zeedale

I received mine yesterday and like them except for the earclip, at least for now. Comparing it to the MDR-EX71LP (which I've had now for about 2 years), the bass on the EX81's is slightly less, the midrange (vocals) are more forward and the highs are less harsh. However, the improved sound may be due to the EX81's being new and the EX71's being so old. Otherwise, I like the sound of the EX81 better. The earclip on the EX81 needs getting used to. It's rubberish feel is comfortable. but doesn't exactly 'hug' around the ear touching. It simply goes around and hangs slightly above the ear. Other users may have different experiences. Designwise, I prefer the simple plug style of the EX71 without the earclip as it makes it that much smaller for putting into my pocket with my flash mp3 player. The EX71's have had a tendency to loosen and fall out of my ears when running, but by clipping the wire to my shirt (borrowed from a cell headphone wire clip), the problem was solved. I bought my MDR-EX81LP for only $32 at www.computer4sure.com. The direct link is http://www.computers4sure.com/product.asp?productid=2811221. The MDR-EX71SL (note, SL) is there as well for the same $32. Remember that there's a difference between LP and SL models. LP denotes a single long cord. SL denotes a short cord with an adapter to a longer cord, such as for use with remote. For running, I recommend the LP as it weighs less and won't pull the phones loose easily. Good luck, Zee

Has anyone done a sound quality comparison between Sony's flash players (eg, NW-E99) and HiMD (or NetMD) players, and even Sony's HDD players? (Funny, I did a search in these forums on 'NW-E99' and found no hits, yet I accidentally came across a topic that had that term. Seems like a faulty engine.) Could it be that the MD's larger size allows for a better quality amp than all flash players in general? If this is so, then Sony's HDD players should offer equal sound quality as MD, since they're both relatively large, yes? I'm trying to decide which Sony product to upgrade to from my NetMD (MZ-S1) as I'm concerned mostly about sound quality. I don't care much about in-line recording, which I understand is MD's strongest asset. Thanks, Zee (NetMD MZ-S1 & Creative N200)

I usually record my CDs at MP3 VBR (100%, Fraunhofer encoder) and convert them to LP2 (Atrac3, 132kbps) when I need them on minidisc (MZ-S1). Overall IMO, they are practically the same in quality and give me identical listening experiences in terms of overall soundstage and imaging. Listening from the PC with my Sony MDR-7506 headphones, I already hear very minute artifacts from the MP3 VBR files (I need to be actively listening and listening very hard). After the LP2 conversion, the artifacts are diminished greatly, yet the fidelity of the music remains essentially the same (i.e., enjoyable). Go figure. I haven't done any listening tests at bitrates less than described above. Zee