Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony MDR-EX81LP Bud-Style Stereo Earphones (Black)

I bought these headphones as commuter headphones and they are excellent. They are comfortable and secure, totally unlike the crappy Koss Spark Plugs I also own (see my review for those). The flexible ear plugs are so comfortable to wear even for extended periods of time. They also do a very good job of reducing ambient noise which is why I bought them. The over-ear hooks make them secure enough for jogging. The wires feel well made - not flimsy at all. The sound is clear without any muddiness; and, with a neutral bias (not too bassy or tinny). If you are looking for commuter/traveler headphones, and do not want active noise reduction, these are the headphones to get.

I was hesitant to purchase these because of the ear loop issue that some have complained about and the so-called lack of bass but have found these Sony's to be nothing but excellent earbuds (especially for the inexpensive price).

I own the Sony EX-51's and EX- 71's too and let me tell you, these are even better than the 71's because they come with a better length cord (i.e. shorter but plenty long enough) and the ear loops. I can't tell you how many times I've jerked my earbuds out of my ears when doing yardwork but these have a tendency to stay in much better due to the soft rubber ear-loops. I have normal size ears and there is no problem with the fit of these. They are comfortable too. I can understand why some wouldn't like having something wrapped around the ear but it is so thin and pliable that I can't even tell the difference over my other Sony's.

Anyone who complains about the bass response of the EX-81's are not wearing them correctly. You need to make sure that they are fitting snugly IN YOUR EAR OPENING not on or around your ear canal. Sony give's you small, medium and large rubber fittings. I need the largest size. Once you get the right size and position (and it isn't hard to place these once you get the hang of it), these are hard to beat for less than $35.

I've read about the cord/cables getting worn out but I have personally beat the heck out of the 51's and 71's for a few years and never had any wear and tear problems so I thought I'd take my chances with these. They seem to be as well made - if not better - than the others too. Perhaps the white one's have more of a problem but I haven't had any problems with the black colors so far.

In short, for less than the cost of a couple CD's or DVD's, you can drench yourself in much better sound than what came with your iPod or whatever. I was ready to plop down about $100 for the Shure E-2's but figured why take the risk when I've had so much success with the Sonys. Plus, if you lose or kill them, it'll be much easier to get over it due to the price you've spent.

I understand "to each his own" but after reading way too many negative reviews of these earbuds, it is my opinion that those who complain are not doing something right.

I'll start this review by confessing my love of over-the-ear headphones. I prefer quality over fashion, but having recently purchased an MP3 Player (Zen Micro), I knew I'd have to purchase a good pair of earphones. So here I am, sitting with the Sony EX81LPs in my ears. Don't worry; I won't be comparing the over-ear phones to these.


Comfort (People w/Glasses Read):

Well, the canal part of the phone is very comfortable in your ear. It's made of a thin, extremely durable rubbery material, neither foam nor fabric. The material makes it much easier to clean and put on. As for the ear strap, I really can't figure out its purpose. My ears aren't very large, so I have to tuck the rubber straps behind them. The images are rather deceiving, giving the viewer the impression that they hold the phones up, while in actually, it's the other way around.

If you wear glasses, you're going to have to take them off when you're putting the phones on. This is because of the rubber strap. You can wear your glasses with the straps behind your ears, its just putting them on where it becomes an issue. The straps are good for one thing however: they force you to put the phones on in the proper position.

Sound Quality:

I produce and mix music as a hobby, so sound quality is important to me. Unfortunately, I have a limited income, so I have to settle between quality and cost. These phones produce a very "warm" sound at moderate volume levels. The bass sounds tamed, toned down to a point of appreciation. They do have bass! It's just not wildly exaggerated. The phones excel in producing ambient (background, low tones) and high pitched sounds (drums, cymbals, strings, etc.). At high volume levels however, the high pitch becomes an issue, being rather uncomfortable. The volume levels are appropriate (depends on the device you're plugging them into). The mid-range tones are just right, producing what's meant to be heard. Position of the canal is key.

Durability:

We'll see, as of now, they appear to be very durable. The wires are kind of slippery, made of a flexible rubber. The phones are very light, you can hardly feel them. One of the earpieces has an extended wire; this is for going around your neck. A very useful feature!

Overall, it's a very good product, not too amazing when compared to Headphones, but for earphones at that price, they're brilliant. Buy them.

I dont see how someone can miss that these phones are canal phones. They take awhile to get used to but for under $100, you wont find a better pair of earbuds. The bass on the MDR-EX71 was too strong, the mid range muffled. The EX-81 tuned down the bass while giving it a more natural sound. Heck if you want a pair of headphones with in-your-face kind of bass get the MDR-E818LP which is only $8. Generally the sound is very crisp and well worth the money.

Also, as with all earbuds especially from Sony, these has to be burnt-in.

You can read all the details of the product in other reviews... I read them before I bought too!

Bottom line...
1. Great earphones - excellent fit in my ears, hooks work, cord (I have the black model) is sturdy.

2. Very good sound quality. I have 4 other pairs of earphones and these are the best.

3. Fit - I run a lot. These earphones haven't fallen out one time, ever.

I bought these. I like these. I think you will too!