity.com has it on sale for $89.99 or you could buy it at the store of course.

[Thade]

Man, I have really been strugglng to find the perfect earphones. I have a couple of pairs of cheap: Sony 51 and OEM CX300. They both have pros/cons my favorite of the 2 depends on my mood. I bought & returned a pair of E2C... I thought they were a bit distant. My current mid level earphones are Westone UM1. I love the look, the fit and the cord but to me the "accuracy" comes across as being harsh and lacking bass. Part of my prob is that I am using a shuffle so EQing is out. I would even get another iPod to take advantage of EQ but I have heard that it degrades the quality. I don't want to settle for mediocre sound so the search continues

I picked up the Sony 90s last night and the sound is absolutely magical (to my ears) compared to everything else I've tried. The fit is great. They don't have killer isolation but that doesn't bother me much. My search for the perfect 100.00 range headphones would be over except for one small problem: I hat the way these things look with the little frankenstein bolts sticking out of my ears!!!! I hate to return these things strictly based on looks but I'm probably going to.

[dmt1]

For the money, I'd recommend taking a good look at the Altec Lansing iM716's, developed by etymotics for Altec Lansing. Can be had for well under $100, and I believe they use the same driver as the Ety 4p (Although the tuning is quite a bit different).

Bottom line is you really have to listen to them and decide--looking at the components, and manufactureres frequency response curves, etc. aren't going to tell you how the phone's will sound; UE and Shure, for example (in the upper end phones), get the drivers from the same place, but they're tuned differently when they receive them, and their sound signatures are totally different.

[bjork]

Man, I have really been strugglng to find the perfect earphones. I have a couple of pairs of cheap: Sony 51 and OEM CX300. They both have pros/cons my favorite of the 2 depends on my mood. I bought & returned a pair of E2C... I thought they were a bit distant. My current mid level earphones are Westone UM1. I love the look, the fit and the cord but to me the "accuracy" comes across as being harsh and lacking bass. Part of my prob is that I am using a shuffle so EQing is out. I would even get another iPod to take advantage of EQ but I have heard that it degrades the quality. I don't want to settle for mediocre sound so the search continues

I picked up the Sony 90s last night and the sound is absolutely magical (to my ears) compared to everything else I've tried. The fit is great. They don't have killer isolation but that doesn't bother me much. My search for the perfect 100.00 range headphones would be over except for one small problem: I hat the way these things look with the little frankenstein bolts sticking out of my ears!!!! I hate to return these things strictly based on looks but I'm probably going to.

I am glad that you can testify how good the sound quality of the EX90 is. IMHO, I would sacrifice quality and function over look. I thought the small metal look is pretty cool. Keep people guessing that's what.

[dawolfda]

I got the Ex90's 3 days ago. I plugged them in and the sound was out of this world. Highs were clear and very crisp (you can ear the lips smack in Meatlofs hot summer night) no background hiss and the bass is just right. But alas the base of the ex90 caused instant and constant pain on my ears lobes.

Very disappointed as I had finally found after 2 years searching found the perfect IEM's

[bjork]

Since EX90 becomes "IN", I figure I posted this to move this up again.

[Dayroc]

hmm for 89? i might try these as well, I am currently using the ATH CK7 and they are well balanced but they suck w/bass also start to get distorted if the base is to heavy in the song. I've had the panny 70's for a while and i totally LOVE them, but they were to bulky and flashy, making it falling out alot.

anyone find cheaper for the Ex90?

[ttundraman]

I picked up a pair today, unfortunately I'll be returning them because of the low volume level. They do fit well and sound nice, but I'd never be able to hear them while running my tractor. I tried them with my 30g Ipod and my Nano.

[redwedge]

I just picked up a pair of the EX90s today in Berlin's Sony Centre for 100

[bjork]

Lastly, I personally don't think that the sound spillage is anything to worry about.

Not only that...after 60 days comparing between EX90 and HJE70, I have to say SONY did surpass my expectation this time. I choose EX90.

[dk0013]

I find I get better bass with the small tips than the medium tips for the HJE70. BTW the extension cord already broke, hopefully the bud's cord will hold up. Anyone have any idea what the warranty is one these?

[Jackonicko]

EX90 for fit and 'staying in the ear' certainly, but still HJE70 for sound, for me.

[Amelie]

EX90 for fit and 'staying in the ear' certainly, but still HJE70 for sound, for me.
Because it is more bassy?

[Jackonicko]

The HJE70 has better bass, certainly, and though the EX90s highs are better than the 71's they are still a bit swishy. Overall the EX90 sound seems detailed but is harsh and not as nice to listen to.

I just prefer the warmth and feel of the HJE70 sound.

I think Sony have found a superb shape for a headphone, but the sound remains merely average.

But it's all very subjective, and some will no doubt prefer the EX90 to the HJE70 (especially anyone who has experienced one of Panasonic's 'clunkers' - as I believe that some HJE70s slip through that do not have the great sound normally associated with this superb 'phone.

[Amelie]

Thanks, Jackonicko, for answering my question.

Now, when you say 'better bass', do you mean cleaner, more detailed bass, or just more bass emphasis?

[Jackonicko]

BOTH

The HJE70 has subtle, well reproduced bass so that a fretless bass note will reproduce properly, or so that a rapid double tap on the bass drum will come over as a distinct double thump ("BmpBmp!") and not as one long slightly wavering muddy beat ("Buh-ump") like the EX71.

It also has more bass, seemingly bringing it further forward in the mix.

Only the SuperFi 5EB compares.

[TheSilvereye]

The Sony are Y shaped or like the 71 and 81?

[TheSilvereye]

The new Sony are Y shaped or like the 71 and 81?

[bjork]

The new Sony are Y shaped or like the 71 and 81?
EX90 follows the traditional Sony's style uneven cord.

[warpdrive]

The HJE70 has better bass, certainly, and though the EX90s highs are better than the 71's they are still a bit swishy. Overall the EX90 sound seems detailed but is harsh and not as nice to listen to.

I just prefer the warmth and feel of the HJE70 sound.

I think Sony have found a superb shape for a headphone, but the sound remains merely average.

But it's all very subjective, and some will no doubt prefer the EX90 to the HJE70 (especially anyone who has experienced one of Panasonic's 'clunkers' - as I believe that some HJE70s slip through that do not have the great sound normally associated with this superb 'phone.

Definitely subjective, I definitely prefer the EX90 to the Panasonics, I don't know if I heard the so-called clunker but I prefer the frequency balance of the Sony's at the cost of refinement in the upper register. The Panasonic sounds more uneven and for me that distracts me.

[CommanderZero]

ive had a listen to the e2c's, e3c's, superfi.3 and superfi.5 EB, and IMHO the EX90 blows them all away. the e2c were very muffled compared to the EX90's w/o as much detailed high's or exact lows, the e3c's to mean just sounded like a fairly clearer sounding version of the e2c's, the super.fi3 just sounded like....very horrible. the superfi.5 EB's were very extreme in the bass, they sounded like they were covering up the highs. very painful on the ears as well. also cant go wrong with a $50 deal for these from a headfi member...though that was after i payed $99 just to test these...but returned them, knowimg i would find a deal someday.

[fcng]

I'm in the market for headphones and stumbled upon the EX90s. I had the EX71 and 888 before and very satisfied with them in terms of sound performance. The EX71 cord was a major drawback. The soft rubber used only lasted me 7 months before inner wire was exposed. Is the EX90's cord material the same as the EX71s? If the material is the same then I'm off to finding another headphone. Thanks for your time everyone.

[CommanderZero]

well while i was testing the earphones, i noticed the ex90's wires wernt made of the same rubbery, strechy rubber that the ex71's were made of. the wire was very solid.

[gabev29]

I just bought the MDR-EX90 they are just what I was looking for they sound Great!!!
I bought the Shure E2c and E3c and they both were missing the bass. The Sound isolation on the MDR-EX90 isn't as good as the Shures but it doesn't effect how they sound like the Shure's. And plus I like to hear a little bit of whats going on around me. I listen to RB & Hip Hop and these sound great. The Bass is nice and Mids and Highs sounds clean. And they fit and hold really well in my ears. Don't feel like they will fall out when im at the gym. The Dude that said they LOOK LIKE FRANKEN STEIN BOLTS had me rollin!!!!! They do look just like that. But its doesnt bother me at all. Just let people know that you are listen to music. I think these are going to be a keeper

[TallPaul]

Another recomendation to the MDR-EX90.

Cheapest price I found in the UK was at Dixons at Heathrow airport.

Clarity is superb, no complaint on the bass, its plentyful and well controlled.

Sound best when after a few days I think, definetly sound better now than when I bought them.

Very sensitive headphone as well, easy to drive, good fit/isolation worked well on a plane and plenty of volume left if needed.

Lop-sided cord is ok, means I can put right phone in correct ear in the dark... might not be to everyones taste I suppose.

Great buy, if you can find them at a sensible price, which is s shame in the UK as the Sony Centers seem to be the only ones with stock and charge obscene markup on these 'phones.

[Jackonicko]

How much at Dixons LHR?

[TallPaul]

How much at Dixons LHR?
£59 I think.

Local Sony Center wanted £80!