Sony MDR-EX90LP

Summary: I've always admired the EX90LP's older, less expensive sibling, the EX71s; they are the budget-priced street tough. Sure, their mid-range is muddy, their treble indistinct (but at least ...

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Summary: I've always admired the EX90LP's older, less expensive sibling, the EX71s; they are the budget-priced street tough. Sure, their mid-range is muddy, their treble indistinct (but at least present). But they do deliver the beat, the heart, of music, the thing that makes you want to tap your toes, swivel your hips, and dive into and by golly feel the music.

Now along come the twice-the-price EX90LPs, and dang if they don't sound like the EX71s all growed up.

Oh, they still have the fire-in-the-belly of the 71s, that bassy goodness that grips you the by the lapels and compels you to shake various body parts. But the 90s offer something more refined, suggested merely by their look, what with their fancy brushed-aluminum finish that defies the generic divide of all-black vs. iPod-friendly all-white plastic. Pop these babies in your ears, set the EQ to the fabulous v-shape of the "rock" option, and behold a clarity nearly on par with the similarly-priced Shure E2c model matched with a warmth, indeed a spiciness, the competition simply does not touch. Compared to the 71s, the mid-range stand tall, and the trebles don't mind if they develop a bit of an attitude (I like a nice veritable shower of treble, but for those not so inclined, simply tweaking the EQ of the sound source puts a lid on these phone's brights.)

How good sounding are these canalphones? Well, if you told me you were going to use these not as just your travel phones, but as your primary phones for use at home as well as on the road, and I'd be hard pressed to argue the choice.

Sound was not the only thing Sony worked on when it deigned to take the 71s to the next level. Most notably, the 90s, although they are designed to fit snuggly in the ear, sport a 90-degree angle between the portion that goes into one's ears and each bud's primary housing, which housing would appear, upon close inspection, to have a venting that allows air and sound to pass between the housing and the canal tube. Although this reduces somewhat the ability of the 90s to block out external sound, methinks Sony sought to find a balance between noise-blocking ability and thus reducing the ?feedback? one can get from unvented canalfphones when one partakes of such rigorous activities as, say, walking on pavement or chewing gum. It?s a move of which I wholeheartedly approve; these are the first canalphones I?ve tried that allow me to both block out surrounding traffic noise *and* go for a run without having the amplified sounds of my footfalls struggling with the music for sonic supremacy.

Sony has also eliminated the either-too-short-or-too-long conundrum of the 71?s mini-cord coupled with an extension cord; the 90s feature a single cord whose length is just right. Sony does, though, appear to have dug in its heels on the asymmetrical cord length between the left and right buds, the cords? design being meant to be worn behind one?s head. While some have decried this arrangement, it?s never bothered me, and in fact I like being able to so easily discern which side is which, regardless of the lighting.

Another carryover from the 71s is the thickness of the cord. While I haven?t had a problem with the cords of my 71s wearing prematurely, others have noted just such an occurrence. Big of a disappointment as the Shure E2c?s were to me, I do recall being impressed with the feeling of durability the Shure?s cord?s vine-like thickness.

All in all, the 90s deserve a most serious look from those searching for the listening privacy of canalphones paired with all-range clarity and a booty-movin? bass without spending more than a C-note plus tax.

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Summary: I use earbuds with my Ipod and I have tried many different models from inexpensive to near top of the line -= this list includes Sony's MDREX71, Phillipp's ...

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Summary: I use earbuds with my Ipod and I have tried many different models from inexpensive to near top of the line -= this list includes Sony's MDREX71, Phillipp's SHE9500, Shure SE110, Creative , and Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pros. For the price, the Sony MDR90 is excellent and although the sound is not as perfect as the high end Ultimate Ear's unit, it's close enough and also much easier to use and more comfortable to wear.

The Sony's will be criticized by some bass addicts for lacking said bass and on first listen I felt the same way and was ready to return them. There was no boom or chunk to the bass but then I realized that I was hearing the instruments as they were supposed to be heard. The bass was there it just didn't boom - it sounded correct and was detailed and articulate.

I'm a musician and I realized then that the Sony's and the UE's made music sound like it did when I listened to it on my full stereo rig where I use Acoustic Research AR48B's.

The UE's have better sound (I still own them) but they are finicky as to fit and if you lay down on your side or compress the ear in any way, you lose sound on that side. Plus they are double the cost of the Sony's.

On the low cost side, the Phillipp's SHE9500 are excellent but for near audiophile sound at a sub $100 cost, the MDR90 is the very best choice.

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Summary: First, beware of the fake Chinese copies plaguing the web (eBay). Sony only distributes to a very select list of authorized dealers and this list doesn't include all those ...

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Summary: First, beware of the fake Chinese copies plaguing the web (eBay). Sony only distributes to a very select list of authorized dealers and this list doesn't include all those eBay sellers. These crooks buy a 5$ copy to a Chinese company and illegally sell it as if it was the real thing. More details about this fraud: http://wolfgangfener.livejournal.com/71103.html?mode=reply .
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Now about the real MDR-EX90LP.

These are excellent earphones. The sound is well balanced and I don't understand why some people think there's not enough bass. I use these earphones on my Iaudio7 with a flat equalizer, only sometimes adding a tiny bit of Mach Bass (setting at 1/10) and BBE (setting at 2/10. More than that and the sound would not be natural. In short, there's plenty of bass for me.

Now the most interesting thing is the sparkling highs. Out of the box it sounds a bit harsh but a 24h burn-in (at high but still listenable volume, preferably with CDs or lossless files like FLAC) will put the final polish on those already nice earphones.

You will ear things in your recording you probably never heard if you don't already own a pair of high-end headphones. Listening to Iron Maiden (original release recordings, not the bad re-masters) I can ear the noise of the picks on guitars, the shimmering harmonics of the cymbals... While listening to Renee Fleming Handel album, I can almost feel the texture of her lips (yes, a very sensual experience but maybe I have too much imagination). On many orchestra recordings you will be able to ear things like musician shifting weight on a chair or the little squeaks of the floor.

This kind of sensitivity to details is to be expected from a 100$ earphone. What is also expectable from canal phones (or hybrid canal/bud) is a limited soundstage. The orchestra remains "in your head" so to speak. In that respect, the EX90 doesn't exceed my expectation and this is why I subtract 1 point there.

The other missing point was lost because of relatively poor isolation. It is halfway between an ear bud and a true canal phone like the Etymotic ER6. Of course some people may prefer it but when listening to classical music with huge dynamic range (for example Richard Strauss Alpine symphony), it may be a problem in noisy environment.

It is an excellent 8/10 nonetheless.

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Summary: So the cnet review said there was nothing particulary exciting about these buds, but I find great sound to be very exciting!

I recently started a job doing internet research

...

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Summary: So the cnet review said there was nothing particulary exciting about these buds, but I find great sound to be very exciting!

I recently started a job doing internet research that allows me to listen to music during my 8 hours. Add to that the fact that I'm a musician (as a hobby) and I just had to get a pair of decent headphones/earbuds. I was using the Shure EC2's, but they are SO good at blocking outside noise that I couldn't even hear my office phone ring, even at minimal volume. After reading that the Sony's allowed outside noise to be heard fairly well, I figured I would give them a shot. Add to that the fact that Circuit City recently dropped the price to $79...well, I just had to pick them up.

Sound: I actually find the sound that come out of these little buds better than the Shures! Crisp highs, balanced mids and tight bass. Obviously these are not "bass thumpers", but the bass is very tight and certainly present. Better than the Shures IMHO.

Like I had read in other reviews, these Sony's do allow outside noise to be heard. Considering my situation, I find it to actually be quite nice. I can hear the beautiful music and also hear my phone ring. If pause the music on my iPod, I can actually have a conversation with the buds still in my ears. I will probably continue to use my Shures when drumming or on a plane, but only because of their supurb sound isolation.

Fit: Right now I find the medium sized buds to be a nice fit. They are also comfortable enough to wear all days long. Seriosuly. Not so much with the Shures. I also don't mind the "behind the head" cord design. Although it's not my first choice in design, it's not anything that keeps me from loving these.

Quality: Up there with any other buds in this price range. Although the cord is rather thin, they appear to be of extremely high quality. Only time will tell.

Looks: Although some may find the design, boring, I actually find the mostly black w/ brushed aluminum cool and classy.

All in all, if you are thinking about picking up a pair, just do it. I love them, but everyone has different demands in headphones/earbuds. Good luck and God bless!

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Summary: Great for everyday listening and stay in the ear pretty well. Comes with different size caps (which stay on pretty well). I cannot use the ipod style headphones of any ...

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Summary: Great for everyday listening and stay in the ear pretty well. Comes with different size caps (which stay on pretty well). I cannot use the ipod style headphones of any brand because they fall out all the time, so these work great for people who have oddly shaped ears. I use these everyday and they block out most noise. These are not noise canceling, and I was surprised by how well they did. I love how they are actually pretty loud in ear so you do not have to crank up the volume all the way. Overall, awesome product.

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Summary: I researched many earbuds around the price range of $100 and these had the best reviews, so i bought them. After using them for a month, they live up to ...

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Summary: I researched many earbuds around the price range of $100 and these had the best reviews, so i bought them. After using them for a month, they live up to what people were saying about them. It has great bass sound and also treble. I like the idea that sound waves can exit the ear canal unlike the E2 Shure which completely block sound from leaving. This helps lessen the damage of sound waves on your tympanic membrane (i am a bio major).

Also, I like the wrap around the neck. It allows me to workout, do hw, watch movies, etc without worrying about wires in my way. great buy, you will not be disappointed.

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Summary: I really think theese are very good sounding earphones. Theese are the most expensive headphones I have ever purchased. I have never listened to a pair of sure or any ...

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Summary: I really think theese are very good sounding earphones. Theese are the most expensive headphones I have ever purchased. I have never listened to a pair of sure or any of the other higher priced brands. I had a pair of sony over the ear phones costs $60. I'm not sure of the model number but theese blow them away.

I am very satified with the sound quality. I'm not a pro audiophile or dj or musician. I just know how I like music to sound and know what sounds good to me. I listen to mostly classic rock and some metal. I like deep bass you can feel but not to the point of it being distorted or drowning out the rest of the music. I also like good detail in sound a nd clear highs. I love to hear the cymbols. Theese are great for the sound quality. The bass isn't awesome or anything. It won't rattle your head but you can hear it and it there just can't really feel it. But, in my own opionion that is what a home system is for. Get a sub and you won't have that problem. I'm also not too happy with the cord being so short on one side. It's not that big a deal though and would not let that stop me from purchasing theese headphones. I'm using theese with a zen vision m. I am very please with both and will also be posting my opion regarding the zen.

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Summary: Recent business trip to Kawasaki and I was ready to try something other than my Sony MDR EX51s. In the past I had tried some Audio Technicas... but they had ...

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Summary: Recent business trip to Kawasaki and I was ready to try something other than my Sony MDR EX51s. In the past I had tried some Audio Technicas... but they had pretty poor bass response in my opinion. My stock Apple earbuds sound better. Ive had pairs of Sony MDR EX51 and 71s.

I dont understand how other readers are pulling their cables apart. If you handle the product with reasonable care it wont break. Having said that, I do agree *now* that the bass response in the 51s or 71s is a little loose.

I purchased the MDR90s and I am sorry I didnt do it sooner!! They are terrifically built and the clarity and depth of response is also very pleasing. I dont know that Id call these audiophile buds, but I also bought some Shure E2cjs the day before...

I have been listening to my iPod twice as much as I was before. I am now able to hear details in my music that I couldnt hear before... but whats better and probably more important for everyones general ear condition is that I am able to hear more at LOWER VOLUMES. I was listening to Prince, Yoshida Miwa, or Linkin Park at about a 7 or 8 *out of 10* or higher... but I now listen at about a 5 or 6... and Im still hearing more detail.

Well done Sony! Now if you could just abandon that unbalanced, uncomfortable, lopsided cabling system, youd really be on the road to greater sales... *itd also be neat to see some of the technology from these buds trickle down to some lower priced buds.*

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Summary: I recently ordered these earphones to go with my new Iaudio7 *flac* player along with a pair of etymotic ER6 and audio-technica CK7.

The only reason why I got these

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Summary: I recently ordered these earphones to go with my new Iaudio7 *flac* player along with a pair of etymotic ER6 and audio-technica CK7.

The only reason why I got these sony earphones is because I found a very good deal on ebay (paid 35$+shipping for a brand new unit) and I was curious. No these are not the fake sony earphones made of plastic reported on ebay, these are the real metalic ones.

There is a reason why these earphones couldn't maintain their above 100$ initial price level : these are no audiophile earphones.

The EX90 will outperform any stock earphones provided with most portable players but they won't provide a level of clarity of sound accross the whole bandwidth expected from 100$ earphones.

The sound is extremely velvety and warm, some people may like it for casual listening but if you want to be able to distinguish every particular instruments in a classical orchestra, it just won't do it.

High frequency responce is average at best, cymbale's harmonics are completely cutoff.

Actually it kind of sounds muffled and boring.

I would rate it a mediocre 4 for such expensive earphones if it was not for the quality of built and nice leather pouch. A 5 then.

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Summary: I'm using these stereo earbuds in my Creative Xtreme audio notebook expresscard with my Dell 1520 and 1705 laptops and they are tremendous. I really enjoy listening to my ...

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Summary: I'm using these stereo earbuds in my Creative Xtreme audio notebook expresscard with my Dell 1520 and 1705 laptops and they are tremendous. I really enjoy listening to my classic rock music again.

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