Sony MDR-XB500 40mm XB Diaphragm Driver Extra Bass Headphones
by Sony
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: SonyRelease Date: 2012-03-10
Model: MDRXB500
Color: Black
Product features:
- Power handling capacity: 1500mW
- Over the head, around-the-ear wearing style (circum-aural closed)
- King size ear cushion (diameter: 3.7¿, thickness: 1.8¿)
- Cord: 1.2m flat cord
- Carrying pouch
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sony MDR-XB500 40mm XB Diaphragm Driver Extra Bass Headphones
Customer Review: Wow... Best I have ever heard!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've always been about high end headphones on a budget. A little over 10 years ago I bought my Grado SR-80s then a pair Koss Sportapros, (Portapros with behind the head fold back mode) Shure E4c a few years later, re-issued Portapros late last year, PowerBEATS by Dre that I played with for 2 weeks and returned; amongst a slew of other cheap and "mid range" headphones. After over 20 pairs of headphones I picked up these XB500's 2 weeks ago for 45 bucks and I have to say that these are my favorite ones in 10 + years of buying headphones. They are NOT the most accurate I've owned but they are so warm and amazing sounding that I find a new joy in actually listening to my music.
The detail level on these is nearly equal to my Grado's. Who for the longest time I considered to be my best set of cans. They weren't the higher end ones, retailing at 99 bucks. But they had opened up a new world of sound for me when I was in college, I heard sounds and instruments in my music that I never knew was there before... the sound stage seemed wider and the layers of instruments and sounds were much more pronounced. These headphones have done the same for me. They are warmer with great thumping bass that has a nice roll off that I enjoy. The sound from these headphones are warm and powerful... that is the best way to describe it. Now when I go back to my Grados I just don't enjoy listening to them... the highs seem harsh and shrill and the bass though existent seems lacking.
The XB500's feel like I'm listening to my music in a well tuned movie theater... which probably not what the music is supposed to sound like... but it makes everything sound so much bigger, bolder and f-ing awesome.
The only caveat with these headphones is that they do get muddy on some of my songs (mostly acoustic), especially if I have the volume low. I find that if I have the volume level on my iPod Touch 4 at about 75% it sounds best. The lower you go with the volume the muddier your music gets. It really kills the mids and the a bit of the highs. If you're using the iPod Touch 4 just put on the bass reducer in EQ and your music will clean right up. I have found that on my EVO 4G that I have to turn the volume pretty much on MAX of at least at around 90% to enjoy the music so be warned it really does depend on your player and how much they are able to output.
The comfort level on these can't even be compared to any other headphones. They wrap around your ear in a super soft cushion. There is no pressure anywhere on your head unlike some that either chaff your ear or cause pressure on your head. My only complaint is when I wear them at the gym my ears do get really warm... but that's to be expected, you've pretty much strapped 2 leather sofa cushions on your head. I don't recommend wearing these to run or any cardio activity. They'll end up getting gross... well unless you're one of those freaks who don't sweat when you work out.
Pick these up and give them a shot... and make sure you play your headphones for a few hours at least before you determine whether they are good for you... all headphones need a burn in period to loosen the drivers up to their full potential. These are keepers for me!
Description of Sony MDR-XB500 40mm XB Diaphragm Driver Extra Bass Headphones
New Extra Bass Series Headphone - 40mm XB diaphragm driver units for Dynamic Deep Bass - Frequency response: 4-24,000 Hz - Sensibility: 104dB/mW.Sony MDR-XB500 40mm XB Diaphragm Driver Extra Bass Headphones
- Sony Sound
- Direct Vibe Structure
- Closed, Dynamic Design
- King Sized Ear Cushions
- Flat Y-Type Cord
- Travel Ready
Experience powerful bass through Sony's MDR-XB500 Extra Bass Headphones. The deep bass sound flows through the extra large driver units. Built with a direct vibe structure, the tightly sealed acoustic design allows for a higher level of sound. You will appreciate the closed-design, king-sized ear cushions.
Key Features
Sony Sound
Exclusively engineered by Sony, the extra-large 40mm Extra Bass diaphragm driver units accurately reproduce ultra-low frequency sounds and deliver dynamic, deep base reproduction. Additionally, the MDR-XB500 headphones have an exceptionally wide frequency response from 4-24,000 Hz.
Direct Vibe Structure
Built with a direct vibe structure to ensure high audio fidelity, the Extra Bass headphones feature a tightly sealed acoustic design that allows for a high level of sound isolation which reproduces powerful and extended bass sound.
Closed, Dynamic Design
Experience the ultimate in comfortable listening with the Extra Bass headphones' over-the-head, around the ear design. The drivers inside the ear cups are angled parallel to your ears to not only reduce pressure, but increase comfort and deliver an unbelievable listening experience.
King Sized Ear Cushion
Providing more than exceptional sound, the Extra Bass headphones feature ultra-thick, pressure-relieving ear cushions for supreme comfort and better acoustic performance. Each earcup measures 1.8 inches in thickness and 3.7 inches in diameter. The flat and seamless, cloth-lined headband delivers enhanced wearing comfort.
Flat Y-Type Cord
Minimize tangles while you're on the move with the flat yet durable Y-type 3.9ft (1.2m) cord. Also includes a gold-plated, L-shaped stereo mini plug.
Travel Ready
Easily carry your Extra Bass headphones wherever you go with the included carrying pouch.
Product Dimensions
| Driver Unit: | 40mm, Dynamic, closed, dome-type |
| Magnet Type: | Neodymium |
| Frequency Response: | 4-24,000 Hz |
| Impedence: | 40 ohms |
| Sensitivity (db): | 104 dB/mW |
| Power Handling Capacity | 1500 mW |
| Cord Length | 3.9ft flat cord, Y-type |
What's in the box
- MDR-XB500 Headphones
- Carrying pouch