Sony MDR-XB500's? Opinions?

From what I remeber head-fi doesn't mind the xb series, and ur itouch will run it just not at the same power it run normal headphones.

Also search the forums a littl better.

What do you want them for? Though I've only heard the XB300, and XB500s in demos, I did buy the XB700 and was utterly blown away by them. I loved everything about their sound for music. They are very low impedance, and decent portable device can run them fine unamped. They are VERY VERY heavy on the bass however, to the point where it's hard to focus on anything else. Still, they're not muddy, and have a very crisp treble. I don't know how the XB500 stacks up directly to the XB700 however.

Head-fi does no like noise canclers (no sp check using chrome and the forum), best isolation you will get is iems, and larger the lower ohms I believe, speakers are quite large and for your standard satilites there 8ohms, and even bigger as in sub/woofers they go lower, some can get them at half an ohm.

From what I've heard the x700 is a little to bass heavy, 500 is best.

Larger drivers don't necessarily mean better sound. There are plenty of high end gear that uses 40mm drivers and such.

BTW, The XB series doesn't have noise cancelling, if anyone thinks that. They are just closed, which block out sound in or out just fine.

The XB500 is a little more balanced, but the XB700 is more of a basshead's guilty pleasure. That being said, the XB500 isn't balanced by any means. If you're gonna go with big bass, might as well go all out and get the XB700, IMHO. I don't think either are very portable.

Does it really warrant the price mark up though?

I honestly can't say. I've only heard the XB500 at BestBuy and wasn't blown away by anything. My jaw dropped when I heard the XB700 at home though. I know it wasn't an ideal place to hear the XB500, and I know they'd sound better at home.

Just gotta take the plunge and check yourself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Lust Envy 

I honestly can't say. I've only heard the XB500 at BestBuy and wasn't blown away by anything. My jaw dropped when I heard the XB700 at home though. I know it wasn't an ideal place to hear the XB500, and I know they'd sound better at home.

 

Just gotta take the plunge and check yourself.

Yes what he said, just keep the reciet and if you don't like the 500 get the 700

For the price (online), I don't think it's a bad idea. I'd get something more along the lines of the CAL! (mine should be here soon) on newegg for $60, but they don't block out sound much.

To be honest, the M50s are among the best in their price range and they isolate extremely well. They're about $90 online, have good bass, and do all genres pretty well.