Sony MDRPQ5/YLW PIIQ Headphones

I tried these on a whim, based on other's reviews, Sony's reputation, and the fact that I love Sony's MDR-ED12LP models. In a direct comparison of these (PQ5) to the ED12LP, these are definitely a step down in sound quality (albeit a short step). The frequency range, dB response, and driver size are superior on the ED12LP models, but I certainly wouldn't throw these away. The PQ5 series ear-buds are still a fantastic alternative to stock or budget ear-buds.Pros:ComfortablePerfect fitStays in the ear, even when jogging/running or doing every-day activitiesBass is strong and solid, but not as good as it could be with a slightly larger driver13.5mm driver delivers decent sound quality across the full range (most stock ear-buds have 6-9mm drivers)Frequency response of 12Hz - 22KHz really delivers on the sound range (unlike most ear-buds that cover the 20Hz-20KHz range, at best)Highs are near-perfect and aren't shrill.... very clearBEST PART - These buds don't have to be crammed into the ear canal... I HATE those!Cons:Cables could be heavier, and knot-up a bit if you don't use the slider (slider keeps the buds together when not in use)Mid-range is a bit "tinny" or "airy" for my tastes, but can be adjusted in EQ settings (might be better after break-in period)Cable slider isn't very functional for "fit", but does work well to keep the buds together when not in useThese are not noise-cancelling, but they do a very good job of blocking-out / diminishing most ambient noise (even the lawnmower)I've had ear-buds from most every manufacturer. While these may not rival the sound quality and quality-of-full-range-sound of Bose or Sennheiser (or even Sony's ED12LP models), but at this price, they are cheaper than most budget sets (JVC, Koss, Philips) from the local discount or "box" store, and have substantially better sound quality than budget or "stock" ear-buds that come with iPod or other MP3 players.These would also make a great, inexpensive gift to give your friends, co-workers, or family (to get them away from those awful "stock" ear-buds that come with iPod or other MP3 players)!I've played with the pre-set EQ settings on my player, and found that customizing the EQ had the best sound for my tastes. Using the bass boost really cleared up the bass sound, and once I tweaked the EQ to lower the mid-range a bit, the sound balance was perfect!UPDATE:I just purchased another set of these headphones for my son... he's rough on equipment (as most teenagers are), and the MDR-PQ5 headphones were a better choice for him than the MDR-ED12LP model. #1, they are bright yellow, so he can find them when he lays them down, #2, they are a bit more rugged in the cable cover (thicker) than others (including the ED12LP) so they can handle abuse, #3, sound quality is perfect for the style of music he listens to, and lastly... price....

Ok, so maybe there are other equally good ear buds , however- NOT for this price!Ear buds is a very personal thing, it's not just about the sound but also how they fit in your ear.The sound is also affected by how they fit in your ear, so a lot of things has to click and it can be hard to be fair when reviewing them.Now granted, I'm no expert and I'm not someone who buys expensive headsets- to me it's just not worth it..Ear buds ARE wear and tear items, they will eventually break I rather not be depressed because I now need to spend a lot of money again to replace them..I bought these at a retail store for about 15-16 bucks one day. The store had the really cheap ones (6-9 bucks) and the expensive ones, but I decided for these- not too expensive..I popped them in my ears and WHAM- I was sold..The way they fit in my ear is perfect- they dont fall out, there's no pressure and it doesn't have that vacuum feel I get from the "stuffers" (the foam-type that totally seals your ears up).I know that some people like those- it DOES help in shutting out any other sounds but personally I dont like that.. Does it mean that these lets a lot of sound from the outside in? No, but they feel a lot "lighter" in your ear- it's easy to forget that they're in.The way they are constructed gives a very clear and powerful sound and the bass is very impressive.They easily beat out any other $20 buds that I've tried before and I'm sad to see that they aren't made anymore (from what I can tell). I'm glad I can still find them on Amazon.They are also very good at lasting. I do put a lot of wear n tear on them and they are sturdy and it takes a lot for them to give up. If you are really careful with your ear buds- these can last you a very long time.I don't like to totally block my world out when I walk amongst humans, and often only have one ear occupied.This scenario is usually a pain in my rear as most ear buds loosely swings around, gets caught in things etc. However- this set has a cord slider (should be standard- ALWAYS!!) which makes it easy to zip-up the loose end and keep it untangled and out of your way. Obviously, this makes it a breeze when you want to roll it up and put them away. You will smile when they later seamlessly rolls out without any tangle whatsoever.They come in a lot of funky colors- I particularly dont care, but there's no way people will miss that you have something in your ears. The ear bud itself really looks like a gas mask, yet wont protect you in case of an emergency- please buy a real mask..I have nothing bad to say about them;The are cheap to buy (and superior to most other sub $20 sets), fit great, produce great and clear sound (and bass), sturdy, got a cord slider, funky..for 7 bucks, buy a couple!

Personally, I love these headphones. They're the best-sounding ones I've bought so far (but I've always used basic common earphones like Skullcandy, standard apple earphones, etc.--I'm not a headphone guru or anything, just an avg headphone wearer). They're reasonably priced (I got them on discount) and the sound quality is clear and optimizes volume/audio output. My only (minor) issue would be the size of the earphones (only reason why I took off one star). Half the time, they're securely in my ear, the other times...it feels like they COULD fall off. They're a little on the large side, so you'll have to push and twist them into a certain position (if you have smaller ears like me). The shape and coloring is very appealing to me. :) Comfort-wise, it's half-half depending on how you secure it in your ear. Short-term, it's good to go. Long-term (over an hour), you might want to take them out for a min or two before putting them back in. The excellent sound quality makes it all worth it though (pros outweigh the cons).**I like to listen to music almost anywhere I go, including the gym. The earphones work for most situations, but it's probably better to use them on more casual, low-impact activities. I usually use these when I walk around the city, and I use cheaper earphones when I exercise (Panasonic makes for decent earphones, the quality is decent but not as crisp-clear as these Sony ones!) Hope these helps!