I just bought a set of Sony MDR-EX70LP earphones...any mods? - Page 2

One that does not sound boomy
Ya can't predict, ya gotta listen. At least that's the way it is with me...

my reccomendation, considering that you did order them, is to wait and find out when you get them.

kwkarth: I think Sony has some fairly large QC issues with their earbuds..... I mean, some people have EX70s that are quite nice, as yours are, apparently.

I can only speak for the pair I tried (chych's).

I think I'm gonna buy these guys again, just to check.......or the Philips HP550? hmm...

My ex70's sounded a bit muddy and boomy on my Panasonic SL-CT470 that I used to have but has since been sold and broken (frickin pos, they wouldn't replace it either) but they sounded way better with my Sony D-E446CK. I think they'd probably sound better with Sony's in general, except the new ones that almost all sound kinda crappy i think. The d-e301 was made around 1997. I heard it sounds kinda grainy and bright, but the brightness might be better with the ex70's as long as your do the foam mod. Putting foam inside them in place of that cardboard **** or whatever it is should make the highs better. You might not even need the tape mod. I'd wait til you get them then try them with the Panasonic and Sony and see what you think. Then you can experiment with the mods.

Hey hey! I had a pair of 2-tip EX70 and I now use a pair of 3-tip EX70SL.

I only saw this thread tonight so I'd like to jump in and make myself a walking definition of persona non grata... This will kinda summarize everything I've said about these phones to this day..

I (and I agree with many Japanese owners who posted similar on their personal sites) think that the original EX70s are unacceptably tinny, in that breathy sounds (e.g. singer breathing) comes out very harsh like a needle piercing through your skin. I (we) also think that the 3-tip version is less harsh than the initial 2-tip batches.

Whether this is because the 3-tips are different, or just because they're of later batches, I can't say. However, the 3-tip version offers more possiblity of fit.

The 3-tip version has a set of large rubber tips that aren't available with the 2-tip version (only medium and small). In my case, I need the large ones to get enough isolation, and so that the sound is less tinny. So that's one substantial reason to get the 3-tip.

Now, the mods.

tape mod

There are 3 holes on the back of each EX70 driver housing. You'd simply cover them with some kind of tape (I used normal Scotch tape, or the "winter/autumn/summer/spring labels from my MDs ). As with other phones, this can make the sound more mellow.

The goal in choosing your material: whatever sticks, wins. Someone (neruda? vertigo?) said packing tape once, so probably that.

I don't do tape mod myself. I find it much better to do a thorough mod, and leave the vents open.

the thorough mod

Inside the EX70s, there's a piece of paper that covers the actual driver. Remove that piece of paper. The sound will become excessively bright, so use something to stuff the protruding tube (the part where the rubber tip goes on). I use toilet paper myself, they stay in place, do the job, and last for at least months. You can also try cutting up earbud foamies.

The amount of "stuffing", and maybe how far they're pushed in, determine whether the sound is muffled of clean. It's a delicate balancing act, but do it to your liking. I managed to get the EX70 to sound fairly "balanced" this way, and will recommend the mod to anyone who feels confident with their dexterity at handling very small amounts of tissue.

The cord

The insulator (?) has a pretty fine feel to it, but it becomes hardened with time. In a year's time it may seem quite old and rigid. I haven't experienced it breaking down on me, though.

My opinion on the EX70s

I will NOT recommend you buy these phones and use them as-is, without any mod. They're going to sound awkward somewhat, 2-tip or 3.

If you do get the EX70s, be adventurous and keep experimenting with how they fit in your ears. Can make a pretty positive difference to the sound IMO.
I quite like my fully modded EX70SL, it sounds pretty good with all my Sonys and all my Panasonics and all my Sharps. Hopefully this post will help ya with the decision.