Sony MDREX71: avoid

The ‘user review’ sections of websites can sometimes be the most useful feature of places such as amazon.com or any other retailer websites.  However, given the incident of technology-challenged users, or those who just don’t bother to do their research easily throw off the stats.

On the other hand, when you see a review that has the same complaint over and over again, or even the same multiple complaints there is definitely something there.

When I first got the 71s I was completely in love.  I’m not that picky when it comes to sound but I wanted something better than stock headphones, so these were about perfect for me.  I know there are better, but I was quite happy with them.  After a few months of use I and my SO (who had a pair as well) noticed a very odd tendency for the chord to seemingly ‘melt’ off when exposed to skin oil or split open with light pressure.

Being as I don’t particularly sweat (if you know me you know what I mean) mine lasted a bit longer than his.  At the end through, both were covered in electrical tape to protect the exposed wires.

One other thing about me: I can put up with a lot of stuff, so the electrical tape wasn’t much of a problem for me.  Now, the reason I’m writing this is because of the other flaw that is consistent within the design.  One of my coworkers had a pair and the left ear bud died.  Guess what died on mine?  Yup, left ear bud.  A customer came in the other day looking for a replacement for his 71s, and just going out on a limb I asked him about how they died:  left ear bud as well.

So far of the 4 people I’ve known to have these headphones, 3 of them have broken in the same area.

Sony sony sony…what have you been doing with yourself that has caused you to drop the ball on every single product you make?

Pros:  great midrange sound, deep bass, comfortable fit, long chord.
Cons:  meltie!