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Sony MDR-EX500LP Vertical In-the-Ear Style EX Style Headphones
Product: Sony MDR-EX500LP Vertical In-the-Ear Style EX Style Headphones Review. List Price: $129.99 Amazon Price: $81.87 Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available |
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Vertical in-the-ear style for wearing comfort - Multiple layer diaphragm and newly developed 13.5mm driver unit for reproducing high resolution sound
- Color: Black
- Brand: Sony
- Model: MDR-EX500LP
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 2.00″ h x 3.50″ w x 5.50″ l, .35 pounds
Features
- Sound tuned by hand for best sound
- Constructed with metal material to minimize vibration
- New hybrid silicone type earbuds for better sound, more comfort, and secure fit - three sizes (S, M, L)
- Leather carrying case
- Cord adjuster
Nice upgrade from the Sony Line
I use a few different MP3 Players including a Sony S Series, but also own a couple of i-Pod products and a Zune. In the past my favorite mid-priced earbuds where the Sony MDR-EX90LP which I thought had a slight edge over the SENNHEISER CX500’s. This set has Chrystal clear clarity, outstanding Bass and outstanding highs. Honestly these are the most articulate set of earbuds I’ve used, and with the price ranging from well under $100.00 I would recommend this set to anyone.
Over all outstanding Bass and clarity with very articulate definition make these new earbuds from Sony a must have.
OVERLOOKED JEWEL
All too often, we overlook a brand, caught up in the most popular, newest, or whatever else. I have dismissed sony in ear models from the start. I purchsed the ex 300 series on a prompt from my wife to give them a shot. I liked them so much, I ordered these from amazon a couple days later. These ex500 are great as well, The price difference on amazon is about 35 dollars between the two models. The differences are minor. The overall build seems a tad better. The sound is quite similar, with a touch more detail and soundstage. Both are great choices at their price points. If you want a small inprovement in sound, and what at least looks like a slightly better build, go with the ex500. I never thought I’d say this, but these are a toss up, when compared to my shure se 115. Too close to call, The sony’s are a quicker fit. Shure gets the build quality nod. As far as the sound goes, like it’s little sibling the ex300, the sound is nicely balanced. Solid bass, without overpowering. A slightly more revealing set than the ex300. Some say too much treble……..Not to my ears. more like dead on. I think the price differnce between the ex300 ans ex500, are right in line with the sound improvement. If you think a double in price makes a double improvement in sound, think again. The 35 dollar price difference, im my opinion is justified.
If you love your ex300’s and don’t find them lacking, stick with them. At the prices they sell for, both are at the top of the value ladder for iem’s. The shure se115’s don’t cost much more, and the warranty is much better. If I had to pick one pair between the ex500’s and the shure se115’s……i’d flip a coin, they are both great values, and take it from my wallet and ears, sound improvement after this price point is the start of diminishing returns. You really get a nice musical presentation, Not a better set for under 100 dollars.
Great sounding but not without trouble
I have been a fan of Sony headphones for quite a while. The sound quality is pretty stellar - and there are better reviews than mine if you want to get technical. However, my impressions are still worth mentioning.
I remember when I got my first pair of MDR 70 buds and was taken by surprise when I found that the sound quality was simply amazing. It was comparable, and depending on what I was doing or listening to, better than my MDR VJ700s. Eventually, I wore them out and tried some of the new models, hoping for something that carried the feeling of awe that I felt listening to the first pair. None of them, even the mid to high end sets, sounded vastly different. Sure, most of the models were just as good, but some were worse, and found some of the high end models generally disappointing. As the years passed, I grew accustomed to the sony earbud sound quality, was fairy happy with them, and stopped looking for something new and wonderful. The MDR 500s took me by surprise, broke me from my trance, and filled me, once again, with feelings of awe that I had somehow forgotten.
Durability
The main problem I have with the buds is that they simply aren’t built for wear. Right out of the package, the right earbud drops to less than half volume if the cord twists just a smidge - The issue lies somewhere underneath the plastic Y divider on the cord. My biggest complaint, in trying to resolve the problem, lies in the difficulty I have had in attempting to contact Sony. Attempts to reach them through their website have been futile - they didn’t even have the MDR 500 listed on on their support so I couldn’t submit a problem report. (Of course, I will try again and hope for the best - a replacement that I don’t have to fight for. If that fails, I will eventually get through on the phone.)
My expectations are similar to that of all other sony buds - If you get a flawless pair and treat them right - they will last a year or more - many years, if you are diligent. If you get a dud, they won’t more than a couple months. (It has only happened to me once, so it isn’t fair to base my opinion on this, but it can happen - I had a pair where the rubber disentegrated 2-3 months after I started using them.)
If you wear them 5 days a week, wrap them up nicely when you put them away (a couple times a day), they will probably start to fail in 6 to 12 months. I use mine daily, treat them well, and wear them out regularly. All of mine have failed due to cord problems - approximately 40% lose contact with the plug, 40% fall apart near the Y, and 20% lose contact somewhere within the bud itself.
A reasonable expectation of headphone lifetime is 6-12 months under normal wear and tear conditions. I would definately consider a new brand/model if they were more durable as long as the sound quality and price were comparable. I have yet to find anything worth mentioning.
The bottom line:
If you own an ipod you won’t get much benefit out of these buds. Most mp3 players aren’t capable of producing a signal that brings out the excellent sound on the MDR 500. Stick with the low end models (30 or the 70 series) and you, quite literally, won’t know the difference.
Nevertheless, the sound quality of the MDR 500 is outstanding and it is definately a good value when paired with the right sound source. If you know you want a 300+ model and are having trouble deciding whether the more expensive drivers are worth it, or even if you intend to use them a lot, try the 300s first and upgrade down the road. While I don’t have a pair of the 300s I am betting they sound almost identical to the 500s. An added bonus with the 300s is that you won’t feel quite so upset if you buy a new pair next year. On the other hand, when it only costs $25-$30 more for the 500s, you might as well splurge.
I recently bought a Razer Naga and was convinced of the quality of their mice. This is definitely a Razer mouse. Things you expect like a braided cable for wired mode, solid construction and the soft matte finish on the top with glossy sides are all there.
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