Question about MDR EX71s and EX90s

[comfortably num]

Okay I need new earphones for my iPod, the stock ones aren't very good (or is it just me?)

I was thinking of getting EX90s because I hear they are good quality, but I also heard they leak a lot of sound, so then I read that the earlier EX71s have very good isolation.

So here are my questions (in numbered format, yeay!)

1) Are the EX90s excellent sounding, as in I will notice a difference between the stock earbuds? I know they aren't like $400 ones, but will I still be impressed?

2) Do the EX71s sound good (not as good as the EX90s, but still good, better than the ibuds?) and (important) do they have good noise isolation, as in they are known for it?

Basically, I am thinking of buying a pair of EX90s for home use or what not so that I have really good sound, and then buy a pair of EX71s for school, plane, ect so that they have good isolation so no one can hear me! If anyone has answers to these questions I would be very thankful, and if you have any suggestions I'm open!

[Jokieman]

#1: Yes. For the $100.00 price point you may also consider Westone's UM1s and V-Moda's Vibe as well.

#2: Avoid at all costs. visit Amazon and read the reviews. The EX51s and EX71s both suffer from cord disintegration after a couple of months. They are of extremely poor build quality and are not recommended... And they don't sound so hot compared to others in their price range (like the Sennheiser CX300s or Creative EP630s)

[comfortably num]

Well I like those Vibes, but I can get the EX90s on eBay for much cheaper, so if you think they're about just as good I'll go with those.

What would you recommend in place of the EX71s for noise reduction, assuming I was correct in saying the EX90s don't have good isolation?

[Jokieman]

Well I like those Vibes, but I can get the EX90s on eBay for much cheaper, so if you think they're about just as good I'll go with those.

What would you recommend in place of the EX71s for noise reduction, assuming I was correct in saying the EX90s don't have good isolation?


Either the CX300 or the Creative EP630 will offer as much sound isolation as the EX71's. They aren't completely isolating, but they do well enough. For extreme isolation You'll want to check the Westone UM1s.

[comfortably num]

Hmm I like those cx300. How do you think they sound compared to the EX90s?

[Jokieman]

Hmm I like those cx300. How do you think they sound compared to the EX90s?


I like them, but then I own them. :P

[bjork]

Did you consider Panasonic HJE70? They have awesome bass sound and good isolation (better than EX90). They are priced at $100... if you can find them sold anywhere. The best place to buy is pricegrabber.com

[urbanlegend]

#1: Yes. For the $100.00 price point you may also consider Westone's UM1s and V-Moda's Vibe as well.

#2: Avoid at all costs. visit Amazon and read the reviews. The EX51s and EX71s both suffer from cord disintegration after a couple of months. They are of extremely poor build quality and are not recommended... And they don't sound so hot compared to others in their price range (like the Sennheiser CX300s or Creative EP630s)


FWIW, the last pair of EX71's I bought (probably around 6 months ago, before I purchased Shure E2C, which I love) did NOT have the cord disintegration problem. I think they fixed that particular issue.

I'd recommend the E2C over the Sony.

John

[Jackonicko]

Of the phones mentioned so far:

E2C - good sound (B), poor comfort (D), some build issues (C), great isolation (A)
EX71 - poor sound, with muddy bass and sibilant highs (E), excellent comfort (A), great isolation(A), very poor build quality (D)
EX90 - Good sound (B), great comfort (B+), unbeatable security in the ear (A), fragile Y-joint means that the LP is a must - or baby the SPs (C), medium isolation (C)
HJE70 - Lovely warm sound (A), excellent comfort (A), security in the ear inadequate for violent head movement (C), great build quality but some poor examples (poor QC?)
Vibe - Great sound (A), great comfort (A), light in the ear, chrome have tangle free cords, isolation better than EX90 (B), less isolation than E2C
CX300 - Good sound (B), great comfort (A), poor quality control and widespread fakes and counterfeits (C-), good isolation (B)