I got my 20GB iPod early this week and wanted something better than supplied buds. I went with the $20 Koss plugs and they suck big time. Absolutely no bass at all. The original Apple buds are far superior. I just ordered the Sony MDR-EX71's for $55 all together. I am hoping I am not wasting my money.

I think it's safe to say that the Sony EX71's are infintely better than those Koss plugs.

I just received my Sony EX71SL headphones a couple of days ago from Hong Kong and I love the little things. They are so much more comfortable than the Apple earbuds and the sound is much better. Haven't tried the KOSS, but I've read a bunch of bad reviews from Ipod users.

Headwize has a very good article on moddding the Koss earplugs cheaply to maker them soun much better. I did it and they are much less bassy and have clearer highs. Link
Also they are a set of phones that really need a long break in period. I had to let them run for about two days straight befoe the sound loosened up.

Quote: Originally posted by rtimmel
Headwize has a very good article on moddding the Koss earplugs cheaply to maker them soun much better. I did it and they are much less bassy and have clearer highs. Link
Also they are a set of phones that really need a long break in period. I had to let them run for about two days straight befoe the sound loosened up.

That's a crazy Mod!
I'd rather spend the extra money on a good set of phones.........

It's really not that big a deal. Took about 20 minutes (though I didn't do the hairdryer thing; seemed to easy to screw up).

The problem with buying better phones is that the only good high-isolation phones that I know of are the Etymotics, and I can't bring myself to spend over $200 for headphones.

Where can you buy Sony MDR-EX71's for a good price? Any suggestions?

Quote: Originally posted by Goran
Where can you buy Sony MDR-EX71's for a good price? Any suggestions?

Geez, I wish I could remember. But I'm not a home right now and don't have access to the receipt. Do a forum search though and you'll find the place. That's what I did. I do know they are located in China.

Also, as for the Sonys, I use them when I mow the lawn and they are fantastic. They don't cancel out all the lawnmower noise, but they do a great job of muffling a lot of it. I'm thinking of getting another pair actually.

Give it a few months and I'm sure they'll filter through to the US (along with all the discount shops). The Koss with the mod sounds better than the EX, but the EX isolates better.


If you don't feel like spending $200+ for decent in-ear phones, the Shure E2 is one option.