Sony MDR410LP Foldable Open-air Stereo Headphones

Comment: These headphones have remarkably good sound quality for the price. Some people might not like this, but I like that I can still hear what's going on around me when I'm listening to music. The headphones fold up into a very compact form, which is convenient for carrying them in your pocket. The only problem is that the little joint at the top of the head band stands out. It feels a little uncomfortable to have this joint jutting into your head, but it's a relatively minor problem. The joint is necessary, because it allows the headphones to fold up, but you can feel it when wearing the headphones.

Overall, I would recommend them because of their great sound quality and folding ability.

Comment: Definitely too much tremble and not enough bass. If feels like there too much distance from the ears to the sound. I can get a good sound only by taking the foam covers off. Look elsewhere, or pay more, for a better pair.

Comment: I cannot get earbuds to stay in my ears, and models with the form factor of the Sony MDR-W24V Sony MDR-W24V Vertical In-The-Ear Headphones give good sound and are light weight but soon hurt my ears. So I have looked for comfort and sound quality in over-the-head style headphones for several years. I own and enjoy noise canceling phone by Bose and Sennheiser (both with external sound processing units/battery holders), and standard phones by Bose as well. All give admirable sound, but are relatively heavy and I don't like wearing them for long periods. (I do appreciate the ear surrounding Bose models for winter walks, however.) I recently bought and tried out a number of less expensive phones. I have found two that produce well-balanced, natural sound and are also light and comfortable for extended wear, and which I highly recommend.

The Sennheiser PX 100 (63 grams) Sennheiser PX 100 Collapsible Headphones Is the more expensive of the two, but it is also the most comfortable and produces the most "natural" sound. One of the reasons for its comfort is that it has two pads that cushion the headband against the scalp. The sound units are also attached to the head band through ball joints, so that they adjust to the angle of the user's ears. The Sennheiser is a folding model and comes with a nice storage case, though one may often not want to take the time to fold the phones, insert them into the case and wind up the cord. The plug is straight, rather than being bent at a right angle as I prefer. Overall, this is an ideal set of phones for use with an iPhone, iPod, or other MP3 player in a quiet to moderate environment.

But one can also come very close to the comfort and sound quality of the Sennheiser PX100 for less money with the Sony MDR410LP (62 grams) Sony MDR410LP Foldable Open-air Stereo Headphones. The Sony is also a folding model, and with right angle plug but no case. The sound is also "natural" with perhaps a slightly heavier bass. The Sony is more "plasticy" than the Sennheiser, and the sound units are rigidly attached to the headband, and thus do not adjust to the angle of the user's ears. Overall then, the Sony **** comes very close to the Sennheiser at less than half the cost.

Both the Sennheiser and the Sony earphones show that users can achieve quality sound and long-term comfort at a very reasonable price in comparison with the cost of high-end, audiophile headphones.

Comment: I got these headphones for my husband because neither of us like those nasty little earbuds that stick in your ear (too much like hearing aids) and he really loves them. They don't hurt his ears and they don't get sweaty and nasty when he's exercising.

Comment: I bought this headphone set because of the reviews that said it was great for the gym. The sound is very good and they fold easily to fit in my pocket or bag. However, if you are working out and bend over - you're going to be picking this 'puppy' up off of the floor! The headphones are very comfortable, but not nearly snug enough to stay securely on your head. (And I don't have a real small head) This is the only reason that I rated it at 4 stars - certainly not because of the sound quality. I can use them around the house or for walking, but I had to buy another set for the gym.