Sony MDR-EX57LP/BLK Headphones (Black)

 (17 customer reviews)

Pros:
Cheap Price
Sound Quality
Sony Name

Cons:
Slightly Harsh Treble (see sound quality below)
Bass "Punch" may slightly distort some tracks
Non-Y Style Cord (although this may be a pro for some users)

Sound quality (from a 32GB Zune HD):

Treble: 8/10
The tapping of the hi-hat on the drums in the song Everlong by Foo Fighters shined through with these headphones. On some poorer-quality MP3s, however, there was an apparent harshness along the 6 KHZ range, involving a slightly piercing "s" sound.

Midrange 6/10
There is a slight void in the midrange that is made as a result of the accentuated treble. Although good for house music, hip-hop, and anything else that requires a demanding bass, it may sound as having a "tin-can" effect on music such as classical, jazz, etc. This is my main gripe with the headphone, but it isn't enough to mark down a star considering the price.

Bass 8/10
Both...Read more

After three disappointments - the expensive Etymotic hf5 (no bass, uncomfortable), JLab J3 (muffled and dull), Sennheiser CX300 (left ear DOA) - being a Sony headphone fan I bought the MDR-EX57LP. For the same moderate price as the JLabs, I got the highs back and an overall smoother presentation. No EQ is required with them, which lets me play my Cowon D2+ flat (using 320kbps mp3). They have a fairly even response, and on most material I have nothing to complain about in this tiny size, and price range. I'm very happy with them.

Cord noise is typical for earphones. Cord is the short-left-side-behind-the-neck type.

If you look up MDR-EX57LP on Sony's site it tell you this is the model with a short cord and and extension. This comes with a single long cord. Don't order if you want the extension.