Best in-ear headphones 2014 - What Hi-Fi? Awards

[@peterveer7798]

People who have this Sony MDR in ears are gratefull !!!!

[@root9065]

I have the Sony MDR EX650AP. The sound is excellent as stated. Not quite as punchy base as the Audio Technica CKS55i (which was seismic, really), BUT the sound is far more detailed and the base is warm, mellow and powerful enough to make a strong statement with anything you throw at them. The design is beautiful to say the least, but be aware of oxidation. These are made of brass, which can be prone to oxidation. If you wear these while running, be aware, sweat is salty, or if you touch them with salty hands maybe after you ate something, etc. After 3 months there are visible stains on both of my headphones, even though I was reasonably careful not to put them in contact with salt. I was able to clean some of the stains off with isopropyl but it doesn't go away fully and after a while it seems to come back. That said, the stains do not affect the performance of the headphones, which I can't stress enough, is amazing for the price point. I use them at home mostly, at my computer, since I don't like wearing heavy over ear headphones for extended periods of time (8+ hours). For me the stains are not an issue but if you go out a lot and maybe you'd like to show them to your friends, I guess that can be a deal breaker. In conclusion, I would approve with WhatHiFi's award "product of the year" for these headphones.

[@DerFlash001]

Well described!

[@root9065]

Thanks, yeah, it looks like we have a pair of rusty ones. But they sound freaking cool so there's that.

[@jonybooth]

heard of something called brasso or autosol they will be as good as new if not shinier

[@root9065]

Jon Booth Thanks buddy, will check that out!

[@JagatheesH1101]

root9065 I am an owner of CKS55i ,CKS99i and WS55i. I love the WS55i because they only play the base when its necessary to punch hard. 99i voice detail is slightly veiled. 55i had too much bass. What about the sound spaciousness in sony earphone...Neutral or Bassy? Vocal quality?

[@kevinzeng9606]

Good to see the SE425 getting more recognition!

[@Zenwork]

Based on this review I did buy the the Sony MDR EX650, and I am really happy with them, great value for money, thank you

[@caddyak93]

I've had these Sonys for 2 years. I just bought the new Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 in-ears and the Sonys are still a step above despite being cheaper. Also they're EXTREMELY durable. I've gone them caught on a tree branch while skiing (quite fast) and they still didn't break

[@jc6677]

Wow, just got these to pair with my new Fiio X1ii; On Amazon UK in silver at 24.99, yep 25 quid! (Dec 2016). Really very good - brilliant at this price.

[@jairdabrini]

Still running my Soundmagic E30's as I have yet to find another IEM with the same comfort and soundquality in that price-range. I recently put Rockbox in my Sansa Clip+ and it got so much better afterwards.

[@jairdabrini]

Kingston Preuss yes, until you softened up the rubber cups at least. I need to get new cups I think since they don't stay in like they used to. Thanks for link but dollar is too high atm.

[@onlyyou1974]

It's still worth it in 2020? Considering price was 25 dollar more less in china

[@Anon-21j]

Just snagged these Sonys on sale for 35 quid. Can't wait to pick them up!

[@luf4rall]

my ex450's died and i just ordered 2 sets of 650s

[@djoetma]

How did you like them?

[@dew3163]

As always, I do check up on what Hi-Fi's recommendations and that is how I ended up with the fantastic AKG Q701 headphones. But for IEMs, I do like the Sony XBA-40 paired with an amp or the XBA-3 for pure potability. Wonder what are the views of What Hi-Fi's views on these?

[@Hemshemsems]

I mainly use my Etymotic ER4P and cant really fault them except for the long stem and very crappy cable, but if u want lowend your go circles around them, and they are still fairly pricy and a midievil construction

[@bmiamiwai]

Well I have been a fanatic for portable music since the 80s but since 2004 I have been focused on high end portable equipment. Shure SE500,530,535,846. Westone 1,2,3,and 4, Ultimate ears 5, 5EB, 10, JH Audio 13 and 16 and one and on but my fav for ease of use and hitting deep sub bass is the Shure 846 and for more real woofer sound the Audio Technica IM70.

[@CheesyCore]

for high end ciem i have to also mentioned noble audio kaiser 10, this little CIEM take logitech's UE in the spin.

[@bmiamiwai]

Yeah if your sound is bright and lacking bass. I would suggest Hidition NT6P its bright but it has way more bass punch.

[@bmiamiwai]

For a third of the price of the K10 which I had for a week, I suggest the new Sonys IEM Z5 it is so good and so much fun.

[@colpoinfernaleomicid]

Pioneer SE-CX8 Pioneer SE-CX9 best in -ear ever made. 4-30000Hz extra bass technology and super clear mid/high range. Price 250 $

[@felixthefox100]

I'm glad that unlike computer parts, headphones actually get cheaper over time, the Sony MDR 650AP is only 39 GBP in 2018.

[@ojwojw7072]

sony + earphone aging = the best

[@rajatbansal512]

What should I get Sony mdr650 or soundmagic e10

[@coaldust01]

i just made that same choice, went with the sonys, could not resist that brass, no pun intended.

[@rajatbansal512]

coaldust01 dude I ended up returning sound magic e10 and bought Bayerdynics dtx1010

[@akanimeshdon]

SONY MDR-EX650 versus RHA MA 750i?

[@kingblazeit7671]

The sony mdr ex650 or sennheiser momentum in ears?? I need help

[@denchnificent]

Did you end up buying either one?

[@BenJamin-wb8yb]

What about Sennheiser Momentum in the 100$ range?

[@easycompany979]

Bare in mind smart phones are restricted to 85db max volume post 2013. I own the sony Mdr ex650 and my galaxy s8 strangles there max performance. Connected to my b&o overture there reaching in excess of 100db and showing there true performance. A case of the EU nannying us. If your using with a smart phone i still recommend them at £40. 85db just isn't enough to let these earphones show there true potential.

[@DarkvirusXI]

My favourite is the shure se846

[@aioi3739]

Lol

[@dushenepaulusha7210]

Hayy, where's the Senhaisser Momentum In ear gone ?

[@Omar00L]

The problem the cables are not durable a lot of reviewers said ... didnt last more than 4-6 weeks

[@LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL347]

Is the ex650 the same as the ex650ap? I can't find the ex650ap anywhere just ex650.

[@Thesupercal19]

I think the AP version includes a mic and adjuster

[@LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL347]

ah thanks just got them and i think they are the same because my ex650 has a mic as well

[@XxXsnipzzzXxX]

what in ear headphones for 24 bit flac studio quality can i buy under 100 euro?

[@linoll123]

did exactly that, not my first inears

[@samgv.94]

sony ex650 or Yamaha eph 100 , which are better ?

[@MrJatzeq]

now better is seenhiser momentum

[@Omar00L]

@@MrJatzeq but less durable

[@ozgundemirr]

these or senn cx 3.00s can anybody help? Looking for clear strong mids for vocals and instruments

[@Milkyrade98041]

Özgün Demir I’ve owned the sennheiser cx3.00. They are brilliant earphones, considering buying these or buying another pair of the cx3.00

[@calbancalban]

I DO LOVE SONY AUDIO VERY MUCH AND COMPARE TO OTHERS THEY ARE BEST IN PAPER AND IN REAL SOUND

[@kwanlinus6999]

Listening on the EX650AP

[@muinzakaria9292]

Audio Technica ATH-IM50 IM70

[@tempestjay7865]

Lol the Shure SE425 is definitely not a "fun" sounding in ear. It is however a pleasant sounding in ear monitor.

[@mauiman56]

bought the Sony's and can highly recommend them.

[@caggt8141]

I think that the Bose QC20's are the best... But again... I also love the Creative Aurvana In-ear's (3).. If I had had achance to listent to them, I think I'd also like the Shure's.... :)

[@chaiyawatcheinworakul3264]

Westone um pro 30 :)

[@DerFlash001]

My Sony MDR-EX 650 are rusting -.- The sound is fine, but I don't want rusting ear phones!

[@TAVIII]

how the fuck ddi you get them wet what do you think will happen?

[@DerFlash001]

m80pls They did NOT get wet! If they got wet, they would not work anymore! There is a protective layer on them and if that is gone they rust

[@TAVIII]

Minecraft Flash It will oxidise if it's brass, maybe that's the oversight. Meh. Salty hands will cause it too. That's what happens to metals like this. brass has a protective lacquer. If you care enough you could remove the old and reapply some more but that's normally done to instruments, maybe use some isopropyl alcohol on it. brass is pretty odd

[@jonybooth]

use brasso or autosol gd as new

[@irockgamer2351]

+Minecraft Flash haha , yes my too , i have also the sony mdr-ex 650 , and they the sound is very good , but today the cable snaped , so i am looking for new earbuds , but i don,t know what to buy

[@debashishdatta6548]

SONY

[@lqlqlol]

Razer Hammerhead! NO one have bass like them!

[@ewandroy9220]

We aren't just looking for bass.......

[@lqlqlol]

Do you even know what is 7.1 sound pure like baby ass...

[@ewandroy9220]

Skewer 'a no and by the way you're talking I don't want to. I mean if all you care about is the bass in a song then fine but nobody who knows anything about audio equipment will say that bass is everything....

[@lqlqlol]

If you know anything about audio equipment, like you sayed, why the fuck you dont know what is 7.1 sound ? And no hammerhead are not only for bass I allready told you that they sound on 7.1 they sound pure like baby ass... Learn what is 7.1 and than talk ;)

[@ewandroy9220]

Skewer 'a I do, plus learn how to speak in sentences. You make no sense whatsoever.

[@sowhatitsjustme]

Thanks for info. btw: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

[@goldfinga786able]

Xxc

[@mauiman56]

And wear them to the gym regularly with no signs of rust. Some of you must sweat sea water.

[@kevinoriordan20]

There's salt in sweat. Still shouldn't make them rust

[@kaybrera]

Soundmagics are trash. Don't waste your money on them. Sony FTW

[@tempestjay7865]

You know what's up! Sony FTW!

[@BensonTT]

The Sony EX650 sounds like SHIT! Thanks to your recommendation, I have wasted $70 USD

[@khalilrazak6486]

You must have shitty hearing mate. They sound excellent and push well above their price point even putting some £100 plus ear phones to shame.

[@linoll123]

sounded like crap to me tested with xperia and iphone 6s

[@Jakwob888]

+linoll123 first day it will, u gotta let the earphones 'warm up' by playing them for like 30 mins or something like that. Just put them on play when u sleep and the next day they should be a lot better.

[@calbancalban]

I DO LOVE SONY AUDIO VERY MUCH AND COMPARE TO OTHERS THEY ARE BEST IN PAPER AND IN REAL SOUND