Sony Fontopia Earbuds - MDREX81LPB
Sony MDR-EX81LP/B Stereo Earphones - Black

These headphones are a solid value for the money. After I lost my third pair of spectacular but pricy $150 Etymotic ER6 headphones I decided to go with something less expensive (considering that the only time I actually use them is in the supermarket and on the infrequent airplane trip). The headphones are comfortable, and while the sound quality doesn't approach the ER6's, it's still far better than whatever came with your MP3 player. The included carrying case does a good job of protecting the headphones and keeping the cord untangled but it is a little cumbersome -- large and lumpy. If you're looking for great sound (but not audiophile sound) I would buy these again.
 
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These headphones have great sound quality and the ear piece is very comfortable. Only drawback is the around-the-ear piece does not fit me very well. It seems my ears are too small for these headphones, which is strange considering I have had several around-the-ear headphones and never an issue. Because they tend to fall off, I do not use them for working out. Overalll, a good product.
 
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At first these felt like they were going to fall off my ears, they sort of feel like they are floating away from my head, but then I went running and they stayed put for the whole 4 miles - they are so light, you don't even feel them. Other sports headphones I've used are heavier and eventually bounce so much that they become irritating or fall out. Very happy so far!
 
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After reading many positive customer reviews on the Sony MDR-EX81LP'S I decided to go ahead and purchase a set as a birthday present to go along with my wifes Samsung Z-5 MP3 player. I was so impressed with the sound quality and comfort of these Sony buds that I ordered a second pair for myself to use with my Samsung Z-5 Player the very same day the first set came. I also would like to add that I was very impressed with Buy.com on getting my order out so fast and trouble free.
 
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The "hangers" for your ears are a little loose on me, but my ears might be on the small side. The headphones sound pretty much like my stock earbuds from creative when I squeeze the stock earbuds tight against my ear canal with my fingers. The clarity and separation are better, but the bass isn't awesome. I'm not a bass-fiend, and the sound compared to the original earbuds, when they're just sitting in your ears, is way better. These earbuds block enough noise that you can't hear yourself speak (or ambient noises). I don't love wearing the cord behind my back, but you can get used to it. The chord winder isn't convenient enough to use all the time, but it's useful for transporting your earbuds, so you don't have em loose in a bag with your mp3 player and usb chords and whatnot. overall, these are a good buy. They seem sturdier than the other fontopia earbuds that don't go have ear-clips...that's why I bought these in the first place.
 
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The sound quality of these are great. The in the ear canal designs blocks out noise so well it doesn't feel quite right. Once you get used to that, get ready for an aural delight. The bass is tight strong and clean. However enjoy it while you can. For some reason the latest Sony headphones are plagued with insulation that deteriorates within a month ot two.These are the black ones. I thought maybe it was my skin chemistry since it was happening only were the wires drape around the neck, but all of the material seems to melt. This is my second pair and the same thing is happening. I have friends with the same problem. No value if you have to toss them in two months.
 
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I couldn't be happier with these headphones. The moment I put them in I knew Sony had addressed all shortcomings in previous in-the-ear designs. By sealing off the ear, they transmit far more bass than other designs, and it is clean and very low frequency. The highs are far more controlled, less brash than before. There is brief discomfort in one ear when I first use them, which is lessening with every use - I find I have to get used to every headphone at first. Oh - they are GREAT on the plane. They are not noise cancelling, but they do block about 40-60% of the airplaine noise, and almost all of the (annoying) surrounding conversation. Stop thinking about it and make the leap!
 
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As other reviewers have noted, these earphones sound great, are very comfortable and do not slip off the ear. Unfortunately, I seemed to be between cup sizes. Worse, the cable insulation is made of a very soft material that did not hold up for more than a couple of months. I look something of a hobo with my bare wire headphones. They will soon be in the trash.
 
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I've tried lots of in-ear headphones before, but they always start to hurt after 15-20 min of use. I wear mine while I'm working, so I could have them in for hours, so I needed something that was comfortable. These new sony headphones are more comfortable than the full size ones I had before! They are so lightweight it's easy to forget they are there. Not quite as much bass as full size headphones, but these definitely have more bass than any other in-ears I've tried. I really like them.
 
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Like most other reviewers, I found these phones to be very comfortable. I'd never used "in ear" phones before and was uncertain if I'd like them. Once I got them in and made sure to properly insert them to make an air-tight seal, I was impressed by their sound. I have an iPod Photo 30. They're notorious for weak bass. These phones bring back the bass feel that I was wanting. They tend to be slightly warm in the midrange. I'm not really certain about the "over the ear" design, but I've found it to neither help nor hinder their function. Excellent value and great sound. I'd definitely recommend.
 
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This set of earbuds sound great and are so comfortable to have on for prolonged periods. I already had the older Ex71 and loved them, but they used to slip out of my ear. These Ex81s sound slightly better, but with the over the ear mechanism never slip even when the chord is pulled. For the price they are unbeatable. You would have to pay at least 3x more to get something that sounds this good.
 
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I purchased these to upgrade from the Sony EX-71 which I am reasonably happy with. I purchased these headphones, because I thought the ear clip would keep them in my ears while i ride my motorcycle. What a huge improvement these are. The bass is incredibly full, and the sound clarity at the high end is awesome. B.B. King and Eric Clapton never sounded so good. I would recommend these headphone to anyone who doesn't want to spend $100 or more for headphones. They are a great value, especially for $33.
 
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