Sony MDR-XB300, MDR-XB500, and MDR-XB700 Extra Bass Headphone Review

[@MaahirMomtaz12]

These were the king of bass headphones for the time, the XB1000s are to this day the largest headphones ever released in the market

[@SkilledPepper]

The bass is much stronger, the driver in the XB700 is 50mm while the 500 is 40mm. There isn't too much difference in the high, more so in the mids. One can tell the difference between the two using a blind test, the XB700 has a much more full sound, it's just more rich. The XB500 are by no means a bad set of headphones - if you get them you won't be dissapointed, but I do think it's worth the extra money to go for the XB700.

[@FortMetallica]

I have MDR XB500s and I must say, these things are pretty kick ass ESPECIALLY if you love rap, hip hop, dubstep, etc. Even makes classic rock, alternative rock, and heavy metal stand out. Very loud, but not loud to a point where it annoys you. I snagged mine for 40 bucks and I ABSOLUTELY love them, I definitely suggest them to anyone who love heavy bass and clear frequency.

[@andrewparfianowic9880]

These sound wonderful through the entire sound spectrum. I have used these for music, movies and games and the sound is nice tight and very full and warm. I am speaking about the xb700 these truly sparkle. And the comfort is top notch.

I own xb 500's and they are as new as they were 3 years ago. Awesome sound awesome base... value for money bought them in canada they protected me from cold too...

[@doniachlay]

AâŠîm Sakharkar bought it in USA 4 years ago. the earbuds really protect me from cold too :)

[@SkilledPepper]

The step up in quality between the 700 and the 500 is well worth the price gap in my experience, although the step up in cost between the 700 and 1000 isn't justified by the difference in quality. All in all, I'd recommend the 700.

[@NorJeber]

Actually, since the XB700 are 50 mm in diameter, they DO need to burn in. I own the XB700. I remember they were so shreaky when listening to synthpop, but after 4 months of constant usage, they sound great. NO harshness in the highs at all.

[@Satyajit_Dey]

Hi, I am using XB300 for quite sometime now. Atfirst when I got these I can clearly hear that the mids and high are off and unbalanced but Bass was good and didnt muffle. When I hooked up these with my creative x-fi soundcard and did some twikes (Crystalizer to 80%,Treble to 90% & Bass to 65%) I was amazed. The High Medium ranges problem cleared up and is remarkbly good of what I have hear so far, and it didnt crack or distort in high volume (90% more hurts), sounded much more balanced now.

[@MattisProbably]

I was using the XB700 fpr about 4 years now. I got it online for 45€, considering the MSRP that was pretty good! Sure, they don't sound perfect. But those "truck tires" are insanely comfortable! You can wear them for hours on end. Some times I even forgot that I was wearing them^^

[@RPGWiZaRD]

I also came to the same conclusion as you, I prefer XB500 over XB700 and XB500 also responds VERY well to EQing, boost the mids and highs a little and I'll sound great on the whole spectrum.

[@Karma3500]

if your looking for base, go with the 500's, trust me. You can get em for 53 bucks on amazon and it is DEFINITELY worth the small price hike. I just got mine 2 days ago and i gotta say they sound a little better than the studio beats ($300 popular headphones), everythings alot clearer. Seriously though go with the 500's, the quality you get for the price is just absolutely amazing, i could go on forever lol. The 300's on the other hand, they pretty suck all around lol

[@tatsumaru12345]

The xb500s, I bought those in 2012 for 50$ on amazon. I bought a 250$ audio technicas that people seemed to worship, but I HATED them. Sent that back to amazon pronto. 0 bass, and muddy midrange. And the xb500s beyond the slightly extra bass, was much closer to flat. Still use them to this day. Loveeeee them to death. Bought the xb300s from walmart back in 2008 or 09. I forget now. Very much so true about not being flat at all. Highs were very harsh. One of the cones actually started vibrating slightly, and gave them to a friend. Always was curious about the xb700s and xb1000 series.

[@jaydonnell]

BrysNightWorld I bought the xb500s for 50 on Amazon and the xb300s for 30. It blew my mind when I broke my xb500s and went to go buy another pair just to see they had gone up 500% in price. That was like 4 years ago and they have maintained that price point since.

[@ultraman8899]

Thanks, your recommendation is always spot on for me. I went listening to all of them and bought the XB500 for xmas gift.

[@ResilientME]

Try the Ultrasone PRO 2900 if you get a chance, I don't think your be disappointed. They have a bass boost, but the bass never intrudes, and I find them to have the perfect mix of warm and coldness that allows them to do every genre justice.

[@planeguy3223]

@8charvat In my opinion, the 700s are amazing headphones. I hardly use the EQ at all and with just my ipod and no amps, they can get pretty loud. Still not ear-bleeding loud, but loud enough were it can get extremely uncomfortable.

[@jasonroberts8416]

Since buying XB500's in 2012 I've replaced the ear cushions 3 times and it's interesting how much the sound changes when the cushions are worn vs new, the worn pads expand and don't seal as well around your ears which reduces the bass but dare I say it's in a good way? They sound much crisper & the extra boosted area of the bass is now reduced but you still get plenty of deep bass extension. On the other hand if you've never replaced the cushions and they're worn (Shiny pleather coating has flaked off & they're visibly expanded) you should replace them so you can trip out on how much different they sound when there's a proper seal. Replacements are cheap & it's really easy to do.

[@JAMOnffc]

It's definitely worth the extra money in my opinion. You get much better vocals, it's more comfortable on your head, and a bigger variety of bass. 500s have more punchy bass (only a little) :)

[@qpmkro]

i got the xb500 and i am extremely pleased, the music i listen to sounds amazing, the bass is there if you want it and games sound perfect. Very happy with my purchase.

[@Mrtechsauce]

Had the xb500 for years. They don’t handle lows well over time. The left side is fading out and crackles on both sides with even low volume. But when they were new. Best headphones

[@RPGWiZaRD]

@jerrege These are extremely efficient and won't improve much at all by amping, I've even tested them out of a cheap source such as FiiO E5 and it sounded even worse and not so much better of Gary's PA2V2 either! But then out of my ZO Personal Subwoofer amp (which can be used without any bass boost like I am) and it sounds lovely but this amp is not your standard amp though but this one also costs like twice as the headphone though.

[@doom3214]

Showing the kids who do headphone review who's the boss, you one of the best reviewer out there !

[@mathesar]

Still using XB500's today and love the sound, Bought them at a Best buy in town for $79 back in 2012 I also own a pair of Sennheiser HD 280 Pro ($99) but I find the Sennhesier's bass output so lacking I just use the XB500's for everything anymore, I'll give the Sennheisier a slight nod for overall crispness in the mids & highs but without the bass reinforcement it's just weird / not as enjoyable, they're also not even remotely as comfortable to wear vs the XB500s, I mainly use XB500s on my PC and have a mild EQ adjustment set globally to lower midbass range a tad which helps bring up the mids / highs (Equalizer APO + Peace interface add-on).

[@Patrick73787]

I had 3 XB-500. I have 2 remaining. I used the 3rd one as the subwoofer into my Roccat Kave XTD 5.1 Analog headset. Basically I removed the vibration units that receive the subwoofer channel into the headset and replaced them by the XB-500 transducers and it works very well.

[@RoMee651]

Thanks for the great comparison, straight to the point and no useless crap like other reviews. I was looking for a cheap basshead headphone and I wasn't sure which of these 3 model sounded better. I'll probably go for the 500.

[@Lihaschu]

only a true reviewer can ignore his own preferences and review a product from the point of view of a different target group. great job! :)

[@McKack]

I love the XB500s - best gosh darn dang headphones I've owned so far. Unfortunately the cups are starting to show some wear and tear :( The thin rubber layer on the foam is starting to flake off around the ear area. These would have been perfect if the cups were fabric instead!

[@rafograph]

You can buy replacement pieces on ebay.

[@AGFuzzyPancake]

Haha. I'm glad i bought the 500's then. Anyway, superb review man! Very in depth on sound quality which is a great change compared to most of the other video reviews out there.

[@HulaBoy75]

Great review. I got the XB300's but decided on the 500's partly from yours and other KZbin reviews. I'm not disappointed! The 500's sound is a lot richer and clearer. Nice deep bass and very good Mids and Highs. They're great both at home & whilst out and about as they sit quite neatly against the head and for the size don't appear too bulky. If you get chance I'd love a review on the Denon AH-D310 headphones. Also, are you Owen Wilson's Dad?! Ha ha.

[@InnerFidelity]

@steelerfanj Well ... these headphones are sort of "muddy" by design. If you want something clearer, try the Creative Aurvana Live!

[@quinonezes86]

Great review innerfidelity. Keep up tthe good work. Thanks.

[@FrankSpijker]

correction there are 4 sizes there is also a MDR-XB1000

[@fitimio001]

@KashgroundTM Its because the 700's have a 70mm driver, and require more power to push, compared to the 50mm driver on the 500's. If you have a amp, the 700's would be better sound wise.

[@HeyLookaSandwich]

Thanks a lot^^ I have read so many comments about the 500s beeing better. Nice to know that the 700s are better :)

[@Precisionz24]

Yay! thank you good sir with aiding my choice, got the 500s and have to say, best headphones for "xb".Im backing up your opinion my man, nice review.

[@Muffincaek]

Good review by the way, i'm using the Xb300 now and is about to place an order for an upgrade but i couldn't make up my mind, now i do, Xb500 it is.

[@eltocliousus]

Got the 500's myself, glad I did too seeing as they seem to be the best! Great review!

[@BrianMadolid]

I remember having the MDR-XB500 headphones, really comfy pair of cans, unfortunately I sold them (only after about a month) to get a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-ES7s, unfortunately after that though, the cable snapped from excessive strain (idk how) and the right driver wasn't playing anymore, never had a chance to send it back via warranty, a few years later (late 2012) I bought the Sony MDR-V55s, pretty good set of cans imo :)

[@NickSparkss]

I'm rocking the XB500's right now, I really enjoy these. Super comfy as he said, the ear cups are like pillows. For the price, if a bass heavy headphone is what you're looking for, these are the best value for your money.

[@InnerFidelity]

@BennoAndMagic Go for the V-Moda Crossfade LP2 (not the LP)

[@ScGendo]

I have the 500 and are really good, i like bass and these are just excellent for that plus i can wear them for hours and forget i have them on, only drawback is that they look kinda big to wear them outside but still can't settle for anything smaller :)

[@InnerFidelity]

@Taylor5600 Just got to hear them a few weeks ago and thought the XB500 was better.

[@sennakurosaki]

Hi there Taylor! First of all I really like your professional and detailed reviews on many different headphones. But I found that the prices you mentioned for these items were not quite correct. The Sony MDR-XB500 is 45€ (60US$) and the Sony MDR-XB700 sells for 80€ (107US$). Would you find that the giant MDR-XB700 is less bad now you know it's price? Or would you still not really recommend them? Source for my claims: w w w .sony.nl/product/hps-extra-bass-and-dj/mdr-xb700

[@pvtghost24]

I personally believe, the if you have a musically trained ears from experience, such as hearing live Hip-Hop, Orchestra, Symphony, Wind/Brass/Drum, and Rock concerts as well as having been in a band and played a wind instrument or other instrument, you learn to develop how music should be heard. So when you hear music over an audio file, you can adjust the Equalizer accordingly. To get that true sound, and adjust accordingly to the music you listen to.

[@potatoheadhaoy]

They're efficient, but I don't see why you shouldn't use a portable amp with a DAP or something; those things have little output to begin with. I've used low impedance cans with that setup, and I can confidently say that it won't cause any problems, granted the EQ is moderate (as in if you don't boost the bass on both the DAP and the amp to absurd levels).

[@KaitoDoraemon]

Hi. I just don't understand when people say the XB-500s bass is BETTER than the XB-700s. Because I own the 700s, and I was contemplating between both before I got them. I decided the 700s only because I thought, well yeah.. 700>500 in bass... so now I'm kinda regretting it T_T ... anyway, I'm planning for an upgrade to ATH Pro700 MKII. really looking forward if you could review those as well :D Reviews say that the MKII BASS is thunderous compared to the 'polite' sounding beats!

[@derek400004]

fantastic review!! i'm glad i found this channel!

[@wazzobazzo]

Hi! Was sent to your vids from a forum. I'm looking at both the 500 and 700. Like to listen to all types of music, would be used for outside and I have a big head/probably big ears (if size is a factor?). Heard the 500's had good bass at lower volumes and I won't be listening at max. Not at all knowledgeable in audio so which ones would you recommend of those two?

[@JiggySnipes]

When will you be doing reviews of the headphones that are replacing these?

[@timmyguy13]

Have you ever tested the Aiaiai TMA-1? I've been looking into those, and I think you really know what you're talking about, and I'd like your opinion. :)

[@brettni5698]

I totally agree with you. I bought XB700 on sale, but when I tried out XB500 later, I found it sounds much better than the more expensive XB700.

[@OverxKiIllx]

@JeemOfRunescape I'd say the Soul By Ludacris sl-150s or 300 cause thats part of the main reason why ludacris made them, "so you can listen to all genres of music and it all sounds great"

[@totsbig]

Great review sir! any ideas about the SJ55 from Audio-Technica? How does it fare to the XB500? Since i thought they are both on $60-65 range? my priorities are portability, isolation and punchy bass and emphatic but not harsh treble.. fyi i listen mostly to Alternative Rock/Rock Metal/Nu(Rap) Metal.. any advice? other headphone that suits for my needs?

[@MobbinAMVS]

Last week i had to choose between the XB700 & XB500 and the price on the XB700's was 150 bulgarian levs (around 87-83 $ i thing) and i found a pair of XB500 for 60 bulgarian levs (around 33$) i was in a dilemma which one to buy and finally ended up buying the XB500's and a week later i love them, the bass on dubstep and other bassy music is epic

[@MobbinAMVS]

да да, предимно за това си ги взех.. ;д

[@thextraordinaregine]

sir where do you buy that kind of headphones? im interested to buy one! nice review

[@tubepotato500]

Will you be reviewing the Sony MDR-XB 1000 soon?

[@MrSneakmind]

Can you tell me what's better specifically about the 700? How much better is the bass, how much better is the high and mids? Like if I used them a week apart would I be able to instantly tell the difference or would I have to put one on right after the other? Thanks man

[@Satfgk]

Hi, Tyll! What do you think of the Sony XB1000? Would like to know fast because they are nearly all sold out and I saw one recently. Thanks!

[@RaggaDruida]

I used to have the XB500, as a bass player, I used to really love the sound... What would you say is the modern equivalent in sound signature? I'd go higher end if possible, but I do want some of that bass...

[@MosWaki7]

lp2 or xb700/500? I'm going for a bass heavy headphone this time ^^. I might just wait for the m-100 which apparently is a hybrid of the m80 and the lp2

[@sirkoes187]

Oh wow. Good thing I bought both The XB500 and XB700 back in May 2012

[@NOISREVIEW]

tyll, I like bright sounding headphones, such as alessandros/'grados, or ultarones.. but Im trying to find a bassy headphone that doesnt sacrifice the sparkles on the treble and highs, im going to use it for rock and metal... does the xb500 suits my requirements? how rolled off the treble is? does it sound really dull and dark like the px100 or does it have more sparkles? thanks tyll

[@qpmkro]

so for the price would you recommend the Xb 500 or are there any better sounding alternatives

[@milkysounds109]

I have the xb500's, and just one thing that maybe you didn't notice or accidentally over-looked, don't get me wrong I LOVE these headphones, they just have one downside, and that is that they leak like ther is no tomorrow. I was listening at about 60% volume on my PC (whcih has a moderatley leveld sound card) and my friend sitting on my bed next to my desk was able to hear what song i was listnening to. just thought i would share this.

[@nthorleif]

just curious what you thought of the SOULs? if you heard multiples? I havent heard anything about them

[@garus00]

@InnerFidelity I really wish those were bigger, because my ears hurt after a while. Can you tell if XB500 have bigger ear pads than Aurvana Live?

[@NickSparkss]

@robertoluongo0419 Yup, these leak when you crank the volume up. They're great because they isolate the sounds for you, but if you're in a quiet room, don't turn them up too loud, or everyone around you will probably be bothered by the sound. On a subway, or some other moderately loud room/place, it shouldn't be a problem though.

[@joshduarte6]

I've got a question, I found that I have slightly larger ears than the normal user, and I purchased myself some of the XB700s today on sale for $79.99. Do you think I made the right choice or should I have stuck with the XB500s?

[@thextraordinaregine]

where did you bought this headphones man? i wanna buy one^_^ ohh yeah, just hit subscribed !!

[@Taylor5600]

ive been thinking about purchasing the MDR-XB 1000 what are your thoughts on them?

[@InnerFidelity]

@nthorleif Review on the Ludacris cans coming soon.

[@fitimio001]

@FrankSpijker He never said there were 4 sizes. He said he has 3.

[@v1deo.hunter.d317]

get the xb500s, I have 500s and 700s and I loove the 500s, they are much lighter and the pads are much more squishly and comfortable than the 700s.

[@bratosin1]

do u think sony mdr v700dj sounds better than xb500? the v700dj have the same bass? or xb500 have a heavier bass response?? v700dj has 5hz-30.000hz,xb500 5hz-24.000hz .

[@Galaxyshooter116]

@BennoAndMagic i own the mdr xb500 and the bass is beautiful they are extremely loud the comfort is unbelieveable the mdr xb1000 the bass goes deeper the same thing but bigger and deeper bass i would definetly buy them there a great buy

[@DuncanDumbreck]

really great review, nice one keep up the good work

[@SuphiKaner]

i have a pair of MDR-XB700 and was thinking about buying the Superlux HD 681 would this be considered a downgrade or a upgrade?

[@TheSilverRyu]

So Basically out of the XB-300, 500, and 700 you recommend the 500?

[@Camaro2014SS]

@InnerFidelity Hi there Tyll. I am thinking on buying the MDR-XB 500 or the 1000's. In your opinion, which headphone has better bass? I am also planning to buy a amp for these headphones, such as the Fiio e7 or Digizoid zo 2 amp. Any recommendations for an amp for these? Thanks in advance.

[@JeremyJud]

Are the 700s noticeably better than skullcrushers?

[@thextraordinaregine]

@wormman41 i am actually planning to buy the xb700 because it has the "punchy sounds" but my cousin told me that it was sold out

[@TheSandvichTrials]

Great choice, I own a pair myself for on the go and I'm really happy with them

[@alterbridgeGLOBE]

i want to upgrade from the sony xb300 and i want more bass like you said but im not sure if i want to just buy the xb500 ive heard good stuff about the sennhiser hd429 what do you say i should get?

[@Gixxer2247]

@mrfizch i love my xb500 but they do leak a little only when really loud but they are very comfortable, and i wear them a lot. I paid like 50 bucks for them and they are still going strong. If they ever do break, i wouldnt mind buying a new pair. But something over $100 would be a different story

[@Mortison77577]

I can relate on the 300's being colored and not having a good frequency response. They sound weird, but it's hard to describe how.

[@breezyboy786]

Do the Sony mdr xb500's go louder than the beats by dr dre studio headphones??? also do they have more bass than them???

[@MrThinice95]

i just want headphones that deliver crazy thumping bass, and that can be worn outside without ppl staring at me like "wtf is he doing with huge headphones outside"? the price should be under 100 euros, so any suggestions?? but i tried the xb500 at the store, i loved them..but can they be worn outside?

[@spctator63]

Are you talking about all 3 headphones or a specific model?

[@edwr04]

If you're happy about wearing in-ear headphones then look for the sony xb41ex, deliver around the same punchy bass as the xb500, IMO.

[@SpeedItHard]

The 700 isn't too big on the head ? Cause i would like to use it outside

[@Gextiv]

Thanks for your awesome review. I got the 500.

[@bratosin1]

@sennakurosaki wrong man in italy xb500 cost 70 euro,xb700 129 euro !

[@slipknot150123]

are the MDR-xb700 good for rock and metal?? please answer because im thinking about buying these and i dont want them too sound bad for metal music.

[@ati832]

@InnerFidelity hi sorry how are they better if the 700's have bigger drivers on them im wondering which ones to buy can you please clarify how the 500 are better than the 700's i cant wrap my head around that

[@edgarevil100]

Hi, im not good at english, but, can you tell if there a big diference between xb300, and xb500?, in my city the xb500 are almost double price that xb300. I want one of those for playing videogames o watching movies.

[@robertrosca]

I have the XB300 right now, how much of a difference would there be between the 300 and the 700? Would it be worth it?

[@LordVictorHalgaard]

@InnerFidelity What about the MDR-XB1000 ?

[@TheGerogero]

Do you mean about the treble being too bright?

[@alterbridgeGLOBE]

i have the xb300 right now and i agree there is no lower bass and mine are getting worn out do you think i should get the xb500.

[@anggaronald]

INNERFIDELITY WHICH GIVES DEEPER AND RICHER BASS? MDR-XB700 OR MDR-XB-500?

[@tevine580]

Would you recommend I get the xb700 for the price of the xb500 or get the xb500 for around 55 bucks? Any respond will help thanks