Sennheisers or Sonys?

[seth's appeal]

I'm replacing the default Apple earbuds with either Sennheiser PX200s, or Sony MDR-EX71SLW Earbuds. I've been happy with PX200s in the past, but the EX71s have gotten stellar reviews. Plus, they'd match my iPod. ;)

Where I'd Get the Senns (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=11682&item=5115658390&rd=1)

The Sony Earbuds (http://www.audiocubes.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_30&products_id=387&osCsid=8268e36391854dea9a5c9412e7a18dc8)

So, which one? :confused:

[MikeM]

The Sony's will have better isolation and therefore probably have better sound in louder situations. They are also much smaller- no headband and when stored away.

My guess is that the Senns have better sound if you were sitting somewhere quiet to listen but for on-the-go use, the sony's will probably be better overall.

Also, the senns make leak some sound out which can be bad in really quiet places, on planes, etc. The sonys will be heard by only you.

[seth's appeal]

Most of the use my iPod gets is during my commute, on the bus and on foot.

You sound as though you favor the Sony earphones; is this the case?

Finally, does anyone have any experience with www.audiocube.com purchases?

Thanks!

[Xarthan]

I have both and it's what i use. The only gripe i have about the Sony is that stock they sound kinda muffled, like the music is in the other room. Like the opening isn't big enough, so i did the silver mod and it sounds 800% better.

After awhile I didn't like that "In-Ear" feeling :) so i got the px200 from Amazon, they sound awesome, but only if you put it on your ear right so you get a nice seal.

[seth's appeal]

Darn, now my feelings are as mixed as they were before... Mike swayed me one way and you pushed me back. :(

Anyone able to cast the tiebreaker here?

[Will F]

Go for the Sonys

[enjoilax]

These Sennheisers (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?submit=Go&DEPA=0&CMP=OTC-Froogle&description=N82E16826106324)

[Jackus]

Whats the silver mod?

[usurp]

if you are gonna go for in ear get the Shure E2s

[Aceon6]

FWIW, I hate in ears. Senns all the way, either the buds or the 200s

[Jackson]

Forget all that stuff - go get a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-CM5 Aluminum Earphones - superb phones for Ipod :)

[seth's appeal]

I hope you realize that your opinions are 1000% more valid when you give a reason along with them. ;)

[usurp]

if you are gonna go for in ear get the Shure E2s... because they are cool :D

[Jackus]

I was thinking of "upgrading" my ex71's to Shure e2c's... Is the sound differece, isolation etc difference worth it? Or should I bite the bullet and save up more for the Etymotics (sp?) E6... or Shure e3... Not meaning to hi jack this thread so I should prob shut up now :D

[MikeM]

Its really down to this:

Sony ex-71s- better for portable use [isolation, size]
Senns- better sound

I recommend the sonys between the two since you mentioned bus/foot commuting.

Shures/Etys- better sound and great for portable use :D This is THE option if you can spring $75 and up for phones.



And yes, the Shure e2s are a big jump over the ex-71s. I have both and haven't touched the sonys since I got the shures. I'm sure the higher-end shures and etys are even better. If you're serious about your music and listen often, spend as much as you can.

[crazyu]

Hi

I have the Sony EX71's, Sennheiser PX200, Sennheiser MX550's & I can honestly say from using all three the Sony's really suck! These are the worst sounding earphones/earbuds (whatever you want to call them) I have ever heard. The sony's sound is muffled & has overblown bass - not how the artist intended the music to sound. There really isn't anything good I can say about them.

On the other hand both the Sennheiser models are very good, the PX200 sound really natural & and lighweight to boot. The MX550's need a slight mod - cut a hole in the foam covers (same size as the current one but on the other side) - A very lightweight & enjoyable sound. Don't forget to 'run in' the headphones (I used white noise for about 100 hours each for the PX & MX models), it makes a huge difference to the sound.

Additionally the Sennheiser's make you inconspicuous on the street, no 'LOOK IPOD USER'!

[MCAT]

Just a comment from an EX51 user. The EX71's and 51's share the same tips, so you may not be able to find an exact size. My ear canals or whatever are different sizes for my ears. My right ear is the right size for a large tip, but my left ear is too large for a medium and too small for a large tip to fit comfortably. This problem wouldn't exist if I had PX200's. I spent a long, long time deciding between the 51's and the 200's and I picked the 51's because they're small and convenient to carry around. The 200's are nice since they fold up, but they do look a little odd. In terms of sound quality, the 51's are okay, nothing spectacular in my opinion. I got them because they isolate, and most of my listening is done in the NYC subway. I did find that the isolation is pretty good. It allows me to keep the volume low and not damage my hearing. If I didn't care about looking weird I may have gone with the 200's instead though. Your best bet is to try a place that would let you buy both and return the one that you don't like.