Manage updates with the Download AppSony MDR-EX71SL (Black)
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: MDREX71SL
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- If you're searching for reasonably priced premium earbuds, stop here and take a hard look at the Sony MDR-EX71SL headphones.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memory4Less.com | Not yet rated | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/22/2013 |
 |  | In stock | as of 05/22/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Sony MDR-EX71SL (Black) price range: $81.57 - $99.00
- Reviewed by: Nathaniel Wilkins
- Reviewed on: 02/06/2005
The good: Ultracompact and comfortable; included carrying case and extension cord; sounds better than most earbud-style sets.
The bad: Some less expensive, nonearbud headphones sound better; not ideal for runners; cord length and behind-the-neck styling may be problematic for some users.
The bottom line: If you're searching for reasonably priced premium earbuds, stop here and take a hard look at the Sony MDR-EX71SL headphones.
User reviews
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Are you all MORONS?
Pros: I'm sick of reading the complaints about the uneven cord lengths on these bad-boys! READ THE DIRECTIONS. The cords are designedso that you put the left bud in your ear, drape the longer cord around the back of your neck, and then put the right bud in. Tha
Cons: Absolutely NONE.
50 out of 62 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Perfection Purified
by bleubean on February 27, 2005
Pros: Everything.
Cons: The length of the extension cord.
Summary: I am completely THRILLED with these little miracles.
I purchased a Creative Zen Micro and the earphones supplied with it were of a good quality, however, they were large and ...Summary: I am completely THRILLED with these little miracles.
I purchased a Creative Zen Micro and the earphones supplied with it were of a good quality, however, they were large and as a result I was forced to "screw" them into my ear. After half an hour or so my head would ache and my ears burn. I am not a fan of headphones so i decided to hunt down a pairof earphones that would suit me.
I originally looked at the Apple iBuds, but having read a somewhat mediocre review of them I changed my mind. I continued my search and came across this site. I read each review meticulously and made sure i didnt just jump into anything, especially with the price tag. However, having found no other subsitute and becoming increasily annoyed and frustrated with my "old style" earphones, I decided to just get the Sonys.
And boy am I glad I did. The little things slide snuggly into the ear, in my case medium size were correct, without movement or aching. Im actually writting this with them in.
At first when i put them in I instantly noticed the difference...they were strangely comfortable! I kept having to ask myself "are they still in" with constant touching to check.
I then selected my chosen song, in my case it was Gwen Stefani's "What You Waiting For?". The second the song started the hairs on my neck tingled as i heard sounds that i didnt even know were in the song. Words, instruments, everything! I could hear it all. . . . . in comfort.
I proceeded to stand up and move around the room attempting to somehow slacken the little earphones from my ears, but to no avail. They simply wouldnt move. EXCELLENT. I had constant problems with other earphones simply dropping out of my ears because i had moved my head.
As I moved around the room I soon began to notice that I couldnt ear any "background" noise. IE. I couldnt hear the tv and I couldnt hear my phone that coinsidently began to ring. It wasnt due to the fact I had my volume up loud, infact i had it on 8 out of 20, it is the fact they go deeper into your ear and the rubber prevents sound escaping from your ear. With my previous earphones I had the volume on a 16-18 just to hear certain sounds which decreased the songs quality.
The difference between the "in-ear" and "normal" earphones is that the "normal" ones seem to just BLAST the music out at your ear. So you have to make a descision A) turn the music up louder to hear all the sounds etc, or B) turn the music down so you dont blow your ear drums out, thus decreasing the overall quality of the music.
With the in-ear phones you dont have that dilema, the music just seems to be "there" in your head. Not havin to be readjusting the in-earphones is a blessing! I used to become furious everytime i had to push my earphones into my ear, then as soon as i settled again or moved the ")$%*%)£_ things would fall out or move.
I have had the in-earphones in my ears, untouched, for an hour and a half, and it simply feels like they arnt there!! I cant even hear myself typing on the keyboard! These Sony In-Earphones take the hassle out of listening to your favourite tunes and make listening a pleasure!
If you like your music and will only accept top quality then I would recommend these 150%! They are an unbeleivable investment and are simply " The Future".
10/1023 out of 24 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Sony has done it again, powerful bass and clear treble sound.
by tgrees_ferrari on May 22, 2005
Pros: Best buds under $50
Cons: Weight of connector
Summary: I am a music freak, I love it, and I also love these ear buds. Great for 24/7 use. First things first; my ears need the small buds out ...
Summary: I am a music freak, I love it, and I also love these ear buds. Great for 24/7 use. First things first; my ears need the small buds out of the three sizes supplied; they are quick and easy to change. The short 0.5 m lead is very handy with use with an MP3 player with a remote control, and the 1.0 m extension lead is great with out a remote control. The gold-plated stereo plug makes these ear buds floorless. These closed type powerful fontopia headphones make you fell like you’re in a room of your own, where no one could possibly distract or disturb you. The 400 kj/m3 Neodymium magnet combined with a cut of out about 80-90% of outside noise creates excellence.
The only problem I have found is that the connector between the short lead and the extension is that it can pull out the buds due to is weight, so not so good when jogging or fast doing repetitive movements. Bottom line: You can hear your music like never before, where subtle details are brought forward for a lush, complete listening experience.11 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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DO NOT BUY THESE!!! Cheap Plastic, Exposed Wiring issues
by rlazev on May 29, 2005
Pros: Comfortable Buds, Good Sounds Quality
Cons: Cheap Plastic, Exposed Wiring issues
Summary: Trust me. Trust me. Trust Me - Do buy these! I agree with all the reviews that say the sound is great and the buds are comfortable and it is ...
Summary: Trust me. Trust me. Trust Me - Do buy these! I agree with all the reviews that say the sound is great and the buds are comfortable and it is cheaper than the higher rank ones. The issue I have with that is that they ARE cheaper, but, if you use them as often as I do, the cables get TANGLED up and are made of CHEAP PLASTIC and the WIRING GETS EXPOSED and eventually they become unusable. So, not I need to get new ones and pay more. Not so cheap after all. Only cheaply made.
I NEVER write reviews unless I feel strongly and I do. I called SONY and complained and got nothing back from them. Splurge for the better ones, because you're going to pay anyway!9 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Headphones. Sound problems, users fault
by OperIvy on August 2, 2005
Pros: Great sound. Full bodied bass but not over powering. Rich tones. Sounds good no matter what you listen to
Cons: The only con i can think of is the cord.
Summary: Ill start off by saying, I owned a pair of these a few months back but i broke them. It was my fault.
I love these. They sound great, they ...Summary: Ill start off by saying, I owned a pair of these a few months back but i broke them. It was my fault.
I love these. They sound great, they are comfortable, and the price isnt bad at all. I listen to everything from hardcore punk, to classical. The quality is just as high no matter what i listen to.
The chord is the only weak point. If you use a twist tie like that on sliced bread though, you can tie off a reasonable length.
Now for the problems people have been having. Not hearing out of one ear is the main thing. I had this problem with my last pair. Ear wax builds up easily. The easy thing to do is get a slightly damph cloth and GENTLY whipe them off once or twice a week. Also, if you dont shove the extension chord all the way into the headphones you only get sound from 1 side. I had to shove mine in pretty hard before it finnaly snapped all the way in.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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now these are good earphones
by stuffrocks411 on July 15, 2005
Pros: awesome sound quarlity...great bass
Cons: takes a little bit to get them in your ears comfortably, price
Summary: These earphones are great. The bass response surprised me compared to my other sony phones. These earphones really pleased me and i highly recomend them.
Summary: These earphones are great. The bass response surprised me compared to my other sony phones. These earphones really pleased me and i highly recomend them.
4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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great if you want to waste $50...
by Ica7us on July 8, 2005
Pros: good sound
Cons: 90 day life span
Summary: so I guess this is mostly my fault - a year ago I decided that I needed these headphones, and around christmas of last year I had one earbud working, ...
Summary: so I guess this is mostly my fault - a year ago I decided that I needed these headphones, and around christmas of last year I had one earbud working, and the other completely silent. So Santa gave me a new pair, that lasted until around March, same problem. So what do I do? I buy another set that lasts until early july.
you are sitting there, already deciding that I must be horrible to these headphones to make them turn to garbage after such a short life, but if wrapping them around my ipod causes excessive abuse, then I don't know what to do.7 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Same problem, again
by BBurkoth on May 12, 2005
Pros: Great sound, comfortable...
Cons: Uneven volume after 3 months
Summary: This is the second pair that I have owned and after 3 months I'm experiencing the same problem: The volume of the left ear bud is about 30% of ...
Summary: This is the second pair that I have owned and after 3 months I'm experiencing the same problem: The volume of the left ear bud is about 30% of the right. I'm giving up on this product and going back to the cheap $10 headphones that are reliable.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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my favorite headphones so far
by mrfntstc on July 15, 2005
Pros: blocks out subway noise, strong bass, comfortable
Cons: not the crispest sound
Summary: I've always bought the cheap $20 headphones before I got this pair. These are great because they block out most of the subway noise, but dont cost as much ...
Summary: I've always bought the cheap $20 headphones before I got this pair. These are great because they block out most of the subway noise, but dont cost as much as the actual noise-cancelling headphones. THe silicone earpieces also dont fall out like the cheaper phones. The sound quality is very good, if only slightly muddier because of the bass.
I think these are a great deal (I got them for $30), and I sure am not paying $200 for a pair of shures.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Human ear as bass resonator
by brother_05 on July 4, 2005
Pros: Technical specs, do not fall down
Cons: price, principle of working
Summary: Sony claims that the MDR-EX71SL are probably the best portable headphones in the market nowadays.
After so many reviews read, tech. specs compared and models tested I finally bought them. ...Summary: Sony claims that the MDR-EX71SL are probably the best portable headphones in the market nowadays.
After so many reviews read, tech. specs compared and models tested I finally bought them. Here's my objective review. I hope you find it useful.
They cost me 42 € all included at a SonyGallery "real" shop. Be aware of so called incredible web shop offers"; you cannot find them much cheaper nowhere; btw, the SonyGallery online shop does not work and they suck cos they didn't answered my mails (hey, I was a customer wanting to expend money!).
It comes in 4 pieces: the headphones (which alone has a too short cord), the enlargement cord (which in combination with the former is too long), the fragile ear pads in three sizes (if neither of them fit comfortably in your ears you can go and ask for your money back cos the headphones will not perform properly), and a cheap plastic ear bud holder which can be used to wind the excess cable.
The headphones mount a 9 mm driver unit, smaller than the average 15-16 mm driver units of bass-powerful headphones. It does not content any acoustic chamber and the diaphragm is made of PET; its small size and mass combined with high density neodymium magnet performs excellent at high frequency, and probably you'll have to re-equalize your player to lower them (do not forget that high treble volume is what damage ears the most).
Because of their tiny size, they fit "into" the ear (as opposed to "in") completely, but don't wait a louder volume as a consequence.
To fit properly you have to attach one of the provided ear pads, one that comfortably fills the gap between the phone itself and your ear.
This cannot always be done, and if not, you won't be able to hear the bass properly and thus these headphones are not for you.
It's impossible to provide an universal ear pad size, cos nor two human ears are equally sized.
The phones itself do not provide an acoustic chamber, because the principle of working is based on using the human ear as a natural resonator: by closing properly the ear with the ear pads (here the importance of them) your whole ear becomes a bass-reflex system, with a resonating frequency depending on the ear anatomy, and here's why they will sound different on different ears. At that moment you'll hear a rich and deep bass experience not possible with typical bass pipe phones; not in vain it has a cut-off frequency on an incredible 6Hz. Of course if you use a cheap player these phones are not for you.
But note that this bass is much more perceptible in lower frequencies, i.e., you'll find bass in songs you'll never thought they would be sounding so, while in typical bass-coloured music like techno, you'll find not remarkable gain compared to another typical pipe bass phone; so this will probably disappoint you if your looking for a bass-blasting experience when listening this kind of music.
I've used bass pipe phones all my live, being the Aiwa dual pipe phone technology the best performer of them, but now its possible to get together neodymium magnets, OFC cord, gold plated connectors on a ultra-light phone that do not fall off when you run or push accidentally the cable. That is the value of these headphones.
But, and there are always "but's" (not butts
on a good review, there are some "counter's" that should have in mind when buying this item:
1. The bass experience depends completely on the optimal fitting of the ear pads; otherwise phones will fall down, sound plain or be very uncomfortable.
2. Some people may find very disgusting putting things into the ears. I you're one of them, this product is not for you.
3. When the fitting is optimum, your ear will resonate not only your music bass, but everything that hit you: you would be able to hear your heartbeat, your walking, etc.
4. And finally, the price is too high for what it represents. It maximum advisable price should be no more than 30 €.
Best regards
©bROTHER2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: MDREX71SL
- Description: Reducing outside noise for high-intensity listening, the MDR-EX71SL is Sony's first closed type Fontopia Design Bud Style Headphones. Hear the powerful, resonant bass response. Additional features include a super-light in-the-ear design, new, super-small 9 mm drivers which are ultra-compact drivers that produce powerful sound with space left over for the sonic isolation of the newly-designed soft silicon earbuds. Two sizes of earbuds that accommodate a full range of ears, an ultra-high-power neodymium magnet, a hard carrying case, and earbud holder are also supplied. Sony makes listening on the go even better - the MDR-EX71SL.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Recommended Use The noise canceling feature blocks the din on buses and airplanes. Plus, they are portable for easy transport.
- Product Type Headphones
- Series Fontopia
- Weight 0.1 oz
- Recommended Use Portable audio system
- Additional Features L-shaped plug ,
Gold-plated plug Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphones - Binaural
- Headphones Form Factor Ear-bud
- Headphones Technology Dynamic
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Frequency Response 6 - 23000 Hz
- Sensitivity 100 dB/mW
- Impedance 16 Ohm
- Diaphragm PET - 0.4 in
- Magnet Material Neodymium
- Headphones Ear Pads Included
Remote Control
- Type None
Connections
- Connector Type Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included Headphones cable - Integrated - 1.6 ft,
Headphones cable - External - 3.3 ft - Included Accessories Headphones earpads,
Headphones pouch,
Ear cushion Power
- Power Device None
- Battery None
Product series
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Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Headphones - Binaural,
Headphones,
Ear-bud,
0.1 oz,
Stereo,
Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
L-shaped plug,
Gold-plated plug -
Sony Fontopia Headphones (White)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Headphones - Binaural,
Headphones,
Ear-bud,
White,
0.1 oz,
Stereo,
Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
L-shaped plug,
Gold-plated plug
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Sony
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
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